Download Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager A FranklinCovey Title Kory Kogon Suzette Blakemore James Wood Books

Product details Paperback 256 pages Publisher BenBella Books; 1 edition (April 7, 2015) Language English ISBN-10 9781941631102 ISBN-13 978-1941631102 ASIN 194163110X

Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager A FranklinCovey Title Kory Kogon Suzette Blakemore James Wood Books Reviews

• I have managed projects large and small over the years, both formally as a PM as well as informally. It's usually not easy, and certainly takes more discipline than most people would think. In order to be successful, I have had to develop my own tips and tricks - or what my peers call "best practices" - which have served me well. Stumbling through some incredibly complex projects created the need for me to develop my skills and it was painful. As a matter of self-preservation, I became an expert on the PMBOK, which helped immensely.
  
  I wish I could have had Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager years ago. It would have simplified a number of things for me. The basics are all there and simply described. There are well-placed references to PMBOK and other traditional project management staples, which are helpful but not obtrusively academic. This is a practical guide, and would serve all beginning to post intermediate project managers well. It's a well-done book, and if you have interest or need in learning this topic, you should carefully consider buying.
• This book is fantastic!
  
  Keep in mind its purpose (which is pretty clear, but a reminder). This is NOT for people who want to be true Project Managers with a PMP after their name. This is for the rest of us who often have to wear the PM hat for smaller projects. This is the minimum 20% that I need for 80% of my projects (80/20) rule and it's just the right amount of content. Not too much, but not skimpy either.
• Superbly written and refreshingly practical. I was hit with four big projects this month and had no idea how I was going to proceed, having no formal project management training. I read through this book in two days and I now feel equipped with the right tools and the right knowledge to succeed. There used to be a marketing campaign in my local market for a men's clothing store whose tagline was "what a difference a day makes". Well in reference to Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager all I can say is "what a difference a book makes".
• Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager uses case studies (storylines) to illustrate application of project management principles elicited in the PMBOK. The magic formula (my term) People + Process = Success. While the book addresses tools and techniques of the five process groups of a project, its emphasis is on leadership and some technical aspects of project management. It offers case studies to underscore the importance of effective communication with stakeholders and addressing their particular interests.
  
  In one of the scenarios, where a company relocation is illustrated, stakeholders range from the company CEO to employees and their families. The company is functionally oriented, and the project manager seeks understanding of the goals from the C-suite, builds a team, deals with the stresses of not having a dedicated team, and contends with scope changes (“scope discovery”—a term identified in the book—vice scope creep).
  
  Along with suggestions for successful interaction among team members and with key stakeholders, the book provides sample templates outlining some communication strategies and for documenting some project related tasks. It is not exhaustive in either of these areas, though it is comprehensive enough to spark creative thinking in project teams.
  
  This reader can relate to the protagonists (project managers), the challenges they faced, their lessons learned, and their successes.
  
  This book is an excellent resource for both the unofficial project manager and the PMP, and I recommend it.
• Current review
  This book is helpful for the newbie, and worth a purchase. It won't give you everything, but it will really help you a lot.
  
  When I bought it I was stuck in the middle of a failing project, and I didn't find this book helpful.
  
  However, with 20/20 hindsight, I realize that the project failure was my fault because I didn't do enough project initiation, project discovery and project planning at the beginning. There were also some problems with disorganized resources on my team, but that's neither here nor there.
  
  I have been using the tools and techniques in this book to success to initiate my projects and also interview stakeholders on project closeouts, as well as other tools. I recommend this book to the unofficial project managers out there who want to grow in their roles.
  
  Previous review
  Title Surprisingly unhelpful
  Stars 2/5
  
  With the accolades this book has printed on it, you'd think it was the best thing since sliced bread.
  
  I think I know more about project management after being in the trenches for a few months (I'm a career employee, but only recently switching more into project management), being mentored by a few PMPs in my organization and reviewing some PMI-inspired templates.
  
  I haven't finished this book and I'll go back and update if I do, but whenever I jump into a chapter to help me with whatever area I'm having trouble with, I don't find it helpful. We'll see.
• I felt the book was well written, providing several examples that were carried out through the various stages of a project. I just got assigned to a new project and am looking forward to applying the techniques presented to define success, build teamwork and clarify accountability.
  If you are a formal project manager then this may not be the read for you but the elements on team building, respect and open communication may still be of value,
• If you are looking for "Project Management 101", you have found it. It's a quick, concise read that follows the PMI PEMBOK project management formula but breaks it down into just the essentials. If you are an engineer like me who occasionally has to manage a small project but find yourself thinking "There must be a better way!", this is the book for you.
  It's also a great introduction to the PMI methods if you are considering studying for the PMP certification.