Book Review
Book title: Mastering Agile Project Management
Author: Almas Issayev
Publisher: Ajprint.kz
List price: $14.99
Format: Hardcover; 92 pages
Publication date: January 2025
ISBN: 978-6018116568
Reviewer: Nursultan Sitmagambetov, MSc, CAPM
Review date: May 2025
Introduction
The author of this book – Mr. Almas Issayev offers a concise, experience-driven guide in Mastering Agile Project Management, demonstrating how Agile methodologies can be effectively applied across industries beyond the realm of software development. The book addresses professionals directly through its clear practical language to present a structured adaptable framework that produces results in current volatile project conditions. Based on his twelve years at Chevron’s business unit – Tengizchevroil where he successfully implemented Agile, Mr. Issayev presents a personalized transformation path that works for all organizations.
Overview of Book’s Structure
The book consists of ten chapters alongside two bonus sections and an appendix. The book starts with basic Agile principles before moving on to planning and execution followed by communication and scaling before concluding with best practices and tools. The author organizes each chapter so that they naturally follow one another which makes the material available to readers who are new to Agile. Key structural elements include clear chapter themes such as “Executing Agile Projects” or “Delivering Quality at Speed,” real-world examples from industries like oil & gas and marketing, visual aids including user story maps and stakeholder grids, and bonus chapters exploring the use of AI and Agile’s application in energy-sector projects.
Highlights
The book stands out for its successful attempt to apply Agile principles beyond software development. Through his expertise the author shows how Agile principles can transform into oil & gas operations where both flexible and iterative approaches clash with strict safety standards. The book presents concrete management principles through familiar tools such as the Power-Interest Grid and the RACI matrix which simplify complex management concepts. The second major benefit of his work stems from his discussion of hybrid project environments where traditional and Agile methods coexist. The author demonstrates knowledge about enterprise environments by recognizing Agile needs integration with existing traditional project management frameworks. The book provides additional value through leadership and team motivation and conflict resolution materials because Agile success requires equal attention to people and processes. The bonus sections particularly deliver value to readers through their examination of future Agile directions including artificial intelligence applications.
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How to cite this review: Sitmagambetov, N. (2025). Mastering Agile Project Management, book review, PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue VI, June. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pmwj153-Jun2025-Sitmagambetov-Mastering-Agile-Project-Management-book-review.pdf
About the Reviewer
Nursultan Sitmagambetov
Astana, Kazakhstan
Constanta, Romania
Mr. Nursultan Sitmagambetov holds an MSc in Project Management and Innovation from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK, and a BEng in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Aberdeen. He is an accomplished project management professional with approximately ten years of experience in both upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. Currently, he serves as Deputy Director of the Project Management Department at Rompetrol in Constanța, Romania, where he oversees a portfolio of capital growth and asset integrity projects.
Mr. Sitmagambetov began his career in drilling operations, later transitioning into project roles of increasing responsibility. His multidisciplinary background and international education have positioned him well to lead complex, high-impact initiatives. In addition to his professional responsibilities, he is an active member of the PMI Romania Chapter, where he contributes to the global project management community as a mentor and reviewer.
Nursultan can be contacted at NSitmagambetov@pmiqaz.org
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