Running the Successful Hi-Tech Project Office (Artech House Technology Management and Professional Development Library)

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 256 pages
• Published by: Artech House Publishers March 1, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1580533736
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1580533737
• Book Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 1.4 pounds

PMFORUM, June 2006 (http://www.pmforum.org/library/publications/2006/06.htm)
Much of the recent literature on project management has been generated by educators and trainers. That makes books by people actually practicing project management especially important in that they verify the theory and often provide a unique perspective springing from real life experience. One such book is "Running the Successful Hi-Tech Project Office" by Eduardo Miranda, a program director at Ericsson Research Canada.

Not surprisingly, Miranda focuses his attention on the causes of project failure, or more precisely, on eliminating the most significant causes of project failure. He begins by pointing out that most project failures are due to lack of resources and insufficient coordination across projects, factors normally outside the project manager's control. He goes on to explore the multiproject challenge in depth, clearly establishing the case for a project office.

Miranda does not promise instant results. In fact, he points out that introducing a PO into an organization is a substantial undertaking and takes time. But he also describes its value in achieving the overall goals of the organization.

The remainder of the book is a blueprint to set up and run a project office in R&D environments, covering such topics as roles, processes, tools, and metrics, providing practical guidance to overcome the obstacles to success.

We found only one item to criticize to Miranda's well-reasoned and well-written book: the title itself. The book does provide valuable instruction in "running the successful hi-tech project office". But it also provides valuable instruction in running a successful project office in any environment.

Book Description
Provides a blueprint to set up and run a project office in R&D environments. Covers major PO responsibilities, including: project portfolio management; project oversight, methods, and tool support; staffing and competence development; and promotion of the project culture. Includes tables, graphs, and index. DLC: Project management.