Content, Approach, Style

The three parts of the book include a total of 11 chapters. The first part introduces
the concept of being strategic, the four critical strategic questions, and the Logical
Framework as a tool. The second part discusses in greater detail the four questions
and gives tips to apply the concepts practically. The last part contains the last three
chapters and discusses how to put the concepts into action such as by taking the
Cycle-Logical Approach.

Turning ideas into actionable plans is guided by going through the four critical
strategic questions step-by-step, the first three of which focuses on project
objectives, metrics, and risks. Only the last question deals with activities, budget,
and schedule, showing that the emphasis of the book is really on answering
questions like what and why rather than how.

Most readers find the book easy to read and practical, even though it discusses
concepts, strategy, and framework. However, most of these readers are
experienced project professionals and managers. Still, the concepts are presented
in a way that is clear, understandable, and applicable, together with tips, tools, and
real-world case studies.

Why Buy the Book

Strategic Project Management Made Simple received a total of 55 customer reviews

in Amazon, 47 of them giving 5 stars, with the remaining eight giving 4 stars. To
date, it has remained in the top 50 in Amazon’s Best Seller in PM category,
considering this same edition was published in 2009.

A strategy in simpler terms can be defined as finding out where the organization is
today, where it wants to be tomorrow, and what actions to take to get there.
Unfortunately, many projects (and businesses) fail because the strategy is too
vague. This book helps clarify things, so that project teams know exactly what to do
and why.

Books that Complement

For the experienced project professional who wants to explore further the ideas,
philosophies, and strategies for defining and leading projects, Scott Berkun’s Making
Things Happen: Mastering Project Management is a good option.
On the other hand, project managers who want a complementary book that focuses
on how to get the job done can look at Project Management Absolute Beginner’s
Guide by Gregory Horine (Third Edition). The clear and simple instructions on how
to build a plan, a work breakdown schedule, budget, and schedules become even
more meaningful when people know what the project is about and why it is needed.
Author

Terry Schmidt is a management consultant and founder of ManagementPro.com, a

consultancy that helps organizations and companies apply strategic management
principles to achieve their goals. Mr. Schmidt is a BS in Aerospace Engineering
graduate of the University of Washington. He also has an MBA from Harvard. He is
a certified PMP and teaches strategic project management at the UCLA and the
University of Wisconsin. He is also a strategy coach and teaches team building in
the MIT Professional Institute. He has more than 30 years experience in PM and
management, and has shared these through his professional service in 34 countries.