Gower Handbook of Project Management

Gower Handbook of Project Management
  • Edition: Fourth Edition
  • Edited by J Rodney Turner

  • This book is intended as a handbook for project management practitioners. It gives an introduction to, and overview of, the essential knowledge required for managing projects. A team of experienced practitioners have been selected to introduce the reader to the knowledge and skills required to manage projects. There are four parts:

    • Projects: describing the context of projects in organizations, and their nature
    • Performance: describing how to manage the delivery of the project, covering scope, quality, cost, time, resources, risk, etc
    • Process: describing the project management life-cycle and each stage of it
    • People: describing how to manage the people working on projects.

    This fourth edition builds on the successful structure of previous editions, and chapters have now been added on benefits management, requirements management, and project management maturity. The chapter of programme management has been split to recognise the difference between programmes and portfolios.

    This latest edition of an encyclopedia for the discipline and profession of project management is a classic that no-one in the field should be without.

    Also available as a CD ROM for readers who need to access the material via computer, either because they are working remotely from their library or because they find it an easier format to carry with them. Each chapter is supplied in .pdf format and can be accessed from a main menu.

  • Contents: Preface; A handbook for project management professionals. Part One Projects: Implementing strategy through portfolios and programmes of projects; Managing portfolios of projects; Managing programmes of projects; Projects and their management; Project success and strategy; Processes and procedures; Software solutions for project, programme and portfolio management; The project, programme or portfolio office; Maturity for the project-oriented company; Conducting audits; Managing the context. Part Two Performance: Managing benefits; Managing requirements; Managing scope - configuration and work methods; Managing value; Managing quality; Managing project organization; Managing the schedule; Managing cost; Managing resources; Managing risks; Managing health and safety; Managing the environment. Part Three Process: The project life-cycle; Project start process; Project proposal and initiation; Project modelling; Managing implementation; Project closure and aftermath. Part Four People: Managing human resources in the project-based organization; Developing individual competence; Developing project management capability of organizations; Managing teams - the reality of life; Leadership; Managing stakeholders; Managing communication; Managing conflict; Managing culture; Managing ethics. Index.

  • About the Editor: Rodney Turner is Professor of Project Management at the Lille School of Management and The Centre for Project Management in the Kemmy Business School, Limerick. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney, and Visiting Professor at Henley Management College. He is editor of The International Journal of Project Management, and has written articles for journals, conferences and magazines. He lectures on and teaches project management world wide. Rodney was for twelve years a member of Council of the UK's Association for Project Management. He is now an Honorary Fellow and Vice President. He has also been President and Chairman of the International Project Management Association, the global federation of national associations in project management.

  • Reviews: ''To facilitate a direct comparison the publishers kindly sent the CD version to try and of the two the CD wins, simply because in this computer world it is more of a tool than a book. This book should become to 'Project Management' what 'Hudson's has become to Contract Law.' – Dr David Wallace FInstCES, Chairman, Project Management Panel for Civil Engineering Surveyor.

    From previous editions:
    'You will never read it all, but whenever you find yourself wondering "Where can I find out about...?" the Gower Handbook of Project Management won't let you down.' Engineering Management Journal

    'The book provides comprehensive coverage of the knowledge required both by practicing project managers and by those wishing to study the subject...This unique encyclopaedia for the discipline and profession of project management is destined to become a classic.' Engineering Designer

    'If you are getting involved in complex projects this is certainly an essential book to add to your collection...in my opinion it is worth every penny.' PS-advisor

    '...a very useful reference volume, which can be dipped into at random when clarification of a particular facet of project management is needed.' IT Training

    'highly recommended.' Change Management Monitor

    'I have no hesitation in recommending it.' Building Engineer

  • This title is also available as an ebook, ISBN 978-0-566-08994-7



    Extracts from this title are available to view:

    Full contents list

    Chapter 1 - A handbook for project management practitioners

    Notes on contributors