Project management is a compound field that can be hard to find without the right assets. No matter your experience level, there are always ways to learn more and enhance your skills. If you’re just beginning, many introductory assets and PMP study materials can explain the project management basics. Even if you’re skilled, continuous learning is vital to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and approaches. So, this article provides PM Exam Simulator suggested project management books for learners, beginners, and advanced or expert readers.
Overview of 8 Project Management Books
1. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 11th Edition
Although the PMP exam simulator is not the only solution to clearing the PMP Exam, the formal guide is a good associated with it.
The PMBOK Guide is a thorough source for project managers, delivering from an introduction to project management to a complete clarification of specific project management processes. Additionally, The eleventh edition replicates the most latest variations in the field of project management.
Moreover, this guide covers all PMP domains covered on the PMP exam, and it contains case studies to help you know how these concepts apply in practice.
2. Project Management Absolute Beginner’s Guide by Greg Horine
Think of this as an easy version of the PMBOK. This is the right book for people who do not enjoy going through numerous dry pages. Greg Horine keeps the learners engaged by using a conversational tone and always stays on the point being discussed. In addition, this means that you won’t find advice or sources for case studies in this book. So, you may think it’s a negative, but for a complete beginner looking to learn the ropes, this is the right approach.
After adapting to it, you will have theoretical knowledge of the PMP process that you can build upon with more detailed books.
3. Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager by Kory Kogon
The book gives a complete guide to project management basics, from initiate, plan, to execute, and close projects. Also, it contains useful tips on how to conduct common challenges that project managers face and is a full course at Franklin Covey.
Moreover, project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager is an exceptional source for those new to project management who want to learn the basics and conduct common challenges project managers face.
However, if you are building your PMP exam study plan, this book is a good partner to assist you learn the basics, as it even provides real-life tips on managing common challenges you may confront during your studies.
4. Project Management for Humans: Helping People Get Things Done by Brett Harned
Harned is a PMP-certified project manager and the founder of the digital agency Bloom, so he knows his expertise. In Project Management for Humans, he draws on his skills in executing projects of all areas and covering all businesses to give a complete guide to project management.
Furthermore, the book is split into three sections: First, it gives an outline of project management basics, from setting goals and generating a timeline to conducting stakeholders and dealing with issues. Secondly, this section examines the best project management tools and techniques, such as risk management and agile principles. At last, this section offers tips on being a successful project manager, from developing a team that works well as one to generating a practical work culture.
One of the best things about Project Management for Humans is that Harned doesn’t consider that readers are already specialists in project management; he starts from the beginning and takes you gradually through everything you need to know. And because the book is adapted to humans rather than machines, it’s easy to apply Harned’s advice to your projects.
5. The 50 PMP Exam Prep Questions Everyone Gets Wrong: Master The Hard Questions – Ace Your PMP Exam by Cornelius Fichtner
The 50 PMP Exam Prep questions each one gets wrong should be read for project managers who are looking to clear their PMP certification exam. It presents 50 difficult questions that the PMP exam is likely to ask and clarifies why each answer is right or wrong.
Moreover, reading this book will help project managers in PMP exam preparation and evade making regular mistakes. Also, extend their chances of clearing the exam.
Hence, these are just a few of the many good books that can help skilled project managers stay ahead of the curve. With any luck, they will give you the knowledge and skills you need to manage your next project successfully.
But don’t stop there! Once you have your PMP certification, use these books to become an even better project manager.
6. Critical Chain Project Management by Eliyahu Goldratt
Goldratt’s book introduces the problems frequently confronted in project management and provides a key based on restraints.
The theory of constraints, as he calls it, holds that there is always one constraint in a system that confines its output and that managerial actions should aim to improve the system’s out by managing the constraint.
Additionally, Goldratt’s book carries a continuous project management approach by analyzing and managing constraints. You can apply it to projects in any area, and it efficiently manages project scheduling and resource allocation across a broad range of industries. Also, it gives a helpful framework for dealing with interruptions and unplanned changes.
7. Project management – Industrial Megaprojects, Edward W. Merrow
There are only a few resources that serve the needs of engineers, construction managers, and other domains where analytical skills are more valued. Large-scale industrial projects like chemical plants, high-rise buildings, and oil rigs involve significant risks that could cause serious consequences if they fail.
In Industrial Megaprojects, Edward Merrow channels the insights gained from working in the industry for more than 30 years in a conversational manner. The book is a perfect choice for any engineering major whose training often lacks the necessary tools any project manager needs. While the book largely focuses on large-scale megaprojects, you’ll see that the tips are also applicable to any project irrespective of its size.
8. The Deadline: A Novel About Project Management by Tom DeMarco
The book focuses on software development but teaches sessions that apply to any type of project. DeMarco offers many premium insights into the world of project management, and readers will come away with a comprehension of how to handle deadlines, communicate with team members, and manage other challenges during a project.
Hence, if you are looking for a source of motivation to assist you clear your PMP exam, then the Deadline is a book worth reading.
Conclusion
These books offer valuable perception and knowledge for project managers at all levels. Staying ahead of the curve, these sources can help you manage your project successfully. Remember, continuous learning and adoption are key to exceeding in project management. So, involve yourself in these resources, pertain their lessons to your projects, and watch your project management skills rise to the top. Enroll in PMP certification today!
