The Incomplete Guide to the Best Project Management Books

Before you say goodbye to the beach and hello to the daily commute, here’s a chance to delve into the dark arts of project management with some, not all (hence the title!), of the best books around and to get yourself a bargain on PRINCE2 books in the process!

1. Passing the PRINCE2 2009 Edition Foundation Exam - A Study Guide, Bert Hedeman, S. Treist, Gabor Van Heemst, Van Haren Publishing, paperback, 154 pages, ISBN: 9789087536220, around the £23 mark. If you’re just starting out on the PRINCE2 route this is worth a peep. Based on the official manual, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, 2009, this guide aims to help you understand PRINCE2 and pass the Foundation exam; it’sbased on the PRINCE2 2009, Syllabus V1.1 and PRINCE2 Foundation exam Candidate Guidance V1.2. In addition to covering the syllabus areas, there’s also a glossary of PRINCE2 terms, guidance for the exam and amultiple choice answer key.
2. PRINCE2 2009 Planning and Control Using Microsoft Project 2010, Kindle Edition, Paul E Harris, Eastwood Harris, ISBN: 978-1-921059-45-2, prices vary.

   Now available in Kindle format and aimed at PRINCE2 professionals, this aims to help you use Microsoft Projectto plan and control PRINCE2 projects successfully. This is a well thought out publication. It details which PRINCE2 processes can be used with MS Project 2010 and how to use thesoftware in managing a project. It provides a practical picture ofhow MS Project may be used to manage programmes, portfolios and projectsin a PRINCE2 environment. The author has also included ahandy list of commands at thestart ofeach chapter.

3. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 Manual, Directing PRINCE2 Projects with PRINCE2 Manual, PRINCE2 Pocket Book, PRINCE2 Process Model, all for £99.

   No guide would be complete without mentioning these definitive guides to PRINCE2 forstudents and experienced professionals alike. So much so, that they’ve got their very own box below which also tells you where you can get them at a great price.

4. The Project Risk Maturity Model: Measuring and Improving Risk Management Capability, Martin Hopkinson, hardback, 264 pages, Gower Publishing, ISBN: 978-0-566-08879-7, about £65.

   Timely, detailed advice and examples to help your company establish an accepted framework to assess and measure its risk management maturity beforefollowing a pathway for improvement. It could also be useful in introducinganin-house risk management system. The accompanying CD withthe QinetiQ Project Risk Maturity Model (RMM) is apractical bonus which allows companies to undertake maturity assessments for projects. A casestudy details its positive impact on major projects.

5. The PMOSIG's Program Management Office Handbook, Craig J. Letavec, Dennis Bolles, hardback, 392 pages, J Ross Publishing, ISBN: 978-1-60427-044-0, about £50.

   Proving that many heads are better than one, this multi-authored, insightful book provides an overview of the PMO for public and private organisations who want to ensure that they achieve business objectives. In addition to strategies and case studiesit also specifies the tools, techniques and processes that create a successful and developing PMO. On a practical level, a very useful range of templates is available from the Web Added Value Download Resource Center at www.jrosspub.com.

6. Project Sponsorship: An Essential Guide for Those Sponsoring Projects Within Their Organizations, David West, WSP Management Solutions, UK, paperback, 256 pages,Gower Publishing,ISBN: 978-0-566-08888-9, aroundthe £25.00 mark.

   Whether you’re an old or new hand at the project sponsorship game, this book provides a comprehensive overview. Divided into three sections, the first looks at the nature of sponsorship and sponsors, the second examines duties and skills and the third section provides an understanding of project management. With its exercises, examples and case histories from real world of projects, this book manages to give you an idea of the overall thinking and the practical know-how that are needed to becomea successful sponsor.

7. Due out on 15 March 2012:PRINCE2 Study Guide, David Hinde, paperback, 544 pages.

   John Wiley & Sons Inc, ISBN: 9781119970781. More information will be available nearer the time, you can pre-order from various book shops.

PRINCE2 Special Bargain Bundle for £99!

Yup, you read it right! This must-have PRINCE2 Study Pack is a great addition to the collections of both students and experienced project managers alike. For £99 you get all the official literature you need to pass both the Foundation and Practitioner examinations, and great guides to dip into at any time to refresh your memory.

Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2: 2009 Edition, Manual, OGC, paperback,342 pages, TSO, ISBN: 9780113310593, £75. This outlines the principles, themes and processes that enable individuals and organisations to deliver their projects within time, cost and quality constraints.

Directing PRINCE2 Projects with PRINCE2: 2009 Edition, Manual, OGC, paperback, 166 pages, TSO, ISBN: 0113310609, £45. A role specific handbook for senior managers and project board members, it describes how to oversee projects being managed using PRINCE2. The guide sets PRINCE2 in the wider context of project management (but still non-specific for industry sector) and describes or cross-references techniques which support the PRINCE2 method.

PRINCE2 Pocketbook: 2009 Edition, OGC, paperback, 81 pages, TSO, ISBN: 9780113311910, £35 – pack of 10 (£3.50 each from ILX). This is in line with the 'Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2'. It’s a great reference tool for trained PRINCE2 Practitioners who are familiar with the method and the terminology. This title should be used in conjunction with Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 which contains full details of the method.

PRINCE2 Process Model, OGC, wallchart, 2 pages, ILX, ISBN: 9780954488482, up to £5.95. Our very own PRINCE2 Process Model Poster contains a reference matrix showing where PRINCE2 products relate to the various processes as well as a comprehensive process flow model. The map is colourful for easy use and provides a simple reference for anyone involved in a PRINCE2 project.

Useful Links:

• The Office of Government Commerce website offers a serious and authoritative view on PRINCE2.
• APMG can direct you to accredited training providers and a wealth of useful information.
• APM aims to advance the science of project management and has its own qualifications such as the APMP Introductory Certificate in Project Management, the APM Practitioner Certificate and the APMP Qualification for PRINCE2 Practitioners.
• If you’re looking for PRINCE2 course then have a look at theworld-class e-learningprovided by ILX. Don’t forget to take a look at our mobile learning programmes and our PRINCE2 Live Virtual Classroom Training.
• For a comprehensive view of what world-class e-learning looks like head to ILX and try it out for yourself. Don’t forget to try the mobile learning programmes.
• For resources and downloads that will help your exam preparation and your project management career, go to the ILX Downloads page.
• Collaboration is the key in e-learning so don’t forget to have a look at some of the tools that can help you improve your learning and your performance at work.
• The PRINCE2 forum is a great place to throw out ideas, ask questions or merely visit to see what people are talking about.
• And, finally, there’s our Best Practice Bookstore which serves all your PRINCE2 needs.