The best 27 Project Management books

Efficient project management is essential for success in any organization. To help you navigate this complex field, we've curated a collection of books that cover everything from project planning to team collaboration.
Discover proven strategies, practical tips, and valuable insights from experienced project managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this book list is a valuable resource for honing your project management skills and achieving your goals.

The best 27 Project Management books
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1
Project Management Books: Release It! by Michael T. Nygard

Release It!

Michael T. Nygard

What's Release It! about?

Release It! by Michael T. Nygard is a must-read for anyone working in software development or operations. It offers valuable insights and practical advice on designing and deploying resilient, scalable, and maintainable software systems. Through real-world examples and case studies, Nygard highlights common pitfalls and best practices, ultimately guiding readers towards building more robust and reliable applications.

Who should read Release It!?

  • Software developers who want to create resilient and reliable systems
  • DevOps engineers striving to improve the stability of their deployments
  • Technical leaders looking to minimize the impact of software failures on their business

What's Project Management Metrics, Kpis, and Dashboards about?

Project Management Metrics, KPIs, and Dashboards by Harold Kerzner offers a comprehensive guide to measuring and analyzing project performance. It covers a wide range of topics including the importance of project metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and the use of dashboards to visually represent project data. This book is a valuable resource for project managers looking to improve their decision-making and overall project success.

Who should read Project Management Metrics, Kpis, and Dashboards?

  • Project managers looking to improve their project performance measurement and reporting
  • Team leaders who want to track and communicate project progress effectively
  • Professionals seeking to develop a strong understanding of project management metrics and KPIs

3
Project Management Books: Effective Project Management by Robert K. Wysocki

Effective Project Management

Robert K. Wysocki

What's Effective Project Management about?

Effective Project Management by Robert K. Wysocki provides practical strategies and techniques for successfully managing projects. It covers the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to closure, and offers valuable insights into stakeholder management, risk assessment, and communication. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or just starting out, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their project management skills.

Who should read Effective Project Management?

  • Project managers who want to enhance their skills and knowledge
  • Team leaders who want to improve their project planning and execution
  • Professionals seeking practical techniques for managing project challenges

What's Scrum and XP from the Trenches about?

Scrum and XP from the Trenches by Henrik Kniberg is a practical guide that offers real-world examples and insights into implementing Scrum and Extreme Programming (XP) in software development. The book provides a hands-on approach to help teams understand and apply agile methodologies, with clear explanations and actionable tips for overcoming common challenges in the process.

Who should read Scrum and XP from the Trenches?

  • Team leaders and managers looking to improve their software development processes
  • Software developers and engineers interested in implementing agile methodologies
  • Individuals or teams in need of practical advice and real-world examples of Scrum and XP

What's The Lean Product Playbook about?

The Lean Product Playbook provides a step-by-step guide to creating products that customers love. Author Dan Olsen draws from his experience working with startups and large companies to offer practical advice on validating product ideas, identifying customer needs, and optimizing your product for success. This book is a valuable resource for anyone involved in product management and development.

Who should read The Lean Product Playbook?

  • Entrepreneurs and startup founders looking to build and launch successful products
  • Product managers and product teams seeking a structured approach to product development
  • Individuals interested in applying Lean Startup principles to develop innovative products

What's The Project Management Answer Book about?

The Project Management Answer Book by Jeff Furman is a comprehensive guide that provides practical solutions to common project management challenges. It covers a wide range of topics including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or just starting out, this book offers valuable insights and tips to help you successfully manage your projects.

Who should read The Project Management Answer Book?

  • Aspiring project managers seeking comprehensive guidance on best practices
  • Experienced project managers looking to enhance their skills and tackle common challenges
  • Individuals preparing for project management certification exams, such as the PMP

7
Project Management Books: Extreme Programming Explained by Kent Beck, Cynthia Andres

Extreme Programming Explained

Kent Beck, Cynthia Andres

What's Extreme Programming Explained about?

ions like Test-Driven Development, Pair Programming, Continuous Integration, and more. Beck explains the principles, practices, and benefits of Extreme Programming in a clear and practical manner, making it a must-read for anyone interested in agile software development.```

Who should read Extreme Programming Explained?

complex and simple, with the profound simplicity being the hardest part. In short, this book is a beacon for software development, a light at the end of the tunnel, a way to build better software, faster.”― Linda Rising, Independent consultant


8
Project Management Books: The Agile Samurai by Jonathan Rasmusson

The Agile Samurai

Jonathan Rasmusson

What's The Agile Samurai about?

'The Agile Samurai' by Jonathan Rasmusson is a practical guide to agile software development. Drawing inspiration from the discipline and focus of a samurai warrior, the book offers real-world strategies, tips, and techniques for implementing agile methods in your own projects. Whether you're a developer, manager, or team member, this book equips you with the mindset and tools needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of software development.

Who should read The Agile Samurai?

  • Software developers and engineers looking to improve their agile practices
  • Project managers seeking to implement agile methodologies in their teams
  • Business professionals who want to understand the principles and benefits of agile project management

9
Project Management Books: Software Estimation by Steve McConnell

Software Estimation

Steve McConnell

What's Software Estimation about?

Software Estimation by Steve McConnell is a comprehensive guide that provides practical techniques and best practices for estimating software projects. Drawing from real-world examples and research, McConnell offers valuable insights into the challenges of software estimation and provides strategies to improve accuracy and reliability. Whether you're a developer, project manager, or stakeholder, this book will help you make better decisions and achieve successful project outcomes.

Who should read Software Estimation?

  • Individuals involved in software development and project management
  • Software engineers, architects, and developers seeking to improve their estimation skills
  • Team leaders and managers looking to create more accurate project plans and schedules

10
Project Management Books: Project Management Lite by Juana Clark Craig

Project Management Lite

Juana Clark Craig

What's Project Management Lite about?

Project Management Lite by Juana Clark Craig offers a practical and simplified approach to project management. It provides essential tools and techniques for successfully managing projects without getting bogged down in complex methodologies. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced project manager, this book offers valuable insights and actionable tips to help you deliver your projects on time and within budget.

Who should read Project Management Lite?

  • Individuals new to project management and looking for a simplified approach
  • Small business owners and entrepreneurs managing projects on a limited scale
  • Team members who want to understand the basics of project management

11
Project Management Books: Project Pain Reliever by Elizabeth Harrin, Dave Garrett

Project Pain Reliever

Elizabeth Harrin, Dave Garrett

What's Project Pain Reliever about?

Project Pain Reliever (by Elizabeth Harrin and Dave Garrett) is a practical guide for anyone managing projects. Filled with real-life examples and valuable tips, this book offers solutions to common project management challenges. From stakeholder communication to risk management, it provides a comprehensive toolkit to help you navigate through project complexities with confidence.

Who should read Project Pain Reliever?

  • Current or aspiring project managers looking to enhance their skills
  • Team members who want to better understand project management processes
  • Individuals seeking practical tips and strategies for overcoming project challenges

What's The Principles of Product Development Flow about?

The Principles of Product Development Flow by Donald G. Reinertsen is a comprehensive guide that challenges traditional product development methods and offers a new approach. Through real-world examples and in-depth analysis, Reinertsen explores the principles of flow, economics, queuing theory, and variability, providing valuable insights for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of product development processes.

Who should read The Principles of Product Development Flow?

  • Product managers looking to optimize their development processes
  • Entrepreneurs seeking a deeper understanding of product development
  • Team leaders striving to improve their organization's agility and innovation

13
Project Management Books: Critical Chain by Eliyahu M. Goldratt

Critical Chain

Eliyahu M. Goldratt

What's Critical Chain about?

Critical Chain introduces the concept of critical chain project management, which emphasizes the importance of resource allocation and task dependencies in project planning. Eliyahu M. Goldratt offers a new perspective on how to overcome common project challenges and improve overall efficiency and project completion times.

Who should read Critical Chain?

  • Individuals seeking to improve their project management skills
  • Business professionals looking for practical insights into overcoming common project challenges
  • People interested in applying the theory of constraints to their work processes

What's Fundamentals of Project Management about?

Fundamentals of Project Management by Joseph Heagney provides a comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of project management. It covers key topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, offering practical insights and tools for effective project delivery. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced project manager, this book is a valuable resource for mastering the fundamentals of project management.

Who should read Fundamentals of Project Management?

  • Professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of project management principles
  • Project managers looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field
  • Individuals preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam

15
Project Management Books: The Deadline by Tom DeMarco

The Deadline

Tom DeMarco

What's The Deadline about?

The Deadline explores the concept of deadlines and how they impact our work and lives. DeMarco delves into the psychology and practicality of deadlines, offering insights and strategies for managing them effectively. Drawing on real-life examples and research, the book challenges the traditional approach to deadlines and offers a fresh perspective on how we can use them to our advantage. It's a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in productivity and time management.

Who should read The Deadline?

This book is perfect offering insights and strategies for managing and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. The book explores the impact of deadlines on productivity and provides practical tips for improving time management and reducing stress. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their ability to meet deadlines effectively.


16

What's User Stories Applied about?

User Stories Applied by Mike Cohn is a practical guide that demonstrates how user stories can be used effectively in software development. It provides real-world examples and techniques for creating and prioritizing user stories, as well as tips for incorporating them into agile processes. Whether you're a product owner, developer, or stakeholder, this book offers valuable insights into delivering customer value through user stories.

Who should read User Stories Applied?

  • Agile practitioners seeking practical guidance on writing effective user stories
  • Product owners, business analysts, and stakeholders involved in defining software requirements
  • Team members looking to improve their collaboration and communication skills in agile projects

What's Software Project Survival Guide about?

Software Project Survival Guide by Steve McConnell is a comprehensive book that offers practical advice and strategies for successfully managing software development projects. It covers a wide range of topics including project planning, team management, risk assessment, and communication. Whether you're a project manager, developer, or stakeholder, this book provides valuable insights to help you navigate the challenges of software project management.

Who should read Software Project Survival Guide?

  • Software developers and engineers looking to improve their project management skills
  • Project managers seeking practical guidance for handling software projects
  • Business professionals involved in software development and delivery

18
Project Management Books: Rapid Development by Steve McConnell

Rapid Development

Steve McConnell

What's Rapid Development about?

Rapid Development by Steve McConnell is a comprehensive guide to accelerating the software development process. Filled with practical advice and real-world examples, this book offers valuable insights into managing time, resources, and quality to deliver high-quality software in a shorter time frame. Whether you're a developer, project manager, or stakeholder, this book provides essential strategies for achieving rapid and efficient development.

Who should read Rapid Development?

  • Software development project managers and team leaders looking to accelerate their development process
  • Developers and engineers seeking practical techniques to improve their productivity
  • Professionals interested in understanding the challenges and best practices of rapid software development

19
Project Management Books: Management 3.0 by Jurgen Appelo

Management 3.0

Jurgen Appelo

What's Management 3.0 about?

Management 3.0 (2010) by Jurgen Appelo explores modern management practices in the context of agile and lean methodologies. Appelo challenges traditional management styles and offers practical advice on how to empower teams, foster a culture of innovation, and lead in a way that promotes employee engagement and autonomy. This book provides valuable insights for anyone looking to adapt their management approach to the demands of the 21st century workplace.

Who should read Management 3.0?

  • Aspiring managers and team leaders looking to improve their leadership skills
  • Agile practitioners who want to understand how to apply Agile principles to management
  • Organizational leaders seeking to create a more innovative and empowered workplace culture

20
Project Management Books: It's Not Luck by Eliyahu M. Goldratt

It's Not Luck

Eliyahu M. Goldratt

What's It's Not Luck about?

It's Not Luck by Eliyahu M. Goldratt is a business novel that delves into the theory of constraints and the importance of identifying and managing bottlenecks in a company's operations. Through the story of a struggling plant manager, the book offers valuable insights into effective management and decision-making in a competitive business environment.

Who should read It's Not Luck?

  • Business professionals looking to improve their decision-making skills
  • Individuals seeking strategies for achieving personal and professional goals
  • Managers and executives aiming to enhance their leadership abilities

What's Project Management Absolute Beginner's Guide about?

Project Management Absolute Beginner's Guide by Greg Horine is a comprehensive and easy-to-understand book that introduces the fundamental concepts, techniques, and tools of project management. Whether you are new to the field or looking to enhance your skills, this book provides practical tips and real-world examples to help you effectively plan, organize, and execute projects with confidence.

Who should read Project Management Absolute Beginner's Guide?

  • Individuals who are new to project management and want to learn the fundamentals
  • Professionals who need to manage projects as part of their job role
  • Students studying project management and seeking a practical guide

What's Agile Product Management with Scrum about?

Agile Product Management with Scrum by Roman Pichler provides a comprehensive guide to applying Scrum principles to product management. It offers practical advice and real-life examples to help product managers effectively prioritize and deliver value to customers. Whether you're new to Scrum or looking to enhance your product management skills, this book is a valuable resource.

Who should read Agile Product Management with Scrum?

  • Product managers and product owners looking to adopt agile methodologies
  • Scrum practitioners who want to enhance their product management skills
  • Team members and stakeholders involved in product development

23

What's The Lazy Project Manager about?

The Lazy Project Manager challenges traditional approaches to project management and offers a more relaxed and flexible method. Author Peter Taylor argues that by being selective and strategic with your efforts, you can achieve better results with less stress and wasted time. This book provides practical tips and insights for anyone looking to improve their project management skills.

Who should read The Lazy Project Manager?

  • Professionals looking to improve their project management skills
  • Individuals who want to achieve better results with less effort
  • Anyone interested in increasing their productivity and work-life balance

What's The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management about?

The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management by Eric Verzuh is a comprehensive guide that provides practical insights and strategies for successful project management. It covers key concepts, tools, and techniques essential for effective project planning, execution, and control. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or new to the field, this book offers valuable knowledge to help you deliver projects on time and within budget.

Who should read The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management?

  • Professionals seeking to enhance their project management skills
  • Business students or graduates looking to learn practical project management techniques
  • Experienced project managers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest industry best practices

25
Project Management Books: Making Things Happen by Scott Berkun

Making Things Happen

Scott Berkun

What's Making Things Happen about?

Making Things Happen by Scott Berkun is a practical guide to project management. It offers valuable insights and strategies for turning ideas into reality, overcoming obstacles, and leading successful projects. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or just starting out, this book provides actionable advice and real-world examples to help you make things happen.

Who should read Making Things Happen?

  • Individuals interested in project management and leadership
  • Professionals looking for practical strategies to successfully execute projects
  • Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking insights on turning ideas into reality

26
Project Management Books: Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins

Coaching Agile Teams

Lyssa Adkins

What's Coaching Agile Teams about?

Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins is a comprehensive guide for agile coaches and leaders. It provides practical advice and strategies for effectively coaching and supporting agile teams. The book covers topics such as team dynamics, communication, conflict resolution, and continuous improvement, offering valuable insights for anyone involved in agile development.

Who should read Coaching Agile Teams?

  • Agile coaches and Scrum Masters looking to enhance their coaching skills
  • Project managers and team leaders interested in adopting agile practices
  • Individuals seeking to understand the dynamics of coaching high-performing agile teams

What's Agile Estimating and Planning about?

Agile Estimating and Planning by Mike Cohn provides practical guidance for anyone involved in agile project management. The book explores effective methods for estimation and planning in an iterative and flexible approach, helping teams deliver high-value products in a constantly changing environment. It is a valuable resource for those looking to master the art of agile project management.

Who should read Agile Estimating and Planning?

  • Project managers seeking to improve their planning and estimating skills
  • Agile team members looking to understand and implement effective estimation techniques
  • Individuals interested in learning about the concepts and practices of agile project management

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Project Management Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Project Management book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Release It! as the ultimate read on Project Management.

What are the Top 10 Project Management books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Release It! by Michael T. Nygard
  • Project Management Metrics, Kpis, and Dashboards by Harold Kerzner
  • Effective Project Management by Robert K. Wysocki
  • Scrum and XP from the Trenches by Henrik Kniberg
  • The Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen
  • The Project Management Answer Book by Jeff Furman
  • Extreme Programming Explained by Kent Beck, Cynthia Andres
  • The Agile Samurai by Jonathan Rasmusson
  • Software Estimation by Steve McConnell
  • Project Management Lite by Juana Clark Craig

Who are the top Project Management book authors?

When it comes to Project Management, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Michael T. Nygard
  • Harold Kerzner
  • Robert K. Wysocki
  • Henrik Kniberg
  • Dan Olsen