Contemporary Project Management (4th Edition) (2018)

Designed to help master proven methods as well as learn about new techniques in the field, Contemporary Project Management works in tandem with the latest PMBOK Guide and focuses on preparing the reader to become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Available on Barnes & Noble for $249.95.

Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time (2014)

Scrum is a concept that takes a dynamic approach to project management and team building. Co-written by the co-creator of the Scrum software development process, Jeff Sutherland, this book is designed to maximize project productivity. $21.60 on Amazon.

SEE: Scrum agile project management: A cheat sheet (TechRepublic)

Project Management ToolBox: Tools and Techniques for the Practicing Project Manager (2016)

Want to learn the best ways to manage and enhance projects? This book offers various tools for planning, implementation, scheduling, cost, and many other aspects of project management that professionals and students need to know. $51.74 on Amazon.

Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days (2016)

A New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, this book was written by three partners at GV (formerly Google Ventures) who explain their unique five-day method for problem solving from start to finish. Available on Amazon for $17.18.

Brilliant Project Management: What the Best Project Managers Do, Know, and Say (3rd Edition) (2015)

Part of the Brilliant Business series of books, this revised edition of Brilliant Project Management is a helpful guide for consistently keeping your projects on track and on budget. Using real-world examples from their own experience in the field, Barker and Cole explain project management in a way that is easy to understand. $21.36 on Amazon.

The Enterprise and Scrum (Developer Best Practices) (2007)

Author Ken Schwaber worked with Jeff Sutherland to help formulate the Scrum development process. This book seeks to expand upon the benefits of that process to increase agility, lower costs, and create higher-quality products. Available from Barnes & Noble for $44.99

Making Things Happen: Mastering Project Management (Theory in Practice) (2008)

In this collection of essays, Scott Berkun offers strategies based on his nine years of experience working as a program manager for Internet Explorer, Microsoft Windows, and MSN. Berkun explains his method for defining, leading, and managing projects, and taking complex concepts and converting them into useful tidbits of information. $39.99 on Barnes & Noble.

Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams (2013)

Software consultants Tom DeMarco and Tim Lister delve into the more human side of software development–more specifically, how to manage project teams. Though originally written in 1987, the book was revised in 2013 and still contains useful information for today’s project managers. $44.99 on Barnes & Noble.

The Heretic's Guide to Management: The Art of Harnessing Ambiguity (2016)

Authors Paul Culmsee and Kailash Awati explain why many current project management techniques are ineffective. Exploring the deeper psychology behind ambiguity in a corporate setting, Culmsee and Awati’s book explains how to harness that ambiguity to achieve exceptional results. $19.99 on Barnes & Noble.

Essential Scrum: A Practical Guide to the Most Popular Agile Process (2012)

Scrum coach and trainer Kenneth Rubin illustrates the basic values and principles of scrum, offering the reader ways to implement it into their own organization. Rubin has helped hundreds of organizations excel using scrum, and his book describes how to most effectively utilize the techniques to obtain maximum value. $49.99 on Barnes & Noble.

SEE: How to tell if Agile is the right project management style for your business (TechRepublic)

Alpha Project Managers: What the Top 2% Know That Everyone Else Does Not (2016)

This book examines what sets some project managers apart from others. Based on a landmark survey of over 800 project managers from around the world, as well as in-depth interviews, author Andy Crowe explains what kinds of traits and organizational approaches are necessary to stand out in the field. $29.95 on Barnes & Noble.

Social Media for Project Managers (2010)

Author Elizabeth Harrin explains how social media can be integrated as a helpful communication tool for project managers. According to Harrin, social media can be used as a means to help businesses improve their internal sense of community and boost employee morale, thus increasing the success of a project. $39.95 on Barnes & Noble.

100 Things Project Managers Should Do Before They Die (2008)

This “to-do list” of sorts is intended to serve as a reminder to find the fun in your job. Author and public speaker Rita Mulcahy presents her suggestions in a humorous, but still purposeful way, with the hope that the reader will focus on the more amusing aspects of project management. $19 on Amazon.

SEE: Project management certifications from PMI: A cheat sheet for professionals (TechRepublic)

Project Management with CompTIA Project+: On Track from Start to Finish (4th Edition) (2017)

If you’re interested in obtaining CompTIA Project+ Certification, this is the book for you. Complete with the tools you’ll need to prepare for the CompTIA Project+ exam, including digital content with practice exams, this study guide is a must for project managers who are looking to expand their skill set and become certified CompTIA Project+ professionals. $50 on Barnes & Noble.

The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management (2015)

The Versatile Company president and author Eric Verzuh provides the reader with a thorough guide to help navigate to complexities of project management. It includes case studies from leading industry experts and offers techniques on how to clarify objectives, find the right sponsor, budgeting, and much more. Available on Barnes & Noble for $30.

Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling (2017)

Touted as the “Project Management Bible,” Harold Kerzner’s book is a complete guide to project management. It includes methods for streamlining processes, various ways to approach planning, scheduling, and suggestions for systematically adapting to ever-changing responsibilities. $99 on Barnes & Noble.

Accidental Project Manager: Zero to Hero in 7 Days (2018)

Written in the style of a business fable, Ray Frohnhoefer’s book takes a creative approach to explaining project management. Presented in an easy-to-read format, this book is ideal for beginners or those just looking for a refresher. It includes management tips, reading selections from the PMBOK Guide, and other useful resources. $47 on Barnes and Noble.

The DNA of Strategy Execution: Next Generation Project Management and PMO (2018)

In his book, author Jack Duggal decodes the elements of management and strategy-execution, and explains better methods for strengthening organizational skills. Duggal’s book takes a holistic approach to effective strategy-execution and next-generation Project Program and PMO capabilities, offering tools and techniques for successful governance, measurement metrics, connecting with customers and stakeholders, and more. $45 on Barnes & Noble.

Risk Up Front: Managing Projects in a Complex World (2018)

tAdam Josephs and Brad Rubenstein highlight the fundamentals of project management in their book. Focused on accountability, transparency, integrity, and commitment, Josephs and Rubenstein’s book explains the best ways to apply these principles. $27.99 on Amazon.

Also see

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• Project manager jobs: What employers are really looking for (ZDNet)
• Quick glossary: Project management (Tech Pro Research)
• How to build a successful project manager career (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

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• 5 strategic business factors every project manager should know (TechRepublic)

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• 10 questions project managers should ask employers during a job interview (TechRepublic)

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• How to meet project goals by creating a work breakdown structure (TechRepublic)

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• 10 best practices to keep your IT project under budget (TechRepublic)

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• 6 essential documents for project management success (TechRepublic)

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• Why project managers should have a product manager perspective (TechRepublic)