Book Description
Whether you’re a current project manager seeking to validate the skills and knowledge acquired through years of practical experience or a newcomer to the PM field looking to strengthen your resume, the PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) provides you with the means to do so. This new edition of the best-selling PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide covers the 2005 updates to both the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the PMP exam. Author Kim Heldman presents the material in a clear and accessible manner, taking you through the process groups in their logical order so you understand the parts and the whole equally well.
KEY TOPICS INCLUDE:
Project Initiation. Determining project goals, determining deliverables, determining process outputs, documenting constraints, documenting assumptions, defining strategies, producing formal documentation.
Project Planning. Refining a project, creating a WBS, developing a resource management plan, determining resource requirements, defining budgets, refining time and costs estimates, establishing project controls, obtaining plan approval.
Project Execution. Committing and implementing resources, managing and communicating progress, implementing quality assurance procedures.
Project Control. Measuring performance, refining control links, taking corrective action, evaluating effectiveness of corrective action, ensuring plan compliance, reassessing control plans, responding to risk event triggers, monitor project activity.
Project Closing. Obtaining acceptance of deliverables, documenting lessons learned, facilitating closure, preserving product records and tools, releasing resources.
Professional Responsibility. Ensuring integrity, contributing to knowledge base, balancing stakeholder interests, respecting differences.
Customer Reviews:
Boring to read, mediocre test questions, lowers confidence. .......2007-07-10
I started PMP study reading this book. It is almost as boring (and lengthy) to read as the PMBOK, endless repeats on what the inputs and outputs are. The test exams at the end of each chapter are frustrating - and the given answers often still leave you puzzled.
I changed to Rita Mulcahy's book - which was a MUCH easier read with a lot more practical and useful information. She also doesn't focus much on memorization, but understanding. The sample questions are very good and the answers give you a very good understanding.
After successfully passing mock exams, I tried the mock exam included on the CD with the KIM Heldman book. The questions were very lengthy and difficult to read (worse than the real PMP exam) and I didn't manage to get a good score on this mock exam - which was really bad for my confidence close to the exam. I decided to not look at it anymore and I passed the exam.
Good organization, beware of errors.......2006-11-17
I agree with the review by Albert, that there are numerous errors. The coverage mentioned in the title page of every chapter, leaves out some important topics covered within.
I would recommend this book to be read after attending a Instructor-led Training course, reading the PMBOK once, and reading Rita's book. Having such background will help to know the errors immediately.
On the positive side, this book is a good approach to organize the knowledge areas and process in a logical - real life order. The ongoing Kitchen Heaven Store project example provides a welcome break and a real-life manifestation of concepts.
Add to this, the sample exams and end of chapter summaries. I'll rate this 4-star and a good value for the money spent.
Too many errors, poor format, index lacking.......2006-08-14
I am studying for the PMP and have NOT sat for the test yet. I read this book (cover to cover), read the PMBOK-2005, and another book called 'PMP in Depth' (P. Sanghera).
I do not recommend the Sanghera book either (see my review on that book) but my comments on this book are this:
First, are the many blantant errors. Here are three examples of the many I found.
A) On page 191 it says "Interviewing" is not an official tool and technique of the Risk Identification process. This is not true (see PMBOK 11.2.2.2).
B)On page 254 it says that Activity Resource Estimating is an input to a process called "Human Activity Resource Estimating." This process does not exist in the PMBOK. The correct process is "Human Resource Planning." Further, this element is an input to two other processes not mentioned.
C) On page 263 it says Resource Limitations are NOT taken into consideration when conducting Schedule Network Analysis. The PMBOK (6.5.2.1) says that resource leveling is part of this tool and technique.
There are many other errors in this book (too numerous to mention here).
Second, the practice test questions are also riddled with errors. The danger in this kind of error is that the questions are tricky enough without putting the questions themselves into question.
Third, for me, the format of this book is not well suited to the way I learn (a personal point).
And fourth, the index is frustrating. Virtually all of the process inputs and outputs, and many of the tools & techniques, are missing -- it is structured for looking up process names.
On the positive side, I like the end of chapter summaries.
Best Reading to Pass PMP Exam.......2006-06-14
I bought and borrowed many books to study for the PMP exam and this was the BEST book, both in the material it covered and the way in which the material was presented. It is one of the few that take your through the project management process as you would really experience it, from project inception to closeout. Most other books geared toward the PMP exam organize the material based on the PMI knowledge areas, which have so much overlap it becomes confusing. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. I passed the exam using this book and the quizes in Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep, which follows the knowlege areas.
Book Description
Student Success in College describes policies, programs, and practices that a diverse set of institutions have used to enhance student achievement. This book clearly shows the benefits of student learning and educational effectiveness that can be realized when these conditions are present. Based on the Documenting Effective Educational Practice (DEEP) project from the Center for Postsecondary Research at Indiana University, this book provides concrete examples from twenty institutions that other colleges and universities can learn from and adapt to help create a success-oriented campus culture and learning environment.
Book Description
Designed for project managers looking to add the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification to their resume, this guidebook presents everything needed to pass the exam—from glossaries of terms and definitions to professional testing advice. Test preparation topics, including complete explanations of all CAPM subjects, are accompanied by a breakdown of the processes, inputs, outputs, and techniques associated with this PMI certification. A final chapter packed with sample test questions is also included.
Customer Reviews:
If you want to pass the CAPM, get this book........2007-10-15
Just a few hours ago, I returned home from passing the CAPM exam well above the % required to pass. I have to be honest, this book made the difference. I cannot compare this book to other CAPM prep books, as this book (and the PMBOK) were the only books I used, but if your goal is to pass the CAPM exam, and you do not know which book to buy, this one should get you a passing grade. I took the gamble to self study for the CAPM rather than spend $1500+ on a crash course or online course, and this book significantly mitigated the risk of failing the exam ;)
Get it, you'll like it.
Easy to Use.......2007-09-30
Excellent book to study for the CAPM because it is straight-forward, well-structured and includes practice exams.
Passed CAPM with this book.......2007-09-28
I passed CAPM last saturday using this book and their 7-day free web tests that came with the book.
This book definitely helped me pass on the first try.......2007-08-03
This book is such an excellent supplement to the PMBOK because of the practice questions provided in the book and the 2-week trial membership to the insite/velociteach website (included with purchase of the book). Excellent CAPM prep.
Great Book.......2007-07-24
This book helped me pass the CAPM exam. The only thing that was missing was a Six Sigma question asking about error rate.
Book Description
-Shows how to use and maintain carpentry tools.
Customer Reviews:
the complete guide to home carpentry.......2007-03-08
received book in a timely manner and in excellent condition
Very clear and well explained book........2006-05-04
I bought this book for a garage project of mine and the decent reviews it had. I must say the reviews are well deserved. This book offers plenty of photos and well explained "how-to" guide lines. Detailed explanation with photos of all the tools you'll need for your project. I can now do my projects with confidence considering I am a novice at carpentry. Excellent choice for the novist.
So far from complete its an insult to carpenters.......2006-04-16
Had to give 1 star to off set the other reviews. My problem with most of these carpentry books is their lack of conviction to a topic. I have been a carpenter for way longer than 4 years (the accepted journeyman level). In truth it takes a lifetime to keep up with new practices and master traditional techniques. If you need to read 93 PAGES OF 277 on what a particular tool is or how to set up a saw then you really are not ready for complete carpentry. You need to develop your understanding of the tools.
Taunton Press is my recommendation for high quality information. Most of their publications assume you know how to use your tools. I would like to see quality books on specific skills. The complete all in one would have to be text book size and come in volumes. One good example is Lewis Vogt Carpentry 3rd edition. Used in construction management courses.
This book is just fluff. A weekend warrior might find some good info to improve his garage or better use his tools.
Not a great book........2006-01-16
This book doesn't include any text about stairs. I guess most complete homes don't need stairs. I find this book more of a coffee table book than a book I can count on for howto information.
Good Basic Book!.......2005-12-27
I got this book from my wife for Christmas, and I was immediately able to use it! I'm a computer geek, and usually when I get a hammer in my hand, it ends up either hitting my fingers or making a bigger hole in the wall.
This book teaches ALL the basics, from how to saw wood to how to frame and install a new door in a new wall! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it's still a reference book - it's not something that I'd pore over in the middle of the night and couldn't put down.
It's still a great book!
Book Description
INCLUDES OVER 50 HANDS-ON EXERCISES IN BONUS WORKBOOK SECTION
Whether you're a current project manager seeking to validate the skills and knowledge acquired through years of practical experience or a new-comer to the PM field looking to strengthen your resume, the PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) provides you with the means to do so.
This new edition of the best-selling PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide covers the updates to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the 2005 PMP exam. The authors present the material in a clear and accessible manner, taking you through the process groups in their logical order so you understand the parts and the whole equally well.
This Deluxe Edition includes a bonus Workbook section that includes over 50 exercises to further assist with your studies. And the accompanying CD contains additional review tools designed to reinforce understanding of critical subject areas.
KEY TOPICS INCLUDE:
* Initiating the Project. Conducting project selection methods; defining scope; documenting project risks, assumptions, and constraints; identifying and performing stake-holder analysis; developing a project charter; obtaining project charter approval.
* Planning the Project. Defining and recording requirements, constraints, and assumptions; identifying the project team and defining roles and responsibilities; creating the WBS; developing a change management plan; identifying risks and defining risk strategies; obtaining plan approval; conducting a kick-off meeting.
* Executing the Project. Executing tasks defined in the project plan; ensuring common understanding and set expectations; implementing the procurement of project resources; managing resource allocation; implementing a quality management plan; implementing approved changes; implementing approved actions and workarounds; improving team performance.
* Monitoring and Controlling the Project. Measuring project performance; verifying and managing changes to the project; ensuring project deliverables conform to quality standards; monitoring all risks.
* Closing the Project. Obtaining final acceptance for the project; obtaining financial, legal, and administrative closure; releasing project resources; identifying, documenting and communicating lessons learned; creating and distributing final project report; archiving and retaining project records; measuring customer satisfaction.
* Professional and Social Responsibility. Ensuring individual integrity; contributing to the project management knowledge base; enhancing personal professional competence; promoting interaction among stakeholders.
FEATURED ON THE CD
SYBEX TEST ENGINE
Test your knowledge with advanced testing software. Includes chapter review questions and six PMP and two CAPM bonus exams!
ELECTRONICFLASHCARDS
Reinforce your understanding with hundreds of flashcards that can run off your PC, Pocket PC, or Palm handheld.
Also on the CD, you'll find the entire book in searchable and printable PDF.
Customer Reviews:
Good starter.......2007-05-09
I finished 3/4 of the book so far...not bad..it is a tough exam anyways...and you need to memorize a lot...the book is good....but you need to know how to benefit from it...i mean....sometimes in one small paragraph you find all what you need...and sometimes you read pages for nothing....
the book is based on the pmp knowledge areas.... which makes studying a bit boring sometimes....afterall maybe the material is heavy and it is not the books problem.....
I actually bought this book and rita's...so i believe it is a good start then you can jump into rita's...
Do not study with this book.......2007-02-07
I studied from this book for weeks and never improved on the assessment exams. With one day before test day, and in a bit of a panic, I threw the book in the waste basket and purchased the Rita Mulcahy text which had been recommended to me repeatedly. The one day I spent with the Mulcahy book was worth more than the 60 days I spent with the Heldman text for the following reasons:
1. The Heldman book does not follow the same format as the PMBOK. I at first considered this an advantage as I thought the different format would help my brain learn the material in a different way. This theory did not prove true. The Mulcahy book follows the same format as the PMBOK.
2. The chapter assessments and practice exam questions are confusing and there are bugs in the software that cut off some of the questions and answers. I assumed the format was indicative of how confusing the questions would be on the actual exam. This turned out to not be the case and in retrospect I wonder if the questions were scored correctly at all. The questions I saw on the exam were much more closely aligned with the format of the questions in the Mulcahy book.
3. The Mulcahy book includes additional exercises and "games" that will prepare you for the exam very well.
Do not buy this book.
This book is out of date.......2006-12-23
Don't Study this book if you are trying to pass the PMP Certification Exam. This book is out of date. Be sure to buy a PMP Examp Prep book that was written for the PMBOK 3rd Edition.
Very helpful in passing the CAPM exam.......2006-06-19
The book combined with computer based test simulations are a very good preparation regiment. The book is very terse but cuts through to the case on what you need to know to pass the test.
The writing is not particularly great but is effective. It would be helpful to a bit more graphic representation of the various phases and processes. The practice tests at the end of the characters are helpful but they are not very representative of the actual questions in the CAPM test. I am not sure if the questions are representative of the PMP test.
Overall, a web-based practice test should accompany the book. The CD that came with the book was helpful but the questions again were not the best representation of the test questions.
The book did get me up to speed very quickly in prepartion for the test.
Conflicting Processes Names and Knowledge Area Allocations to PMBOK.......2006-05-25
In Kim Heldmans "PMP Study Guide 2nd Edition" Kim has very different processes than the PMBOK (names and what knowledge group the process belongs to).
For example, Kim has 'Admin closure' in the Closing Process Group/Project Communications Knowledge Area, where as the PMBOK, does not have 'Admin closure' as a process at all.
Another example is that the PMBOK lists 'Create WBS' as a process in the Planning Process Group/Project Scope Knowledge Area, where as Kim does not list this process at all.
Another example is that the PMBOK has 'Create Project Charter' and 'Create Preliminary Scope Statement' as processes in the Planning Process Group/Project Integration Knowledge Area, Kim has nothing in this intersection; but has an 'Initiating' Process in the Initiation group and designates it in the scope knowledge area - the PMBOK has nothing in the Initiation/Scope group.
These are just a few of many differences.
This is all extremely confusing and I would like an explanation. I think it is very poor of a book which references the PMBOK to have so many conflicts with the PMBOK.
Book Description
Featuring chapters by the world's foremost scholars in music education and cognition, this handbook is a convenient collection of current research on music teaching and learning. This comprehensive work includes sections on arts advocacy, music and medicine, teacher education, and studio instruction, among other subjects, making it an essential reference for music education programs. The original Handbook of Research on Music Teaching and Learning, published in 1992 with the sponsorship of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), was hailed as "a welcome addition to the literature on music education because it serves to provide definition and unity to a broad and complex field" (Choice). This new companion volume, again with the sponsorship of MENC, explores the significant changes in music and arts education that have taken place in the last decade. Notably, several chapters now incorporate insights from other fields to shed light on multi-cultural music education, gender issues in music education, and non-musical outcomes of music education. Other chapters offer practical information on maintaining musicians' health, training music teachers, and evaluating music education programs. Philosophical issues, such as musical cognition, the philosophy of research theory, curriculum, and educating musically, are also explored in relationship to policy issues. In addition to surveying the literature, each chapter considers the significance of the research and provides suggestions for future study. Covering a broad range of topics and addressing the issues of music education at all age levels, from early childhood to motivation and self-regulation, this handbook is an invaluable resource for music teachers, researchers, and scholars.
Book Description
This updated edition of the best-selling book Because Writing Matters reflects the most recent research and reports on the need for teaching writing, and it includes new sections on writing and English language learners, technology, and the writing process.
Customer Reviews:
A good appraisal of best practices in teaching writing.......2007-02-15
This book is a must for teachers, parents, and administrators who want to understand research-diven methods for teaching writing. Nagin explains the myths and reality involved with creating good writers. This book sponsored by the National Writing Project explores current research on teaching writing and discusses how that translates into sound classroom practices.
Book Description
These vivid pages remind us of how much can be accomplished in a good and humane classroom.
- Howard Gardner
While the professional literature is glutted with theories on educational reform, our children remain starved for authentic learning that grows out of their unique, original classroom experiences. Award winning teacher Steven Levy attributes this disparity to the lack of clear examples illustrating the kind of thinking and planning that results in powerful learning. The void, he asserts, too often prompts teachers to "either return to the curriculum guide or try to implement projects developed by others."
Starting from Scratch presents an inspired alternative. In detailed accounts, it explains the step-by-step observations, thinking, and planning that enabled Levy to develop a variety of original projects with his elementary students. These have ranged from environmental inquiries--students studying the impact of a local bike path on their community--to an imaginative look at the qualities of number--a classroom quest to determine which is the greatest number.
While these projects were generated by the children's own interests, they also provided myriad opportunities for basic skills development. In this regard, Starting from Scratch offers a creative reconciliation of some of the more hotly debated issues in education: project based learning versus basic skills; integrated curriculum versus discipline centered instruction; state and national standards versus local and individual interests. Instead of recapitulating fundamental arguments, Starting from Scratch simply shows successful illustrations of how "the best of both worlds" can coexist in an engaged classroom.
Starting from Scratch was written primarily with professional educators in mind. But its appeal will extend to parents, business leaders, and anyone interested in related issues such as character education, teaching gifted and talented students, and teaching thinking. In short, it will inspire anyone concerned with the challenge of educating strong individuals who have a spirit of community.
Customer Reviews:
So, Brian...use your frustration..........2004-03-08
The point of this book is how classrooms can, when teachers don't start from where the students are at ("Scratch"), leave kids disengaged, bored and frustrated.
Use what he gives you to take urban kids into their lives. Okay, they are poor, maybe illiterate, possibly angry....but are they not also intelligent, curious and hungry?????
Stop complaining!
Excellent, Excellent Book.......1999-02-01
An excellent and highly entertaining book. The classroom stories are wonderful: creative and humorous. I've had great success with several of Levy's ideas in my own classroom.
refreshing, invigorating, one of the best books ever.......1999-01-06
Steven Levy paints a vivid picture of his magical classroom in all its glory. Wonderful stories, curriculum ideas, and a refreshing educational philosophy. This book is great reading for anyone, and a must have for teachers.
Book Description
* The know-how people need to pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, the world's most recognized professional project management credential
* Quick Assessment questions at the beginning and Prep Tests at the end of each chapter enhance the reader's understanding of the material
* Shows how to spot trick questions designed to challenge critical thinking skills
* Explains how to interpret questions and offers tips for budgeting valuable test-taking time
* CD-ROM contains practice exams,
* hundreds of sample questions, timed and untimed versions of the test, and the ability to save test results to measure progress
Customer Reviews:
Out of Date material.......2007-06-18
This book is out of date and is not suitable for the current PMP certification.
Maybe I am a dummy.......2007-06-12
I figured this book would be a good companion to the PMBOK, but it is a little dated (for previous exam) and there are some glaring errors and omissions in the text that made it hard to follow. I guess I was looking for lots of helpful hints, found only a few. The chapter tests are OK (one did not actually give the answers) so this gets a 3 out of 5.
Not PMBOK 3rd Ed Aligned.......2007-02-11
I bought this book last year when I started studying for the PMP. Buyer beware that this book is not based on the most recent PMBOK version and some of the information is incorrect. This book is OK for getting an idea of what the test may be like and the information covered, but it should not be used as an authoritative source of information. I even question if the the practice tests can be trusted since I have already found some of the answers to be wrong. At a minimum, get the latest PMBOK as well so you can see where there are differences.
Start With This Book.......2006-12-10
The PMP (Project Management Professional) exam, based on the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge), is by no means an easy test. Furthermore, it's importance overshadows its difficulty. What this book brings to the table is the 'For Dummies' style and treatment of the material. This style has been prepared carefully over many years and (I guess) thousands of titles.
My recommendation ...
Start with this book. Go through it twice. The first time go through it rather quickly so that you get an overall grasp of the material. Second, go through it more slowly to pick up the details that you skipped over before. Third work the practice test and other material that's on the CD.
After this, read the PMBOK.
Then get another, harder test preparation book, perhaps the Chu/Altwies/Walker book. Basically you'll have the background that you need from this book, and from the next book you get a dose of the same material but worded differently so that you'll see it from a different angle.
Don't be a Dummy - don't buy this book.......2006-09-08
I used several high qulity PM books to study for the PMP exam.
I thought this book would be helpful - especially the CD ROM for test practice
It was a complete waste of money - the information was weak and the cd was useless
Highly recommend the Heldman and Mulchay books they are the gold standard for passing this test the first time
PS - this is a serious exam - you need to know the PMBOK cold - don't waste your time on this book
Amazon.com
This is a project book, with more than 20 easy-to-build projects for patio and garden using a variety of stone. Walls, arches, paths, steps, rock gardens, fountains, seats and tables, sundials, patios, and even birdbaths are described in detail and illustrated with hundreds of drawings and color photographs. The book will show the reader how to estimate costs and quantities accurately, select the right tools and materials, prepare ground sites properly, produce sturdy and original structures, and create an attractive, inviting garden or patio using one of nature's most durable and beautiful materials. --Mark A. Hetts
Book Description
Features advice on estimating costs and quantities, information on tools and materials, site preparation hints, and detailed hands-on instructions for working with natural and manmade stone.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for creating stone garden projects.......2004-02-28
This large paperback book may only be 96 pages but it is incredibly detailed and the color photos and illustrations are excellent. For each project the author covers types of materials, site preparation, design, estimating quantities, measuring, as well as step by step instructions on building the project. Projects covered: Garden Walls, Arches, Patios, Paths, Steps, Planters, Rock Gardens, Seats and Tables, and Ponds. A section on "Small Weekend Projects" shows how to make a mounting for a sundial, paving around trees, laying stepping stones, and building a patio planter out of rocks.
A "Reference" section in the back of the book includes detailed information on tools, natural stone, man-made wall blocks, paving slabs and blocks, mortar and concrete, dry mixed materials, mortar mixes and ready made concrete.
A great guide book.......2000-04-26
Twenty different projects are presented in color photos and detailed drawings. Lawrence concentrates on patios, paving, steps, garden walls, stone furniture and decorative ponds. These are all projects that homeowners can handle themselves with this concise guide.
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