 2008-12-20 - Good intent, poor execution, must read regardless
This review is for the 3rd edition of the PMBOK.
I used the book to study for the PMP exam as my main study source together with Rita's PMP Exam Prep book.
The intent of the book is great. The concepts in the book are sound and undoubtedly useful, after you decipher them :), but the writing is just so poor and so unnecessarily complicated, that makes the reading a real pain. I guess it is what you typically get when books are written by committees. There is a lot of duplication, and also many mistakes... way too many.
Regardless, if you really want to truly understand PMI's take on PM you need to read and understand the book. Just keep in mind that it is a model after all for project management and that in reality each situation requires proper judgement of what should be used out if it, at what extent, and so forth.
In the end, the content of the book did help me learn a lot, pass the exam and become a much better project manager. No question about this.
A final note, keep in mind that the book does not contain all the aspects that one needs to know for passing the PMP exam. It does not claim that it does though either; just be aware of that. My take would be use this book with another exam preparation guide that will fill that gap. It will also make your life easier from a point of view of "digesting" the concepts. I used Rita's Exam Prep book and it did the job for me.
 2008-11-24 - Professional field guide for project management
Volunteer committees at the Project Management Institute (PMI) created this guide to the processes involved in managing projects. Communication among clients, the project team and vendors is crucial to project management, so the book establishes a common vocabulary and a standard way of discussing a project. The book focuses on going from step to step with reliable coordination and smooth communication. Newcomers will find it helpful as they become conversant in the way professionals view and discuss project management. And, given that this is a standard work in the field, professionals are likely to regard it already as a reliable reference, including the useful process checklist. getAbstract applauds this manual's solid utility for its targeted audience. It is even quite readable, though it is directed only to insiders.
 2008-11-24 - Good book
This book has a lot of good information and is a must for any up and coming project manager.
2008-11-19 - Classroom book
Great book for generic and basic info about PM and being a PMBOK, it is a reference book. Currently using it for the PM class at CSUF.
2008-10-29 - Very good condition
This book came to me in very good condition. It looks like it wasn't used at all. Good job!
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