Olson, T. (2016).

Digital Project Management: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide to a Successful

Launch. Plantation, FL: J. Ross Publishing, Inc. 254 pages.

Taylor Olson’s first foray into the publishing realm is with the book entitled “Digital project
management: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide to a Successful Launch”. Digital project
management involves managing computer-based projects whereby an electronic design is
either developed or improved. Examples of such projects include developing websites,
applications, and content management systems.

With over 20 years of experience in project management, Olson began her career in print-
based projects and quickly transitioned to web projects. She wrote this book to help
practitioners successfully manage digital projects. Olson anchors her digital project
philosophical approach on two well-known tenets – responsive design and mobile first.
Responsive content is what one sees depending on the digital device screen. Mobile first refers
to initially creating content developed for mobile screens and then expanding it for desktop
use.

Using a casual and friendly writing style, Olson helps readers understand the rollout process in
30 steps. These steps comprise planning and defining the digital project and constructing and
closing it. Olson gently guides readers through the digital project management process from
start to finish and uses rudimentary project management language with only a passing
reference to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). In doing
so, readers who are relatively new to project management and digital projects can follow the
content with ease. Olson’s process framework is scalable and can be adapted to projects
regardless of size and complexity. Novice, intermediate and experienced practitioners, can use
her framework.

In 12 succinct chapters, Olson uses the hypothetical Jetzen Space Ships Company to help
readers experientially follow a digital project. The introductory chapter outlines key concepts.
Section 1 of the book focuses on initiating projects and covers needs assessment and
documentation. In Section 2, planning spans the topics of communication, information
architecture, analysis, development, and preparation. In Section 3 of the book, Olson covers
constructing and closing the project by addressing content, testing and cutover. The definitions
in the glossary are concise and straightforward. If the glossary had been cross-linked to specific
pages of the textbook, it would enable readers to use the book more effectively.

Although reference is made to elements of content strategy (such as search engine

optimization, analytics, and content), a discussion on an overall content strategy is missing, yet
vital at the start of any digital project. Just as a project needs to follow the project life cycle,
content strategy also needs to be planned, developed and managed to support meaningful and
engaging online experiences.

Structurally, although each chapter ends with a short set of bullets indicating what the chapter
covered, it would have been helpful to include learning goals at the beginning of each chapter.
A more comprehensive summary chapter would have helped readers deepen their appreciation
for not only the key premises of the book, but also the interconnections. References to the
extant literature would have enhanced the books rigor and credibility.

J Ross Publishing uses a Web Added Value Download Resource Centre, where readers can
download text related resources. A number of resources are available for Olson’s book
including printable and editable PDF templates for business requirements and status reports,
budget estimates, change control logs, and a cutover plan, to name a few. The online resource
center also includes a guide for instructors. Although these resources are referenced in the
preface of the book, it would be helpful to discuss each template chapter by chapter.

Olson’s practical guide on digital project management would be a useful addition for
bookshelves of any digital project manager. The book is a systematic resource for those seeking
a clear and logical process for successful implementation.