List of Top 9 Best Project Management Books
- Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager
- The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management
- Cracking the PM Interview
- Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage
- Construction Project Management
- Identifying and Managing Project Risk
- HBR Guide to Project Management
- Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme
- Product Leadership
Project management involves multiple teams and staffs with different competencies to get the work done. It starts with the identification of the right sponsor, setting objectives, setting schedules, deadlines, budget projections and more. In this article, we bring to you the top 9 best project management books that you will love to read and gain expertise from.
#1 – Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager
by Kory Kogon, Suzette Blakemore & James Wood
Book Review
This book offers real-world and practical insights for effective management of projects through the essentials of people and project management process which includes:
- Initiation
- Planning
- Execution
- Monitoring/Control
- Closure
Key Takeaways
This edition is for all kinds of employees whether struggling to keep multiple projects organized or managing projects without the benefit of a team. With resource and budget constraints, employees are expected to manage and co-ordinate various projects on a routine basis. The quality of dynamism has to go in sync with project management. The official title of a Project Manager may not essentially be an official title for an employee but with the execution of correct strategies applicable in the respective situation, one can go a long way and lay down a strong foundation and examples for others to follow.
Since projects involve large capital expenditures and employees have to fill in multiple roles, this book ties together a process which everyone can use for project work as it is applicable for all level of an organization. The simple language of the guide enables one from being an amateur to adept in this area.
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#2 – The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management
by Eric Verzuh
Book Review
This is a complete guide targeted towards exceptional and unique levels of project management with comprehensive guidance towards practical-world management methods, tools, and techniques. Readers will be confronted with cutting-edge and niche ideas delivered in quick turnover time and established segments that address common management issues. Project management is a very complex role since the manager is required to handle demands which are conflicting in nature to be converted into a single and successfully strategy achieved in the given time, resource and budget constraints.
This book teaches on ensuring how each step should within project management be executed smoothly:
- Navigation of complex management issues in an effective manner
- Mastering key concepts and its application in the practical world
- Learning from case studies involving present-day leading experts
- How to keep the project on track, on time and within the provided budget
Key Takeaways
Project management involves incorporating a wide range of competencies consisting:
- Identification of the right sponsor
- Clarification of objectives
- Setting a realistic schedule and budget projection. This would be across different departments, executive levels or technical domains.
The latest edition includes modernized case studies, updated information for engaging stakeholders, change management, revised guidance on using swift techniques and refined content which integrates current events and trends in the sphere of project management.
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#3 – Cracking the PM Interview
by Gayle Laakmann McDowell & Jackie Bavaro
Book Review
This is the book on securing a role in product management (PM) within a start-up or an established technology firm. The readers are equipped with various kinds of roles existing across companies, what a PM resume and cover letter should look like and how to crack interviews pertaining to the same. Certain critical components of the book are:
- Role & Functions of a Product Manager
- Various Myths of Project management and how to overcome them
- Variation of roles in various firms such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, etc.
- Importance of Technical experience
- Transitioning from Engineer and Designer to Product Manager
- Tips and Tricks for Career Advancement through Q&A from established Product managers in the industry
- Company Research Papers (Product, Strategy, Culture, Role, Q&A)
- Behavioral Questions
- Estimation Questions
- Product Questions (Designing & Improving)
- Case Study & Scenario Questions
Key Takeaways
It contains a rich level of information and providing new skills and techniques which will lead to the improvement of individual practice, aid in enjoying the work and enhancement of career. It has a slight bias towards software-driven products and companies, most of the principles are broadly applicable.
#4 – Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage
by Jeffrey K. Pinto
Book Review
This book takes a decisive, business-oriented and contemporary approach for learning and teaching project management. It makes a balance of current theory and hands-on practical experience and research to offer a complete range of perspectives of the project management process. Contemporary and comprehensive case studies with detailed analysis and exercise offer the readers tools to assess projects in real-time, equipping them with razor-sharp decision-making skills.
Key Takeaways
It is considered a well-written introduction book to the art of Project Management providing a coherent summary of important concepts and practices. Experienced professionals can also use this reference since it provides a multi-industry understanding of the contents. The author is addressing the theory of project management within the context of various successful organizations, whether they are held publicly, private or non-profit firms. The concepts have been well explained with a plethora of examples and live case studies offering credible and valuable information. It also highlights the importance of the latest technology used in the project management process with practical exercises.
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#5 – Construction Project Management
by Frederick Gould & Nancy Joyce
Book Review
This book will address all possible angles of a successful construction project management in the present complex environment. It will introduce all key players in the process, taking through each phase of the project and presenting tools for effectively managing the projects and the people.
It makes an attempt to successfully infuse a blend of theoretical and practical reality with the importance of Owners, Designers and Construction professionals throughout. It highlights new techniques, technologies, statistics and career information including new approaches to collaboration, project delivery and focuses on continuous improvement.
Key Takeaways
The flow of this book is highly commendable focusing on:
- Introduction to the profession and the modern industry
- Presenting emerging trends, roles, contractual agreements, and opportunities
- How to focus on the project ranging from the concept to occupancy
- Addressing the role of professionals in this industry during design and early construction
- Students will also gain knowledge in modern tools such as Estimation, Scheduling, Controls and Feedback
- Supporting charts and images are also presented and authored by industry-leading professionals
The content is simple to understand and recommended for students in the early stages of their career with detailed analysis and accuracy, especially for college students.
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#6 – Identifying and Managing Project Risk
by Tom Kendrick PMP
Book Review
All the projects carry an inherent element of risk. While balancing out time constraints, technical shortcomings and resource issues, the identification of potential risks become a critical component in the job of a project manager.
It outlines the risk management process and providing established methods of project risk planning based on real-life situations and multiple practical examples. Analysis of critical aspects is offered including:
- Project Scope and available resources
- Scheduling
- Guidance on Programme Risk Management
- Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Analysis
- Project Modelling and Simulation
- Significant “non-project” risks
- Usage of high-level risk-assessment tools
- Implementation of a system for monitoring and controlling of projects
- Correct documentation for every kind of situation
Key Takeaways
This reference guide will offer an understanding and methods to define, analyze, record and update risks. Though information is centric towards the IT industry, the methods can be applied to the industry with success. It provides a simple and clear understanding of how can the risk methods be applied for managing any kind of risks thereby eliminating surprises and keeping projects on track.
This book on project management also offers new ‘risk sensitivities’ with special reference to the Panama Canal development which mirrors the growth of both project and risk management being used since the 1850s. Overall, it is a complete, well – structured and easy to understand guide.
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#7 – HBR Guide to Project Management
by Harvard Business Review
Book Review
This edition which has been created by the Harvard School of Management focusses on how to meet the goals with respect to Time and Budget. Apart from the practical aspect, the aim also has to be on Confidence and Motivation. These are highly important characteristics that have to exist for continuous improvement.
Whether one is managing the first project or improvising, this guide will offer the tools and confidence needed for defining smart goals and achieving them for enhancement and ensuring future projects are executed smoothly.
Key Takeaways
It will help the users in:
- Building a strong and focused team to achieve the desired goal with a high level of confidence
- Breaking down major objectives into manageable tasks
- Creating a schedule which ensures all moving parts are under control
- Monitoring the progress continuously towards the desired goals and ensuring corrective actions are taken wherever required.
- Managing the expectations of the shareholders with the help of regular communication
- Smooth completion of the project and gauging the success and also measuring the areas of improvement.
The contents are in an easy to understand language for handling large scale improvements in projects and also essential tools for managing routine tasks.
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#8 – Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme
by Robert K. Wysock
Book Review
This comprehensive book on project management has been considered a standard for both professionals and academics. Readers will learn an approach to project management which recognizes the project environment and how smoothly can it be adopted.
Key Takeaways
This book is ideal for instructors, students, and active project managers as it includes updated case studies and exercises with detailed analysis and solutions:
- It serves as a comprehensive resource for project management practitioners, instructors, and students.
- Examines traditional, agile and extreme project management techniques (Project Management model; Kanban and Scrumban methodologies)
- Inclusion of a companion website with exercises and solutions along with PowerPoint slides for all the tables and figures used
- Advice on organizing multiple team projects and managing a continuous process improvement program
- Ways to establish an enterprise project portfolio management process
- How to create a practical, project-based model of an enterprise
- Prevention and Intervention strategies for distressed projects
- An in-depth understanding of the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) process groups
- Techniques for dealing with the complex and uncertain Project management landscape.
#9 – Product Leadership
by Richard Banfield, Martin Eriksson & Nate Walkingshaw
Book Review
The modern fast-paced technology requires smart product management which is critical for maintaining a competitive advantage. This insightful guide offers interviews with nearly 100 leading product managers across the globe in addition to the experience of the authors in style, approach and other techniques of a successful product manager.
This book is packed with deep knowledge of the craft of Product leadership. A vast community of product leaders exists who are facing struggles that are similar in nature and the authors have successfully distilled their experience and feedback.
Key Takeaways
It helps in exploring:
- Themes and patterns of successful leaders and their teams and the manner in which those characteristics can be attained.
- Suitable approaches for guiding the product team through various stages such as Start-up, Emerging and Enterprise stages of a company’s evolution.
- Strategies and tactics for dealing with customers, agencies, partners and external stakeholders.
It is highly recommended for anyone who is a Product Leader or desires to understand their role whether fresher or experienced to manage human beings and complex product roadmaps.
<< Get this book >>Recommended Books
This has been a guide to Project Management Books. Here we discuss the list of top 9 best project management books to gain expertise from. You may also have a look at these suggested books below –
- 10 Best Books of Communication
- Best Management Books
- Best Leadership Books of All Time
- Best Risk Management Books
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