Project: Execution

Strategic planning is the starting point for projects and often the primary reason for a project's success or failure. Project leaders and project-orientated organisations need to understand strategic planning to understand their position and environment, and make rational decisions when selecting and defining their projects and programmes. The authors provide the reader with a straightforward, comprehensive understanding of the basics of project management, including the present status of the discipline, its history, and theoretical foundations. With emphasis on the project life cycle, it is designed to support the IPMA D, C, or B level qualifications, and IPMA Competence Baseline 4.0, providing you with all the information needed to pursue certification. Project: Execution is also an ideal introductory textbook to progressive programmes on strategic planning, with a focus on collaborative work, open strategy, and an exploration of open strategic planning on a social level. It provides a wealth of learning tools and case studies to demonstrate best practice. This is the ideal guide to project planning for anyone that wants their planning decisions to be as wise as they are savvy.

Helgi Thor Ingason is a professor at Reykjavik University, a consultant, IPMA Certified Senior Project Manager, and Certified Stanford Project Manager. His background is industrial and mechanical engineering. He is the author of several books on management and his work has been published in the Project Management Journal, International Journal of Project Management, and Journal of Metals. Haukur Ingi Jonasson is a professor at Reykjavik University, a consultant, and a Certified Stanford Project Manager. His background is in theology, philosophy, and psychology, which he applies to engineering and management. He is the author of several books on leadership and management.

List of Figures, List of Tables, Acknowledgements, Preface to the series, Foreword, Chapter 1 Introduction, Chapter 2 Projects, Programmes, and Portfolios (PPP): Concepts, history, and context, Chapter 3 Planning: Definition and the environment, Chapter 4 Planning: Objectives, time, and the critical path, Chapter 5 Planning: Resources, management structure, and role/task division, Chapter 6 Project start-up, co-operation, and information, Chapter 7 Uncertainty and risk management, Chapter 8 The project manager and the project team, Chapter 9 Project close-out, Index