BOOK REVIEW
Book Title: The Silver Lining of Project Uncertainties
Author: Thomas G. Lecher, Ting Gao, Barbara Edington
Publisher: Project Management Institute
List Price: $24.95
Format: soft cover or eBook, 124 pages
Publication Date: 2013
ISBN: 978-1-62825-032-9
Reviewer: Phoebe Were, PMP, MBA
Review Date: January 2023
Introduction
This book is an exploratory study that characterizes opportunities and uncertainties occurring during project implementation. The presented research pinpoints some causes of project uncertainties and the relationship to project opportunities. Overall, the aim of the book is to provide both a theoretical and practical perspectives with the goal of contributing to the project management literature and have direct implications for the training and education of project managers.
Overview of Book’s Structure
The study used case studies and data collection from 41 projects. The book is structured by first building the foundation for the research components including the conceptual foundation for using the case studies. Next, both research methods and case study conclusions are outlined followed by the implications to project management education and practical practice. The authors also conclude the book by pointing out limitations to their study and suggestions for additional research.
Highlights
As a practitioner I valued the implications for project management practice outlined in the book. Several suggested approaches presented are immediately applicable and can be implemented into work practices. This also applies to the studies used from an educational training standpoint. Ultimately, this study contributes to the paradigm shift of how project risks are evaluated-including viewing the unknowns-unknowns of projects instead as opportunities.
Highlights: What I liked!
I appreciated how the authors highlighted implications for practical project management practice. One example presented was the approach suggested when project uncertainty occurs, which is to identify opportunities that affect the value position of a project.
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How to cite this review: Were, Phoebe (2023). The Silver Lining of Project Uncertainties, book review, PM World Journal, Vol. XII, Issue III, March. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pmwj127-Mar2023-Were-silver-lining-of-project-uncertainties-book-review.pdf
About the Reviewer
Phoebe Were
Fort Worth, Texas
Phoebe Were is a Texas native who has a love for cooking, traveling, creating structure and organization to her home, projects and more. She has over ten (10) years of Healthcare experience and was PMP certified in early 2022. She can be contacted at phoebe_were@yahoo.com
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