Carstens D.S., Richardson G.L., Smith R.B. Project Management Tools and Techniques: A Practical Guide

CRC Press, 2013. — 489 p. — ISBN: 978-1466515628.A combination of art and skill that results in the balancing of project objectives against restraints of time, budget, and quality, effective project management requires skill and experience as well as many tools and techniques. Project Management Tools and Techniques: A Practical Guide describes these tools and techniques and how to use them, giving students the strong foundation they need to develop the skills and experience needed for a successful career in project management.
The first five sections discuss a typical project life cycle, and beginning with an introduction to project management in terms of the role it plays in the organization and how a business case drives the process. From this starting point, the various planning and control-oriented techniques described evolve this process through the life cycle from scope development to completion. The final section closes the discussion with a group of more contemporary topics labeled "advanced." These are essential tools that need to be in wide use but are still evolving in practice. Most of the chapters supply sample questions and exercises to help with a review of the material.
Each of the authors has extensive real-world experience in her or his respective professional areas with a combined experience of about 100 years. They have selected topics based on their valuation of the tool and its project management value. They present the material in such a way that the concepts can be applied to any project. Once this material is mastered, students will have a good overview regarding the basic planning and control actions required by a project manager. Also, this book will make a great reference guide that can be used by project managers and team members for years to come.Role of the project
Project management in a nutshell
Power and politics
Picking the right projects
Gaining support for a project
Defining a project
Developing the work breakdown structure
Activity estimating
Creating the project schedule
Creating the project budget
Introduction to risk
Creating a viable project plan
Finalizing the project plan
Key performance indicators
Earned value management
Project tracking status
Techniques to influence the project outcome
Integrated change control
Resource leveling
Variable time project planning
Simulation modeling
Risk mechanics
Team tools: RAM charts and staffing profile
Enterprise project management office
Appendix A: MS Project lab assignment: A life cycle view
Appendix B: MSP 2010 commands
Appendix C: Templates
Appendix D: MS Project add-in utilities
Appendix E: Variable time macro
Appendix F: Text support systems