Project Management: Fast Track to Success, CourseSmart eTextbook

Whether you've just started your career and want to know how to progress to the next level, or you are an experienced manager aspiring to a more senior position, Fast Track has the answers. Project management is no longer the preserve of the specialist. Effective managers now recognize that most operational activities aimed at achieving key team objectives can and should be considered projects and managed accordingly. Typically these projects will range from: complex operational tasks, one-off initiatives such as moving offices or installing a new IT system, to the development of new products and services. However, while many of the traditional project management principles still apply, most tools and techniques need to be adapted and simplified to make them relevant to modern businesses. For those that master these new skills, exciting career opportunities lie ahead that will accelerate functional managers into new areas. This book presents an integrated approach that will accelerate your project management skills, not just in getting tasks done, but in planning complete projects and managing your team to deliver the best possible outcomes.

The Fast Track Way     vii

About the Authors     x

A Word of Thanks from the Authors     xii

Project Management Fast Track     xiv

How To Use This Book     xviii

Fast-Track-Me.com     xix

A AWARENESS     1

1 Project Management in a Nutshell     5

2 Project Management Audit     19

B BUSINESS FAST TRACK     29

3 Fast Track Top Ten     33

4 Technologies     71

5 Implementing Change     89

C CAREER FAST TRACK     103

6 The First Ten Weeks     107

7 Leading the Team     131

8 Getting to the Top     153

D DIRECTOR’S TOOLKIT     169

T1 Team Project Management Audit     173

T2 Planning Techniques     179

T3 Critical Path Analysis     191

T4 Risk Management     197

The Fast Track Way     201

Glossary     203

Index     209