Review of “Tools for Complex Projects” by Kaye Remington and Julien Pollack.

The authors suggest that “We are not very good at managing complex projects, much less understanding how they behave.” Projects can have multiple dimensions of complexity; and, there is no one single means to manage that complexity, because it is affected by contextual challenges.

The book is based on research and literature review intended to establish the characteristics that predominate across complex project types, categorize those characteristics into project types and identify those practices most likely to help manage complexity in each type of project.

This is a great reference resource, a supplement to case studies, that proposes a systems thinking approach to resolve project complexity by providing a set of (qualified and agreed upon) practices, methods and analytical approaches that allow individual project managers and program offices to formulate adaptable management frameworks.

For detailed notes about the book contents, please see this PDF document.