Top 12 Project Management Books

Embarking on the vast field of project management without proper resources can feel like navigating in the dark. As the industrial conditions are volatile, there is always scope for learning, knowledge, and growth, and these project management books can come in very handy. Whether you’re leading a start-up or dealing with a corporate giant, consider this page your guide towards solid project management wisdom. The list of highly regarded 12 Project Management Books in this blog will help you lead projects with renewed confidence and skill.
 

Table of Contents
 

1)  List of Top 12 Project Management Books
 

    a) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 7th Edition
 

    b) The Art of Project Management by Scott Berkun
 

    c) Project Management Absolute Beginner's Guide by Greg Horine
 

    d) Agile Project Management for Dummies by Mark C. Layton, Steven J. Ostermiller, and Dean J. Kynaston
 

    e) Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
 

    f) Critical Chain Project Management by Eliyahu Goldratt
 

    g) The Lazy Project Manager by Peter Taylor
 

    h) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold R. Kerzner (13th Edition)
 

    i) Project Management for Humans: Helping People Get Things Done by Brett Harned
 

    j) The Deadline: A Novel About Project Management by Tom DeMarco
 

2) Conclusion
 

List of Top 12 Project Management Books

As you contemplate your next step in the world of project management, these 12 highly recommended project management books should always be within your reach
 

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 7th Edition

While there's no one key to unlock the secret of passing a Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam, the PMBOK® Guide comes close.

The PMBOK Guide is a comprehensive guide for project managers, providing everything from a introductory project management to in-depth explanations of project management processes. The seventh edition reflects the latest changes in project management.

Besides all the project performance domains covered on the PMP exam, this book includes case studies that enumerate how these concepts apply in practice.

The Art of Project Management by Scott Berkun

This book is the ideal introduction to the concepts of modern project management. It covers topics ranging from setting goals and planning to execution and closure.

This book perfectly illustrates the importance of project management in the workplace and provides various tips and advice on how to succeed as a project manager.

One of the best aspects of this book is that it was written in an easy-to-understand format and is filled with helpful illustrations.
 

Project Management Absolute Beginner's Guide by Greg Horine

This is an excellent choice for any professional who is looking for a simple and practical introduction to modern project management.

It will familiarise you with common project management tasks, such as budgeting, managing teams, scheduling, closing projects and learning from experience.

It also includes ample practice questions and exercises to help you test your knowledge. 
 

Agile Project Management for Dummies by Mark C. Layton, Steven J. Ostermiller, and Dean J. Kynaston

Out of all the Project Management Books, this one stands out as a valuable resource for learning about agile project management or about agile frameworks. This book covers the basics and the advanced concepts with real-world examples throughout along with a section on agile techniques and tools.

Agile Project Management for Dummies covers a lot of ground for an aspiring PMP, making it your ideal reference guide.

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Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

This book is a treasure trove of helpful tips & tricks on initiating a task and seeing through its completion. This enables individuals to become more organised and manage their time better. It is an essential read for project managers.

This book provides a system which can help project managers stay on track and successfully meet deadlines. Additionally, it stresses the importance of taking time for oneself to avoid feeling overwhelmed and mitigate stress.
 

Critical Chain Project Management by Eliyahu Goldratt

This book addresses the problems encountered in project management and provides solutions based on the theory of constraints.

The theory of constraints, as the author calls it, states that there is always one constraint in a system that limits its throughput. Additionally, it states that managerial actions should focus on improving the throughput of the system by managing constraints.

This book presents a step-by-step approach on how to improve project performance by identifying and managing constraints. You can apply this approach to projects of any size and has been shown to be effective across various industries in managing project scheduling and resource allocation.

The book also offers a powerful framework for dealing with disruptions and unexpected changes.
 

The Lazy Project Manager by Peter Taylor

In this book, Peter Taylor explains how adopting a more focused approach to life and projects can make you twice as productive. The Lazy Project Manager is a project management book that enlightens and entertains everyone.

Virtually anyone can apply the simple techniques of ‘lazy project management’ to their own activities to improve their work-life balance. Readers will learn to work smarter by concentrating their project management effort where it really matters and avoiding redundant work.

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Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold R. Kerzner (13th Edition)

This book features a streamlined approach to Project Management functions without bogging you down with details of tools and methods used at every stage of a project.

This 13th Edition has been updated to cover industry changes and features in-depth coverage of current topics. These topics include:

1) Global stakeholder management

2) Agile project management

3) customer approval milestones

4) project governance failure

5) The supplementary materials that come with this book will aid students and professionals alike.

As projects expand in scope and complexity, managing them across time zones, language barriers, and technology platforms requires a systematic approach. This book covers these approaches in a fresh, easy-to-read manner.
 

Project Management for Humans: Helping People Get Things Done by Brett Harned

Among the most highly valued Project Management Books, this one reflects Harned’s personal wealth of experience as a PMP-certified project manager and founder of the digital agency Bloom.

The book is divided into three parts:

1) The first provides a synopsis of project management basics. This covers topics such as setting goals, managing stakeholders, creating a timeline, dealing with setbacks and more.

2) The second section dives into various project management techniques and tools, including risk management and agile principles.

3) The third section provides tips on how to succeed as a project manager covering steps such as encouraging team building and fostering a positive work culture.

One of the best things about this book is that Harned doesn't assume that readers are already project management experts.
 

The Deadline: A Novel About Project Management by Tom DeMarco

Even though the book is set in software development, the lessons in it apply to any type of project. The author offers valuable insights into the world of project management.

Readers will end up with a comprehensive understanding of managing deadlines, communicating with team members, and handling challenges during a project. This book is a great source of inspiration for your PMP ambitions.
 

Pragmatic Project Management: Five Scalable Steps to Success by David Pratt

While over-managing a small project can bog it down, a laid-back approach to a complex project will end in disaster. This book will help you understand what methodologies and tools to pick to expend minimum effort and achieve maximum gain on your project.
 

This book will help you scale your project management efforts to maximise success through five essential chapters:

1) The project charter

2) The project team

3) The project plan

4) Project issue management

5) Project status tracking and reporting
 

Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager by Kory Kogon

This book ranks as among the best project management books. This book offers practical insights to employees not formally trained in managing projects as it is filled with real-life anecdotes, memorable proverbs and end-of-chapter reviews.
 

From initiating and planning to executing and closure of projects, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the basics of project management.
 

Conclusion

As you set your mind upon the ever-evolving landscape of project management, we hope this blog serves as the perfect guiding light. These recommended project management books will nurture your ambitions and enhance your managerial skills.
 

Looking for a helping hand in navigating and mastering the world of project management? Our MSP® Practitioner Course is here for you. Sign up now!