Information Systems Project Management: How to Deliver Function and Value in Information Technology Projects

When an IT project goes wrong, everyone wants to blame the project manager. To prevent that unwanted result, a savvy project manager must be sure that the project is justified and then provide a solution that achieves expectations.

Information Systems Project Management is the complete guide for helping systems project managers live up to their responsibilities. Put to practice, it will produce major gains by helping create projects that provide real benefits, with team members who know how to deliver value and are imbued with enthusiasm and high morale.

This honest and thoroughly detailed book takes the reader through every step of the project management process. It gives a realistic account of project management in a corporate environment, including how office politics affect the project manager. And all the information is presented with checklists and examples drawn from actual IT projects.

"It’s common in the IT industry to hear of project disasters: overdue products, blown budget estimates, and dismal results. And the root cause of most of these commonplace disasters is the simple fact that people skilled in the technical aspects of a project are often not prepared to manage them.

Managing projects requires expert skill in managing budgets, people, and processes. It requires someone who is proficient in project management -- especially in the highly complex, project-driven IT industry. Information Systems Project Management gives you the powerful tips and tools you need to deliver results.

A definitive resource for IT professionals, the second edition of Information Systems Project Management uses clear language and real-world examples to guide you through each key step of understanding the project, defining it, planning it, and running it--and bringing it to completion. And the book shows you how to steer clear of pitfalls that can quickly derail your project, including scope changes that are not adequately defined, tracked, and managed; poor planning, especially planning that overlooks project activities; and an overabundance of technology tools, which often results in decreased productivity.

Plus, the second edition comes complete with all-new sections on how to: * manage projects when you’re also a team participant * define the proper objective * get your projects off to a good start * understand a variety of system-development life cycles * plan for a smooth project implementation * and complete a project cleanly, from capturing lessons learned to administrative closeout. The book is also packed with new checklists, worksheets, and action plans for dozens of ""what-if"" scenarios.

Whether your project entails implementing major packages, upgrading hardware, designing a technology architecture, or developing a systems strategic plan, Information Systems Project Management helps you successfully deliver your projects on time, on budget, and with desired results."