Book excerpt: In order to succeed in today’s increasingly competitive environment, corporations, companies, governments, and nonprofit organizations must be conversant with modern project management techniques. This is especially true for individuals looking to remain professionally competitive. Illustrating the why, what, and how of project management, Project Management Concepts, Methods, and Techniques will help readers develop and refine the skills needed to achieve strategic objectives. It presents a balanced blend of detailed explanatory texts and more than 200 illustrations to supply readers with actionable knowledge that can be put to use immediately. Completely aligned with the Project Management Institute Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), this book is the ideal platform for developing the understanding needed to plan, schedule, and deliver successful projects. Explaining how to recognize performance obstacles, it supplies time-tested strategies to help you: Overcome performance obstacles and produce positive results Master the communication and relationship management techniques required for success Develop and refine the core project management skills needed to manage projects in multi-disciplinary and cross-functional environments Filled with exercises, worked-through answers, and self-assessment techniques, this book is an ideal guide for anyone who works directly or indirectly with the management of projects. It illustrates a wide range of real-world situations to help you develop the real-world knowledge needed to consistently deliver projects that meet and exceed stakeholder requirements well into the future.