The book describes the complete project process in individual steps for SAP S/4HANA project management based on the SAP ACTIVATE implementation methodology. By imparting knowledge based on experience with real SAP projects, the book supports project managers in developing skills and qualifications that will lead them to the successful management of SAP projects. In this context it emphasizes the crucial role of human interaction from the start to the successful completion of projects and provides useful tips on how to recognize and avoid pitfalls.

Enriched with a wide range of material such as templates, checklists and practical examples, the book provides concrete guidance for project managers and participants on how to successfully manage ongoing projects. The book is valuable for both beginners and experienced project managers and also gives decision makers and stakeholders an excellent insight into the planning and management of large projects.

Denise Banks-Grasedyckis a certified coach, consultant, and speaker specializing in the further development of professionals and executives. She earned her MBA in international dual studies at the Berlin School of Law and Economics (Germany) and Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and Chelmsford (UK). She graduated from the University of Maryland (USA) with a BA in management and technology.

Denise has earned multiple certifications, including: Certified Global Leadership Coach and Certified Global Team Coach through the Global Coach Group, as well as Certified Executive Coach and Certified Team Coach through Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching. She completed her initial training and certification as a personal and professional development coach at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) in Boston (USA).

Eckhard Lippke joined SAP in 2000, after obtaining a masters degree from the University of Siegen (Germany). During the first 9 years at SAP, he worked as a technology consultant and PMP certified project manager on many large projects in Europe, Asia, and the USA. He then took on a management position in SAP Technology Consulting and in 2015 joined SAPs largest cloud business Enterprise Cloud Services as customer engagement manager. In his current role, he accompanies many SAP customers on their journey to the Digital Enterprise in the Cloud.

 

Hans Oelfinstudied business administration at the University of Applied Sciences (FH) Ludwigshafen/Rhein (Germany) and graduated as Diplom-Betriebswirt FH. He has been a lecturer at the Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences (HfWU) for several years. Hans Oelfin has been managing director of SOP Schwaiger& Oelfin Project Consulting in Waldenbuch (Germany) since 2014. SOP specializes in IT project management, project quality assurance, and corporate training in project management. Previously,he managed local and global IT projects for more than 20 years in an international IT company. Of these, he spent 15 years as a development and deployment manager in the SAP environment.

 

Reinhold Schwaiger studied social sciences and economics at the University of Graz/Austria and graduated with a diploma. He worked for more than 30 years in the management of a global IT corporations. Of these, he spent more than 15 years leading global SAP implementations and worldwide rollouts. Since 2014, he has been working as managing director of SOP Schwaiger& Oelfin Project Consulting in Waldenbuch, near Stuttgart (Germany). SOP specializes in SAP implementations, IT project management, project quality assurance, and corporate training in project management.

 

Dr. Volker Seemannstudied at the Humboldt University in Berlin (Germany), where he received his doctorate in electrical engineering. He was a guest lecturer at the Brandenburg University of Technology for several years. Volker Seemann is managing director of REBASE3 GmbH in Potsdam (Germany) since 2014. Rebase3 offers consulting, interim management, and software development for companies from various industries. Previously, he worked for various global consulting companies as a project and program manager and as an IT architect. Dr. Seemann has been working in the SAP environment since 1994.

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. What makes an SAP-Project so different?.- Chapter 3. The SAP S/4HANA project: How it should be.- Chapter 4. The SAP S/4HANA Project: How it is.- Chapter 5. The underestimated success factor: people.- Chapter 6. Project Planning, Control and Quality Assurance.- Chapter 7. Examples of real-live SAP-S/4HANA Projects.- Chapter 8. Consultants: Boon or Bane? Benefit or Burden?.- Chapter 9. Tools for project support.- Chapter 10. 12 Commandments for a successful SAP project.