The Little Black Book of Project Management

The revised and updated third edition of this book reflects the newest techniques, the latest project management software, as well as the most recent changes to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK™). For nearly twenty years, The Little Black Book of Project Management has provided businesspeople everywhere with a quick and effective introduction to project management tools and methodology. You will find invaluable strategies for: organizing any project;  implementing the Six Sigma approach;  choosing the project team;  preparing a budget and sticking to it;  scheduling, flowcharting, and controlling a project;  preparing project documentation;  managing communications;  and much more.  Project management has increasingly become about getting more and better results with fewer resources. In this fast-read solution for both seasoned and first-time project managers, author Michael C. Thomsett shares his not-so-little secrets to achieving the results professionals want, increasing their organizational ability, generating consistent profit, and gaining a reputation for both quality and dependability.

Table of Contents:
Contents Introduction to the Third Edition 1 Organizing for the Long Term Background for Project Management Project Definitions Definition and Control A New Look for Project Management The Successful Project Manager The Methodical Manager Project Classification Work Project 2 The Six Sigma Approach The Meaning of Six Sigma Business Process Management (BPM) Project Participants and Goal Definitions Defining Goals in Terms of Customer Service Work Project 3 Creating the Plan Setting Leadership Goals Building Your Resource Network Structuring Your Project Team Defining the Project’s Scope Holding a Project Announcement Meeting Setting Project Objectives Developing the Initial Schedule Identifying Key Elements Necessary for Project Success Work Project 4 Choosing the Project Team The Imposed Team Problem The Commitment Problem Ten important Team-Building Guidelines Defining Areas of Responsibility Estimating Time Requirements Working with Other Departments The Executive Point of View Delegation Problems and Solutions Work Project 5 Preparing the Project Budget Budgeting Responsibility Checklist: Effective Budgets Labor Expense: The Primary Factor Additional Budgeting Segments Budgeting Each Phase of Your Project Budgeting Controls Work Project 6 Establishing a Schedule The Scheduling Problem The Gantt Chart Scheduling Control The Scheduling Solution Gantt Limitations Work Project 7 Flowcharting for Project Control Guidelines for Project Control Listing Out the Phases Work Breakdown Structures CPM and PERT Methods Automated Project Management Systems Setting Your Flowcharting Rules Work Project 8 Designing the Project Flowchart Activity and Event Sequences The Vertical Flowchart and Its Limitations The Horizontal Network Diagram and Its Advantages Building the Network Diagram Applying the Network Diagram Expanded Applications Work Project 9 Managing the Value Chain in the Project Attributes of the Value Chain Risk Management and the Value Chain How Value Is Incorporated into the Big Picture Value: An Intangible Turned into a Tangible Work Project 10 Writing the Supporting Documentation Project Narratives More Than Paperwork Simplifying Instructions The Diagram/Narrative Combination Project Control Documentation Work Project 11 Conducting the Project Review Defining Success The Progress Review Project Leadership Attributes Monitoring and Reporting The Missed Deadline The Accelerated Schedule The Changing Objective Staying on Course Work Project 12 The Communication Challenge Communication Skills Project Managers Need The Budget as a Communication Tool The Schedule as a Communication Tool Working with Department Managers Working with Other Department Employees Working with Outside Consultants Weak Links in Communication American Management Association How Flowcharting Helps Meeting with Outside Resources Running the Meeting Work Project 13 Project Management and Your Career An Organizational Science Attributes of Project Leadership Taking Charge Eliminating Common Problems Maximizing Your Skills Work Project 14 Finding the Best Project Management Software Appendix: Work Project Answers Glossary Index