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The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management

The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management

by Eric Verzuh 1999 402 pages
3.73
500+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Project management is essential for innovation and organizational success

Projects are the means by which these innovations are delivered.

Driving innovation. Project management has become a critical capability for organizations across all industries. As the pace of change accelerates, companies must continually modify their products and services to survive and thrive. Projects are the vehicles for delivering these innovations, making project management skills increasingly valuable.

Competitive advantage. Organizations that excel at project management gain a significant edge over competitors. They can more efficiently allocate resources, respond to market changes, and bring new offerings to market faster. This agility is essential in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Career opportunity. For individuals, project management offers a promising career path with growing demand across sectors. Key skills include:

  • Planning and organizing complex initiatives
  • Leading cross-functional teams
  • Managing stakeholder expectations
  • Balancing competing constraints (time, cost, scope, quality)
  • Adapting to change and uncertainty

2. Define clear project goals, scope, and stakeholder expectations

Agreement among the project team, customers, and management on the goals of the project.

Establish project foundation. Clearly defining project objectives, deliverables, and constraints at the outset is crucial for success. This involves:

  • Identifying key stakeholders and their requirements
  • Developing a comprehensive project charter
  • Creating a detailed statement of work (SOW)
  • Establishing measurable success criteria

Manage expectations. Aligning stakeholder expectations early helps prevent conflicts and scope creep later. Techniques include:

  • Conducting stakeholder analysis to understand needs and influence
  • Creating a responsibility matrix to clarify roles and decision-making authority
  • Developing a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed throughout the project

Document agreements. Formal documentation of project parameters provides a reference point for future decision-making and change management. Key documents include the project charter, statement of work, and requirements documentation.

3. Create a detailed work breakdown structure (WBS) for effective planning

Break the project into small, meaningful, manageable units of work.

Decompose project scope. The WBS breaks down the project into smaller, more manageable components. This process:

  • Ensures all required work is identified
  • Provides a framework for estimating, scheduling, and assigning resources
  • Helps team members understand how their work fits into the overall project

Follow WBS best practices:

  • Use a noun-verb format to name tasks (e.g., "Create test plan" rather than just "Testing")
  • Decompose to an appropriate level of detail (typically 8-80 hours of work per task)
  • Ensure work packages are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive
  • Include project management activities in the WBS

Use the WBS as a communication tool. The WBS serves as a visual representation of project scope, helping stakeholders understand the full extent of work required and how different components relate to one another.

4. Develop realistic schedules and budgets through accurate estimating

Every technique gives better results when it is used consistently.

Employ multiple estimating techniques. Combine various methods to improve accuracy:

  • Analogous estimating: Using data from similar past projects
  • Parametric estimating: Applying statistical relationships between historical data and variables
  • Three-point estimating: Using optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic estimates
  • Bottom-up estimating: Aggregating detailed estimates for individual work packages

Consider estimating challenges. Account for factors that can impact estimates:

  • Uncertainty and risk
  • Resource availability and productivity
  • Learning curves for new technologies or processes
  • External dependencies and constraints

Refine estimates over time. Use progressive elaboration to improve estimates as more information becomes available throughout the project lifecycle. Regularly compare actual performance to estimates and use this data to refine future projections.

5. Implement robust risk management strategies

All project management is risk management.

Proactive risk identification. Systematically identify potential threats and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle:

  • Conduct risk brainstorming sessions with team members and stakeholders
  • Use risk checklists and historical data from similar projects
  • Perform SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

Analyze and prioritize risks. Assess each identified risk in terms of probability and impact:

  • Use qualitative techniques like probability-impact matrices
  • Apply quantitative methods such as Monte Carlo simulation for complex projects
  • Prioritize risks to focus on those with the greatest potential impact

Develop response strategies. Create specific plans to address high-priority risks:

  • Avoidance: Eliminate the threat by changing project plans
  • Mitigation: Reduce probability or impact of the risk
  • Transfer: Shift the risk to a third party (e.g., insurance)
  • Acceptance: Acknowledge the risk and prepare contingency plans

Continuous monitoring. Regularly review and update risk assessments throughout the project, adjusting strategies as needed based on changing conditions and new information.

6. Build and lead high-performance project teams

Personal ownership of the team goal.

Foster a positive team environment. Create conditions that promote trust, respect, and collaboration:

  • Establish clear ground rules for team behavior and communication
  • Develop a shared team identity and sense of purpose
  • Encourage open and honest communication
  • Celebrate team successes and learn from failures

Develop collaborative problem-solving skills. Enable the team to effectively tackle complex challenges:

  • Implement a structured problem-solving process
  • Encourage diverse perspectives and creative thinking
  • Provide tools and techniques for decision-making and conflict resolution

Practice effective leadership. Guide the team towards high performance:

  • Set clear expectations and provide regular feedback
  • Empower team members by delegating authority and responsibility
  • Remove obstacles and provide necessary resources
  • Lead by example, demonstrating desired behaviors and work ethic

7. Monitor progress and control scope to ensure project success

Measuring progress frequently identifies any problems early, making them easier to solve.

Implement robust tracking systems. Establish mechanisms to monitor project performance:

  • Use earned value management (EVM) to track cost and schedule performance
  • Create a change control system to manage scope modifications
  • Conduct regular status meetings and progress reviews

Proactively manage issues. Address problems quickly to minimize their impact:

  • Maintain an issues log to track and prioritize concerns
  • Escalate critical issues to appropriate stakeholders for timely resolution
  • Use root cause analysis to identify and address underlying problems

Control scope creep. Protect project boundaries to maintain focus and prevent overruns:

  • Clearly document project scope and deliverables
  • Implement a formal change request process
  • Educate stakeholders on the impact of scope changes
  • Negotiate trade-offs when new requirements emerge

8. Adapt project management approaches for different industries and project types

Every project has a beginning and an end, and every project is unique.

Tailor processes to context. Recognize that one size does not fit all in project management:

  • Consider industry-specific regulations and best practices
  • Adjust approaches based on project size, complexity, and risk profile
  • Adapt methodologies to organizational culture and maturity level

Balance flexibility and structure. Find the right mix of standardization and customization:

  • Develop a scalable project management framework
  • Allow for tailoring of processes and tools to specific project needs
  • Encourage innovation while maintaining necessary controls

Learn from diverse experiences. Draw insights from various industries and project types:

  • Study case studies and best practices from different sectors
  • Participate in cross-industry professional associations and events
  • Encourage knowledge sharing within your organization

9. Leverage agile methodologies for flexibility and rapid delivery

Agile answers the following questions: How do we deliver value quickly to our customers?

Embrace iterative development. Break projects into short cycles (sprints) to deliver value incrementally:

  • Focus on producing a working product or feature in each iteration
  • Gather feedback early and often to guide future development
  • Adapt plans based on changing requirements and priorities

Implement Scrum practices. Utilize popular agile framework components:

  • Form cross-functional, self-organizing teams
  • Conduct daily stand-up meetings for coordination
  • Hold sprint planning, review, and retrospective sessions
  • Maintain a prioritized product backlog

Balance agile and traditional approaches. Recognize when to apply agile methods:

  • Best suited for projects with evolving requirements or high uncertainty
  • May need to be combined with traditional methods for large, complex projects
  • Consider organizational readiness and stakeholder expectations when adopting agile

10. Continuously improve project management skills and processes

Continuous learning.

Invest in professional development. Stay current with evolving project management practices:

  • Pursue relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Agile)
  • Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars
  • Read industry publications and thought leadership

Conduct post-project reviews. Learn from completed projects to improve future performance:

  • Hold formal lessons learned sessions with team members and stakeholders
  • Document successes, challenges, and recommendations
  • Update organizational process assets based on insights gained

Establish a project management office (PMO). Create a center of excellence to drive continuous improvement:

  • Develop and maintain project management standards and best practices
  • Provide training and mentoring to project managers
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing across projects and departments
  • Monitor project performance and identify areas for improvement

Last updated:

FAQ

What's The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management about?

  • Comprehensive Guide: The book offers a detailed overview of project management principles, techniques, and best practices, covering the entire project lifecycle from initiation to closure.
  • Practical Application: Eric Verzuh emphasizes the use of practical tools and templates that can be directly applied in real-world scenarios, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced project managers.
  • Innovation and Change Management: It highlights the role of project management in driving innovation and adapting to changes, integrating change management as a crucial element for project success.

Why should I read The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management?

  • Skill Enhancement: The book is ideal for anyone looking to improve their project management skills, offering insights that can streamline project processes and improve outcomes.
  • Real-World Examples: It includes numerous examples and case studies from various industries, making the content relatable and applicable to different project contexts.
  • Certification Preparation: The book serves as a study guide for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, providing tips and practice questions to aid in preparation.

What are the key takeaways of The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management?

  • Five Success Factors: The book identifies five critical factors for project success: agreement on goals, a clear plan, effective communication, controlled scope, and management support.
  • Project Life Cycle: Understanding the project life cycle—initiation, planning, execution, and closure—is crucial for managing projects effectively.
  • Risk Management: Emphasizes the importance of identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks to ensure project success.

What are the best quotes from The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management and what do they mean?

  • "Projects, like life, are full of uncertainty.": Highlights the inherent unpredictability in project management, emphasizing the need for effective risk management strategies.
  • "Risk management begins and ends with attitude.": Underscores the importance of a proactive mindset in identifying and addressing risks.
  • "A good project manager must be a good communicator.": Stresses the essential role of communication in coordinating tasks and managing expectations.

How does The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management define project success?

  • Beyond Time and Budget: Success includes delivering business value and meeting stakeholder expectations, not just completing projects on time and within budget.
  • Stakeholder Agreement: A successful project is one where all stakeholders agree on the goals and outcomes, crucial for managing expectations.
  • Continuous Improvement: Advocates for ongoing evaluation of project outcomes against initial goals, allowing for adjustments and improvements in future projects.

What is the project initiation process in The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management?

  • Turning Ideas into Projects: Involves transforming a problem or opportunity into a formal project proposal, analyzing potential benefits, costs, and resource requirements.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging stakeholders early is critical for understanding their needs and expectations, helping define the project’s goals and scope.
  • Project Proposal: The key deliverable is a project proposal outlining the business value, feasibility, and alignment with organizational goals.

What is the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) mentioned in The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management?

  • Defining Project Tasks: The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work into smaller, manageable components, organizing and defining project tasks.
  • Facilitating Planning: It allows project managers to estimate costs, allocate resources, and develop schedules more accurately, serving as a foundation for project planning.
  • Improving Communication: Enhances communication among team members by providing a clear structure of tasks and responsibilities.

How does The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management address risk management?

  • Systematic Approach: Presents a framework for identifying, analyzing, and managing risks throughout the project life cycle, minimizing potential threats to success.
  • Known vs. Unknown Risks: Distinguishes between known unknowns (identified risks) and unknown unknowns (unexpected risks), emphasizing preparation for both.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Risk management requires continuous monitoring and adjustment as the project progresses, ensuring new risks are identified and managed effectively.

What is the role of stakeholders in project management according to The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management?

  • Identifying Stakeholders: Stakeholders are individuals or groups interested in the project’s outcome, and identifying them early is essential for effective management.
  • Engagement and Communication: Engaging stakeholders throughout the project life cycle ensures their needs are met and helps manage expectations.
  • Change Management: Highlights the importance of change management in engaging affected stakeholders, ensuring they adapt to changes brought about by the project.

What is the change control process described in The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management?

  • Identification of Deliverables: Begins with identifying all project deliverables subject to change control, such as requirements descriptions and design documents.
  • Formal Acceptance: Stakeholders must formally accept the product, creating a record of approval that becomes a control document.
  • Evaluation of Change Requests: Change requests are evaluated for their impact on cost, schedule, and quality, with recommendations recorded in a change log.

How can I build a high-performance project team according to The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management?

  • Establish Clear Goals and Roles: Clearly defined goals and roles help team members understand their responsibilities and how they contribute to the project's success.
  • Foster a Positive Team Environment: Creating a supportive atmosphere enhances collaboration and trust, achieved through team-building activities and open communication.
  • Encourage Continuous Learning: Promoting a culture of continuous learning allows team members to grow and adapt, involving regular feedback sessions and skill development opportunities.

How can I apply the concepts from The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management to my projects?

  • Implement Best Practices: Apply best practices such as establishing clear project goals, creating a detailed project plan, and engaging stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Utilize Templates and Tools: Use the templates and tools provided in the book to streamline project management processes, saving time and improving efficiency.
  • Focus on Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your processes to ensure they remain effective and aligned with organizational goals, using lessons learned from each project.

Review Summary

3.73 out of 5
Average of 500+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management receives mixed reviews. Many readers find it a helpful introduction to project management, praising its clear explanations and practical examples. It's considered more approachable than the PMBOK but still comprehensive. Some criticize it for being repetitive or lacking depth. Readers appreciate its value as a reference guide and its usefulness for PMP exam preparation. However, opinions vary on its readability, with some finding it dry or tedious. Overall, it's seen as a solid resource for those new to project management or seeking a refresher.

Your rating:

About the Author

Eric Verzuh is a renowned expert in project management and the author of "The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management." With extensive experience in the field, Verzuh has established himself as a trusted authority on project management principles and practices. His book has become a widely-used resource for both novice and experienced project managers. Verzuh's approach focuses on practical, real-world applications of project management concepts, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, communication, and strategic thinking in successful project management. Verzuh's work has contributed significantly to the field, helping professionals develop their skills and advance their careers in project management.

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