PRACTICAL Project Management: Manage Projects Successfully with this Comprehensive Toolkit and Templates


Book Description

Project Management is fast becoming one of the most sought-after skills across industries and job functions. Many professionals are attracted to project management as a career choice. Knowing how to implement a tried and tested approach the complements all popular methodologies such as PRINCE2, Agile and the PMI’s PMBOK, is essential for all project managers. Based on Emanuela’s internationally best-selling course “Practical Project Management”, this book condenses best practice project management methods into a practical and useful guide. Learn from her real-world experience and get started on your projects with a comprehensive set of tools and templates covering the entire project life cycle. Armed with the benefits of the various methods and tools, you should be able to convince colleagues of their importance to deliver projects successfully. If you aim to complete a project qualification such as PRINCE2 or the PMI’s PMP, this book is highly recommended as pre-reading to first understand all key project management concepts and their practical implementation. This book introduces you to the concept of project management and walks you through the full project life cycle. It follows a logical thinking approach and provides worked examples. If you follow Emanuela’s teaching in this book, you will be equipped to deliver projects more confidently, professionally and successfully. You will learn how to adapt the approach to different types of projects in terms of their nature and complexity. Templates in this book include a: · Project Brief · Project Business Case · Project Plan · Governance Structure · Responsibility Matrix · Risks Management Log · Stakeholder Mapping · Project Communication Plan · Project Actions Tracker and Gantt Chart · Task Dependency Mapping · Budget Breakdown and Tracker · Kick-Off Meeting Agenda · Scope Change Management Log · Issues Management Log · Status Report · Benefits Realisation Review · Lesson Learnt Log · Project Manager Skills Self-Assessment EMANUELA is a performance improvement consultant with over 20 years’ experience in project management. She has trained over 5,000 people on the subject around the world and understands how to explain complex topics simply. Whether training in-person or virtually, she engages individuals and teams with energy, enthusiasm, and passion for continuous improvement. Emanuela's books are all practical, relevant and useful.




PRACTICAL Project Stakeholder Management: Methods, Tools and Templates for Comprehensive Stakeholder Management


Book Description

One of the most challenging aspects on projects is managing stakeholder expectations and getting their commitment and buy-in to the project. Written by an experienced Project Management consultant, trainer and coach, this book will provide you with the know-how, techniques and templates you need to conduct robust stakeholder management on your projects. The approach described here is scalable. On large complex projects, you should perform rigorous and robust stakeholder management. On smaller, less complex projects, you need to apply the spirit of the method. Stakeholder engagement is one of the most important keys to successful projects. Having a tried-and-tested set of stakeholder management tools is essential for all project managers. This book provides an essential and up-to-date toolkit for project managers to identify, assess and engage their stakeholders. It is packed with free-to-use tools and templates that experienced project managers use to successfully manage their stakeholders. No waffle, page filling theory or unnecessary padding. Practical. Relevant. Useful.




Artificial Intelligence in Project Management: AI Tools, Use Cases, and Prompts for Driving Project Efficiency, Innovation and Success


Book Description

Embrace the intersection of human ingenuity and technological innovation. Gartner’s research team have predicted that by 2030, 80% of Project Management tasks will be run by AI. AI is not going to go away, so the longer project managers ignore it, the more they are losing out. Not only losing out on the benefits of AI but losing out on staying ahead in their careers. Organisations that effectively leverage AI in project management gain a competitive edge. They can deliver projects more efficiently, meet deadlines consistently, and adapt to changing circumstances with greater agility, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the organization. Are you ready to transform your project management approach? Artificial Intelligence in Project Management is the essential guide for project managers who are new to AI and want to catch up with this game-changing technology. This book shows how AI can save you time, and support you in being more efficient in your role. With real-world examples, practical use cases and actionable insights, this book bridges the gap between complex AI concepts and everyday project management tasks. It provides clear, actionable steps to help you integrate AI into your projects, even if you're starting from scratch. Don't get left behind. Equip yourself with this essential know-how to lead your projects with confidence in this new age. The efficiency gains from using AI tools in project management allows us more time to focus on the people-side of project management. AI enables project managers and teams to stay on top of their project planning and execution activities, whilst freeing up time for much needed stakeholder management. Target audience for this book: Project and Programme Managers, workstream leaders, project management officers, Business Analysts and all professionals interested in AI and Project Management. This is also a brilliant text to support graduate and post-graduate studies in Project Management. Reading this book will help you: · Understand the fundamentals of AI and its implications for project management. · Learn about key AI tools and technologies applicable to project management tasks. · Discover real-world examples of successful AI integration in project environments. · Learn how to leverage AI for decision-making, planning, and risk management. · Utilise a set if time-saving use cases where AI can assist in project management. · Understand what you need to do to stay ahead in your career as a Project Manager. As always with this author’s books, there is no waffle, page filling theory or unnecessary padding. Practical. Relevant. Useful. EMANUELA is a performance improvement coach with over 20 years’ experience in project management. She has trained thousands of people on the subject around the world and has a knack for explaining complex topics simply. Whether training in-person or virtually, she engages individuals and teams with her energy, enthusiasm, and her passion for continuous improvement.




Writing Compelling Business Cases: Methods, Tools and Templates for Writing and Presenting a Brilliant Business Case


Book Description

A Business Case is a decision-making tool. Business Case authors therefore have a responsibility to write a Business Case that balances brevity with clarity, in a way that is easy and interesting to read and helps Decision Makers make the best decision for the organisation and key stakeholders. Writing a Business Case can be a daunting task. Many organisations do not have standard templates that support the author, or the templates are old and long-winded. Penned by a seasoned consultant who has supported professionals across industry to write better business cases, this book is the only blueprint of its kind. The guidance in this book, together with a host of useful templates and tested techniques, demystifies the task of writing Business Cases and propels professionals into the echelons of mastery. This book is a field coach that will help Business Case authors craft a narrative that resonates with decision-makers. From simple business case scenarios to large complex cases, this book is a universal blueprint. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned corporate veteran, the principles in this book will guide you and improve the way you write business cases. If you aim to complete a business case writing qualification such as Better Business CasesTM, this book is highly recommended as pre-reading to first understand all key aspects of a business case. If you have completed a qualification and have not read this book, it is guaranteed to provide you with unique tools, techniques and insights that are not included in the Better Business CasesTM qualification and supporting text book. When you follow Emanuela’s guidance in this book, you will be equipped to write and present compelling business cases more confidently, professionally and successfully. As always with this author’s books, there is no waffle, page filling theory or unnecessary padding. Practical. Relevant. Useful. Templates in this book include a: · Benefits Tracker · Project Business Case Template · Clarification Questions Log · Stakeholder Mapping · Stakeholder Insights Analysis · Strategic Fitness Scorecard · Ideas Comparison Scorecard · Simple Options Appraisal · TCO Options Comparison Table · Simple Options Appraisal with x-year TCO · Scored Options Appraisal Showing TCO · Impact v Net Position Chart · Weighted Scored Options Appraisal Showing TCO · Investment Appraisal · Business Case RACI Matrix · Simple Risk Assessment · Residual Risk Assessment · Business Case Review Checklist · Business Case Assumptions Log EMANUELA is a performance improvement coach with over 20 years’ experience in project management. She has trained thousands of people on the subject around the world and has a knack for explaining complex topics simply. Whether training in-person or virtually, she engages individuals and teams with her energy, enthusiasm, and her passion for continuous improvement.




Managing Projects


Book Description

Managing Projects offers a hands-on resource for building practical competencies for anyone who must manage one or more small- to mid-size projects. The book is filled with targeted processes, tools, techniques, and influencing skills that address the more difficult "people" side of project management. The author shows how to: influence stakeholders 360 degrees around you; encourage accountability from others who do not work for you and have plenty of projects to juggle without adding your priority; negotiate time, cost, quality, and scope with executives; and courageously tell the truth and get the help you need early enough. Praise for Managing Projects "No one knows more about project management than Lou Russell. Her easy coaching style paired with specific methods makes this book a real winner. This is one book all leaders, managers, supervisors, and project leads will use as their essential 'go to' resource." Elaine Biech, ebb associates inc.; bestselling author, The Business of Consulting "Lou Russell has done it again! Managing Projects is comprehensive, practical, and easy to understand and apply to your projects, big or small. The book gives helpful tips and definitions that will enable the reader to move through the project management process with ease. Thanks, Lou, for creating such a great resource." Amy L. Dinning, manager of Leadership and Talent Development, Saint-Gobain North America "Managing Projects is more than a book. It is a workshop between the covers, with one of the finest learning facilitators as your guide. If you find yourself dealing with projects in your work (and whether you know it or not, this is you), using the techniques in this book will make you less stressed and more successful." Kevin Eikenberry, bestselling author, Remarkable Leadership "As the leader of an international logistics company, I know how critical project management is to meeting the needs of our customers. To hit their due dates we have to hit our own, with no excuses. Lou's practical approach to project management fits well into our time-constrained, date-focused workplace. It's simple, it's real, and it works." Cathy Langham, CEO, Langham Logistics




Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager (Updated and Revised Edition)


Book Description

No project management training? No problem! In today’s workplace, employees are routinely expected to coordinate and manage projects. Yet, chances are, you aren’t formally trained in managing projects—you’re an unofficial project manager. FranklinCovey experts Kory Kogon and Suzette Blakemore understand the importance of leadership in project completion and explain that people are crucial in the formula for success. This updated and revised edition of Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager offers practical, real-world insights for effective project management and guides you through the essentials of the value, people, and project management process: Scope Plan Engage Track and Adapt Close If you’re struggling to ensure multiple projects are finished with high value and on time, this book is for you. If you manage projects without the benefit of a team, this book is also for you. Change the way you think about project management—"project manager" may not be your official title, but with the right strategies, you can excel in this project economy.




The Project Management Tool Kit


Book Description

This results-oriented resource is a must-have strategic partner for project managers of every industry. Shifting priorities, budget cuts, unexpected interruptions….the obstacles that project managers face daily are sometimes relentless and always burdensome. Now, the average project is only growing more complicated. The Project Management Tool Kit is filled with step-by-step guidance that will enable managers to complete even the most complex projects both on time and on budget. The book also offers 100 powerful, practical tips and techniques in a variety of areas, including: Scope planning Schedule development and adjustment Cost estimating and control Defining and using project metrics Decision-making and problem solving Motivation and leadership Stakeholder engagement and expectation management Risk identification and monitoring Extensively updated and revised to reflect the latest changes to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), the checklists, charts, examples, and tools for easy implementation in this invaluable resource will help project managers of all types tackle any challenge that comes their way.




Effective Project Management


Book Description

Expert guidance on ensuring project success—the latest edition! Many projects fail to deliver on time and within budget, and often-poor project management is to blame. If you're a project manager, the newest edition of this expert and top-selling book will help you avoid the pitfalls and manage projects successfully. Covering the major project management techniques including Traditional (Linear and Incremental), Agile (Iterative and Adaptive), and Extreme, this book lays out a comprehensive overview of all of the best-of-breed project management approaches and tools today. You'll learn how to use these approaches effectively to achieve better outcomes. Fresh topics in this new edition include critical chain project management, using the Requirements Management Lifecycle as a key driver, career and professional development for project managers, and more. This book is packed with step-by-step instruction and practical case studies, and a companion web site offers additional exercises and solutions. Gives new or veteran project managers a comprehensive overview of the best-of-breed project management approaches and tools today Shows readers, through step-by-step instruction and practical case studies, how to use these tools effectively Updated new edition adds new material on career and professional development for project managers, critical chain project management, and more If you're seeking to improve your professional project management skills, the latest edition of this popular, successful, and in-depth book is the place to start. Visit http://wysockiepm.com/ for support materials and to connect with the author.




Strategic Project Management Made Simple


Book Description

When Fortune Magazine estimated that 70% of all strategies fail, it also noted that most of these strategies were basically sound, but could not be executed. The central premise of Strategic Project Management Made Simple is that most projects and strategies never get off the ground because of adhoc, haphazard, and obsolete methods used to turn their ideas into coherent and actionable plans. Strategic Project Management Made Simple is the first book to couple a step-by-step process with an interactive thinking tool that takes a strategic approach to designing projects and action initiatives. Strategic Project Management Made Simple builds a solid platform upon four critical questions that are vital for teams to intelligently answer in order to create their own strong, strategic foundation. These questions are: 1. What are we trying to accomplish and why? 2. How will we measure success? 3. What other conditions must exist? 4. How do we get there? This fresh approach begins with clearly understanding the what and why of a project - comprehending the bigger picture goals that are often given only lip service or cursory reviews. The second and third questions clarify success measures and identify the risky assumptions that can later cause pain if not spotted early. The how questions - what are the activities, budgets, and schedules - comes last in our four-question system. By contrast, most project approaches prematurely concentrate on the how without first adequately addressing the three other questions. These four questions guide readers into fleshing out a simple, yet sophisticated, mental workbench called "the Logical Framework" - a Systems Thinking paradigm that lays out one's own project strategy in an easily accessible, interactive 4x4 matrix. The inclusion of memorable features and concepts (four critical questions, LogFrame matrix, If-then thinking, and Implementation Equation) make this book unique.




The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management


Book Description

The all-inclusive guide to exceptional project management The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management is the comprehensive guide to real-world project management methods, tools, and techniques. Practical, easy-to-use, and deeply thorough, this book gives you answers you need now. You'll find the cutting-edge ideas and hard-won wisdom of one of the field's leading experts, delivered in short, lively segments that address common management issues. Brief descriptions of important concepts, tips on real-world applications, and compact case studies illustrate the most sought-after skills and the pitfalls you should watch out for. This new fifth edition features new case studies, new information on engaging stakeholders, change management, new guidance on using Agile techniques, and new content that integrates current events and trends in the project management sphere. Project management is a complex role, with seemingly conflicting demands that must be coordinated into a single, overarching, executable strategy — all within certain time, resource, and budget constraints. This book shows you how to get it all together and get it done, with expert guidance every step of the way. Navigate complex management issues effectively Master key concepts and real-world applications Learn from case studies of today's leading experts Keep your project on track, on time, and on budget From finding the right sponsor to clarifying objectives to setting a realistic schedule and budget projection, all across different departments, executive levels, or technical domains, project management incorporates a wide range of competencies. The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management shows you what you need to know, the best way to do it, and what to watch out for along the way.