Practical Project Management

Published by: SYBEX Inc. Alameda CA 94501 USA

ISBN: 0-7821-4106-4

Approx 500 pages

Hard cover: H235 X W196 X 36mmThick

The guide is written in clear and concise english and is based on the process groups, practices and knowledge areas in the Project Management Institute's, (PMI®), Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) 2000 edition. (The PMBOK® Guide)

An assessment test consisting of 60 realistic exam questions is included at the beginning of the book. Followed by answers and explanations. This is a good place to start, giving an indication of the reader's strengths and weaknesses and determining the areas needing extra attention.

An "examination essentials' and 'Key terms' sections appear after the summary at the end of each chapter, emphasising the topics likely to be found in the exam.
Review questions are also provided at the end of each chapter, allowing the reader to gauge understanding of the subject before going onto the next chapter.

The guide is organised the same way the exam is structured in terms of process groups and the natural sequence of events that a real life project goes through in it's life cycle.
Interspersed with the text are "Real life scenarios" that are intended to align the theory with the practice and to solidify the subject matter.

A practice examination consisting of 50 questions, is included at the end of the guide for even more realistic examination practice.

Chapter 1 asks 'What is a project?' and 'what is project management?' The questions are answered clearly and concisely focussing on the philosophy and specific content of the The PMBOK® Guide. Introducing the concept of Tools and Techniques, inputs and outputs.

Chapter 2 discusses initiating a project and introduces the nine The PMBOK® Guide project management knowledge areas.

Chapter 3 introduces the Project Charter and starts with methods of selecting projects and identifying the project's initial requirements.

Chapter 4 Introduces the scope planning and the scope definition process. describing how to create a scope statement and to define a Work Breakdown Structure.

Chapter 5 delves into the magic of resource planning and estimating, activity sequencing processes and cost estimating techniques.

Chapter 6 establishes project planning controls. Identifying quality standards is discussed, along with the cost of quality, quality planning tools and the Quality Management Plan.
Project risk is then introduced with an in depth discussion on, risk identification, quantification and risk response planning.
Procurement planning is also discussed. Make or buy analysis and contract types are described.

Chapter 7 develops the Project Plan, starting with the project schedule and continueing with the cost budget baseline.

chapter 8 discusses the execution of the project plan and emphasises the soft skills a successful project manager must use to achieve successful project outcomes. It discusses ways to develop and motivate the project team. Communication skills are also considered as well as methods of distributing project information.

Chapter 9 introduces the need to measure and control project performance. Managing progress, implementing quality assurance procedures, measuring performance and taking corrective action when neceesary.

Chapter 10 deals with the many facets involved in controlling change. Change control systems are discussed along with the need to control scope, schedule and cost and the need to monitor and control risks as they occur during the project life cycle.

Chapter 11 closes the project, from obtaining acceptance of the deliverables, through releasing resources and administrative closure.

Chapter 12 discusses a project manager's professional responsibility, including the PMI®'s Project Management Professional Code of Professional Conduct, conflicts of interest, application of professional knowledge and respecting differences in diverse cultures.

Designed for optimal learning, Sybex Study Guides provide comprehensive coverage of all exam objectives. Hands-on exercises and review questions help reinforce your knowledge.

The CD

There is also a CD included with the PMP® Study Guide which can be found in a cardboard wallet inside the front cover.

The CD is simple to use.
As soon as you accept the software licence agreement the index screen appears as right.

There is a complete electronic version of the book in pdf format.
Very useful when you consider the search functionality of Acrobat Reader.

The Sybex EdgeTests are customized exam prep programs that allow you to deepen your knowledge of the material required for the exam.
Two practice exams are included.

Electronic flashcards are also included for eithor PC or PDA handheld devices.

The quality of the study guide is generally good. Hard cover, high definition printing on good quality paper. I was disappointed however, when I discovered over 32 items on the errata list on the Sybex website! So much for modern proof reading methods.

Sybex PMP Study Guide written by Kim Heldman
receives a PROJECTmagazine rating of

4 bananas

2003 © Jeb Riordan

Comments (0)

Name

Comment

smaller | bigger

Add Comment