Reported by David Shannon in LondonWorking in any field these days often means working on projects.
Elizabeth Harrin’s new book P
roject Management in the Real World points out gaps in project management theory and offers readers practical suggestions for how to manage their projects better.
Project Management in the Real World contains over 50 case studies – some of projects that went well, some of projects that went badly – plus a discussion of what readers can take from that experience."I wanted the book to be a shortcut to learning what makes projects successful,” says Harrin."Theory is useful, but my research shows experience is what really counts at the end of the day."
"Getting things done takes more than knowing the theory,” Harrin says."I interviewed dozens of project managers and everyone told me that you have to be flexible. Rigidly sticking to a methodology won't necessarily help you deliver your project on time and on budget."
Harrin's book is intended to influence the way project managers do their jobs - for the better. "Projects are always in the news, especially public spending projects," she adds."The more we can do to improve standards across the profession, the better it will be for everyone. Theory and qualifications are a good starting point but sharing our experiences and learning what works in the real world is even better."
Elizabeth Harrin, BA (Hons), MA, MBCS (pictured) is an author and project manager living and working in London. She has nearly a decade of experience in financial services projects. Elizabeth has led a variety of IT and process improvement projects including e-commerce and communications developments. She is also experienced in managing business change, having spent eight years working in financial services (including two based in Paris, France). She writes the irreverent blog A Girl’s Guide to Managing Projects (
www.pm4girls.co.uk) which has been nominated this month for a Computer Weekly IT Blog Award.
Project Management in the Real World is published by the British Computer Society (BCS) in UK and distributed by Viva Group (India).ISBN:1-902505-81-6; Price: Rs. 325 (India) £ 24.95 (UK). For more information, contact the author at
elizabeth@elizabeth-harrin.com or Mohit Soni at
vivadelhi@vivagroupindia.net.
David Shannon
International Correspondent – UKBased in London
David Shannon is an International Correspondent for PMForum and PM World Today in the United Kingdom (UK). Mr. Shannon is also Managing Director of Oxford Project Management Ltd., a UK-based project management advisory and consulting firm. David has a Natural Sciences degree and MA degree from Oxford University (Oriel College), and a Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from the Association of Certified Accountants in the UK. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultancy, Honorary Fellow of the Association for Project Management (APM), and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institute of Directors, and British Quality Foundation. He is a lifetime member of the Oxford Business Alumni. David has over 40 years of experience on programmes and projects thoughout the UK, Africa and the Middle East. He was an internal management consultant for the World Bank during 1985-1987. David has been Branch Chairman, Director, Deputy Chairman, Head of Professional Board, SIG Coordinator and Interim Chief Executive of APM, and was intimately involved in developing APM’s Guidance on Project Management Governance. David Shannon is based in London and can be contacted at David.Shannon@opmg.co.uk. |
|
