Riding The Wave; applying project management science in the field of emergency management

By: Andrew Boyarsky

In this book, Andrew Boyarsky adeptly bridges the realms of project management and Emergency Management, providing a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of crisis situations. This insightful book is a vital resource for professionals in both fields, emphasizing the importance of structured planning and execution in Emergency Management.

Boyarsky’s approach is systematic and methodical, drawing on established project management principles to enhance Emergency Management and response efforts. He outlines key strategies that can be employed to improve efficiency, coordination, and communication during crises, making the content both practical and actionable.

The book is well-organized, guiding readers through various stages of project management—initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure—while relating these concepts to real-world Emergency Management scenarios. Boyarsky includes a wealth of case studies and examples that illustrate how these principles can be applied in practice. This not only enriches the reader's understanding but also highlights the adaptability of project management frameworks in dynamic and high-pressure environments.

One of the standout features of Riding the Wave is Boyarsky’s emphasis on collaboration. He advocates for the integration of diverse stakeholders, underscoring the need for teamwork in Emergency Management. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s interconnected world, where effective communication can make all the difference in response efforts.

While the book is rich in content, some readers may find certain sections dense with technical jargon. However, Boyarsky’s clear explanations and practical examples help to demystify complex concepts, making them accessible to a broad audience, including those who may not have a background in project management.

Overall, Riding the Wave is an invaluable addition to every emergency manager’s library. The author’s ability to synthesize project management principles with Emergency Management practices equips readers with the tools they need to navigate Emergency Management projects more effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned emergency manager or new to the field, this book offers valuable insights and strategies that can enhance your ability to respond to emergencies with confidence and clarity.

Takeaways

All emergency managers need to add project management tools to our “toolbox”. I don’t know if we need to jump right into the complex strategies in this book right away, but we should start somewhere, I will be starting with the concepts from our last reading and building up to the ones in this book.

A lot of the concepts in project management correlate with already established Emergency Management concepts, if we identify those concepts as much as possible, we can quicken our understanding of project management principles.

Most organizations have project management professionals, and we should include them on our planning teams. They can also be good mentors as we develop our project management skills.

We do not have to be experts in project management, but we should understand the tools, so when needed we have the right tool for the job.