THE ACCIDENTAL PROJECT MANAGER：SURVIVING THE TRANSITION FROM TECHIE TO MANAGER

Why do so many software projects fail? The reality is that many of these projects are led by programmers or developers thrown into the role of project manager without the necessary skills or training to see a project through successfully. Patricia Ensworth has written a hands-on survival guide designed to rescue the "accidental project manager" and help them to quickly ramp up on all key areas involved in software project management. This book provides a no-nonsense, jargon-free approach to getting the job done. With the help of useful templates, checklists, and sample forms, as well as pointers to essential resources, Ensworth gives concise, easy-to-understand advice on everything needed to hit the ground running--including phases of project development, role assignment in the development team, the tools of the trade, and criteria for success.

PATRICIA ENSWORTH is a vice president of Systems Development and manager of Software Quality Assurance at Moody's Investors Services. Over the course of her 20-year career in software development, she has worked as a project manager, systems analyst, system administrator, product manager, developer, tester, technical writer, and trainer, and has participated in development projects for products ranging from mainframe applications to Internet e-commerce systems.

About the Author.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

BEFORE CODING BEGINS.

Exploring the Elephant.

On Blueprints and Leaps of Faith.

Who's on First.

DURING DEVELOPMENT.

A View of the Forest.

Governor and Legislator.

Artisans in Their Workshop.

AT ROLLOUT.

Step Right Up, Ladies and Gentlemen...

The Conductor Taps the Baton.

All Hands on Deck!

AFTER THE RELEASE.

Battlefield Reconnaissance.

At Cruising Altitude.

Back in Base Camp.

Index.