Essential Elements for any Successful Project

In this chapter

• Learn what comprises a "successful" project
• Understand the common characteristics of "troubled" projects
• Review the common characteristics of successful projects
• Learn which tools are indispensable to most project managers

In this chapter, we want to continue the accelerated learning approach we started in the previous chapter. Anytime that you are learning a new field, especially one that is as broad as project management, one of the most effective ways to reduce your learning curve and focus your mental energies is to understand what "successful" people do in the field, and, equally important, understand what "not to do."

With this philosophy in mind, we will take a step up in this chapter and look at "projects" as a whole and not just the project manager position. We will review the leading causes of "troubled" projects, and we'll discuss the common principles, techniques, and tools underlying most successful projects. With this foundation in place, you will better understand the purpose and the value of the fundamentals covered in the rest of this book, and as a result, be much better positioned for success on your initial project management assignment.