Although this book is about managing e-business projects the information can be effectively applied to any IT or software development project. The author starts with an accurate portrayal of the differences between traditional IT projects and the unique issues associated with e-business projects, then launches into one of the best descriptions of how to effectively manage an e-business project that I've read to date.

What makes this book so valuable, in my opinion, is the structured approach that is provided for planning, estimating and controlling an e-business project. Every aspect is thoroughly covered, starting with setting scope and developing the work breakdown structure, to managing documentation. Key areas covered by the chapters in this book include how to manage: scope, schedule, cost, stakeholder and team, risk, technology, quality, change, subcontractors and documentation. In other words, the full spectrum of key success factors. In fact the subtitle of this book is "99 Key Success Factors" and it lives up to that subtitle.

I've not found a more complete book that covers the range of techniques that this one contains, which is why I highly recommend it to anyone who is involved in planning and managing an e-business project. Another point is that the topic areas are closely aligned to the Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge, although the author does not make any claims that this is the case. As such, this book is particularly valuable to project managers and organizations who work within that framework.

Where this book provides the sequence and techniques, "Delivering on Your e-Promise: Managing e-Business Projects" by Yen Yee Chong (ISBN 0273652966) seamlessly augments it by providing the business context and a detailed focus on the realities of managing e-business projects, making the combination of the two books a complete resource for e-business project managers.

Consulting/integration firms and internal IT organizations engaged in e-business projects will gain much from this book. This is especially so if the Project Management Institute's PMBOK is used as a company standard, or if you're a PMP who wants to align the PMBOK to e-business project management because one of the authors,Wes Balakian, is Vice Chairman of Professional development for the PMI E-Business SIG.

The book consists of 12 chapters and appendices that cover the full spectrum of e-business project management. The first three chapters are standard fare: Chapter 1 is a general discussion of e-business trends and future directions. The book goes into specifics in Chapter 2, which gives an overview of e-business project management, its unique challenges and pitfalls. Chapter 3 addresses development life cycle models and helps you select the best one based on the size, scope and complexity of your project.

In Chapter 4 and forward is where this book distinguishes itself - Chapter 4's Defining e-Strategy addresses the unique concerns of this type of project, and provides excellent guidance for selecting business processes to be enabled and selecting an implementation model. Chapters 5 gives a solid framework for planning the project, and includes a sample high-level plan, risk management factors, and vendor selection and management advice. Chapter 6 covers the complex issues of team and stakeholder management, which can be overwhelming considering the number of stakeholders and the cross-functional nature of virtually all e-business projects. This is closely linked to Chapter 7's focus on requirements, and feels the topics of chapters 8 (designing the solution) and 9 (building and implementing the solution).

Chapters 10 and 11 depart from most books on e-business project management by addressing the often overlooked (by project managers, anyway) issues of security and protecting consumer privacy. The fact that these were included indicate the real world experience of the authors. Chapter 12 covers all of the critical success factors associated with deployment, and again the authors go beyond most books by covering a post-production support strategy, training requirements, and other details that are left out of most project plans.

I especially liked the appendix, which provides example test scripts (forms/user interfaces, business processes, and reports), an example defect tracking form, and a security and integrity requirements checklist. The glossary of terms is also helpful to project managers who may not be fully conversant with jargon used by technical and business stakeholders and team members.

Overall, this is a comprehensive book that experienced project managers (especially PMPs) will find invaluable for e-business projects. It does not cover project management basics, so a certain level of knowledge and skills are assumed.

This 240-page book lives up to the author's goals: (1) distill the essentials of managing 'Internet-time' projects into a short book, (2) give 'just enough information' to be successful, and (3) clearly show the differences between traditional PM approaches and an approach that takes into account the realities of most IT projects that are initiated in today's competitive environment.

He's met all three goals. First, the book is based on the assumption that you have PM skills and understand the basic techniques for planning, scheduling and controlling projects. It's the essentials that are important. Among these essentials are developing a strategy and dealing with project politics - the first is usually absent when projects are initiated, and the second is necessary because no matter how well versed you are in the techniques, you'll be a babe in the woods if you cannot manage the political aspects of a project or effectively negotiate.

Just enough information is provided for managing the project life cycle within a compressed schedule, with chapters on the software process, requirements, design and build and testing. There are also chapters that address project management techniques as they relate to high intensity projects, including managing progress, risk and people.

I like the emphasis on quality (not surprisingly based on inspections and walkthroughs, which is consistent with Yourdon's other published material), and defect and issue management. The discussion of heavy versus agile methods is also invaluable, and the recommended light process that the author provides appears to be workable for small-scale projects. In fact, for large-scale projects, such as ERP implementations and complex e-business initiatives I feel that more traditional methods are called for; however, considering that many projects are small, rapid implementations this book has a place on every IT project manager's bookshelf. If you are caught up in this type of project and find that your more traditional techniques hinder more than help, this is an ideal book.

Finally, a book that offers real-world information aimed at running a business rather than just building a website. Every chapter is shot-through with practical techniques for managing a sustainable, profitable venture. The author obviously has extensive experience. She gives great examples and tips and she doesn't sugar-coat the realities. She mentions Micorosft technologies, but really, this book is longer on real business information than anything else. Go for it. This book is a real gem.

Having had a copy of this book in it's original paper version I can comment on it's value. It had about 900 pgs. with very good descriptions of the many types of barometers and their applications. Along with its many tables and graphs, mostly entered as appendicies, I considered it one of the best if not the only source of information on this subject.

One of the most fascinating accounts of sailing, history and economics I've ever encountered, this book is a must if you have an interest in the great age of sail.

Certainly more than a dry recounting of historical events, Morrison helps you understand the passions, motivation and impact on the economic development of the western world of those who came and went from Boston and other East coast ports in the early to mid-1800's.

The last two chapters, in particular were absolutely rivetting. The era of the clipper ships was not only amazingly brief, but possibly one of the biggest catalysts for economic change in the 19th century. In particular, the extremely detailed description of the activities on the deck of a huge clipper moving into a berthing at a Boston pier, completely through the skill of the experienced captain literally moved me to tears. Understanding the pride of a seaman in presenting the best face of his ship and crew to the watching throngs on shore is something that any sailor can readily identify with.

You'll find it a very rewarding read.

A couple of months ago I began a new career as an economist for the USDA-AMS Dairy Programs. Although I have a master's degree in economics, I had no specific knowledge of the dairy industry. One of my colleagues recommended this book. Reading it helped me to quickly gain basic knowledge of pricing and marketing in the dairy industry.

Working in advertising, I've read more books on e-mail marketing than I care to count. Most, I've found, repeat themselves. Not this one. Ms. Kinnard is an eloquent writer, making it simple for anyone new to e-mail marketing to execute the book's many ideas on the best uses of the medium. In fact, I'm recommending it to all users of our e-mail service. If you have a small business and want to start e-mail marketing, buy this book. You won't need another.

This book contains an exhaustive volume of data and statistics about Mexico and its states that you simply can't find ANYWHERE else.

I use it in my law/consulting firm in Monterrey on a daily basis.

I have looked for other publications, and nothing exists like this book, put out by the American Chamber of Commerce.

My only worry is that if enough people find out about this, I might be out of a job!

The use of the Internet for investing in stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments is rapidly coming of age. Michael Thomsett's Mastering Online Investing is a complete, "user friendly", instruction manual for making diverse, timely investments through online resources. Thomsett draws upon his considerable and impressive expertise to explain why and how online investing differs from online trading; how the rules for sound financial investing practices have and have not changed with reference to online investing; how to effectively utilize the Internet to study a company's fundamentals; how to avoid speculation fever; how to find the right information for personally identified investing needs; and how to protect both self and investments when investing online. If you are considering online investing, begin with a thorough and careful reading of Michael Thomsett's Mastering Online Investing!