The author has done an excellent job of not only explaining concepts, but of showing how they are applied in a true project management scenario. Each topic, such as Scope Management, or Organizational Planning, is introduced and fully explained, including the concepts and definitions needed for the PMI certification exam.
Following the descriptions and exam-focused section is the application section of each topic. Here you will find real-world situations which demonstrate how to apply the concepts you just learned to a project. Each situation, and it's resolution, is written like a short story with conversations and examples of charts and documents used. The author provides valuable insight into the workings of a project. If your attention was lapsing during the explanations, then you will become re-focused as you ponder each situational application. This is a very effective way of not just explaining, but teaching the PMP exam objectives.
The features don't stop there. After each application section, there follows a toolset section and a 25-question practice exam. As the name suggests, the toolset section describes the tools and techniques commonly used for that topic. For example, the scope toolset includes the scope statement, WBS templates, & lessons learned, among several others. This provides a handy reference for any PM.
Overall, this is an excellent book to use for study and for future reference as a project manager. There is no included CD-ROM, but practice exams follow each chapter for a total of 250 questions. It thoroughly covers the information you will need to pass the PMP or CAPM exams and the situation-based sections are impressive. Be sure to visit the 4pm.com website and view excerpts from the book. For $120 this is probably the cheapest and most effective way to prepare for your exams.