Project Management in the Fast Lane: Applying the Theory of Constraints (St. Lucie Press/Apics Series on Constraints Management) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Through the next few chapters we will be examining the process of planning and executing projects through a few stories..." (more)
Key Phrases: strategic resource buffers, throughput pricing, project buffer, Critical Chain, Throughput World, Parkinson's Law (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This cutting edge, "how to" manual details proven methods for turning around chronically late, overbudget, and underperforming projects. Project Management in the Fast Lane explains how Theory of Constraints tools can be applied to achieve effective, breakthrough solutions in virtually any environment. It includes a complete discussion of the Critical Chain scheduling approach pioneered by Eli Goldratt-the most significant new development in project scheduling in the last 40 years!The project management tools described in Project Management in the Fast Lane are clearly outlined and will help project managers in manufacturing, construction, and new product development in any field find efficient, practical, and sound solutions to management issues. Common problems related to deadlines, budgets, project performance, and more are thoroughly treated, providing a solid basis for applying tools to familiar problems. This book is sure to inspire managers, executives, engineers, and MIS and quality assurance professionals to rethink their management approaches and create dramatic, profit-driven improvements in their organizations.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: CRC; 1 edition (March 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574441957
• ISBN-13: 978-1574441956
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #109,788 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #63 in	Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Industrial
  #69 in	Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Project Management
  #70 in	Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Management Science

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Which ToC PM book to choose?, September 3, 2004

By	J. Center (Wilmington, DE United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're looking for a good introduction to Theory of Constraints project management, you really have only three choices: this book, Lawrence Leach's "Critical Chain Project Management", and Goldratt's original "Critical Chain" explanation cum novel. Leach can be dismissed out of hand -- his book only marginally discusses ToC PM and it's the most expensive of the three to boot. Goldratt is "the source", but making practical sense of "Critical Chain" and converting it into usable techniques is a chore. That leaves Newbold's "Project Management in the Fast Lane", and it's the star of the group. Newbold clearly describes the various techniques needed by a project manager to actually USE ToC PM. In addition, he addresses the equally thorny issue of how to introduce these concepts to an organization. And all from a very practical, down-to-earth perspective. If you get only one ToC PM book, it needs to be this one.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but disappointing, July 9, 2001

By A Customer

Newbold covers the basic TOC concepts and applies the thinking processes to project management. He also has several helpful insights into implementing TOC in an organization. It is good information, but Newbold can't seem to decide what he is trying to accomplish with the book - teach project mgmt or implement TOC in an organization. There is lot's of good information and worth reading, but the information is a bit fragmented. I get the sense that Newbold has taken a set of isolated lectures and tried to make a book out of them. The materials need a class room discussion to really sink in. As it is, the concepts are rather isolated and disconnected. It probably makes perfect sense to an experienced TOC consultant, but was a bit over my head with only having read two TOC books prior to this one.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly good, but does require more material., January 20, 1999

By A Customer

This book is a really good next step for those following the TOC debate. It is the non-fiction equivalent of Goldratt's "Critical-Chain". I do believe however that more could be said on managing multiple projects, and an appendix on practical advice showing how to integrate the theory with common software tools (e.g. Microsoft Project) for people who don't want to spend on ProChain would be very nice to have. But these are really just details. Definitely worth the buy!