Title: Planning and Controlling Projects: Part of the Universal Manager Series
Authors: Scitech Educational in partnership with NEBS Management
Publisher: Scitech Educational Ltd
Date: 2000
Price: £24.99
Format: A4 paperback
The Universal Manager is part of a series of learning aids aimed at supporting the professional development of experienced middle managers and the formative development of management students and recent graduates. Planning and Controlling Projects comprises dossier three of a series of fifteen modules, which encompass a whole range of management topics.
The A4 size of the book and workbook-style format gives it a user-friendly accessible feel. The Learning Profile on page 7 acts as a 'roadmap' to enable learners to make a quick judgement about their level of current knowledge and understanding in order to highlight the most useful sections. Topics covered include Contract Management, Planning & Scheduling, Implementation & Control and Evaluation.
Activities are included within each section, which allow learners to relate the theoretical topics that they have reviewed to real-life situations in the workplace with related advice. For example, Activity 5 in the 'Contract
Management' Section, suggests:
'Find out if there are any standard contracts pertinent to your industry sector. A good place to start your enquiry would be the Internet where associations and lead bodies affiliated to your sector are likely to have web sites.'
Planning and Controlling Projects is a useful resource for those who need to get up to speed with the key concepts of project management quickly although its 'school text-book' feel may not appeal to more experienced readers. The Appendices provide a detailed commentary of the key activities covered earlier in the book, a glossary of (basic) terms and a comprehensive list of further resources. The series is designed to NEBS Management and SNVQ standards and is available in print, CD-ROM and on-line formats.
Planning and Controlling Projects was reviewed by Claire Robinson, Director, Prior Analytics Ltd.
