The Missing Link in Projects

The content includes:

• The human aspect: The missing link in projects
• The art and the science of managing projects
• Project management and leadership
• Project managers as politicians
• The real meaning of control in projects
• Systems thinking and project management
• Project managers as shapers of culture

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The author touches on various important aspects related to the human factor within a project-driven environment. At some point in projects it is important to understand and note the imperative to take a different approach to the normally accepted way of doing things. In projects it has become customary to focus on aspects such as time management, budget and scope, and to ignore the human element.

Basil Evdemon, Senior Project Manager, Nokia Siemens Networks

In an environment where we are still grappling with the notion of accidental project managers and with various schools of thought about the ideal entry point to and progression route in this discipline, Lunga Msengana reminds us of the fundamentals of the personal qualities associated with the successful delivery of projects and, more importantly, successfully leading people to deliver successful projects. People seeking to build a career in project (programme and portfolio) management will benefit from the author’s thoughtful interpretation of the project management world, and the emphasis on an internally motivated commitment to one’s own growth and development.

Taryn van Olden,  Chief Executive Officer, Project Management South Africa

This book provides a sound body of advice on how aspects and questions pertaining to the human perspective – which is involved throughout the project planning and delivery cycle – should be addressed, maintained in balance and aligned, both with the project objectives and with other people. This seminal work will soon constitute a reference for project executives and practitioners, not to mention academics and consultants. Issues such as the competencies of the project manager, the role of the sponsor, governance, culture, leadership, stakeholder management, project organisational design and associated team dynamics are progressively taking centre stage across the project management fraternity – for it is indeed people, not just methodologies and tools, who get the job done.

Pascal BohuluMabelo, Portfolio Executive PM Centre of Excellence (Transnet SOC Ltd), Chairman Project Management South Africa

The book is based on the premise that project success is, in part, determined by the ability of the project management to manage people. In order to manage others, understanding oneself is critical. This publication provides an overview of the various dimensions of understanding oneself and offers an opportunity for self-reflection, thanks to its seamless integration between theory and practice. This is the kind of reference anyone starting a career in project management should read before managing their first project.

Prof Les Labuschagne, Executive Director: Research (Unisa)