In today's time-pressured, cost-conscious global business environment, tight project deadlines and stringent expectations are the norm.Project Management For Dummies shows business professionals what works and what doesn't by examining the field's best practices. You can learn how to organise, estimate, and schedule projects more efficiently. Discover how to manage deliverables, issue changes, assess risks, maintain communications, and live up to expectations by making the most of the latest technology and software and by avoiding common problems that can trip up even the best project managers.

This adaptation includes:

The latest methods to manage resources and stay on track and within budgetCoverage for dealing with the pros and cons of virtual teamsTips and information on setting realistic expectations and meeting everyones needsMethods and strategies to get tasks done with minimal staffTips and advice for motivating a project teamThe latest concepts and fundamentals behind best-practice project management techniquesThe mindset and skill set of todays most effective project managerswhat it really takes to guarantee a successful projectInformation on how to involve project audiences by conducting a Stakeholder AnalysisTrends and tough project typesAssessment tools to determine strengths and weaknesses for everything from choosing software to selecting a project teamTactics for team motivation and the hottest risk management strategies

Nick Graham is a director of the consultancy and training company he founded, Inspirandum Ltd, and is a member of the Association for Project Management and of the Institute of Directors. His consultancy work has ranged from helping plan complex projects to advising senior managers on how to implement project management approaches. Nick delivers highly practical project training for companies, charities and public sector organisations throughout the UK, and worldwide.

Stanley E. Portny is a project management consultant and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He has provided training and consultation to more than 150 public and private organisations, and has developed and conducted training programmes for more than 50,000 management and staff.

Introduction.

Part I: Understanding Projects and What You Want to Achieve.

Chapter 1:Project Management: The Key to Achieving Results.

Chapter 2: Thinking Through the Life of Your Project.

Chapter 3: Defining the Project and Producing a Business Case.

Chapter 4: Knowing Your Projects Stakeholders.

Part II: Building the Plans.

Chapter 5: Planning with Deliverables First.

Chapter 6: You Want This Project Done When?

Chapter 7: Looking At Staf f Resources.

Chapter 8: Planning for Other Resources and Developing the Budget.

Chapter 9: Planning at Different Times and Levels.

Chapter 10: Venturing into the Unknown: Dealing with Risk and Uncertainty.

Part III: Putting Your Management Team Together.

Chapter 11: Organising the Project.

Chapter 12: Working With Teams and Specialists.

Chapter 13: Being an Ef fective Leader.

Part IV: Steering the Project to Success.

Chapter 14: Tracking Progress and Staying in Control.

Chapter 15: Keeping Everyone Informed.

Chapter 16: Bringing Your Project to Closure.

Part V: Taking Your Project Management to the Next Level.

Chapter 17: Managing Multiple Projects.

Chapter 18: Using Technology to Up Your Game.

Chapter 19: Monitoring Project Performance with Earned Value Management.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 20: Ten Questions to Ask Yourself as You Plan Your Project.

Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Writing a Convincing Business Case.

Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Being a Better Project Manager.

Index.