IT projects comprise a particularly difficult niche of project management. The field is so new, and IT professionals’ proficiencies vary widely. The technology quickly evolves, so what was true about project management a few years ago might not be relevant soon thereafter. Personalities can also pose a problem since software developers aren’t reputed to be the most personable workers. In this textbook, impressively in a ninth edition, Kathy Schwalbe provides sage advice by summarizing the entire profession. It can serve as a more-than-adequate guide for those relatively new to the profession, like me.
I’ve worked as a software developer for decades and have managed my personal projects for some time. However, I’m moving into a role of guiding others. This book helped me emotionally distance myself from my personal routines and refocus on how I can serve others to add real value through IT practices. I especially benefitted from sections on stakeholder management and project quality management. Since I’ve never managed the financials of a project, the sections on cost were supremely beneficial, too. Even though the terminology caused me to slow down somtimes, Schwalbe’s prose was not too overwhelming.
A lot of books focus on one topic in IT project management or general project management. Other books take a more relational approach based on practical experience. This book does neither; instead, it provides a comprehensive overview of the field in an academic manner. That’s why it’s a mainstay in the field and could see a tenth edition sometime. IT will continue to add business value over coming decades, and this book will teach interested readers to leverage it to benefit their organizations and customers.