BOOK REVIEW
Book Title: Contemporary Project Management: Plan-Driven and Agile Approaches, 5th Edition
Author: Timothy J. Kloppenborg, Vittal S. Anantatmula, Kathryn N. Wells
Publisher: Cengage
List Price: $115.49 (hard cover); $48.49 (eTexbook)
Format: Hardcover, Texbook, eTexbook, paperback
Publication Date: 2023
ISBN: 978-0-357-71573-4
Reviewer: Joseph Dziurman
Review Date: January 2023
Introduction
Contemporary Project Management: Plan-Driven and Agile Approaches (5e) authored by Timothy J. Kloppenborg, Vittal S Anantatmula, and Kathryn N. Wells, and published by Cengage has been recently released. This book was published at an opportune time to assist in bridging the gap between the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) 6e and the updated version seven. This book aims to aid readers in developing a robust foundation in traditional, process-based project management skills, as detailed in the previous versions of the PMBOK, while also highlighting the newly added Agile approaches and the seventh edition’s principle-based standards clearly and concisely.
In addition, this new version includes fresh content from the 2021 PMP exam update, and 150 PMP-style questions at the end of each chapter. There are also examples from numerous project managers who possess decades of experience, various project management credentials, and authored their own professional books on specific and relevant aspects of project management.
Overview of Book’s Structure
Contemporary Project Management: Plan-Driven and Agile Approaches breaks down 616 pages into 15 chapters that are subdivided into four parts; Part 1: Organizing Projects, Part 2: Leading Projects, Part 3: Planning Projects, and Part 4: Performing Projects.
Part 1 is primarily concerned with project charters, which are how projects are officially approved. In Part 2 the reader is introduced to the various project environments, roles, and working with team members and project stakeholders. As the reader moves into Part 3, they are introduced to project planning as outlined in PMBOK 6e with a strong focus on the interconnectedness and overlap of the different knowledge areas and processes. Part 4 introduces the reader to the politics of managing a project throughout its lifecycle, such as procurement, results, control, and how to close out a completed project.
Included in each chapter are a list of chapter-specific objectives, a PMBOK Guide 6e coverage table, and a glossary of the Delivery Principles and Performance Domains introduced in PMBOK Guide 7e. Additionally, each chapter concludes with key terms, chapter review, discussion, PMP exam questions, and integrated example projects that provide the student with real world scenarios to help provide context for the material presented.
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How to cite this review: Dziurman, J. (2023). Contemporary Project Management: Plan-Driven and Agile Approaches, book review, PM World Journal, Vol. XII, Issue IV, April. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pmwj128-Apr2023-Dziurman-Contemporary-Project-Management-book-review.pdf
About the Reviewer
Joseph R. Dziurman
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Joseph R. Dziurman has had a varied career, having worked in multiple industries over the years, with a primary focus on hospitality management. In 2014 Joe made a significant career shift to the field of Information Security. Due to his extensive experience in standard and operational management, Joe’s transition into Project Management was a logical progression. In 2021, Joe obtained his Certified Associate Project Manager certification from the Project Management Institute and has been actively working towards acquiring his Project Management Professional certification. Joe’s diverse background and certification demonstrate his commitment to continuing professional development and highlights his potential as a skilled and knowledgeable project management professional.
Joe can be contacted at dziurmanj@pm.me
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