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