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Project Management For Dummies
Projects have been around since ancient times. Noah built the ark, Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine - all projects. Why then, is the topic of project management suddenly of such great interest today? The answer is simple. The audience has changed and the stakes are higher. Successful businesses and organizations create projects that produce desired results in established timeframes with assigned resources. As a result, businesses are increasingly driven to find individuals who can excel in this project-oriented environment. And that's where this guide comes into play.
Reading Project Management For Dummies could help a diverse group of people, some of which include the following:
Senior managers and junior assistants (the senior managers of tomorrow) Experienced project managers and people who've never been on a project team People who've had significant project management training and people who've had none People who've had years of real-world business and government experience and people who've just entered the workforce By reading this guide, you'll gain insight into beginning a project, supporting it throughout its life, and bringing it to a successful closure. You'll discover how to manage the uncertainties surrounding a project, and uncover the definitions to the most common project management terms. And you'll figure out how to handle some of the more common project management situations you'll encounter, from dealing with the people involved to organizing the mountains of paperwork.
While most businesses are looking for ways to get a better handle on their projects, what no one is saying is that the majority of people who become project managers aren't doing so by choice. Instead, project management is often an unexpected but required progression in their chosen career paths. Think of this guide as a friend or comfortable resource that has more to share each time you crack it open as you experience new situations in which you can apply the knowledge.
Reading Project Management For Dummies could help a diverse group of people, some of which include the following:
Senior managers and junior assistants (the senior managers of tomorrow) Experienced project managers and people who've never been on a project team People who've had significant project management training and people who've had none People who've had years of real-world business and government experience and people who've just entered the workforce By reading this guide, you'll gain insight into beginning a project, supporting it throughout its life, and bringing it to a successful closure. You'll discover how to manage the uncertainties surrounding a project, and uncover the definitions to the most common project management terms. And you'll figure out how to handle some of the more common project management situations you'll encounter, from dealing with the people involved to organizing the mountains of paperwork.
While most businesses are looking for ways to get a better handle on their projects, what no one is saying is that the majority of people who become project managers aren't doing so by choice. Instead, project management is often an unexpected but required progression in their chosen career paths. Think of this guide as a friend or comfortable resource that has more to share each time you crack it open as you experience new situations in which you can apply the knowledge.
350 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2001
449 people are currently reading
1485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 5, 2018
Хорошая систематизация для чайников, самоваров и аэропрессов
January 28, 2008
This was my kind of book! It wasn't super-engaging, but I really enjoyed all of the practical details on project management. The skills learned here are invaluable in my work, as I continue to take on more responsibility in DiscipleMakers.
In addition, Erin and I were able to use the material to develop a "project plan" for our current adoption process! There were so many things to remember, that we were just losing track of them until we get them down on paper. Once we did, it helped the process to flow very smoothly, and we could just focus on trusting the Lord through it (rather than frantically wondering if we remembered to do everything we needed to do).
In addition, Erin and I were able to use the material to develop a "project plan" for our current adoption process! There were so many things to remember, that we were just losing track of them until we get them down on paper. Once we did, it helped the process to flow very smoothly, and we could just focus on trusting the Lord through it (rather than frantically wondering if we remembered to do everything we needed to do).
January 29, 2018
I recieved this book about 3 years ago from a friend because I had been speaking about how I wanted to do a project management course. This book is really great for me as a beginner. Its simple, understandable and gives a holistic understanding of project management. It doesnt, however, delve deeper into the different aspects of project management which are highlighted in the book. I learnt a lot and really want to apply what I learnt in my work
June 17, 2018
I listened to the audio version of this book, and found it extremely helpful. It's not a book that only speaks about prioritizing stuff and time management, blah, blah, blah. The book actually explains to you how to build a road map, but probably most importantly a formula so you can delegate stuff and accomplish projects faster.
February 10, 2018
The project manager in charge of the publication of this book must have skipped the quality control stage. This edition is replete with typos, repetitions and omissions, which is rather irritating. I hope the next edition will be proofread.
October 2, 2010
Good reference. Will likely come back to it in future endeavor.
September 14, 2016
Amazingly useful
If you're looking to manage a team of people to achieve a shared objective, this book is a bible to achieve just that.
If you're looking to manage a team of people to achieve a shared objective, this book is a bible to achieve just that.
September 13, 2018
Great reference.
April 17, 2017
Read for class.
April 19, 2018
So, it's hard to make a book about Project Management interesting, so I won't fault this book for being generally dull. However, I had hoped it would align more with the Project Management Book of Knowledge (which the description said it did), which it didn't, at least not very well.
April 9, 2018
Good information, but the overuse of headings, subheadings and boldface made it hard to organize in my mind.
June 30, 2018
My accomplished colleagues who are 50+ could read this and discover that they are talented project managers. The book will give you the jargon. Have at it.
December 18, 2018
Good graphics, great exersices. Good information overall.
November 21, 2016
La gestion de projet pour les nuls is not what you called an easy book to read. I've learn a lot of information, maybe too much actually.
At some point I really taught that I was reading a book for my school. It was maybe too much to handle.
Doing some small resume everyday really helped to keep track of the book.
I learned more that I enjoyed but I can say that if you really suck at handling a project, at the end of the book you will feel special like at least you've learned something.
It's a big book, so if you're lazy I recommend you to separate the book in part so you won't feel like it never end.
I still feel like I've learned things that i will use, but you can't remember everything, I suggest to people to take this book as their bible for their project, that's what I will do.
A good point was the multiple examples in the book, cause whenever I felt like I was missing something they expose it with a real life example and situation that I could be a part of one day. It was a way for me to get out of the school zone that they settle.
To Conclude,
Good Book but way too big and to much information to handle
At some point I really taught that I was reading a book for my school. It was maybe too much to handle.
Doing some small resume everyday really helped to keep track of the book.
I learned more that I enjoyed but I can say that if you really suck at handling a project, at the end of the book you will feel special like at least you've learned something.
It's a big book, so if you're lazy I recommend you to separate the book in part so you won't feel like it never end.
I still feel like I've learned things that i will use, but you can't remember everything, I suggest to people to take this book as their bible for their project, that's what I will do.
A good point was the multiple examples in the book, cause whenever I felt like I was missing something they expose it with a real life example and situation that I could be a part of one day. It was a way for me to get out of the school zone that they settle.
To Conclude,
Good Book but way too big and to much information to handle
July 6, 2023
"Project Management For Dummies" is a good starting point if you're new to project management. It breaks down big concepts into easy-to-understand language and covers the basics really well. The real-world examples and practical tips make it super helpful. But on the downside, if you're an experienced project manager, this might feel a bit too basic for you. Also, while it's great for understanding the general idea of project management, it doesn't dive too deep into any specific methodologies. It's like a broad overview rather than a deep-dive. But for beginners, it's a solid choice to get your feet wet.
January 28, 2022
Project Management for Dummies
This book is a good clarification of principle business process and operations. I learned how projects are designed, why it is important to organize team members and stakeholders, and the active role of management during projects. It offers a lot of examples of scheduling and work task assignments. I would recommend this book as an intermediate intro for all marketing, sales, and team management members.
This book is a good clarification of principle business process and operations. I learned how projects are designed, why it is important to organize team members and stakeholders, and the active role of management during projects. It offers a lot of examples of scheduling and work task assignments. I would recommend this book as an intermediate intro for all marketing, sales, and team management members.
February 20, 2024
Managing Projects and Projecting Management
This is a great book on the realm of project management.
I got a lot out of it, and would very much recommend it.
Especially an important read if you are a programmer/analyst or a business analyst.
4.1/5
This is a great book on the realm of project management.
I got a lot out of it, and would very much recommend it.
Especially an important read if you are a programmer/analyst or a business analyst.
4.1/5
May 18, 2018
It was fine. Got some new concepts but nothing ground breaking.
August 8, 2018
A useful guide for quantitative details about project management techniques.
December 18, 2018
Listening to this book was not a perfect fit for me. Should have found a physical copy. Abosrbed maybe 5% of what Portny was talking about.
November 17, 2020
I got the UK edition. Prefer US. Thats y i didnt read the whole thing. Just flipped through.
July 13, 2021
Are decent workmanlike book.
Gems near the end include “degrees of delegation“, and some ideas about how to hold people accountable within your organization that do not fall within your authority.
Gems near the end include “degrees of delegation“, and some ideas about how to hold people accountable within your organization that do not fall within your authority.
November 18, 2022
Easy to understand and appendix gives u a very good summ8
December 29, 2023
Great book for beginning of journey in product management. A lot of inspirations and examples that can be used in daily work tasks.
January 8, 2025
It's an okay book. Wish the content was more, okay starting point for a quick few minute read.
September 30, 2023
Don’t walk under that latter
No book can be the end all be all on a subject, especially a subject like Project Management. If you’re a fair idea of what project management is and want a fair overview then this book can work for you. Even if you are in the field and just want a different perspective to chew on then this book can still work. It is full of the obvious so most of the time you will say that is obvious; however, once in a while, there is an obvious that you did not think of. Sometimes looking at a book on a subject a different way you can obtain new insights. Remember there are worlds outside the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge.)
If you thought that the PM was the Prime Minister. Then this book even though it says for dummies can get overwhelming in detail. On the other hand, the examples (especially charts) were derived from some secret formula that was not revealed in the book. If you live and breathe projects then this book may be too fundamental and disjointed. If you are going for your PMP (Project Management Professional) credentials then again this is not the book for you because that is not the purpose of the book. Knowing the subject well you may find the statements too simple and a little degrading.
The bottom line is this is a good book for those that need it. However, the is room for Improvement.
No book can be the end all be all on a subject, especially a subject like Project Management. If you’re a fair idea of what project management is and want a fair overview then this book can work for you. Even if you are in the field and just want a different perspective to chew on then this book can still work. It is full of the obvious so most of the time you will say that is obvious; however, once in a while, there is an obvious that you did not think of. Sometimes looking at a book on a subject a different way you can obtain new insights. Remember there are worlds outside the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge.)
If you thought that the PM was the Prime Minister. Then this book even though it says for dummies can get overwhelming in detail. On the other hand, the examples (especially charts) were derived from some secret formula that was not revealed in the book. If you live and breathe projects then this book may be too fundamental and disjointed. If you are going for your PMP (Project Management Professional) credentials then again this is not the book for you because that is not the purpose of the book. Knowing the subject well you may find the statements too simple and a little degrading.
The bottom line is this is a good book for those that need it. However, the is room for Improvement.
December 17, 2013
Meh. It wasn't bad. I was looking for something a bit more in depth but I guess that's my fault for buying "for dummies". On the plus side, I got this online used at Amazon and it was 25 cents plus three bucks for shipping so I didn't exactly get ripped off.
There are some useful formulas in here that I could use to help evaluate ongoing projects in order to get a different perspective than what I already had but generally I feel like this was written for someone with little to no supervisory experience or training who is suddenly thrust into a project management role and is severely out of the depth. If you're already semi comfortable or more so as a project manager then I would suggest skipping over this book and finding something else more detailed and challenging.
There are some useful formulas in here that I could use to help evaluate ongoing projects in order to get a different perspective than what I already had but generally I feel like this was written for someone with little to no supervisory experience or training who is suddenly thrust into a project management role and is severely out of the depth. If you're already semi comfortable or more so as a project manager then I would suggest skipping over this book and finding something else more detailed and challenging.
March 10, 2011
Was pretty fascinating. I decided since there is so much I want to accomplish in my life, the knowledge in this book might come in handy. It goes over defining the project, who your audience is, breaking down the project into its activities, making network diagrams, estimating budget and timelines, planning for other resources, computer software that can help (weak chapter), team member roles and responsibilities, risk management, tracking progress, communication, leadership and management. It provides a lot of useful information that you could apply to all the parts of your life!
June 4, 2015
I have always had a lot of luck with the "dummies books".
I purchased Project Management For Dummies I thought it would be more about the tools, however they make it very clear that the tools just support the methodology. As a lean practitioners I constantly battle the mindset of tools bring more important than the system, I actually like that philosophy. This was probably the single biggest thing I got out of this book. That and how to transition out of a project when it is complete.
I purchased Project Management For Dummies I thought it would be more about the tools, however they make it very clear that the tools just support the methodology. As a lean practitioners I constantly battle the mindset of tools bring more important than the system, I actually like that philosophy. This was probably the single biggest thing I got out of this book. That and how to transition out of a project when it is complete.
February 16, 2009
A very simple and easy to read book about project management. I would recommend it as a good intro book into project management, but overall, the book lacks substance. Also, I find the Dummies books poorly organized. Furthermore, the book tries too hard to bring project management down to Earth. By the time the book tries to get into some of the basics, the book is pretty much over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews