Learn step-by-step instructions for managing any project in a clean sequence of five classic
phases-initiating planning executing releasing and closing. This book sets out clearly and
engagingly which tasks need to be done and when how and why they need to be done. Each
chapter on one of the five phases walks you through all the steps in that phase's workflow
which are laid out in a checklist attached to the chapter. The checklists are graphically
supplemented by flow charts and swim lane diagrams. The master checklist serves as a map and
tool for project managers to use in the real world to run projects and keep them on track.
Senior project manager and PM mentor Melanie McBride understands the predicament of beginning
and junior project managers: You're at the edge of a tornado bombarded by overly excited
people offering you a Mission Impossible. Everywhere you look there are cool shiny things
swirling around your head-the earnest coworker telling you to go agile the software package
promising a turnkey collaboration solution the PMO with an arm-long list of required
processes. So how do you avoid getting whacked in the head by that airborne Mac truck of a
customer commit? Oh and what exactly do you need to do to get those flying monkeys to shut up?
Project Management Basics slips the spinning project manager into the eye of the storm where
things are quiet and it's easy to figure out what to do next using the author's detailed
checklists and hard-headed advice. She shows that project management doesn't have to be a
chaotic hot mess leaving you with an egg-beater hairdo. With McBride's book and checklists in
hand even first-time project managers can pull off controlled flying-monkey-free projects.
What You Will Learn See the essential duties of a project manager Master the project management
life cycle in five phases Discover the what when how and why of PM tasks presented in
detailed steps Leverage checklists for optimum efficiency and throughput Adapt workflow
controls to low-PM organizations Enhance PM with vogue methodologies without obscuring the
basics Who This Book Is For Beginning and junior project managers seeking a concise
authoritative guide to the basics of project management together with checklists flow charts
and swim lane diagrams for immediate use in real-world projects.
