"... presents a systematic and coherent approach to the management of important projects … an important volume not only for public sector project management, but for the much broader field of public management. … This book is very much about the future of government."
--From the Foreword by Marc Holzer, Dean of the School of Public Affairs and Public Administration, Rutgers University, and Executive Director of the National Center for Public Performance
"It arrives in the wake of the "D" grade for the condition of our infrastructure assigned by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the significant funds for infrastructure investment appropriated under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The book provides practical tools to avoid the all too usual problems that have plagued public projects. It focuses on the unique features of the public sector compared to the private. The book effectively illustrates its points with many short case studies. Examples involving mistakes are discussed constructively rather than to assign blame. Instances of success are helpfully included as well."
--Dr. Paul F. Mlakar, P.E., Senior research scientist at the Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA
"... an excellent project management guide. The book offers a treasure-trove of lessons that can be learned from the real life project examples that he provides of public sector projects and construction programs"
--Patti M. Jones, Founder and President of CDR Consultants, a Management Consulting Services company for the construction industry
"Bookstores are full of resources for managing projects. Unfortunately for the public sector manager, these resources rarely provide guidance in addressing the unique challenges that arise in government projects. Dave's book fills that gap. This guidebook is filled with practical advice, colorful examples, and the theoretical background that will help public managers succeed."
--Robert McGowan. Principal management auditor, King County Auditor's Office, Washington, USA
"... a highly thought-provoking and insightful book about procuring and managing public construction projects. It promises to be a valuable read for both practitioners and policy makers."
--Claude Lancome. Executive V. P., Coast and Harbor Associates, Inc., a Massachusetts-based public owner's project management firm
"Since the Fall of 2002, I have been engaging graduate students in the strategic planning process. Most of these individuals have been employed in the public and not-for-profit sectors. In discussing strategic planning and management, it has become apparent that many individuals lack a good understanding of project management. Although there are some books that provide insight into project management, few are written for practitioners in the public and not-for-profit sectors who are also students.
The practical information in Mr. Kassel's book provides insight into how those in the public and not-for-profit sectors can integrate the various components of project management into their required tasks. The examples are contemporary and are drawn from a wide range of topic areas. This book should be helpful for many individuals who have projects, both large and small, that need to be implemented."
--Dr. Paulette Laubsch, DPA, Associate Professor, School of Administrative Science Fairleigh Dickinson University