Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling is a project management bible written by Dr. Harold Kerzner, one of the most respected experts on Project Management. Now in its 10th edition (2015) it offers an extremely comprehensive knowledge of project management.
There have been many mixed reviews and opinions about this book. Some people have felt it is too long, too intimidating and does not contain enough case studies. At a whopping 1200 pages, it is indeed long, but its length ensures that is offers an exhaustive, encyclopaedic type of coverage.
23 Chapters cover the basic structure and organisational behaviours that create a need for project management, tools and techniques for planning, scheduling, cost control, estimating, procurement and quality, and an overview of advanced topics such as developing your own project management methodology, critical chain and the Project Management Office (PMO).
“The alternative to systematic planning is decision-making based on history. This generally results in reactive management leading to crisis management, conflict management and fire fighting.”
While it may not be an easy ‘study’ read, if you are looking for a complete reference book, then this is it. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling is the book to crack open when you have a question or problem – you can almost be guaranteed a relevant explanation.
To complement the book for project management professionals, Kerzner has also released Project Management Case Studies which provides 68 detailed and objective case studies spanning a number of scenarios.
Why we like it
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but as far as an ‘encyclopaedia of project management’ goes, this iconic book is outstanding. Love it or hate it, it is a must-have for every professional project manager.
Takeaways
You can find Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling on Amazon and Kalahari, as well as Project Management Case Studies in paperback on Amazon or ebook on Kalahari.
