Koorosh KheirkhahConstruction Project Manager| AS Pars Engineering Co.Tehran, Tehran, Iran (Islamic Republic of)
- Howard Kerzner is a must, "Project Management, a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling."
- Eric Verzuh's "The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management", 3rd edition, is a good read and reference.
- The whole collection of ISO, IEEE, and IEC standards and guidelines.
- MIL-STD-881C is great reference for Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
- Andy Crowe's "The PMP Exam, How to pass on your first try", 4th edition.
- Rita Mulcahy's "PMP Exam Prep",
- Leadership Is An Art by Max De Pree
-The McGraw-Hill 36- Hour Course-Project Management by Helen S.Cooke and Karen Tate Saving Changes...
Harlan BridgesConsultant, Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Program Manager, Project Manager| EntrepreneurSeguin, Tx, United States
Are you looking for a book with practical application for project management, something to help pass the PMP exam, or theoretical knowledge?
The PMBOK is not good for learning the practical application of PM. That's not its purpose. It is a codification of best practices and provides little guidance on practical application. Most books written about project management have the same focus.
Many of the books recommended in other posts here are great for the theory side of PM, for instance Howard Kerzner's books.
If you are looking for assistance/knowledge in practical application of PM, don't focus on standards, best practice books, etc. Focus on leadership, people skills and how to apply project management skills.
Try these:
Streetwise Project Management by Michael S. Dobson
Project Management for Dummies by Stanley E. Portnoy
Head First PMP by Jennifer Greene, PMP and Andrew Stellman, PMP - although this is book is PMBOK centric, it teaches the PMBOK with a real world focus.
These books do a great job of demonstrating the application of project management in real life.
Hope this helps
For assistance with practical application of project management, try Saving Changes...
Renee GalligherIT Project Manager 3, PMP, ICP| Idaho State Board of EducationMeridian, Id, United States
There are so many excellent books. One of my favorites is "Project Manager's Portable Handbook" by David I. Cleland and Lewis R. Ireland. This was a recommendation by my mentor and I carry it almost everywhere as a quick reference and update. I'd also recommend Head First PMP by Greene & Stellman. I used the Head First, along with the PMBOK to help me pass the PMP exam. The great thing about the Head First book is that it's full of graphic examples and quick exercises to help you master the toughest concept/practice such as EV. Another source for excellent PM based books is web site projectmanagementbookstore.com. Saving Changes...
Shoaib AhmedProgram Manager| Eagle Technology GroupWellington, New Zealand
If you are in IT, the best Project Management book I have come across is "The Mythical Man Month" by Fred Brooks Jr. Thoroughly recommend it. Saving Changes...
