Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
"It’s common in the IT industry to hear of project disasters: overdue products, blown budget estimates, and dismal results. And the root cause of most of these commonplace disasters is the simple fact that people skilled in the technical aspects of a project are often not prepared to manage them.
Managing projects requires expert skill in managing budgets, people, and processes. It requires someone who is proficient in project management -- especially in the highly complex, project-driven IT industry. Information Systems Project Management gives you the powerful tips and tools you need to deliver results.
A definitive resource for IT professionals, the second edition of Information Systems Project Management uses clear language and real-world examples to guide you through each key step of understanding the project, defining it, planning it, and running it--and bringing it to completion. And the book shows you how to steer clear of pitfalls that can quickly derail your project, including scope changes that are not adequately defined, tracked, and managed; poor planning, especially planning that overlooks project activities; and an overabundance of technology tools, which often results in decreased productivity.
Plus, the second edition comes complete with all-new sections on how to: * manage projects when you’re also a team participant * define the proper objective * get your projects off to a good start * understand a variety of system-development life cycles * plan for a smooth project implementation * and complete a project cleanly, from capturing lessons learned to administrative closeout. The book is also packed with new checklists, worksheets, and action plans for dozens of ""what-if"" scenarios.
Whether your project entails implementing major packages, upgrading hardware, designing a technology architecture, or developing a systems strategic plan, Information Systems Project Management helps you successfully deliver your projects on time, on budget, and with desired results."
About the Author
Jolyon Hallows has more than 35 years of experience in IT, particularly in developing and troubleshooting complex and high-visibility systems applications. He lives in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Table of Contents
"List of Exhibits
Preface to the Second Edition
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
The Project Management Context
What Is a Successful Project?
Why Do Projects Fail?
The Project Control Environment
How Do You Know You Have a Project?
The Role of a Project Management Office
Some Comments on Project Life Cycles
Managing and Participating
Some Notes on Terminology
About This Book
2. Understanding the Project
Why Are We Doing This?
Why Be Concerned with Project Justification?
What Is the Background to This Project?
Who Are the Players?
What Are the Client’s Priorities?
Project Initiation
3. Defining the Project
Defining the Deliverables
Defining the Project Objective
Defining the Scope
Review and Approval
Systems Development Life Cycles
4. Planning the Project
Defining and Managing Risk
Project Assumptions and Constraints
Planning for Quality
Defining Project Activities
Establishing Dependencies
Estimating the Project
Preparing the Schedule
Resource Leveling
Aligning the Schedule
Preparing the Project Budget
Paperwork
Planning for Implementation
Planning for Completion
Communications
The Project Plan
5. Running the Project
Building the Team
Tracking Progress
Earned Value
Negotiating for Resources
Controlling Action Items
Managing Risks
Solving Overrun Problems
Managing Scope Changes
Managing Quality
Microplanning
Managing Subcontractors
Managing Client Expectations
Team Meetings
Reporting Status
Reflection
Closing the Project
Project Completion
Conclusion
Index"