Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling

"Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling" by Harold Kerzner is a comprehensive guide to project management, providing a detailed overview of the key concepts, principles, and techniques involved in managing projects effectively. The book covers all aspects of project management, from planning and scheduling to budgeting and risk management, making it an indispensable resource for project managers of all experience levels. 

The book begins by introducing the basic concepts of project management and explaining the key differences between project management and general management. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the organisation's goals and objectives, as well as the project's stakeholders and their requirements, in order to develop a comprehensive project plan that is aligned with the organisation's strategic objectives. 

The next section of the book focuses on the planning phase of project management. The author emphasizes the importance of project planning in ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. The book provides a detailed overview of the key steps involved in project planning, including defining project scope, developing a work breakdown structure, creating a project schedule, and identifying project risks and opportunities. 

The author also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and stakeholder management during the planning phase. He stresses the need for project managers to engage with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, in order to ensure that the project meets their needs and expectations. 

The book then moves on to the execution phase of project management, where the author provides practical guidance on how to manage project teams, monitor project progress, and identify and manage project risks. The author emphasizes the importance of effective project team management, including developing a team culture that emphasizes collaboration and communication, as well as providing team members with the resources and support they need to succeed. 

The author also emphasizes the importance of effective project monitoring and control during the execution phase. He provides practical guidance on how to measure project progress, identify potential issues, and implement corrective actions when necessary. He also highlights the importance of continuous improvement, encouraging project managers to learn from their experiences and incorporate these lessons into future projects. 

The final section of the book focuses on project closure, including the importance of conducting a post-project review to identify areas for improvement and capture lessons learned. The author emphasizes the importance of effective communication and stakeholder management during the closure phase, in order to ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied with the project outcome and that the project team is recognised for their hard work and achievements. 

Overall, "Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling" is an invaluable resource for project managers of all experience levels. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts, principles, and techniques involved in managing projects effectively, and is filled with practical guidance and real-world examples to help readers understand how to apply these concepts in practice. Whether you are a seasoned project manager or new to the field, this book is an essential reference for anyone looking to improve their project management skills and deliver successful projects. 

The key takeaways from this book 

1. The importance of project management methodology: The book stresses the importance of having a systematic approach to project management, including a well-defined methodology that can be applied consistently across different projects. This methodology should be tailored to the specific needs of each project and should include a set of standardised processes, templates, and tools. 

2. The need for effective communication: Effective communication is critical to the success of any project. The book emphasizes the importance of clear and frequent communication between project team members, stakeholders, and sponsors, and provides guidance on how to develop a communication plan and manage communication channels. 

3. The value of risk management: Risk management is an essential part of project management, and the book provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks. It emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to risk management and provides tools and techniques for managing risks throughout the project lifecycle. 

4. The importance of project leadership: Effective project leadership is essential to the success of any project. The book stresses the importance of developing strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate team members, manage conflict, and make difficult decisions. 

5. The benefits of continuous improvement: Continuous improvement is a key theme throughout the book, and the author stresses the importance of learning from past projects and applying those lessons to future projects. The book provides guidance on how to develop a culture of continuous improvement within an organisation and how to use metrics and feedback to drive ongoing improvement.