Project management is more than merely parceling out work assignments to individuals and hoping that they will somehow accomplish a desired result. In fact, projects that could have been successful often fail because of such take-itfor- granted approaches. Individuals need hard information and real skills to work successfully in a project environment and to accomplish project objectives. Successful Project Management was written to equip its users with both—by explaining concepts and techniques and by using numerous examples to show how they can be skillfully applied.

Although the focus of the book is squarely on the practical things readers absolutely need to know to thrive in project environments, the book does not forsake objective learning; it simply challenges readers to think critically about project management principles and to apply them within the context of the real world. We capture lessons learned from years of managing projects, teaching project management, and writing extensively about it.

Successful Project Management is intended for students as well as for working professionals and volunteers. The book is designed to present the essential skills readers need to make effective contributions and to have an immediate impact on the accomplishment of projects in which they are involved. Thus, it supports business and industry’s lifelong learning programs, which develop and train employees to succeed on interdisciplinary and cross-functional teams, and it sends students into the workforce with marketable skills.

Successful Project Management is written for everyone involved in projects, not just project managers. Projects with good or even great project managers still may not succeed, as the best efforts of all involved are essential. All the people on the project team must have the knowledge and skills to work effectively together in a project environment. People do not become project managers by reading books; they become project managers by first being effective project team members. This book provides the foundation individuals need to be effective members of project teams and thereby boosts everyone’s potential to rise to the challenge of managing teams and projects.