Comprehensive Project Management

Book excerpt: Project Management -- the process of managing, allocating, and timing resources to achieve a given goal in an efficient and expedient manner -- has emerged as a separate discipline that is being increasingly embraced by various sectors, ranging from business to engineering. Comprehensive in perspective, this book presents an approach to project management -- from planning through implementation -- that integrates qualitative and quantitative techniques . Practical in approach, it demonstrates with numerous examples how three categories of tools -- management practices, optimization models, and computer applications -- complement one another to enhance overall project management. Considers traditional project management techniques, modern applications of operations research methodologies, and computer applications -- as well as supporting topics such as forecasting and inventory management. Reviews other methodologies, such as regression analysis and decision making methodologies that a project manager can utilize. Organizes chapters hierarchically to illustrate the incremental steps in a project management process -- from setting project goals to terminating the project. Features numerous examples and a chapter-length case study. For Industrial Engineers and Operations Managers.