I found this book to be very useful. It was very readable, and the style of discussing a topic, then asking a question, then reviewing the topic, then including the question in the chapter wrap-up was very helpful to me. The repetition really made me remember what was being discussed! P.S. I passed the PMP exam yesterday.

For project managers, McGary gives a quick preparation for the PMP exam. None of the material pertains to a particular technology. Which is a merit of the book. It covers general issues that recur in actual project supervision. Like the allocation of resources. Or the drafting of the Statement of Work. The book does mention some specialised methods (eg. Decision Tree Analysis), but does not go into them in any detail. Since the PMP does not ask for that level of testing.

While the book has good content and is written in a style that aids learning and passing the exam, it begins with an annoying inaccuracy: it repeatedly refers to the 5 PMBOK(tm) Process Groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing) as phases. This is not consistent with the PMBOK(tm) and could cause one to miss an exam question related to this point! The PMBOK(tm) Glossary clearly states "... A project phase is not a project management process group." A model in the McGary text also suggests that control follows execution. In reality, and in the new PMBOK(tm) model, monitoring and control begins almost concurrently with initiation. The text does comment that these "phases" may overlap; however, this is not sufficient to mitigate the misrepresentation of the process groups as phases. If you plan to study this book to prepare for the PMP(tm) exam, be sure to study the early pages of PMBOK(tm) Chapter 2 and the Glossary definition for Project Phase!

It is a well written book in simple English with many useful notes. However, in the second section of the book, the materials explained are not as simple as they were at the start. I would highly recommend this book. You'll be glad you purchased it.

While studying for the PMP exam I have used many tools including Rita Mulcahey's texts, have taken a prep course, and I have read the PMBOK three times but this book brought it all together for me. The author's writing style and approach to the materials is fresh and simple, with an emphasis on passing the test and not just taking the test. I especially like the way each point he makes is emphasized by inserting a sample question directly following the point. If you are studying for the PMP test, order this book now for your final review. I find I'm anticipating my study time now rather than dreading it!