Book Review – Project Management Made Practical: A Hands-On Guide for New Project Managers
By Zach Herman
Project Management Made Practical is the essential guide for first-time project managers, career changers, and anyone seeking to bring structure and clarity to complex work. Written in a clear, conversational tone by seasoned project leader Zach Herman, this concise yet rich resource breaks down the core principles, tools, and strategies for successful project delivery. (Amazon, 2025)
Whether you’re in business, healthcare, education, or tech, this book offers practical frameworks and ready-to-use templates to help you get organized, stay on track, and deliver real results.
What’s Inside
- I. Introduction to Project Management
- II. Project Phases
- III. Final Thoughts About Agile and Hybrid
- IV. Final Thoughts
Highlights
Project Management 101: The Pulse of the Project
Herman introduces the Five Process Groups—Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing—emphasizing that Monitoring & Controlling is where the action happens, and Planning is where success begins.
Project Planning – Blueprint for Success
The book identifies planning as the most critical phase: defining scope, building schedules and budgets, managing stakeholders, and preparing for risks, procurement, and change.
Why It Works for New Project Managers
Herman’s definition of project management—“a structured application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet project requirements”—sets the tone for a practical approach. He focuses on real-world challenges, avoiding theory-heavy explanations.
From stakeholder management to risk assessment and communication strategies, the guidance is direct, actionable, and paired with templates, checklists, and relatable scenarios. Readers also get step-by-step instructions for writing a project charter, building a work breakdown structure, and running effective meetings. The illustrations make the material easy to understand and accessible to anyone.
The book also explains predictive, agile, and hybrid methodologies, showing when and how to apply each. Most importantly, Herman highlights leadership, ethics, and communication as equally vital to technical skills, reminding us:
“Projects are temporary, but reputation and lives are not.”
About the Author
Zach Herman brings over 20 years of experience in portfolio, program, and project management, along with a decade of leadership expertise. Holding a Master’s in Business Administration and certifications including PMP, DASM, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he is dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders and helping them navigate their new responsibilities with confidence.
If you’re a career changer or aspiring project manager looking for a solid foundation and fast, practical insights, Project Management Made Practical is a must-read.
“Effective project management is not about checking boxes or completing templates; it’s about delivering outcomes through planning, strategic foresight, and adaptive execution.”
*Thank you to Zach Herman for my gifted copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
SA Examiner 