Managing Multiple Projects - 2nd Edition by Elizabeth Harrin

About the Book

Use this practical guide to build the skills and knowledge to manage multiple projects at once.

Book Synopsis

Project management is becoming even more complex. Every project manager, regardless of their industry, will be taking on an increasing number of projects bringing a new set of challenges for them to navigate.

Combining an overview of formal project management techniques with strategies for time management and productivity, Managing Multiple Projects is an essential guide for project managers to understand how to balance priorities, manage expectations and increase productivity while managing multiple projects at once.

This second edition is fully updated and draws on the latest trends in project management. From managing hybrid project teams to integrating change management techniques, this book includes content on how to work with AI and robotic process automation as well as guidance on balancing multiple methodologies, offering the key to working in the new project ecosystem.

Checklists for common tasks and adaptable templates of trackers and reports are provided alongside easily actioned exercises to improve processes. Managing Multiple Projects has the tools needed to improve the chances of project success and get results. The book also includes online resources including downloadable templates of framework checklists and status reports.

Review Quotes

"Managing Multiple Projects is an essential book for project managers to have on their shelves - toss away your others! It discusses the challenges that project managers face today and provides a number of best practices for managing those challenges."-- "Gina Abudi, President, Abudi Consulting Group, LLC"

"Elizabeth Harrin has a way of simplifying how to manage even the most complex projects. She's mastered the art of explaining precisely what a new or experienced project manager can do to be successful using an easy-to-follow people-centric approach that fuses processes and technology perfectly. No detail has been missed in this comprehensive book."-- "Moira Alexander, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, PM World 360 Magazine"

"I didn't realize how much easier life could be until I opened the first edition of Managing Multiple Projects. And now, with the second edition, you get even more information and resources you need to manage multiple projects effectively. As a seasoned project manager who has juggled multiple projects over the years, I find myself frequently referring back to this invaluable resource. The updated edition builds even more on its predecessor, offering a structured approach that's not only easy to understand but also immediately actionable. One standout concept is 'Creating Your Personal Portfolio'-a strategy that has guided how I group and prioritize my projects. This method alone has been instrumental in aligning my work with my project goals. The lessons are clearly articulated, making it straightforward to integrate these strategies into your current projects. This book is a must-read for any project manager handling multiple projects-which, let's face it, is most of us. I wholeheartedly recommend this resource to all project managers seeking to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness."-- "Russ Parker, Owner, Forty-Four Risk PM LLC"

"In her must-read book Managing Multiple Projects, Elizabeth Harrin writes with the knowledge of someone with deep multi-faceted project management experience: individual, program and multiple projects. She provides readers with quick coaching tips and presents a robust five-concept framework for managing multiple projects, consisting of portfolio, plan, people, productivity and practices, a holistic way to control the workload."-- "Jon Swain, President, Ten Six Consulting"

"Of all the challenges project managers face today, many of the students in my PM classes tell me that managing multiple projects is #1 on their list. Concurrent projects bring battles for resources, conflicting deadlines and competing priorities. Renowned PM expert and author Elizabeth Harrin's new book provides powerful guidance in this area, with many of her own tried-and-true tips and techniques. I especially recommend her personal portfolio workload tracking spreadsheet, described in detail in her book, as a great template to get started with for immediate productivity gains."-- "Jeff Furman, Senior Project Management Instructor, School of Professional Studies, New York University"

"This book has been pivotal in helping me to organize my workload, reduce the guilt, speak objectively to stakeholders about priorities and really deliver lasting impact. Those skills got me my current role, and I've been weaving the concepts from the book into our business processes."-- "Daniel Barrett, Digital Transformation Manager"

"This book is a standout resource for anyone managing multiple projects and trying to do it with clarity and sanity intact. I especially appreciated the practical frameworks and the useful productivity checklists, but most importantly the emphasis on how to protect the wellbeing of both you and your team. This is the kind of book that earns a permanent spot on your desk, not your bookshelf and I know I will keep turning back to it for guidance."-- "Alexandra Errea, Project Manager - PMO, Paessler GmbH"

"This is one of the few books that acknowledge the reality of the modern workplace where managers are often juggling multiple projects at the same time. Elizabeth Harrin, an experienced project manager, sets out five concepts to help you keep your head above water and succeed in a world that is increasingly project driven."-- "Nick Canty, Senior Lecturer, Digital Strategy and Marketing, University for the Creative Arts"

About the Author

Elizabeth Harrin has over 20 years of experience in project roles across financial services and healthcare and currently works as a senior project manager. She is the founder of the award-winning website, Rebel's Guide to Project Management which provides training, education and mentorship to project managers and also runs the project management community, Project Management Rebels. She is based in Sussex, UK.