Like the rest of the Fast Forward series, this book is designed to let the reader extract maximum information in minimum time. There is a strong use of graphics with tables, charts cross-heads, and bullet points. Important passages are flagged in bold and/or emblazoned with the words key concept. When you read it, you realize that there is nothing magical about project management, just the application of careful common sense. The book covers all the basic stuff like planning, time-tabling, quantity and price estimation, resource allocation, and scheduling. But it also acknowledges that there is inevitably a political dimension to every project, no matter how small. So it has important sections on how to ensure that all the stakeholders in the project are kept "on board" and the importance of communication.

As Verzuh states in his introduction, "Every project participant from part-time team member to executive sponsor, becomes more effective once he or she understands the basics of project management." Really, this is a book about management that every manager should read, whether he or she has a project or not. --Alex Benady

Product Description
This is one of the bestselling books ever published on the topic of project management. Now in a revised new third edition, it presents you with a wealth of proven techniques for managing projects?from establishing project objectives to building schedules to projecting costs. It includes all the basics on defining, planning, and tracking a project, as well as building stronger project teams. This new edition includes new chapters on Agile Project Management, PMI exam prep, and more.

This is the first book I've read that I would consider appropriate for both seasoned PM's and those new to the discipline.

The format is great. For someone new to Project Management it has a logical, step by step flow backed up with relevant visuals and great case studies. For the more seasoned PM it is a treasure trove of problem-solving techniques, examples and formulas. It's not a book you'll be willing to loan to your friends (my copy looks to become one of the more "dog-eared" in my collection).

I run a small company but many of my clients are quite large (the companies, not the... nevermind). The concepts in "The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management" are adaptable to any size business and any size project; the case studies range from the development of the Boeing 767-400 to how Seattle's Safeco Field keeps their grass green. If the rest of "The Fast Forward MBA" series are as strong and results-oriented as this book, I may end up getting the collection.


All PM Professionals & Students Should Have a Personal Copy   June 9, 2000
Ian Walcott (Barbados, Caribbean)
57 out of 58 found this review helpful

Verzuh's book is at the top of its class. We just recently concluded a Project Management Seminar here in Barbados and this was the text used throughout the seminar. In addition, it's one of the standard texts on our Project Management Professional Diploma Program.

What most heady and highly theoretical writers on project management tend to do in over 500 pages, Verzuh achieved in 300 pages. He was able to demystify Project Management and present it in such a way that everyone out there with an interest in the subject area could follow. It would therefore be totally incongruous to review this book in academic jargon. By the same token, it perfectly compliments some of the more abstract academic texts that are out there.

We particularly found the chapter on the Work Breakdown Structure to be very useful since most amateurs will probably just buy a software package and command it intuitively without fully understanding the logic and problem solving behind the it. Verzuh's text will definitely help you to better understand the logic behind the software.

The text is highly recommended and our students love it.

Andre Barrow & Ian Walcott

Grey's Consulting Inc. greysconsulting@sunbeach.net


Short, sweet and to the point, just like Eric's book.   November 22, 1999
Penrose Stout (Seattle, WA USA)
71 out of 74 found this review helpful

I teach Project Management to Fortune 100 companies and I'm a principal in an internet based project management enterprise, 'ProjectOasis.com'.

I tell my students: 'If you want 1 book that covers it all in a way you can quickly access and put to practical use then get Eric's book. The material in the book is well proven and can be applied in all industries and on all projects.'

I've seen this book stolen from conference rooms! I recommend you buy your copy... from Amazon of course.


PM's Best Friend   December 8, 2000
Mike Tarrani (Deltona, FL USA)
61 out of 64 found this review helpful

While my favorite text on project management is Visualizing Project Management, this handly treasure chest of PM knowledge and techniques is my constant companion. It is much more than a quick reference quide - it contains a lot of information that I haven't stumbled across in any other project management book, such as metrics, estimating techniques and sound advice on a number of PM topics that are presented concisely. In other words, this book has a lot of meat and no fluff.

If you are starting out as a project manager I recommend Visualizing Project Management as your first book. However, if you are a practicing and experienced project manager this is "must-have". And the price is right! When was the last time you found a decent book on project management (or any other technical or business subject) priced below $15.00? Price aside, the value of this book is the content and the fact that it covers project management the way it should be covered: work breakdown structures, risk management, earned value and other controls. I strongly recommend this book.


New Project Managment Student   September 17, 2000
Patricia J. McAlister (USA)
31 out of 32 found this review helpful

I work for a major airline in NY and I am presently involved in the certification program to become a Project Manager. I am studying with the PMBOK Group and have just completed the Project Management Module of courses including the simulation exam. I have purchased several books on the subject of Project Managment however I have found the: Fast Forward MBA in Project Management to be the most useful.

Each chapter is broken down into key areas which can adapt to any skill level of a Project Manager. The one chapter which was especially informative and helpful to me was in regards to the: Work Breakdown Structure (Chapter 6). Once a new student understands the concept of the WBS you have a strong foundation for what Project Management stands for.

I consistently reference this book as I continue my studies and learn each new area of Project Management. This is a definite MUST HAVE book for a Project Manager's library.