Preface

Managing projects requires time, effort, and discipline, regardless of the project size. The difference between managing larger and smaller projects is not only the amount of time, effort, and discipline but also the processes and tools. Project Management for Small Projects provides scalable processes and simplified tools for immediate use in managing small projects.

This is an exciting time to enter the project management profession. Project management provides opportunities for professional and personal growth. If you are new to managing small projects or currently manage small projects and need more structure, Project Management for Small Projects, third edition, is for you. My desire is that you become so engaged in the use of these processes and tools that project management discipline becomes as much fun for you as it is for me. I have combined easy-to-follow steps with practical application tips to facilitate your learning.

Because my intention is for you to use project management on small projects in preparation for eventually managing larger projects, I am using the Project Management Institute (PMI), A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, sixth edition (PMBOK® Guide^*), which includes the standard for project management, as the base to build off. I have used PMI’s project management terms and definitions wherever possible. The PMBOK® Guide is inclusive and describes the sum of knowledge within the profession of project management. The complete project management body of knowledge includes proven, traditional practices that are widely applied and innovative practices that are emerging in the profession. In this book, I take the traditional practices used for larger projects and tailor them for small projects, while staying true to PMI’s project management standards.

This third edition has been updated to align with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, sixth edition, and provides new tools, templates, and techniques to support the revised processes. The third edition is organized in four parts. Part I sets the stage by providing a foundation for project management discipline. Part II defines a project management process for small projects. This part includes both management and leadership activities. Part III provides additional discipline on several project management topics. Finally, Part IV, a newly added section, incorporates agile practices.

I hope this updated edition helps readers have continued success in managing their small projects.

—Sandra F. Rowe, PhD, MBA, MSCIS, PMP
     [email protected]
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     www.projectwise-solutions.com

^* “PMBOK” is a trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc. which is registered in the United States and other nations.