From the Inside Flap
So often, in today's business world, an essential part of any team project is the project manager. Jeremy Kadlec, an independent project manager, offers readers a step-by-step introduction to the art of project management. Geared toward an IT professional, The Start-to-Finish Guide to Project Management supplies checklists to aid you throughout a project, problem-solving techniques and practical people-skills advice. This book provides a strong base for anyone newly tasked with project management or someone looking to break into one of the fastest growing and most lucrative positions in today's workforce. Chapter 1: Start Offers a description of Project Management, the tools necessary for beginning, the introduction of a sample SQL Server 2000 upgrade which will be used throughout the book to help illustrate project plans. Each chapter also closes with a concise re-cap of key points. Chapter 2: Project Management in a Nutshell Discusses the necessary traits o! f a strong project manager, as well as, a brief introduction to the steps needed to compile and complete a project plan and then how to execute that plan. Chapter 3: Project Scope Offers a practical approach to beginning a project. Jeremy shows the reader how to find the key people and problems that should be addresses before a project begins. Chapter 4: Project Plan Breakdown This chapter shows the reader how to establish a project plan and then tune it to include individual people and tasks Chapter 5: Communication Plan Stresses the importance of strong communication between members of the team and offers several techniques Jeremy has found to be effective throughout his assignments. Chapter 6: Kickoff Meeting Explains the importance of your early role in the success of a project. Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis Looks at this key planning document and offers suggestions on its preparation. Chapter 8: Working With Difficult Team Members Stress! es the importance of team work and making your team a place w! here people are comfortable. Offers hot-to tips when dealing with a strong-minded employee. Chapter 9: Design, Development and Baseline Testing Provides the project manager with checklists to help with the development and tasking of individual pieces of the overall project. Chapter 10: Curve Ball Prevention and Management Outlines pitfalls you may encounter while managing and provides helpful solutions, as well. Chapter 11: Formal Testing This essential, and often overlooked, part of completing a project is assessed with helpful testing checklists to assist you. Chapter 12: Training Offers a pro/con look at different types of training methods to help you decide which method would be most effective in your environment. Chapter 13: Implementation This chapter looks at the final phases of the project and the transition into permanence. Chapter 14: Lessons Learned Shows you how to assess your success and the value of team members' suggestions. C! hapter 15: Finish A summary of the key points of each chapter. References Sample Project Plan Taking Over a Project Gone Wrong Maintenance
