Book Descriptions

Software Project Management in Practice
By Pankaj Jalote
Publisher : Addison Wesley
Pub Date : January 31, 2002
ISBN : 0-201-73721-3
Pages : 288

Aimed at developers and IT managers alike, Software Project Management in Practice offers an 
invaluable guide to using lightweight software processes in real projects. Filled with 
sample documents, this book can benefit any organization seeking to improve the ways it 
manages software.
In an era of ever tighter schedules, implementing a serious software process becomes even 
more difficult. This book ventures a simple argument: that the techniques for software 
process management used by InfoSys (a company with a "mature" software process) can be 
applied to other organizations. Packed with sample documents drawn from real projects, this 
book is also notable for its clear presentation and the absence of the theoretical and 
jargon-laden prose that can be found in many software engineering texts.
The author first looks at how to assess a company's software process using the Capability 
Maturity Model (CMM) and other schemes. Surprisingly, the tools at InfoSys (which earn high 
CMM marks) are not fancy case tools, but databases, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Project 
files. Its software process database, for example, allows new projects to reuse existing 
documents and expertise. After an overview of the modified waterfall model software process 
used at InfoSys, the author looks at techniques for estimating the size and scope of 
projects. Then it's on to quality planning. A consistent theme here is that metrics and 
statistical process control (SPC) should be used to track defects. The book then covers risk 
assessment and the structure of teams. A standout section on configuration management 
outlines the role for preserving builds and project documents at each stage of the game.
Later sections examine the actual implementation and deployment of software. The author's 
argument for peer review of code is a strong one. He details strategies for running design 
and code reviews (if even by a single person) to catch defects and improper designs, as well 
as tips for overcoming resistance to such practices.
Sample defect tracking and status for projects also gets its due. Sample documents (using 
spreadsheets and even the layout of disk directories) to store project information show that 
a simple approach can yield productive results. The author then shows how to analyze the 
patterns of defects in software, including how to use statistical techniques to spot 
out-of-control projects. The book closes with the ways in which a project postmortem (or 
"project closure analysis") can be used to spot what went wrong and to improve things the 
next time around.
For both those new to software process or for those who want to see some practical ideas for 
successful process in a fast-paced world, this concisely packaged title fills a valuable 
niche with its mix of current thinking on software process and excellent real-world 
examples. --Richard Dragan






The Software Development Edge: Essays on Managing Successful Projects 
By Joe Marasco 
Publisher: Addison Wesley Professional 
Pub Date: April 13, 2005 
ISBN: 0-32-132131-6 
Pages: 336 
"This set of articles captures decades of in-the trenches experience across a broad spectrum 
of software topics. Joe Marasco has the scars and the smarts to articulate patterns of 
success that can satisfy a broad audience. He uses mathematics, physics, common sense, and 
storytelling along with a no-candy-coating style to provide unique perspectives on 
significant problems in delivering software results as a business. Whether you are a 
computer science theoretician, a frustrated software project manager, a successful 
businessman, or a skeptical programmer, you will learn a lot from this compilation."
—Walker Royce, Vice President, IBM Software Services-Rational, and author of Software 
Project Management (Addison-Wesley)
"Joe Marasco's readable essays on managing successful projects show that software 
development managers—no different from all managers—must embrace the fundamentals of 
management if they are to succeed: working through people and process to be decisive, 
dealing with politics, keeping on schedule, and, yes, shipping a well-developed product. 
Marasco uses plain English to explain many integrated skills, ranging from estimating the 
time it will take to really do things, to negotiating effectively, even to eloquently 
describing three distinct phases of our personal development. He frequently uses a 'can we 
talk?' conversation with a fictional colleague, Roscoe Leroy, in a Socratic dialogue to 
illustrate the two sides to a point in many areas (reminiscent of Galileo's writings to 
explain his then-heretical views); in this case, Marasco's advice will help technology 
professionals escape the clutches of pervasive Dilbertian incompetence, and enable readers 
to be more effective in our ever-changing world."
—Carl Selinger, author of Stuff You Don't Learn in Engineering School: Skills for Success in 
the Real World (Wiley-IEEE Press), and contributing editor of IEEE Spectrum magazine




Effective IT Project Management: Using Teams to Get Projects Completed on Time and Under 
Budget 
by Anita Rosen ISBN:0814408125 
AMACOM © 2004 
Book Description
Organizing a team to get IT projects done on time and under budget requires more than just 
the usual project management know-how. Using a proven approach that examines the project 
ife cycle and works in conjunction with the methods recommended by the Project Management 
Institute, Effective IT Project Management provides readers with a system that keeps the big 
picture in view while dividing tasks into manageable chunks. Readers will learn how to: 
* Organize the project * Establish the scope * Calculate costs and risks * Design the work 
breakdown structure * Manage the implementation team 
Taking readers step by step through the entire project, Effective IT Project Management is a 
complete blueprint for using teamwork to achieve IT project success. 
Book Info
Follows completing an IT project step-by-step, illustrations how to plan, implement, manage, 
and organize both simple and complicated hardware and software projects. Uses project 
management life cycle approach as outlined by the Project Management Institute. DLC: Project 
management.



Information Systems Project Management: How to Deliver Function and Value in Information 
Technology Projects, Second Edition 
by Jolyon Hallows ISBN:0814472737 
AMACOM © 2005 (304 pages) 
Book Description
Presents a practical set of considerations that you will encounter in real-world project 
management. Helps you anticipate and respond to key questions that underlie all IT projects, 
including understanding, defining, planning and running the project. DLC: Industrial project 
management. 
Book Info
Presents a practical set of considerations that you will encounter in real-world project 
management. Helps you anticipate and respond to key questions that underlie all IT projects, 
including understanding, defining, planning and running the project. DLC: Industrial project 
management.




Managing Information Technology Projects: Applying Project Management Strategies to 

Software, Hardware, and Integration Initiatives 
by James Taylor ISBN:0814408117 
AMACOM © 2004 (274 pages) 
This text gives systems project managers tool and step-by-step methodologies to start and 
complete every hardware, software, or integration problem within prescribed parameters.
Book Description
With software and hardware development techniques improving constantly, it's surprising to 
learn that more than half of all technology projects overrun their schedules and budgets by 
200 percent or more. Computerworld magazine recently reported several surveys showing that 
project failure is overwhelmingly traceable to poorly defined project organization, a lack 
of training, weak executive support, inconsistent methods and policies, and other readily 
addressed factors. 
Managing Information Technology Projects gives systems project managers field-proven tools 
and step-by-step methodologies to start and complete every project -- hardware, software, or 
integration -- within prescribed parameters. Coverage includes: 
* Organizing information technology project teams and developing project plans * Risk 
management issues for IT projects * Systems engineering * Customer requirements and service 
* Project monitoring, control, closeout, and assessment 
Book Info
Text gives systems project managers tool and step-by-step methodologies to start and 
complete every hardware, software, or integration problem within prescribed parameters. DLC: 
Project management.



Apress - Software Project Secrets. Why Software Projects Fail - 2005
Book Description
Offers a new path to success in the software industry. This book reaches out to managers, 
developers, and customers who use industry-standard methodologies, but whose projects still 
struggle to succeed.



Integrated It Project Management: A Model-Centric Approach (Artech House Project Management 
Library)
by Kenneth R. Bainey
Hardcover: 502 pages
Publisher: Artech House Publishers (April 2004)
Language: English
ISBN: 1580538282
Book Description
A long overdue book for today's IT professionals, this unique resource offers you a 
practical, model-centric approach to integrated IT project management that supports 
state-of-the-art software development. A valuable and topical reference. 
Download Description
A long overdue book for today's IT professionals, this unique resource offers you a 
practical, model-centric approach to integrated IT project management that supports 
state-of-the-art software development. A valuable and topical reference, the book enables 
you to: understand issues that relate to project management problems and the roles and 
responsibilities involved in managing and delivering multiple IT projects; develop an 
appreciation for project management best practices; and improve internal and external 
communications by applying simple, adaptable and consistent processes based on a 
model-centric framework. --This text refers to the Digital edition.



Running the Successful Hi-Tech Project Office (Artech House Technology Management and 

Professional Development Library)
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Artech House Publishers (March 1, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN: 1580533736
Book Description
Provides a blueprint to set up and run a project office in RandD environments. Covers major 
PO responsibilities, including: project portfolio management; project oversight, methods, 
and tool support; staffing and competence development; and promotion of the project culture. 
Includes tables, graphs, and index. DLC: Project management. 
Book Info
Provides a blueprint to set up and run a project office in R&D environments. Covers major PO 
responsibilities, including: project portfolio management; project oversight, methods, and 
tool support; staffing and competence development; and promotion of the project culture. 
Includes tables, graphs, and index. DLC: Project management.



Corporate Software Project Management (Charles River Media Computer Engineering) (Charles 
River Media Computer Engineering (Paperback))
Paperback: 376 pages
Publisher: Charles River Media; 1 edition (January 28, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN: 1584503858
Book Description
It has long been acepted in the software industry that projects will be late, over budget, 
and lacking in agreed upon features due to technical or time limitations.



Complex IT Project Management: 16 Steps to Success
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: CRC (September 17, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN: 0849319323
Book Description
This overview reveals a project management process that the author has proven to be 
successful in many complex real-world projects. Each step is presented in its logical 
sequence, with the connections between management methods and project goals clearly defined. 
The author often refers to the successful tactics he employed, providing a strategy to 
overcome the challenges found in even the most complex IT projects. This book stands as the 
perfect tool for project managers at all levels of experience who plan to tackle a 
high-profile initiative. It also serves as a guide for project sponsors searching for the 
right manager, and for consultants recommending best practices for the workplace. 
Book Info
Text describes a project management process; presenting each step in its logical sequence, 
with the connections between management methods and project goals clearly defined. For 
project managers at all levels. DLC: Information technology--Management.


Skills for Managing Rapidly Changing IT Projects
Paperback: 247 pages
Publisher: IRM Press (November 4, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN: 1591407583
Managing IT projects nowadays is much more complex than few years ago. We have higher goals 
to achieve; we need of a broader set of technological skills and expertises, and have 
shorter timelines. Skills for Managing Rapidly Changing IT Projects contains a well 
explained set of techniques and strategies to help project managers to deal with the whole 
life cycle of this kind of projects. 
I think that this book will be essential reading for people involved in managing Information 
Technology Projects. It gives a practical view of all the aspects and values needed to lead 
a group of persons through the whole life of the project. It explains, in plain and clear 
language, many best practices about how to deal with people, time, business and technical 
environment, to maximize chances to achieve best results. 
I would like to have read this book few years ago!


Information Technology Project Management
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Wiley; Bk&CD-Rom edition (November 4, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN: 0471392030
Book Description
A Higher Measure of Success What makes an information technology project successful? While 
many define success in terms of the project being completed on time and within budget, the 
real measure of success is the value the organization receives when the system is finally 
implemented. That's why Jack Marchewka's INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGEMENT focuses 
on how to create measurable organizational value (MOV) through IT projects. The author uses 
the concept of MOV to create a solid foundation for making decisions throughout the 
project's life cycle and for integrating project management and IT concepts, tools, and 
technique. Highlights Emphasizes MOV as a central theme in the text. Takes you through the 
different phases of the project life cycle and introduces the concepts and tools that are 
appropriate for each specific phase of the project. Incorporates nine areas outlined in the 
Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) into the basic 
concepts associated with information systems management and software engineering. Integrates 
a knowledge management approach throughout the book. Includes chapter-opening vignettes, 
which comprise a continuing case about Husky Air (an air charter company) and describe 
situations faced by project managers and teams undertaking IT projects. Includes a trial 
version of Microsoft Project 2002andreg;. Web-based Activities and Tools The book's 
companion Web site is (www.wiley.com/college/marchewka) features: Integrated hands-on case 
assignments, which allows you to play the role of a proje