Web Project Management Books

Friedlein, A. (2001) Web Project Management: Delivering Successful Commercial Web Sites, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers

Web Project Management presents a solid Web project management method for building commercial Web sites. Developed by pres.co, a leading interactive agency, this refined eight-stage approach lets you closely manage your project’s contributors, quality, costs, and schedules. Importantly, the book also details how to define, measure and understand the success of your project on an ongoing basis. This book is an indispensable resource, whether you are a project manager, online manager, Web director, consultant or producer.

There are 100 books on the market that help explain how to write your Web pages, whether or not you knew what a Web page was before you opened the book. And there are a hundred books explaining how to run a successful project, outlining the aim and how to make sure you get yourself and your business to your destination on time and on budget. There are very few books, however, that help explain the need to project-manage a Web site and very few business books whatsoever that do their explaining as clearly and as elegantly as Ashley Friedlein’s Web Site Project Management.

Project management is aggressively raising its profile in a context whereby new working practices force new ways of working on all managers. Project-based working has become a reality for all of us and technical managers particularly know that the cutting-edge computer know-how of staff is not, by itself, enough to ensure the successful resolution of a job of work. Web Site Project Management shows that the complexities of creating and delivering a commercial Web site can be overcome and in clean, direct prose walks the reader through the stages to completion. Friedlein outlines the attributes of a good project manager, explaining the scope and challenges of the role. He outlines a Web project method (“the framework for making decisions about the project”) and goes into the different stages of the site project from clarification, definition and specification on to content, design, launch and maintenance. This could well prove to be invaluable. —Mark Thwaite

Key Features

* Includes insider tips from the perspective of the world’s leading Web developers.
* Focuses on project management as it relates to e-commerce.
* Teaches you to organize and put together a team, develop goals, manage schedules and budgets, overcome pitfalls, maintain, evaluate and evolve a commercial Web presence.
* Includes an introduction to the key principles of Web project management and a case study of the Channel 5 Web site-a popular project managed by the author.
* Provides templates, via a companion Web site, that you can use to develop your own project documentation, a discussion forum, links to related sites, a glossary of terms, a database of useful white papers, and an Internet knowledge quiz.

Description

Web Project Management presents a solid Web project management method for building commercial Web sites. Developed by pres.co, a leading interactive agency, this refined eight-stage approach lets you closely manage your project’s contributors, quality, costs, and schedules. Importantly, the book also details how to define, measure and understand the success of your project on an ongoing basis. This book is an indispensable resource, whether you are a project manager, online manager, Web director, consultant or producer.

Table of Contents

Preface. The World of the Web Project Manager:
Setting the Scene. Method: A Web Project Method; The Project Road Map; Work Stage 1: Project Clarification; Work Stage 2: Solution Definition; Work Stage 3: Project Specification; Work Stage 4: Content; Work Stage 5: Design and Construction; Work Stage 6: Testing, Launch, and Handover; Work Stage 7: Maintenance; Work Stage 8: Review and Evaluation. Case Study:
Reality Bytes. Appendix A Resources. Appendix B Recommended Reading. Index.

Web Project Management, 1st Edition

Preface. The World of the Web Project Manager:
1 Setting the Scene.
1.1 Project Management Principles
1.1.1 The Force of Change on the Web
1.1.2 Parallel Development on Web Projects
1.1.3 Broader Skill Set Needed for Web Work
1.2 Roles and Responsibilities of the Web Project Manager
1.2.1 Knowledge
1.2.2 Communications
1.2.3 Documentation
1.2.4 Quality Control
1.2.5 Development
1.3 Where Do the Project Manager’s Responsibilities Begin and End?
1.4 Attributes of a Good Project Manager
1.5 The Rewards of Being a Web Project Manager
1.6 The Composition of a Web Development Team
1.6.1 The Evolution of Web Development Teams
1.6.2 The Necessary Skills Within a Web Development Team
1.6.3 Team Structure
1.6.4 Roles and Responsibilities
1.7 Once upon a Time . . .
1.8 Summary
Method:
2 A Web Project Method.
2.1 The Importance of Having a Method
2.2 Different Methods for Different Purposes
2.3 Summary
3 The Project Road Map.
3.1 Project Phases and Work Stages
3.1.1 Phase 1 Overview: Preproduction
3.1.2 Phase 2 Overview: Production
3.1.3 Phase 3 Overview: Maintenance
3.1.4 Phase 4 Overview: Evaluation
3.2 Individual Projects as Part of a “Virtuous” Development Spiral
3.3 Team Workflow Throughout Project Work Stages
3.4 Project Manager Competencies and Tasks Mapped to Work Stages
3.5 Summary
4 Work Stage 1: Project Clarification.
4.1 Where the Project Manager Fits In
4.2 The Importance of Getting a High-Level Project Sponsor
4.3 The Opportunities at This Stage
4.4 Discover, Refine, Define
4.4.1 Discover
4.4.2 Refine
4.4.3 Define
4.5 Commercial Requirements
4.6 Creative Requirements
4.7 Technical Requirements
4.8 Content Requirements
4.9 The Project Brief
4.10 Budgets, Schedules, and Resources
4.11 Summary
5 Work Stage 2: Solution Definition.
5.1 The Project Manager’s Role
5.1.1 Bring In the Consultants
5.1.2 How the Bidding Process Fits into the Preproduction Phase
5.1.3 Defining How You Will Run the Project
5.1.4 An Opportunity to Learn
5.2 Defining a Web Strategy
5.2.1 Review of Strategic Objectives
5.2.2 Development of a Business Case
5.2.3 Development of a Business Model
5.2.4 Development of the Web Proposition
5.2.5 Implementation and Organizational Requirements
5.2.6 A Web Strategy Example
5.3 The Creative Solution
5.3.1 The Creative Environment
5.3.2 Brainstorming
5.3.3 Brand Development
5.3.4 The Look and Feel
5.3.5 The Tone and Editorial Voice
5.4 The Technical Solution
5.4.1 Keeping Abreast of Technical Advances
5.4.2 The Responsibilities of the Technical Solution Team
5.5 The Content Solution
5.5.1 Working with an External Content Provider
5.5.2 The Importance of the Format of Content
5.5.3 Ensure Content Is Ready for Web Use
5.5.4 Start Content Creation and Preparation Early
5.5.5 Defining Editorial Procedures and Update Mechanisms
5.6 The Project Management Solution
5.6.1 Start to Involve the Implementation Team
5.6.2 Set Up Regular Meetings
5.6.3 Team Agreements, Main Points of Contact, Reporting, and Sign-Off
5.6.4 Set Up Working Environment
5.6.5 Terms and Conditions of Work
5.6.6 Fallback and Recovery Plans
5.6.7 Resourcing
5.7 Summary
6 Work Stage 3: Project Specification .
6.1 The Importance of the Project Specification
6.1.1 The Importance to the Team
6.1.2 The Work Involved
6.1.3 The Cost Involved
6.1.4 Contracts
6.2 The Content of the Project Specification Document
6.2.1 Version Control
6.2.2 Distribution List
6.2.3 Contents
6.2.4 Introduction
6.2.5 Project Objectives
6.2.6 Success Criteria
6.2.7 The Site Map
6.2.8 The Functional Specification
6.2.9 The Technical Specification
6.2.10 The Content Plan
6.2.11 Marketing
6.2.12 QA and Testing
6.2.13 Updates and Maintenance
6.2.14 Critical Path
6.2.15 Budget
6.2.16 Appendix
6.3 Summary
7 Work Stage 4: Content .
7.1 Introduction to the Content Work Stage
7.2 Responsibilities of the Project Manager
7.3 Sourcing Content
7.3.1 Content Syndication and Creation
7.3.2 Free Content and Functionality
7.3.3 Content Repurposing
7.3.4 Stock and Library Content
7.4 Managing Content Providers
7.5 Content Formats
7.5.1 Considerations for Text
7.5.2 Considerations for Imagery
7.5.3 Considerations for Audio
7.5.4 Considerations for Video
7.6 Content Delivery
7.6.1 Mail and Email
7.6.2 ISDN
7.6.3 HTTP and FTP
7.6.4 Zipping and Stuffing
7.7 Asset Tracking and Management
7.7.1 File Structures
7.7.2 Databases
7.7.3 Content Tracking
7.7.4 Viruses
7.7.5 Back Up
7.8 Managing Copywriters
7.8.1 The Challenges the Copywriter Faces
7.8.2 How to Help the Copywriter
7.8.3 Presenting Copy Work to the Client
7.8.4 Constructive Criticism
7.9 Storyboarding
7.9.1 What Storyboards Should Contain
7.9.2 Methods of Storyboarding
7.10 Content Management Systems
7.10.1 Separation of Content and Presentation
7.10.2 Customer Relationship Management
7.10.3 Considerations Surrounding CMS
7.11 Summary
8 Work Stage 5: Design and Construction.
8.1 Forward Planning
8.1.1 Things to Prioritize in Forward Planning
8.1.2 Setting Up the Server
8.2 Meetings
8.2.1 Importance of Meetings
8.2.2 A Format for Effective Meetings
8.2.3 Kick-Off Meetings
8.3 Briefing Your Team
8.3.1 When to Prepare Briefs
8.3.2 Briefing Meetings
8.3.3 Scope of the Brief
8.3.4 Contents of the Brief
8.3.5 Briefing on Changes
8.4 Working Environment
8.4.1 Location of the Team
8.4.2 Tools and Materials
8.4.3 Management and Reporting Structures
8.4.4 The Development Environment
8.5 Team Management
8.5.1 Tell Them About You
8.5.2 Understand Their Jobs
8.5.3 Involvement in Client Meetings
8.5.4 Workflow
8.5.5 Resolving Issues
8.5.6 Staying in Touch
8.6 Work in Progress
8.6.1 Reporting on WIP
8.6.2 Showing WIP
8.7 Sign-Off
8.7.1 The Dangers in Omitting Sign-Off
8.7.2 Approaches to Getting Sign-Off
8.8 Change Control
8.8.1 Recognizing When a Change Matters
8.8.2 Change Request Forms
8.8.3 Managing the Client’s Expectations
8.9 Documentation
8.10 Prototyping
8.10.1 Market Research
8.10.2 Approaches to Prototyping
8.10.3 Forms of Prototyping
8.11 Troubleshooting
8.11.1 Catch Problems Before They Become Problems
8.11.2 Turn a Problem to Your Favor
8.11.3 Share the Problem
8.11.4 Why Is the Client Having a Problem That You Are Not?
8.12 Summary
9 Work Stage 6: Testing, Launch, and Handover.
9.1 Testing
9.1.1 Selling the Importance of Testing
9.1.2 Types of Testing
9.2 Launch
9.3 Handover
9.4 Summary
10 Work Stage 7: Maintenance.
10.1 The Project Manager’s Input
10.2 Who Should Form the Maintenance Team
10.3 How the Site Should Be Maintained
10.4 Service-Level Agreements
10.4.1 Content of the SLA
10.4.2 Tasks for Client’s Internal Update Team
10.4.3 Ongoing Tasks for Web Development Team
10.4.4 Commitments to Meetings
10.4.5 Site Access Control
10.4.6 Termination Notice Periods
10.4.7 Training and Development
10.4.8 Response Times, Error Handling, and Resolution Procedures
10.4.9 Data Storage and Site Recovery
10.4.10 Data Ownership and Use
10.4.11 Project Documentation
10.4.12 Performance Monitoring/Management Reporting
10.4.13 Liaison with Third Parties
10.4.14 Software and Hardware Upgrades
10.4.15 Maintenance Team
10.4.16 Costs
10.5 Summary
11 Work Stage 8: Review and Evaluation.
11.1 How the Project Manager Contributes
11.2 The Project Review
11.3 The Value of Evaluation
11.3.1 Measuring ROI
11.3.2 Increasing ROI
11.3.3 Decision Support
11.3.4 Performing to Standards
11.4 Quantitative Metrics and Analysis
11.5 Qualitative Metrics and Analysis
11.6 Summary
Case Study:
12 Reality Bytes.
12.1 Project Background and Overview: www.channel5.co.uk
12.1.1 Project Clarification
12.1.2 Solution Definition
12.1.3 Project Specification
12.1.4 Content
12.1.5 Design and Construction
12.1.6 Testing, Launch, and Handover
12.1.7 Maintenance
12.1.8 Review and Evaluation
12.2 Summary
Appendix A Resources.
Appendix B Recommended Reading.
Index.

Thomas A. Powell (2002) “Web Design – The Complete Reference“ Second Edition – Osborne (PDF 22,994KB)
Companion Website:http://www.webdesignref.com

Web Design – The Complete Reference –Chapter 1: What Is Web Design? (PDF 1,755KB)

Web Design – The Complete Reference –Chapter 5: Evaluating Web Sites (PDF 1,141KB)

Web Design – The Complete Reference –Chapter 9: Search (PDF 2,880KB)

Web Design – The Complete Reference –Chapter 13: Color (PDF 572KB)

Web Design – The Complete Reference –Appendix B: Site Evaluation Form (PDF 277KB)

Web Design – The Complete Reference –Appendix B: Site Evaluation Form (Word 68KB)

principles-project-managmenWilliams, M. (2008)The Principles Of Project Management – SitePoint (PDF 2,040KB)

Download and print The Principles of Project Management Cheat Sheet Poster (PDF 198KB)

Every project you manage will be unique. Scope, budgets, team dynamics, and timeframes will differ. As a project manager, the most important factor in achieving project success will be your understanding of ‘The Principlesof Project Management’. This book will show you that project management isn’t rocket science: using the information contained in this book, you’ll deliver projects on time and on budget, again and again.

With The Principles of Project Management you’ll:

  • Learn how to start every project on the right foot.
  • Master the planning, execution, and control of your projects.
  • Discover the secrets of effective communication and change management.
  • Identify project warning signals and learn to keep your projects on track.
  • Understand the benefits of using the right tools, resources, and people.
  • Learn how to give a superstar project handover.
  • And much, much more…

The Principles of Project Management is ideal for anyone who wants to learn enough project management to ensure their projects succeed. Although some of the examples in this book focus on projects that address technological or systems-related issues – a growing industry in need of skilled project managers! – the book is intended for anyone who needs to manage projects of any sort.

Thomas J. Shelford and Gregory A. Remillard (2003) “Real Web Project Management – Case Studies and Best Practices from the Trenches” Addison-Wesley

Companion Website: http://www.realwebprojects.com

Contains plenty of useful resources including templates

Real Web Project Management – Case Studies and Best Practices from the Trenches – CD-ROM (ZIP 651KB)

This CD-ROM contains the following documents:

Chapter 3

  • Issue Log (Microsoft Access)

Chapter 4

  • Application and System Architecture Diagram (Content Management System)
  • Rough Application Flow Diagram (Subscription Quiz)
  • Rough Application Flow Diagram (Holiday Budget Tool)
  • Creative Brief (Book Club Web Site)
  • Needs Assessment Questionnaire (General Web Project)
  • Needs Assessment Questionnaire (eMarketing Project)
  • Technical Specifications (Subscription Content Portal)
  • Wireframe Mockup (Calendar Applet)
  • Wireframe Mockup (Content Portal)
  • Wireframe Mockup (Search Results)
  • Wireframe Mockup (Template)

Chapter 6

  • Content Portal Plan (HTML Version)
  • Content Portal Plan (MS Project 2000 Version)

Chapter 8

  • Small Team Workflow
  • Maintenance Team Workflow

Chapter 12

  • Page Map
  • Site Map
  • Web Site Style Guide

Chapter 13

  • Centralization of Web Production Whitepaper
  • Priorities ROI Worksheet
  • Project Management Office Proposal
  • Project Management Whitepaper

The latest versions of these documents, as well as additional templates not included here, are available for download at the companion website.

Table of Contents

Foreword.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

About the Authors.

1. The Project Manager: Who You Are and What You Do.

Who You Are.The Best Seat in the House.What You Do.The Enabler.Summary.

2. Web Team Roles.
Common Web Team Roles.The Project Stakeholder.The Producer.The Editor.The Information Architect.The Graphic Designer.The HTML Developer.The Developer.The Tech Lead.The Database Administrator.The Quality Assurance Engineer.Common Team Problems.Missing in Action-Become Part of the Team.The Micromanaging Stakeholder.Case Study: Startup Breakdown.Summary.

3. Communication Cues.
Communication: What It Is.The Unambiguous Information Society.Translation Skills.Nonverbal Communication.Communication: What It Isn’t.It Takes Tact.Know Your Audience.Communication Best Practices.Best Practice #1: Plan to Communicate.Best Practice #2: The Issue Log and the Change Request Form: Communication Tools for Control.Case Study: Peeling the Corporate Onion.Summary.Interview: The Voice of Experience. Tracy Brown.

4. Defining the Project.
The Creative Brief.Getting Started with Internal Initiatives.Project Documentation.Needs Assessment.The Project Charter.The Statement of Work.Use-Case Scenarios.Wireframe Mockups.Content Map.Tech Requirements Meeting.Application Flow Diagrams.Technical Specification.Project Risk Assessment.Case Study: Defining the Project with HTML “Shells”.Summary.

5. Managing Change.
A New Perspective on Scope.Classic Scope Control.The Project Web Site-Getting Everyone on the Same (Home) Page.Managing Scope Change.The Project Triangle-Scope, Schedule, Resources.Getting Project Documents Approved by the Client.Playing Defense.Problems with Classic Approaches.Iterative Approaches.Common Scope Headaches.Problem #1: I Sketched the Site Out on a Napkin-Is that Okay?Problem #2: It’s Nice, But It’s Not What We Had in Mind.Problem #3: Just One More Tiny Little Change…Summary.Interview: Extreme Programming―Alex Cone.

6. The Art of Planning.
The Project Schedule.Infatuation with Planning Software.Planning by the Numbers.The Work Breakdown Structure.Drafting the Schedule.Assigning Resources.Obtaining Approval and Scheduling Work.Plan (and Pay) as You Go.Using Your Judgment.Planning Pitfalls.Approvals and Revisions.Copy Editing for Design.QA Testing.Prelaunch Review.Case Study: Planning Software Overload.Summary.

7. Learning to Love Meetings.
Why Are We Here?The Agenda Is Your Road Map.Meeting Pitfalls.Common Project Meetings.Kickoff Meetings.Status Meetings.Postmortems.Case Study: The Exploding Meeting.Summary.

8. Workflow.
Workflow for the Web.Benefits of Workflow Planning.Creating Workflow Standards.Code Review: Standards for Developers.What Processes Do You Need?Documenting Your Current Workflow.Workflow Analysis.Workflow Recommendations.Content Production Workflow.Summary.

9. Managing the Design Phase.
Is Information Architecture the Designer’s Job?Design Production.Revisions and Sign-off: Making the Client Happy.Design Production Phases.Internal and External Design Groups.The Internal Design Experience.The External Design Experience.How Technical Do Designers Need to Be?Summary.Interview: The Information Architect Role in Practice―Fabrice Hebert.Interview: How We Manage Design―David Young.

10. The Technical Build.
Anxiety over the Technical Build.Mitigating the Fear Factor.Model-View-Controller.What Is Model-View-Controller?A Generic Technical Build.The Tech Kickoff Meeting.Infrastructure Configuration.Component Inventory.Data Modeling.Display Markup.Application Coding.Prototyping.Code Review.Code Review Guidelines.Production Challenges.Problem #1: The Designer’s Blind Date.Problem #2: No News Is Not Good News.Problem #3: “You need Java? Cool! I used to work at Starbucks!”.Case Study: A Recipe for Disaster.Summary.

11. Surviving Quality Assurance.
A Common Scenario.Quality Assurance for the Web.What Does QA Test For?Usability.Browser and OS Compatibility.Functionality.Internal Standards.Performance and Load Handling.Content.Security.How Does QA Test Web Sites?The QA Process.Early Quality Assurance Milestones.The Bug Database.The Testing Process.Handoff.Rounds One, Two, and Three.The Blessing.The Politics of QA.That’s Not a Bug, That’s a Feature!Who Needs Code Reviews?Case Study: Burning QA.Summary.

12. Getting It Out the Door.
The Final QA Phase.The Soft Launch.Launch Deliverables.Turning over the Keys.Going Live.The Launch Moment.Case Study: The Most Expensive Launch that Never Happened.Summary.

13. Leading Organizational Change.
The Invisible Team Member.Common Organizational Structures.Functional Organizations.The Functional Matrix.The Project Matrix.The Project Unit.Early Stages of Project Management.The Project Management Office.Establishing a Project Management Office.Case Study: Establishing Web Project Management at a Media Company.Summary.

Appendix A: Project Quick-Start Guide.
Brochureware.Business-to-Business Portals (“Vortals”).E-Commerce Web Sites.Putting the “E” in E-Commerce.What Kind of E-Commerce?The E-Commerce Project Plan.E-Commerce Nuts and Bolts.E-Marketing Projects.The Message IS the Medium.The Campaign Process.Conclusion.International Web Sites.Internationalization.Localization.Back-end Inventory.Code Cleansing.Content Management.Graphics.Editorial Muscle.Intranets.It Doesn’t Get Much More Political than This.Whose Site Is It Really?Who’s Going to Take Care of It?Features.You’ll Need a Marketing Plan Too.Intranet Resources.

Appendix B: Technology for the Web Project Manager.
What You Really Need to Know-Frameworks.Microsoft .NET.Sun Microsystems’ Java 2 Enterprise Edition.The Open Source Initiative.Object-Oriented Design.CRC Cards.The UML.Web Services with XML.Content Management Systems.Digital Rights Management.

Appendix C: Useful Web Sites.

Recommended Reading.

Brendon Sinclair (2007) “The Web Design Business Kit” Second Edition – SitePoint (PDF 10,.815KB)

The Web Design Business Kit CD-ROM (ZIP 684KB)
The CD conatins many useful resources including the following documents:

Client Contact and Development

Job Approval and Invoicing
Making Contact

The Pitch
Basic Proposal Cover Letter To Prospect (Word 31KB)
Detailed Proposal Cover Letter To Prospect (Word 35KB)
New Client Needs Analysis Form (Word 100KB)
Post-Pitch Follow-Up Letter (Word 34KB)
Quote For Services (Excel 18KB)
Web Development Proposal (Word 257KB)

The Web Development Process
Client Management Process (Word 43KB)
Copyright Authorization (Word 34KB)
Generic Project Brief (Word 36KB)
Hosting Authorization Form (Word 31KB)
Logo Design Creative Brie f(Word 35KB)
New Site Testing Checklist (Word 49KB)
Project Briefing Paper For Contractors (Word 61KB)
Site Development Process (Word 62KB)
Web Development Schedule (Word 108KB)
Website Performance Report (Word 45KB)

Strauss, R. and Hogan, P. (2011) Developing Effective Websites: A Project Manager’s Guide, Second Edition, Focal Press

Practical techniques for managing a variety of projects from simple presentations to consumer web sites and applications (e-commerce, web-based training)

New chapters on web development tools & technologies and hosting options & solutions

Based on real-world experiences and current development techniques

Is your website project out of control?

Every website project needs a manager. Developing Effective Websites describes Internet technologies in plain language and helps you see beyond your expertise to the big picture. It does this by drawing on established software project and management principles.

Like any project, effective management of website development starts by understanding and balancing the constraints of time, resources, and tasks. You can deliver your project on time and on budget, by following a process that includes:

· Analyzing the requirements of users and your market
· Developing a workplan for the site and breaking it down to tasks
· Scheduling with Gantt and PERT charts and measuring slippage for more accurate revisions
· Estimating cost by the budget-first or design-first methods
· Using the team development process and covering all the necessary roles
· Aligning contractor and client interests to create a win-win relationship
· Following an iterative development process for designing, prototyping, and building out
· Applying software testing principles to website development
· Making hosting decisions and planning for maintenance

Table of Contents

Project Management in Three Dimensions; Technologies of the Web; Scheduling; Estimating Costs; Analysis and the Project Plan; The Web Development Team; Contractors and Clients; Design and Prototyping; Build-Out and Production; Quality Assurance Testing; Going Live and Beyond; Recommended Resources; The Proposal Process; Integrated Product and Process Development; Index