Rating: 
Summary: Not Just for IT Managers
Review: Have you ever picked up a book which had nothing to do with your profession just to acquire knowledge about another field? Well, I did. I am an engineer with management experience, none of which applies to IT. I was first intrigued by Joe's knowledge of general management tools that apply to all types of managers (i.e. research, defining goals, budgets, etc.). Secondly, his book was the most enjoyable technical book that I have read. He brings life to his book with his subtle sarcasms accompanied by his technical expertise. I felt like I was sitting at his house, smoking a cigar, sipping on some brandy while he was explaining the intricacies of project management. (This is a big PLUS)
After reading his book, I feel that I not only have a greater knowledge of the IT profession and their environment, but I can also apply his reccommended management tools in my everyday management responsibilities.
I feel that Joe's book is a MUST READ not only for IT Managers specifically, but for all managers in general!
Rating: 
Summary: A solid treatment of the subject matter...
Review: Have you ever wondered what it is project managers do while you're off cranking out code and fixing bugs? If so, you can get a really thorough coverage of the art and science of project management in the book IT Project Management - On Track from Start to Finish (2nd edition) by Joseph Phillips (McGraw-Hill/Osborne).
Chapter breakout: Initiating the Project; Planning the Project; Working with Management; Creating the Budget; Creating a Work Breakdown Structure; Organizing a Project Team; Building the Project Plan; Implementing the Project Plan; Revising the Project Plan; Enforcing Quality; Managing Teams; Completing the Project; IT Project+ Exam Objectives; Critical Exam Information; Working as an Independent Contractor; About the CD; Glossary; Index
This book actually serves a couple of purposes. For the beginning or intermediate project manager, this book serves as a guide to the entire project planning process. I know if I were placed in the role of a project planner (of which I have little experience), I would need a book exactly like this to guide me through the process. The other function of the book is to help the person who is planning for the IT Project+ certification exam. While I have no desire to go after that certification, I think I'd place this book on my study list if I were pursuing it.
Along with the solid content in each chapter, there are some features at the end that are interesting. One is a feature called "From The Field", which is an interview with a real project manager answering questions related to the content covered in that chapter. That's a nice move to add some practicality to the material. There is also a chapter quiz and exercises at the end so you can bridge the gap from theoretical to practical.
Overall, a good treatment of the subject matter, and worth getting if this is an interest of yours.
Rating:
Summary: A Certification Aid the was Hard to Put Down
Review: I am working toward upgrading my Novell CNE5 to Master CNE6, and the Comptia IT Project+ is a new optional requirement. In looking on Amazon and heading right to the Sybex book on the subject, the negative reviews overwhelmed me. Although, Sybex has never failed me, I looked further and came across Mr. Phillips's book. ...,
To my pleasant surprise, it is one of the best certification prep books that I have ever read. I found myself staying up late and getting up early just to read another chapter. It is interesting reading and Mr. Phillips has a pleasant conversational style with humor interjected throughout that made this a great read. The CD with the book has 4 - 60 question simulation tests that align well with the Comptia Objectives and a demo copy of Microsoft's Project helps the reader with the exercises, allowing actual hands-on simulations with the provided exercises.
Being a person who likes to be prepared for any certification test... that I take, I also picked up the Sybex book and am about halfway through. I have to agree with one of the Sybex reviewers that said to buy anything else, as it would have to be better. Well, "IT Project Management - On Track from Start to Finish" is not a book to "just settle" on, it is a winner and well worth the [money].
I am very confident that I will have no trouble with the test later this month.
Rating: 
Summary: BAD IF YOU PLAN TO TAKE THE Project+ Exam!
Review: I enjoyed this book from the stand point of learning about the IT Project Management role. If was wasy to read and very informative. However this book DOES NOT help prepare you for the actual CompTia Project+ exam. Even though I passed I felt like I was taking the wrong test. The verbage in the test questions is nothing like the book or the practice exam. There were words on the test that were never covered in this book. My advice if you want to learn about IT Project Management this is a good book. If you want to pass the CompTia's exam, please find another book
Rating: 
Summary: Good place to start, HORRIBLE test preperation aid!
Review: I felt like I was taking the wrong test! I definitely used the wrong book to prep for the test. The CompTIA test uses almost an entirely different set of terms.
Rating:
Summary: Passed the exam
Review: I got this book to brush up on the IT Project+ exam objectives -- and learned plenty in the process. It's the only book you'll need to pass the exam and to be a good PM.This guy, Joseph Phillips, is wicked funny. He's got a sense of humour, wisecracks, and stories throughout the book. All books should be written this way. I also liked the interviews with the experts from the field, though I would have liked to heard more from some of the PMs and less from others.
Rating:
Summary: Good exam prep
Review: I read the book a couple of times and reviewed the questions multiple times at the end of the book. You can pass the exam with this book. Thought the book was great for the IT Project+ exam. However, used another reference to get a different look at the subject matter and terminology. The book was an enjoyable read. I did find a few typos/problems with the exams on the CD, but it was very useful overall.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely will help you pass IT Project+ Exam
Review: I read the book a couple of times and reviewed the questions multiple times at the end of the book. You can pass the exam with this book. Thought the book was great for the IT Project+ exam. However, used another reference to get a different look at the subject matter and terminology. The book was an enjoyable read. I did find a few typos/problems with the exams on the CD, but it was very useful overall.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, but not for the test
Review: I recommend this book to understand how to manage an IT project. Thorough & informative, I learned lots; however, it's not real good for passing the CompTIA IT Project+ exam. I will warn you that this exam is hard. You could memorize this book and not pass it, but unfortunately I don't know of any better book. My advice is to supplement using practice exams.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, but not for the test
Review: I recommend this book to understand how to manage an IT project. Thorough & informative, I learned lots; however, it's not real good for passing the CompTIA IT Project+ exam. I will warn you that this exam is hard. You could memorize this book and not pass it, but unfortunately I don't know of any better book. My advice is to supplement using practice exams.
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