CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Cindy Lewis of Grand Rapids, MI - "Our company was able to use the forms in the back of the book immediately to improve processes. The author did an excellent job of explaining the concepts an organization must follow to be successful. I was happy to learn the author was affiliated with the Project Management Body of Knowledge and the PMI organization, which are standards our company strives to follow. Nice job Mr. Bolles."
Ric Byham - Odessa, FL - "Over the last few years, the strategic management of corporate projects has been widely written about as a crucial requirement for current and future business success. Limited resources, lack of integration and sub-optimization must be abandoned for a more pragmatic, structured approach to leveraging a multitude of corporate, divisional and departmental projects which often cover research & development, capital expansion, new products/product lines and extensive process improvements. An executive or manager considering any "enterprise-level" project management effort within their company should carefully review Section One of Building PMCOE before undertaking or progressing. Dennis Bolles provides insight on why the strategic PM efforts (via a Center of Excellence) need to be established as a "unique business function" within an organization, rather than being an add-on to an existing function or department. Dennis Bolles provides a consultative approach with appropriate tools to support enterprise-wide project management efforts. This is not, however, a "one-size fits all" solution. The author "describes" key elements and processes needed for success, rather than prescribes them. Although the descriptions are fairly detailed, using the information provided in the book presumes a working knowledge/experience of project management to fully appreciate the important, but loosely integrated points. This book literally has something for everyone in the arena of project management offices:
. Strategic perspective and insight for top managers and executives to ponder,
· Practical tools and techniques to support a sound methodology, and
· Many useful examples to tailor for your organization's needs! "
Richard Spector from Carmel, IN - "Finally a book that examines the topic of building Project Management Centers of Excellence from someone who has been there and done it. I can't imagine the hours and dollars organizations will save by reading this book first. The guidelines, templates and tables speak for themselves. As someone who has been involved in the startup of several different Project Management Offices within several industries I indeed believe this book will stand the test of time. It's a contribution that spans all industries."
Jim Blodgett from Grand Rapids, MI - "Mr. Bolles combines knowledge of project management with his 'real life' experiences setting up Project Management Centers of excellence. There is an excellent balance of theory and experience, offering both high-level planning and political considerations as well as detailed tools and techniques for implementing project offices. I would consider Building Project Management Centers of Excellence a must read for managers, senior managers, and executives preparing themselves for the arduous task of establishing project management within their organizations."
Anne M. Cagle from Rock Hill, SC - "As Chief Project Leader for a major bank, I struggled with finding a "cookbook" for setting up a Project Management Center of Excellence over one year ago. Fortunately, Dennis Bolles has written that cookbook so others will have a model to follow. This is an excellent guide for a step-by-step setup with pre-constructed templates in a helpful CD that comes with the book. I highly recommend buying and using this book for creating line of business and enterprise Centers of Excellence."
David Schaap from Holland, Mi - "Mr. Bolles' years of experience in, and deep topical knowledge of, PM techniques is very evident from the start. It is complete with many sample PM templates and also contains a CD chocked full of relevant and useful documents and templates. A must read for the PM professional!! "
Paul C. Dinsmore, PMP - PMI Fellow from Rio de janeiro & Sao Paulo, Brazile - "Dennis Bolles supports the concept that project management should permeate the whole organization, thus justifying the need to have a PMCoE at a high level to ensure that project policies receive enough prestige and visibility to be put into practice. This means that across-the-board buy-in is required for all types of projects, from classic capital project undertakings and IT ventures, to marketing, continuous improvement, annual operational targets, and organizational change. A well-positioned PMCoE can be the key to ensuring that all types of projects are carried out effectively, no matter what their nature may be.
Building Project Management Centers of Excellence is a significant contribution to the growing field of literature on how to best foster excellence in project management in organizations. Dennis Bolles's substantial professional background qualifies him to put forth his experiences and views on the subject. He adds a rich collection of samples, tables, templates, and figures that illustrate how to pursue excellence in project management through the implementation of a PMCoE. I am pleased to recommend this book for those project professionals and executives who want to improve the quality of projects in their organizations."
