This practical volume offers clear and helpful guidance on the laws governing federal contracts. From information on the types of contracts used in government to ways to interpret those contracts, the book covers the basics that every government manager needs to know. Information on complying with ethics requirements in general, and in the solicitation process and contract administration in particular, is especially pertinent. The author also explains the government manager's liability both to the government and to the public.

This book covers all the aspects of contract law that every government manager should know to be both effective and in compliance.

If it's essential to project management... it's in here!

The first edition of The Project Management Answer Book addressed all the key principles of project management that every project manager needs to know. With a new chapter on scrum agile, updates throughout, and many new PMP® test tips, this new edition builds on that solid foundation.

The structure of this update maps closely to the PMBOK® Guide, Fifth Edition, and is designed to assist anyone studying for the PMP® and other certification exams. Helpful sections cover: 

• Networking and social media tips for PMs, including the best professional organizations, virtual groups, and podcast resources
• The formulas PMs need to know, plus a template to help certification candidates prepare and self-test for their exams
• Quick study sheet for the processes covered on the PMP® exam
• Key changes in PMBOK® Guide, Fifth Edition, for readers familiar with earlier versions who want “the skinny” on the new version.
PMs at every level will find real gold in the information nuggets provided in this new edition. Those new to project management will find the comprehensive coverage and the depth of the answers especially valuable, and will like the easy-to-read style and Q&A format. For experienced managers looking for new tools and skills to help them pass their PMP® or other certification exams, this is a must-have resource.

Go Beyond the FAR!

The guidance contained in the almost 2000 pages of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the various agency supplements are just a part of the resources government acquisition professionals need to do their jobs effectively. Accessing and understanding case law is equally important to a thorough understanding of government contracting. Legal decisions explain the Government Accountability Office's and the courts' views on how procurement statutes and regulations apply in a wide range of situations. Case law also gives potential bid protesters and agencies a way to gauge the likely outcome of a protest.

Until now, it has been difficult to find and understand the legal decisions that could be relevant to a particular situation. Key Case Law Rules for Government Contract Formation changes that by organizing and explaining the most important protest grounds in a readily accessible and comprehensible way. With an emphasis on more recent cases, the book is organized around the key protest grounds, such as pricing issues, allegations that the government wrongfully prevented competition, or improper sealed-bidding procedures.

Bridging the gap of understanding between the legal and the contracting communities, this book is a much-needed addition to the essential resources for acquisition professionals.

The Risk Doctor's Cures for Common Risk Ailments offers tried-and-true cures for risk management problems at both the organizational and project levels. Written by noted risk management consultant David Hillson, aka The Risk Doctor, this book gives practical advice based on sound risk management principles and real-life cases. Using the medical metaphor, Dr. Hillson prescribes treatment for serious issues that can lead to project or business failure. These common risk management ailments include risk blindness, risk amnesia, risk muteness, risk obesity, risk anorexia, risk depression, and risk myopia. Proper risk management is essential to project and business success but is often misunderstood and inappropriately applied at all levels of the organization. This book makes the basics comprehensible and the application of sound risk management workable. Follow The Risk Doctor's recommended treatment plan and begin a fast recovery from risk ailments that have troubled your projects and your business and look forward to a future filled with the rewards of a healthy approach to risk management!

98 Opportunities to Be a 100 Percent Better Government Manager

Government managers face myriad challenges every day. Whether dealing with an ever-shrinking pool of resources or the threat of sequestration and shutdowns, the government manager must work to maximize staff performance to meet mission objectives. 

Now, supervisors, managers, and leaders have some help. In this new book, veteran government leader, trainer, and author Stewart Liff offers practical and proven guidance aimed at helping people at every level of the organization. First-line managers as well as top agency leaders will find Liff's actionable suggestions invaluable in dealing with a broad spectrum of issues, including:

+ People management
+ Performance management
+ Resource management
+ Systems design
+ Organizational politics

Each of the 98 opportunities—and the included strategies, tools, techniques, and tips to help you take advantage of them—is valuable in and of itself. Together they provide a complete guide to managing effectively in the federal workplace.

Do your part to change government—one opportunity at a time!

Traditional business analysis jobs are going away and are not coming back. BA tools are growing up, and typical BA tasks are being automated and commoditized. Instead of being regarded as documenters, BAs are being sought out to focus on strategy, innovation, and leadership.

Breakthrough Business Analysis: Implementing and Sustaining a Value-Based Practice provides a framework for implementing a BA practice that is strategically positioned and value-based. Realizing the positive impacts of a value-based BA practice could very well mean the difference between success and failure for businesses negotiating 21st century challenges.
Value-based business analysis centers on strategy execution, world-class enterprise capabilities, and delivery of innovative products and services. The framework for implementing and sustaining a value-based BA practice involves three phases:

1. Readiness: “Is our organization ready?”
2. Implementation: “How do we build the BA practice?”
3. Sustainability: “How do we institutionalize and continue to improve BA practices?”

Take the lead and be your organization's champion of a value-based, breakthrough BA practice that is focused on value to the customer and wealth to the bottom line.