It’s increasingly clear over recent years that projects are becoming more complex – in fact, do we actually understand how they behave at all? The tools and approaches in this book will better equip you to comprehend and manage complex projects.
'Complexity theory has been heralded as the "New Science" by supporters and rejected by rationalists as unconvincing or too general to be of practical use. This book deserves wide attention because it bridges the divide by connecting complexity theory with an impressive array of useful tools…' – Willie Tan, National University of Singapore
Tools for Complex Projects
Kaye Remington and Julien Pollack
'This is an excellent, well presented, practical volume written by project managers for project managers.' – Economic Outlook and Business Review
T
raditional project management approaches assume that project contexts are unchanging and key factors, though complicated, are reducible to unambiguous elements for management and control. Whilst this assumption has simplified the task for writers and educators, it is increasingly being recognised that these techniques do not work in projects which may be described as complex (due to their size, technical difficulties, conflicting environmental and political constraints or poorly understood or shared goals). Tools for Complex Projects draws on the latest research in the areas of project management, complexity theory and systems thinking to provide a ready reference for understanding and managing the increasing complexity of projects and programmes. The main part of the book provides a series of fourteen
project tools. Some of these tools may be used at the level of the whole project life-cycle. Others may be applied ad hoc at any time. In each case, the authors provide: detailed guidelines for using the tool, information on its purpose and the types of complexity for which it is most appropriate, the theoretical background to the tool, a practical example of its use, and any necessary words of caution. The book provides examples of advanced project management at work; discusses the sophisticated tools that require a level of project and management expertise and offers rigorous and highly practical methods for understanding, structuring and managing the most complex of projects.
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Presents the latest research on project management translated into a series of highly practical management tools. Outlines specific guidelines and theoretical advice on all proposed management tools. Significantly enhances the understanding of organizing complex projects.
About the authors:
Kaye Remington and Julien Pollack have extensive experience in extending project management concepts into many fields in practice, education and research, integrating material from fields not traditionally associated with project management. Kaye Remington has 25 years project management and senior management experience and until very recently was Course Director of the Master of Project Management program at the University of Technology Sydney. Julien Pollack has experience in the delivery of complex strategic development projects and has recently been awarded national and international awards for applied research in project management and systems thinking.
Visit our website www.gowerpublishing.com/isbn/9780566087417 for further inf
Reviews:
“The authors have blended elements from complexity theory to throw light on why complex projects are particularly challenging to manage. They build a model of four types of project complexity by drawing upon the work of many other writers. The examples of tools come from practitioners and academics…it is a palette of tools and approaches from which managers can select to improve the management of their projects. Tools for Complex Projects is supported by the use of many tables, figures, diagrams, and other visual aids that strengthen the book's important messages.” – David Cleland, Professor Emeritus in the School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
“Tools for Complex Projects is not a "how to" book in the traditional way. Neither is a "must do" book. Rather the reader is given access to a number of different approaches that could be used to improve the daily practices and overall management of projects. Thus the authors live as they learn: There is no single best way to success when complexity is high. Nevertheless there are things that can be done to improve the performance and this book gives a good comprehension of current alternatives.” – Anders Soderholm, Professor in management, Umea School of Business, Sweden “Conventional project management looks at projects with a rational, conventional philosophy; using a variety of philosophical ‘lenses’ allows us to recognise the complex interrelationships within projects and approach them in a humbler spirit, with this book we are much better equipped to comprehend and manage those complexities” – Terry Williams, Professor of Management Science, University of Southampton.
Contents:
• What is a Complex Project? • • • • • • • • • • • • • Target outturn cost; Program tool; Role definition; Jazz (time-linked semi-structures); Methodology in series; Multimethodology in parallel; Virtual gates; Risk interdependencies; Temporal cost/time comparison (TCTC); Kokotovich Triad; Stanislavski's method; Discursive universe; Index. Part One – Types of Project Complexity - Character and Management: • • • • • Where complexity comes from in a management context; Structural complex projects; Technically complex projects; Directionally complex projects; Temporally complex projects.
Part Two – Tools and Techniques: • • • Guide to the tools; Mapping the complexity; System anatomy;
February 2008, Hardback, 978-0-566-08741-7, £60.00
formation, and to view full chapter contents and to download Chapter One for FREE.
Visit the Project Management pages of our website www.gowerpublishing.com/projectmanagement where you will find the FREE serialization of:
The Project Management A-Z
A Compendium of Project Management Techniques and How to Use Them, Alan Wren
What does project authorization involve and how should you seek it? What is earned value and how are the calculations made? How do you select the appropriate method for handing over a project and what are the pitfalls associated with the options you can choose from? The Project Management A-Z provides you with the answer to these questions and more in an A-Z coverage of 80 project management techniques. Each one includes an explanation of the technique, how, when and why you would use it. There are sample forms, checklists of key questions to ask yourself and others, cross-references to the other techniques within the manual…everything to ensure that you: • Understand the technique and the context in which it is used • Identify whether or not it will work for you • Are able to apply it appropriately and effectively Alan Wren has over 25 years project and change management experience so don’t forget to visit our website regularly for the next instalment… Published in December 2003, The Project Management A-Z is available to purchase as a
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