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November 25, 2013

SFC Professor Co-Authors New Book on Project Management

Barbara Edington Helps Pen, The Silver Lining of Project Uncertainties

St. Francis College Management Professor Barbara Edington says that situations of uncertainty are not always a bad thing. She recently co-authored the book The Silver Lining of Project Uncertainties (Project Management Institute) which helps guide project managers in finding opportunities hidden within uncertainty.

“We know that this research is breaking new ground and shaking up the common belief that uncertainty should be avoided,” said Professor Edington who is also the Director of the Center of Excellence in Project Management at St. Francis. “But maybe Project Management Standards need to be shaken up!”

Edington says that projects provide a rich environment for both risks and uncertainties, and while classic project management provides a deep and broad array of techniques for managing risks, it does not address the methodology and tools necessary for dealing with uncertainty. She says it’s critical for Project Managers to know how to extract the potential.

The book, which is based on two years of research and interviews with various project managers, also clarifies the confusion that currently exists between uncertainty and risk. Edington and co-authors Thomas Lefler and Ting Gao cover an array of projects, including business and organizational change, construction, information systems, product, and service development and R&D value in those uncertainties.

Barbara edington book cover

“Many project managers struggle with the uncertainty that is a natural part of any project,” added Dr. Edington. “Our research shows that the positive aspect of uncertainty can be uncovered given the right techniques and organizational support. From our study, we have created checklists and frameworks to help organizations reduce the fear and empower PMs to look for the silver lining.”

About the authors:
Dr. Thomas G. Lechler is associate professor at the Howe School of Technology Management, Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey. He is currently teaching graduate courses in project management, innovation management and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Barbara Edington, director of the Center of Excellence in Project Management, is an associate professor in the Management and Information Technology Department at St. Francis College, NY. She holds PMP certification.

Ting Gao is a PhD candidate with a major in technology management at the Howe School of Technology Management, Stevens Institute of Technology. She has co-authored several papers and one book in the field of project management.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City’s five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu

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