Tools for Complex Projects

'Tools for Complex Projects is informative and well written, and it blends theory and practical advice effectively, presenting a useful range of tools that engage the reader in contemplating technique and high level issues in programme and project management.' Michael Earle MIRM, Group Exploration Manager, Aurelian Oil & Gas, The Institute of Risk Management This is an excellent, well presented, practical volume written by project managers for project managers.' - Economic Outlook and Business Review 'In this different book about Project Management the authors have blended elements from complexity theory to throw light on why complex projects are particularly challenging to manage. They build a model of four types of project complexity by drawing upon the work of many other writers. The examples of tools come from practitioners and academics. An early and important point is made that the book is not a step by step prescriptive methodology. Rather it is a palette of tools and approaches from which managers can select to improve the management of their projects. Tools for Complex Projects is supported by appropriate bibliography and the use of many tables, figures, diagrams, and other visual aids that strengthen the book's important messages.' David Cleland, Professor Emeritus in the School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh 'Tools for Complex Projects makes two major contributions to our understanding of projects. First, it elaborates on the very nature of projects as being complex and complicated due to contemporary business and organizational circumstances. To this end, we are given several explanations to the management challenges that are at hand. Second, the authors outline a set of tools and techniques that can be used to better handle complex projects. It is not a how to book in the traditional way. Neither is a must do book. Rather the reader is given access to a number of different approaches that could be used to improve the daily practices and overall management of projects. Thus the authors live as they learn: There is no single best way to success when complexity is high. Nevertheless there are things that can be done to improve the performance and this book gives a good comprehension of current alternatives.' Anders Soderholm, Ph.D. professor in management Umea School of Business at Umea university, Sweden 'Complexity theory has been heralded as the New Science by supporters and rejected by rationalists as unconvincing or too general to be of practical use. This book deserves wide attention because it bridges the divide by connecting complexity theory with an impressive array of useful tools...' Willie Tan, National University of Singapore