Project Management Absolute Beginner's Guide

by Gregory M. Horine

Succeed as a project manager, even if you’ve never run a project before! This book is the fastest way to master every project management task, from upfront budgeting and scheduling through execution, managing teams through closing projects, and learning from experience. Updated for the latest web-based project management tools and the newest version of PMP certification, this book will show you exactly how to get the job done, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. Project management has never, ever been this simple! Who knew how simple Project Management could be? This is today’s best beginner’s guide to modern project management… simple, practical instructions for succeeding with every task you’ll need to perform! Here’s a small sample of what you’ll • Master the key skills and qualities every project manager needs • Lead projects, don’t just “manage” them • Avoid 15 most common mistakes new project managers make • Learn from troubled, successful, and “recovered” projects • Set the stage for success by effectively defining your project • Build a usable project plan and an accurate work breakdown structure (WBS) • Create budgets and schedules that help you manage risk • Use powerful control and reporting techniques, including earned value management • Smoothly manage project changes, issues, risks, deliverables, and quality • Manage project communications and stakeholder expectations • Organize and lead high-performance project teams • Manage cross-functional, cross-cultural, and virtual projects • Work successfully with vendors and Project Management Offices • Make the most of Microsoft Project and new web-based alternatives • Get started with agile and “critical chain” project management

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Management, Personal Development, Reference

429 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2012

Reviews

[Daniel Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as an excellent entry point for those new to project management, breaking down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-follow explanations. It covers essential topics like planning, scheduling, communication, and risk management with clarity and practical examples that help beginners build confidence. The structure is logical and approachable, making it a useful reference as well as a learning tool. However, readers with more experience may find it too basic, as it lacks advanced strategies and in-depth exploration of modern methodologies. Overall, it is a reliable foundation for novices but limited for seasoned professionals seeking deeper insights.

[Sojharo Mangi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good beginner-friendly guide to project management. It can be used as a checklist as well whenever you are starting a new project. However, for beginners there are absolutely no real-world examples given. Also, you won't find the samples or templates of documents which are required for a project and are explained in this book. Overall, it is very easy to read and one can enjoy the book along with learning.

[Kris Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book for Project Management

This is a great book for project managers at any level. It covers all of the basics as well as goes in to great detail in several areas. If you are just starting out it will provide good understanding and methods. If you are a long time project manager it will refresh unused knowledge areas and provide tips to improve your skills.

[Daniel Jodzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very user-friendly format makes this one of the best books on this subject.

[Carol Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Textbook for an introduction to project management. Good information in a readable format - just not much visual interest.

[Kevin Buckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just starting this - -- doesn't exactly make me feel like it will be a quick read -- couple chapters here a couple there....

[Hadi Aleid · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book can't teach to be a project manager.

Better to read PMP prep by Rita Mulcahy.