Managing Difficult Projects pulls together the principles and practice of project management and presents useful diagnostic approaches, tools and structures in a clear and practical way.
The book focuses on the diagnosis and resolution of “difficult” problems whether in large or small complex projects. The intent is to help corporate executives and project management practitioners apply proven processes, methodologies, systems, structures and tools to rally the information and the resources required for better decisions, faster delivery and improved results.
This essential book shows how to plan effectively and to reduce risk at every step of project delivery, particulary vital during project implementation when 90% of project funding is spent.
It covers new ground by proposing the use of the project management process as an integral part of setting and updating corporate strategy. In projects, context is everything! The text is amply illustrated with international case studies, charts, photos, graphs and data tables.
Biography
André A. Costin
"Managing Difficult Projects is an ambitious contribution to the literature on project management.André Costin has written a knowledgeable and comprehensive book which covers all of the important aspects of successfully managing large-scale projects. The book is written in a lucid and understandable style, and the author presents a clear and well crafted exposition of the major themes of project management.
The text would be well-suited to an upper-level undergraduate or graduate course in a business school, and would be especially appropriate for a customized executive education course offered either in the university setting or as an in-house course for company executives.
André’s book covers every aspect of project management, from the technical to the human. The author is equally comfortable presenting flowcharts and statistical analysis, as he is in discussing the difficult task of managing personnel and contractual matters. Charts, tables, and pictures are pleasing and easy to read, with excellent use of color and well-designed layouts.
Of particular interest is André's excellent discussion of real projects with which he has been personally involved, and it is clear that the book is written by an individual who has very real expertise in the field.
Institutions requiring managers to develop exemplary skills in managing large scale and difficult projects would be well advised to consider this beautifully written and well designed book as a model for executive education in the field of project management."
Dr. Brian Smith, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University
"Managing Difficult Projects presents project management in a business perspective. It is written for managers in a well-structured, practical and accessible style. The book covers many important aspects of project management."
Dr. Brian Hobbs, Project Management Research Chair, University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada
