The views expressed in these introductory reviews are strictly those of Max Wideman.
The contents of the books under review are the copyright property of the respective authors.
Published here July 2013

Introduction to the Books
Book 1 - Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage
Introduction | Table of Contents | General Observations and Recommendations
Book 2 - 101 Project Management Problems and How to Solve Them
Introduction | Table of Contents | General Observations and Recommendations
Book 3 - Rescue the Problem Project
Introduction | Table of Contents | General Observations and Recommendations

Book 1 - Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage Second Edition, by Jeffrey K. Pinto, 2010

Introduction

This is one of the best books that we have read in a very long time. This hard cover book has an unusually large footprint at 8.75"x11", uses a small font on thin, high quality paper stock. At 460 pages, it covers an immense amount of ground. It is also comprehensive, thorough and genuinely encompasses all of the well-known Areas of Project Management Application.

It is designed as an instructional companion to an advanced training course in project management. As such, it presents an exciting view of the subject by providing an extensive array of real case studies, several profiles of project managers in practice, and examples and studies culled from the media and knowledgeable sources. Many of the case examples are illustrated with photos that bring the subject to life, not to mention the odd Dilbert cartoons to add a touch of humor. While the book is designed for class instruction, it also makes an excellent source of reference for professionally engaged project practitioners.

The case studies illustrate the application of project management at its best - and its worst. Students are expected to analyze these examples and discuss how they relate to the preceding subject material, what might have been done for the better, and why.

In his Preface, Jeff observes that:

"This text takes a holistic, integrated approach to managing projects, exploring both technical and managerial challenges. It emphasizes not only individual project execution, but also provides a strategic perspective, demonstrating means to manage projects at the program and portfolio levels."[1]

He adds that:

"Students in project management classes come from a wide and diverse cross section of university majors and career tracks. Schools of health, business, architecture, engineering, information systems, and hospitality are all adding project management courses to their catalogs in response to the demands from organizations and professional groups who see its value for students' future careers. Why? Because we now live in a 'projectized' world. In fact, project management has become an integral part of practically every firm's business model."[2]

To those just beginning their study of project management, Jeff observes:

"Most of you will be running a project long before you are given wider management responsibilities in your organization. Successful project managers are the lifeblood of organizations and bear the imprint of the fast track!"[3]

About the author

Dr. Jeffrey (Jeff) Pinto is a Professor of Management at Penn State University and has a long history of association with project management. He is the author or coauthor of a large number of books on the subject. In 1997 and 2001 he received the Project Management Institute's Distinguished Contribution Award and in 2009 PMI's Research Achievement Award. At an earlier time he acted as Editor of the Project Management Journal. In those days, all PMI publications were assembled by voluntary effort. Jeff may be reached at "Dr. Jeff Pinto" jkp4@psu.edu

Introduction to the Books  Introduction to the Books

1. Pinto, Jeffrey K., Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage, 2nd Edition, 2010, page xv
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid, p xx
 
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