BOOK REVIEW
Book Title: Fundamentals of Project Management, 4th Ed
Author: Joseph Heagney
Publisher: American Management Association
List Price: $16.95
Format: Softcover, 202 pages
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0-8144-1748-5
Reviewer: Priya Viswanathan
Review Date: August 2023
Introduction
The book “Fundamentals of Project Management” by Joseph Heagney presents as an engaging read with concise explanations for newcomers to learn the fundamental concepts of project management related to planning, creating a project risk plan, developing a workable schedule, project control using earned value analysis and managing team members. Written with great clarity and enthusiasm, however, the book is not comprehensive enough to help you manage a project.
Overview of Book’s Structure
The book starts with an overview of the project management illustrating a realistic project lifecycle and highlighting the common traps an entry level project manager can fall into. The author then discusses the different activities corresponding to 5 phases of project management. Defining the problem, the project needs to solve as part of initiation process, planning of scope and schedule, determining level of risk with appropriate plans, managing a team to get work done, earned value analysis and balancing project performance with the management of the project are discussed in detail. However, the book doesn’t address areas such as developing a workable budget, working with vendors, balancing scope with quality needs, and the recent challenges such as rise of agile development.
Highlights
A lot of practical advice is given throughout the book. The author does a great job of integrating the various processes of project management and getting organized to achieve team building as part of project leadership.
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How to cite this review: Viswanathan, P. (2023). Fundamentals of Project Management, 4th Ed, book review, PM World Journal, Vol. XII, Issue X, October. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pmwj134-Oct2023-Viswanathan-fundamentals-of-project-management-book-review.pdf
About the Reviewer
Priya Viswanathan
Dallas, Texas, USA
Priya Viswanathan is an associate project manager leading R&D projects in the life sciences space. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare sector, her strengths lie in facilitating cross-functional collaborations from different disciplines and delivering projects in an expedient fashion working within meagre budget and resources. She has also presented in over 10+ national conferences including the Society of Neuroscience. She can be contacted at vishy.priya.2021@gmail.com
Editor’s note: This book review was the result of a partnership between the PM World Journal and the PMI Dallas Chapter. Authors and publishers provide books to the PM World Journal; books are delivered to the PMI Dallas Chapter, where they are offered free to PMI members who agree to provide a review within 45 days; book reviews are published in the PM World Journal and PM World Library. After publication, reviewers can claim PDUs for PMP recertification, or continuing education units from other professional bodies.
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