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This is about project management using an architecture centric process, in fact, what it says on the tin. This book is most valuable to those project managers who are already familiar with other methodologies, the IT discipline in general and who are interested in other people's experience and approach. This is because the author describes an approach in this book that reflects his experience with software development within Siemens and is different to the standard methodologies.

The book is organised into key sections that provide an overview and then discuss the key elements; planning, organising, implementing and measuring. Finally, a number of case studies from the author's experience are included. The fundamental idea behind all of this is that by doing architecture work up front more realistic and achievable objectives can be defined within the project. However, anyone who has been involved in managing projects knows that the most important factor is people. It is here that the author really provides value because whether or not you agree with his approach what he says about people within projects is of almost universal application.

Having recently led a global project myself there were a number of comments made in the book that struck a chord. If you are very new to project management then you should start elsewhere first and learn the fundamentals from organisations such as the PMI (Project Management Institute). This is a book by a project manager for project managers. Whether or not you agree that the approach is useful there is enough additional content and nuggets of wisdom to provide value to the reader.