Book Review by Larry Marks of Sidestep Complexity, Project Management for Small-and Medium-Sized Sized Organizations by Philip R. Diab

 

For a process to manage projects, programs and portfolios for enterprises sizes less than 1000 employees, a user or project manager should reference the PMBOK, PMI body of project management knowledge in terms of directing, organizing and controlling a project, irregardless of category, whether systems or not. That is the usual practice. Instead, the author supplied us with a primer to get us started and to reference the PMBOK to fill in the gaps in knowledge or assistance in those circumstances. This is not a top heavy, lingo-based  book of knowledge.

The author provides screenshots of templates which can be used to manage projects towards success. These templates  consist of status reports, change history control log. It is a good read and references the basic execution and controlling templates. I found it helpful since it refreshed my knowledge and referenced the key artifacts that I should use ikn managing projects at a small firm. The challenge is that these templates and metrics towards measuring success hav e to be tempered in a smaller size environment with less bureaucracy, and amplification of egos and political differences. These challenges of cooperation affecting performance occur in all firms, irregardless of size, but tips towards their alleviation are not mentioned. The book would have been one step better also if exhibits of the templates were supplied by the author.

The bottom line for recommending or using this book is that the author provides the key guidance one needs in managing projects at a smaller or even larger firm. These are universal in their application. They are:

• Know Your culture
• Get Your Mind Straight
• Champion the Vision
• Establish the buy-in
• Build Unconventional Leadership
• Master the Basics
• Tool Time
• Define Success (along with metrics and reporting process)
• Understand Your Stakeholders’ Needs
• Focus on the Big Picture.

These principles will not help you pass the PMP exam, but will ensure that you are process-oriented and pointed strategically and tactically towards ensuring success.  Bravo, Philip Diab!

Book Review by Larry Marks of Sidestep Complexity, Project Management for Small-and Medium-Sized Sized Organizations by Philip R. Diab

For a process to manage projects, programs and portfolios for enterprises sizes less than 1000 employees, a user or project manager should reference the PMBOK, PMI body of project management knowledge in terms of directing, organizing and controlling a project, irregardless of category, whether systems or not. That is the usual practice. Instead, the author supplied us with a primer to get us started and to reference the PMBOK to fill in the gaps in knowledge or assistance in those circumstances. This is not a top heavy, lingo-based  book of knowledge.

The author provides screenshots of templates which can be used to manage projects towards success. These templates  consist of status reports, change history control log. It is a good read and references the basic execution and controlling templates. I found it helpful since it refreshed my knowledge and referenced the key artifacts that I should use ikn managing projects at a small firm. The challenge is that these templates and metrics towards measuring success hav e to be tempered in a smaller size environment with less bureaucracy, and amplification of egos and political differences. These challenges of cooperation affecting performance occur in all firms, irregardless of size, but tips towards their alleviation are not mentioned. The book would have been one step better also if exhibits of the templates were supplied by the author.

The bottom line for recommending or using this book is that the author provides the key guidance one needs in managing projects at a smaller or even larger firm. These are universal in their application. They are:

• Know Your culture
• Get Your Mind Straight
• Champion the Vision
• Establish the buy-in
• Build Unconventional Leadership
• Master the Basics
• Tool Time
• Define Success (along with metrics and reporting process)
• Understand Your Stakeholders’ Needs
• Focus on the Big Picture.

These principles will not help you pass the PMP exam, but will ensure that you are process-oriented and pointed strategically and tactically towards ensuring success.  Bravo, Philip Diab!