Book Review

Project Quality Management

Why, What and How,  Second edition

Reviewed by Ken Hartley

	Authors	Kenneth H. Rose, PMP
	Publication	J. Ross Publishing Inc.; softcover, 248 pages;  978-1-60427-102-7; May, 2014; $37.95
	Purpose	Demonstrates how to implement the general methods of quality management defined in the PMBOK ® Guide and augments those methods with more detailed, hands-on procedures. This edition presents case examples that illuminate the theory of quality planning, assurance and control.
	Audience	Project Managers and Managers interested in implementing Project Quality measures.
	Availability	J. Ross Publishing Inc. – Project Quality Management, Second Edition

The measurement/evaluation criteria and recommendations for this book are already quite high since the first edition of the document received the coveted “PMI David I. Cleland Project Management Literature Award” in 2006.

The book includes four principal sections: Quality Foundations, Quality Management, Tools for Managing Project Quality, and Quality in Practice. Each of these sections is further divided into, and discusses elements of same in easy to read and very understandable terms.

The book is presented in a very readable fashion and provides a great deal of valuable information on the evolution of the management of quality commencing in the 1700s with its origins in the days of individual craftsmen, moving into the mass production arena of the 1900s, and further development as mass manufacturing became more prevalent. The latter demanded a more defined regimen, not only in the manufacturing of individual components, but also and more importantly, in the manufacture and interconnectibility of components into assemblies. And even more recently as projects have become more complex, costly and time dependent, quality management has become a key element in the overall management of projects and programs.

After discussion of the above evolution of Quality Management over the years, the author presents and discusses “The Wheel of Quality”, based on three principal components – Customer Focus (customer requirements are the base), Variation (understand it and control it), and Continuous Improvement (products and processes improve forever). This informative graphic portrays the relationship and interactions among them and adds of the essential elements of training and leadership.

I found the information presented in Chapter III, Tools for Managing Project Quality, to be the most important and useful one for me, having spent my career on large capital projects. It discusses collecting, understanding and analyzing project processes, common project practices and solving project problems -- all in easy to understand terms and usable formats.

Not only is the book presented in a manner which is quite easy to follow and understand, but also each book Chapter includes three pertinent sections specific to each Chapter: a Summary, Points to Ponder and Exercises, all germane to the topic. Applicable references are also provided.

Another feature of the book, provided by J. Ross Publishing, is “Web Added Value” which offers downloadable tools and resources for planning project quality, collecting and understanding data, analyzing processes and problem solving. www.jrosspub.com

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of his/her position on a project. It presents Project Quality Management not only in an easily understood and followed format, but also in such a way that through its implementation, positive project results will be attained.

About the Reviewer

Ken is a current PMI Fellow and has been a PMI Member since 1973. He was the PMI Chair (1984 and 2004), PMI Person of the Year (1985), first recipient of the PMI Eric Jenett Excellence in Project Management Award (1999), and past President of the PMI  Northern California Chapter. He has served on the Project Management Journal Editorial Review Board, reviewed papers submitted for three PMI Research Forums and just completed two terms on the PMI Educational Foundation Board.