Project Management in Product Development

Project Management in Product Development: Leadership Skills and Management Techniques to Deliver Great Products

is written for new and aspiring project managers in product development. Although texts on project management are common, the material presented here is unique, instead focusing on product development, a challenging segment of project management because of the high level of uncertainty, the need for a robust set of problem-solving techniques, and a demand for broad cross-functional teams.

The book also focuses on more than just project management techniques, including a thorough treatment of transformational and transactional leadership. Other topics covered include problem-solving techniques, development, and continuous improvement of processes required in product development, risk recognition and management, and proper communication with mangers and other stakeholders.

Finally, project management techniques used in product development are presented, including the critical path method, scrum and XP, and Kanban/lean project development, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each.

"Everyone recognizes the importance of sustainable innovation for any growing business. Less well understood is the vital role outstanding project management plays in innovative businesses. Our approach to project management at Danaher evolved greatly over the last two decades and played no small part in our success. George Ellis nicely captures the "state of the art"and demonstrates how process alone is not enough – true "Total Leadership"in project management differentiates the winners from the runners-up. If you want to win the innovation game, read his book."—Lawrence Culp, Jr., Former CEO, Danaher Corporation

"Tools for project management have expanded over the years, most recently agile methods as applied to software development, and lean methods adopted from manufacturing; earlier additions include critical-chain and phase-gate methodologies. Many fine books cover each of these, but none covers them all. Ellis does, as well as traditional waterfall/critical path methods. Especially valuable is Ellis’ comparison of the methods, their relative strengths and weaknesses, where each applies and doesn’t apply. Along the way he reminds us of the importance of leadership and interpersonal skills in project management by way of interesting side comments and bits of advice for dealing with technical specialists, customers, and bosses. All of this separates Ellis’ book from and puts it above the rest in project management."—John Nicholas, Professor, Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago

"Based on his many years of practical experience, George Ellis tackles an application area of project management that is rarely covered. This book is a very down-to-earth and thorough exposition, rather than being theoretical and academic. It is well illustrated with lists, tables, charts and explanatory diagrams. As well as techniques such as critical path management, it delves into Phase-gate management, Agile project management, "Lean Product Development", Risk and "Patents"issues, all in the context of product development. Ellis also emphasizes the importance of looking upon project management as a leadership responsibility rather than just an administrative position. This book is a valuable addition to any Product Development Manager's reference library."—R. Max Wideman, FPMI, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

"The section on patent law is at the right level of detail to help project managers get up to speed. Clear, step-by-step explanations take the mystery out of reading a patent and searching for prior art. The reader will learn how to avoid serious pitfalls, and will acquire the understanding necessary to discuss patent issues with the development team. The patent material alone makes Geroge Ellis’s Project Management in Product Development an excellent investment."—Alan L. Durham, Judge Robert S. Vance Professor of Law, University of Alabama School of Law and Author of Patent Law Essentials: A Concise Guide