Complexity Theory and Project Management

✍ Scribed by Wanda Curlee, Robert L. Gordon(auth.)

• Year: 2010
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 399
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

An insightful view on how to use the power of complexity theory to manage projects more successfully

Current management practices require adherence to rigid, global responses unsuitable for addressing the changing needs of most projects. Complexity Theory and Project Management shifts this paradigm to create opportunities for expanding the decision-making process in ways that promote flexibility—and increase effectiveness. It informs readers on the managerial challenges of juggling project requirements, and offers them a clear roadmap on how to revise perspectives and reassess priorities to excel despite having an unpredictable workflow.

Complexity Theory and Project Management provides remedies through the use of teaching notes, power point slides, a solutions manual, and a toolbox of answers to common project management problems to illustrate how the deployment of complexity theory can make a project more successful. One of the first books covering the subject of complexity theory for project management, this useful guide:

• Explains the relationship of complexity theory to virtual project management
• Supplies techniques, tips, and suggestions for building effective and successful teams in the virtual environment
• Presents current information about best practices and relevant proactive tools
• Makes a strong case for including complexity theory in PMI's PMBOK Guide

Complexity Theory and Project Management gives a firsthand view on the future of complexity theory as a driving force in the management field, and allows project managers to get a head start in applying its principles immediately to produce more favorable outcomes.Content:
Chapter 1 Introduction to Complexity Theory (pages 3–13):
Chapter 2 Going beyond the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) Guide (pages 15–48):
Chapter 3 Virtual Leadership and Complexity (pages 49–67):
Chapter 4 Successful Virtual Projects (pages 69–100):
Chapter 5 Successful Project Management Strategies of Complexity (pages 103–115):
Chapter 6 Virtual Leadership through Complexity (pages 117–134):
Chapter 7 How Organizational Culture is the Key to Applying Complexity (pages 135–156):
Chapter 8 Cultural Conflict through the Lens of Complexity (pages 157–173):
Chapter 9 Cultural Conflict Resolution Strategies (pages 175–190):
Chapter 10 Risk Management through the Lens of Complexity (pages 191–196):
Chapter 11 SEMCO (Organizational Complexity) (pages 199–206):
Chapter 12 Web?based Universities (Multilevel Complexity) (pages 207–215):
Chapter 13 Small Team Complexity (pages 217–235):
Chapter 14 Leadership of Complexity?Driven Organizations (pages 239–254):
Chapter 15 Communities (pages 255–261):
Chapter 16 Teams and Complexity (pages 263–286):
Chapter 17 Micro?Teams (Tribes) (pages 287–310):
Chapter 18 Dealing Appropriately with Change (pages 311–323):
Chapter 19 Complexity Tools for Organizations with Virtual Teams (pages 327–356):
Chapter 20 Virtual Projects and Complexity Theory (pages 357–366):
Chapter 21 Using Complexity to Address a Troubled Project (pages 367–375):
Chapter 22 The Future of Complexity (pages 377–387):