Mastering IT Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques

This title outlines a practical, process-based approach for setting up effective IT infrastructures in organisations. In years gone by, setting up IT infrastructure was just preparation of the data centre. It has now become a much more complex task that involves not only setting up data centre facilities, but rolling out organization-wide solutions that allow connectivity to customers, vendors and company executives at all times. "Mastering IT Project Management" is the first book to detail how to create IT infrastructure rather than simply describe how to manage the IT function or software development. This unique and comprehensive reference covers all aspects needed to manage this type of project in an organization successfully.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1-Introduction to IT Project ManagementIntroductionComponents of IT InfrastructureClassification of OrganizationsUnderstanding Project ManagementActivities to be Performed in an IT ProjectPhases of an IT ProjectTypes of IT ProjectsDistinction of IT Projects from Other ProjectsChapter 2-Approaches to IT Project ManagementProject Management ApproachesAd Hoc Methods-Based Project ManagementProcess Driven Approach to Project ManagementSchedule-Driven ApproachHybrid of Ad Hoc and Process-Driven ApproachWhat Is the Right Approach for Project Management? Is the Process-Driven Approach Right for You? What Process and How Much? Chapter 3-Feasibility Study and Project AcquisitionDo We Need a Feasibility Study in These Days? The First Decision-In-House or Outsource the Study? Steps in Conducting the Feasibility StudyProject ApprovalStrategies for Executing the IT ProjectsProject AcquisitionChapter 4-Sizing of IT ComponentsIntroduction to SizingSoftware First or Hardware? Availability of the SystemSizing of the ServerPower RequirementsSoftware SizingContractingChapter 5-Planning in IT Project ManagementIntroductionDefinition of PlanningTypes of Plans Prepared by Software Project ManagementQuality Control of PlanningScaling of Planning in IT Project ManagementFunds Flow PlanningChapter 6-Project ExecutionIntroductionProcurement of HardwareProcurement of System SoftwarePreparation of Specifications and Acquisition of Application SoftwareFinalize SubcontractorsReceive and Deploy ServersReceive Networking Hardware and Build the Communication NetworkReceive and Deploy the System SoftwarePrepare Master DataReceive and Deploy Application SoftwareDefine Systems and Procedures for Running the OperationsRecruiting and Training Personnel for OperationsProcure Consumables for the Initial OperationContract/Contractor ManagementSetup Configuration Management ProcessTrain End Users in Operating the SystemConduct Trial RunsChangeover to New SystemInitiate Maintenance When Would All These Actions Be Taken? How about Quality Control? CoordinationChapter 7-Project Control in IT Project ManagementIntroductionSchedule ControlCost ControlQuality ControlProductivity ControlTools and Techniques for Project ControlProgress Monitoring MeetingsMetricsEarned Value AnalysisAuditsChapter 8 - Cash ManagementIntroductionElements of Cash ManagementBudgetingCash ManagementChapter 9-Quality Assurance in IT Project ManagementIntroductionEnvironment Conducive to QualityOrganizational ProcessStandards and GuidelinesMeasurement and MetricsVerificationInspectionsValidation AuditsChapter 10-Project ClosureIntroductionWhen Does a Project Really Close? Project Closure ActivitiesDocumentation of Best PracticesDocumenting the Lessons Learned from the ProjectCollect, Derive, and Deposit the Final Project MetricsConduct a Knowledge-Sharing Meeting with Peer Project ManagersDeposit the Project Records with the PMOProject PostmortemPerformance Appraisals of the Project TeamRelease of the Project ManagerClose the ProjectOrganizational Role in Project ClosureChapter 11-Pitfalls and Best Practices in Project ManagementIntroductionOrganizational-Level Pitfalls in Project ManagementPitfalls and Best Practices at the PM LevelAppendix A-Management for Project ManagersAppendix B-Decision Making for Project ManagersAppendix C-People ManagementAppendix D-Introduction to PERT/CPMAppendix E-Problem ResolutionAppendix F-Stakeholder Expectation ManagementAppendix G-SchedulingAppendix H-AbbreviationsAppendix I-Templates for IT Project Management

About the Author :
Murali Chemuturi is a project management, information technology and software development expert.

Review :
"Mastering IT Project Management is the definitive source of knowledge for managing all phases of IT infrastructure projects. Despite my decades of experience, this resource discusses several areas that I never considered and would have helped many of my projects go much smoother. This is a must read and heed!" -Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development & Quality Assurance, Computer Aid Inc.; "Mastering IT Project Management provides a full spectrum, step-by-step, how-to approach that arms both novices and gurus with best practices, tools, and techniques that allow them to emerge victorious."-Pat O'Toole, CMMI High Maturity Lead Appraiser