In today’s fast-paced software development landscape, mastering JIRA is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re managing Agile teams, tracking complex workflows, or aligning cross-functional goals, JIRA offers the flexibility and power to keep your programs on track. But with its depth comes complexity. That’s where the right books come in.
As a program manager in an IT organization, you need more than just basic issue tracking—you need strategic insight into configuring JIRA for enterprise-scale development. Here are seven of the best books to help you do just that, each offering unique perspectives and actionable takeaways.
1. JIRA 8 Essentials (6th Edition)
Author: Patrick Li
Introduction
This book is a comprehensive guide to mastering JIRA 8, including JIRA Software, JIRA Core, and JIRA Service Desk. Patrick Li, a seasoned Atlassian expert, walks readers through everything from installation to advanced configuration.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to set up projects, configure workflows, and manage permissions.
- Understand custom fields, screens, and schemes to tailor JIRA to your organization’s needs.
- Explore JIRA’s reporting capabilities and how to use dashboards for program-level visibility.
- Discover performance optimization techniques for large-scale deployments.
2. Ultimate Agile Administration with JIRA
Author: Yogita Chhaya
Introduction
This book is a goldmine for program managers looking to implement Agile practices using JIRA. Yogita Chhaya blends technical know-how with Agile methodology, making it ideal for those managing Scrum or Kanban teams.
Key Takeaways
- Step-by-step guidance on configuring Agile boards, sprints, and backlog grooming.
- Learn how to automate workflows using JIRA automation rules.
- Understand how to use JIRA Query Language (JQL) to create powerful filters.
- Tips on integrating JIRA with CI/CD tools and managing cross-team dependencies.
3. Mastering JIRA 7 (Second Edition)
Author: Ravi Sagar
Introduction
Although focused on JIRA 7, this book remains relevant for understanding the foundational architecture of JIRA. Ravi Sagar, a well-known Atlassian consultant, offers practical insights into managing JIRA in real-world scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- Deep dive into JIRA Software, Core, and Service Desk functionalities.
- Learn how to create custom workflows and schemes for different teams.
- Explore user management, permissions, and security best practices.
- Real-world examples of JIRA usage in enterprise environments.
4. JIRA Agile Essentials
Author: Patrick Li
Introduction
This book focuses specifically on Agile project management using JIRA. It’s perfect for program managers who want to align JIRA with Agile principles and improve team collaboration.
Key Takeaways
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- Learn how to set up Scrum and Kanban boards effectively.
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- Understand sprint planning, backlog refinement, and burndown charts.
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- Tips on managing epics, stories, and tasks across multiple teams.
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- Best practices for Agile reporting and stakeholder communication.
5. JIRA Quick Start Guide
Author: Ravi Sagar
Introduction
Ideal for beginners, this guide helps new program managers get up and running with JIRA quickly. It’s a concise, hands-on book that covers the essentials without overwhelming the reader.
Key Takeaways
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- Learn how to create and manage projects, issues, and workflows.
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- Understand the basics of JIRA administration and user roles.
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- Quick tips for customizing dashboards and filters.
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- A great starting point before diving into more advanced books.
6. Hands-On Agile Software Development with JIRA
Author: David Harned
Introduction
David Harned’s book is a practical guide for managing Agile software development using JIRA. It’s particularly useful for program managers overseeing multiple teams and needing scalable solutions.
Key Takeaways
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- Learn how to design Agile workflows tailored to your organization.
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- Understand how to manage cross-functional teams and dependencies.
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- Tips on using JIRA for release planning and roadmap tracking.
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- Explore integration with tools like Confluence, Bitbucket, and Trello.
7. Leveraging JIRA with Confluence
Author: R. Parvin
Introduction
This book focuses on the powerful integration between JIRA and Confluence. For program managers, this combo is invaluable for documentation, reporting, and collaboration.
Key Takeaways
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- Learn how to link JIRA issues to Confluence pages for seamless traceability.
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- Tips on creating dynamic reports and dashboards using Confluence macros.
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- Best practices for documenting requirements, retrospectives, and sprint reviews.
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- Improve stakeholder visibility and team alignment through integrated reporting.
Guide to Master Program Management Skill
Mastering JIRA is more than just learning how to create issues or configure boards—it’s about understanding how to align JIRA with your program goals, team structures, and delivery timelines. These books offer a layered learning path:
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- Start with the basics using JIRA Quick Start Guide.
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- Build Agile expertise with JIRA Agile Essentials and Ultimate Agile Administration.
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- Scale your knowledge with Mastering JIRA and JIRA 8 Essentials.
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- Enhance collaboration with Leveraging JIRA with Confluence.
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- Apply it all with Hands-On Agile Software Development with JIRA.
Whether you’re launching a new program or optimizing an existing one, these resources will help you turn JIRA into a strategic asset for your organization.
