Getting Things Done (David Allen)
Abstract
Getting Things Done (GTD) is, originally, a time management method for personal productivity improvement that aims to minimize stress while maximizing productivity. GTD was first presented, in 2001, in the book “Getting Things Done” by the coach and management consultant David Allen.
GTD methodology, as affirmed by the author himself, can also be applied to Project Planning. In this case, the approach follows five steps: Defining purpose and principles, Outcome visioning, Brainstorming, Organizing and Identifying next actions.
After giving a brief introduction regarding GTD methodology for personal productivity, the article will focus on its application in a Project Management context.
Contents |
Background
The definition of project provided by Project Management Institute (PMI) will be hereinafter presented in order to make the article content clear for all readers.
Definition of a project According to Project Management Institute (PMI) standards in the PMBOK® Guide, a project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. Projects are undertaken to fulfill objectives by producing tangible or intangible deliverables. Objectives are outcome toward which work is to be directed, a strategic position to be attained, a purpose to be achieved, a result to be obtained, a product to be produced, or a service to be performed. Deliverables are any unique and verifiable product, result, or capability to perform
Annotated Bibliography
Getting Things Done - The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, First Edition
Chapter 1 – This chapter, A New Practice for a New Reality, presents the problems related to the job environment of the 21st millennium. E.g. amount of daily information, fast-changing job’s activities, no clear boundaries between work and private life.
Chapter 2 – Getting Control of your life: The Five Phases of Mastering Workflow introduces and describes the five steps method: capture, clarify, organize, reflect, engage.
Getting Things Done: The Science Behind Stress-Free Productivity, 2008
This paper argues that recent insights in psychology and cognitive science support and extend GTD's recommendations.
References
https://gettingthingsdone.com/five-steps/
David Allen, Getting Things Done - The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, Penguin Books, 2001, Print
Heylighen, Francis, and Clément Vidal. “Getting Things Done: The Science behind Stress-Free Productivity.” (2010): n. pag. Web.
