Project Planning, Scheduling and Control : A Hands-on Guide to Bringing Projects in on Time and on Budget

Project Planning, Scheduling and Control is an applications-oriented guide for anyone for any type of project-from information systems, construction, and engineering to product development, marketing, and manufacturing. This completely revised edition addresses key issues in continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Additionally, Dr. Lewis has added a set of questions at the end of each chapter so that the reader may test his or her understanding of the subject matter. Specific topics addressed include: how to decide if project management is needed; setting up the seven components of a project management system; applying the method of paired comparison to establish priorities and objectives; the eight areas for planning and the project manager's role.

Practical, Proven, and Down-to-Earth Guidance for Effective Project Management

First published in 1991, Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control has become the standard guidebook for achieving real-world project management success. Renowned for its non-theoretical exploration of the techniques—and even more important, the flexibility—required in day-to-day project management situations, this unique step-by-step book provides principles that apply to every phase of guiding a project to its successful conclusion.

Thoroughly updated to encompass the tremendous technological and workplace changes of the past decade—with exceptional illustrations and graphics to illuminate key points—this clearly written, applications-oriented project management blueprint reveals easy-to-follow guidelines for: * Maintaining control of multiple simultaneous projects * Dealing with the "people" issues involved in project teams * Developing a workable project methodology

Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control is much more than just a static, one-size-fits-all answer book. Keeping the focus on state-of-the-art approaches for managing the whole project—as opposed to simply presenting yesterday’s well-worn jargon—it shows you how to view a project from all angles, and teaches you the principles necessary to solve a wide variety of project-related difficulties.

"My purpose in life has been to translate topics that may be a bit difficult into understandable, bite-size pieces that people can digest. This has become my trademark...and I hope it will remain so." —From the Preface

In Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control, 3rd Edition, James P. Lewis—one of the top experts and best-known authors in the timely project management field—outlines a well-ordered system for project management, and continues his trademark approach of providing professional guidance that is down-to-earth, readable, and understandable. This start-to-finish template explains the core methods, principles, and practices of project management, and is of immense value for anyone who needs to meet ISO performance criteria, achieve top performance, and attain specified project goals—every time.

No other authority has contributed as much to the project management discipline as Jim Lewis. From discussing the role of the project manager and drawing up the steps to develop an implementation plan through explaining the latest psychological findings in motivation and leadership, Lewis lays out a detailed roadmap for completing any project on time, within budget, and at the desired result level.

Whether you are experienced at managing simultaneous projects or have just received your first critical assignment, Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control will show you how to: * Develop a methodology—using the Lewis Method flow chart—that is standardized for ease of use, yet unique enough to achieve each project’s specific goals * Understand and utilize the tools of project management—work breakdown structures, PERT, CPM, earned value analysis, Gantt schedules, and more * Combine management and leadership proactively, satisfying the needs of both your organization and your coworkers involved in the project

Key points boxes...Questions for review...Examples, quotes, and passages to illuminate important principles...Further resources and references...Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control remains the most complete available overview of the core methods, principles, and practices of managing projects. It is the complete guidebook for professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and insight—and advance their careers.