We must align our strategies with advances in AI, in order to remain relevant in a project economy. (Photo: 123RF)
A text Sylvie Leduc, hybrid model project manager (classic and Agile intertwined), entrepreneur, intrapreneur and designer of the social impact fintech solution Optim-Ret
READERS’ MAIL. Last February, two world leaders in project management published an article in the Harvard Business Review titled: “How artificial intelligence (AI) will transform project management” (How AI Will Transform Project Management). As a manager of “multimodal” type projects, my curiosity was quickly piqued.
The article’s two authors, Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez and Ricardo Viana Vargas, developed content for a master class, in conjunction with a research project, to gauge the pulse of project managers around the world. These initiatives took place last June and July.
I am privileged to have participated in both initiatives from the start. It was the rapid technological advancements and transformative potential of AI that led them to do this first in-depth research with experts and practitioners around the world.
And the work to come
The results of this initial research are published in a white paper in English and under a Creative Commons license (royalty-free). It will therefore serve as a solid foundation in Quebec, in order to develop innovative work in French in research, academic teaching and professional training.
Moreover, a working group of which I am part is looking into holding a similar study in French in Quebec. Highly inspired by that developed by these two authors, we will refine it so that it reflects our business and technological realities in the fields of AI and project management.
In addition, with these same expert teachers and trainers of various subjects and themes related to project management, we are working to structure master class training in French, personalized and adapted to the Quebec context.
About search results
The first observation of the research is that the future of projects and the management of these same projects are intrinsically linked with AI. We must therefore align our strategies with advances in AI, in order to remain relevant in a project economy.
The research results reflect the views of 772 experts in 93 countries. They are both informative and stimulating. They reveal how organizations are leveraging AI for predictive analytics, risk management, automation, and more. They also shed light on existing barriers, ethical considerations, and strategic alignment of AI with an organization’s goals.
So here are the researchers’ 10 key findings and their implications:
1. Recognition of the potential of AI
• Observation: 74.79% of respondents underline the capabilities of AI to refine project strategies, in order to ensure symbiosis with the company’s objectives.
• Involvement: For project managers, this highlights the growing importance of integrating AI tools and methodologies, to improve project alignment with overall business objectives, ensuring better results and ROI increased.
2. Job security and AI
• Observation: While initial concerns about AI-related job losses stood at 29%, this sentiment is expected to increase to 40% over the next 15 years.
• Involvement: Project managers must be proactive in adapting to AI-driven environments, ensuring they complement, rather than compete with, AI tools, to maintain their business relevance.
3. Increased efficiency with AI
• Observation: 41.06% of respondents observed significant improvements in project results after integrating AI solutions.
• Involvement: This trend suggests that project managers using AI tools can expect increased efficiency, faster project turnarounds, and improved overall project success rates.
4. Skills for the AI era
• Observation: 62% of respondents highlight the urgent need to acquire new skills adapted to an environment dominated by AI.
• Involvement: Continuous learning and skill acquisition in AI-related areas becomes essential for project managers to remain competent and effective in their role.
5. Sustainable development at the center of concerns
• Observation: 82.86% of those surveyed underline the importance of integrating sustainability and the longevity of work into project management and artificial intelligence frameworks.
• Involvement: Modern project managers must be well versed in sustainable practices combined with AI, to ensure that projects achieve business objectives and contribute positively to environmental, social and governance objectives.
6. Diversity through AI:
• Observation: 25.50% of those surveyed consider that AI has an influence on promoting diversity and reducing prejudice.
• Involvement: As workplaces strive to be inclusive, project managers should leverage AI tools supporting unbiased decision-making, ensuring diverse teams and more well-rounded project perspectives.
7. Dilemmas in ethics and governance
• Observation: 74.78% of those surveyed say they are concerned about the ethics and governance implications of decisions emanating from AI.
• Involvement: Ethical considerations are becoming paramount for project managers, requiring clear guidelines and controls when using AI tools, ensuring data-driven project decisions and well-established criteria in ethics and governance .
8. AI: the engine of innovation
• Observation: for 65.13% of respondents, AI is the main catalyst for innovation in project management strategies.
• Involvement: To stay ahead, project managers should be on the lookout for innovative AI tools and methodologies that can give them a competitive advantage.
9. Barriers to integration
• Observation: Merging AI tools with existing project management frameworks poses obvious challenges.
• Involvement: Successful integration requires meticulous planning and a phased approach to adoption, so that project managers can make a smooth transition and realize the benefits of AI.
10. Appetite for AI investment
• Observation: while 50.72% of respondents are very open to investing in AI, 29.68% approach this prospect with a certain caution.
• Involvement: Investment decisions in AI tools will vary depending on the requirements of each project, but project managers must stay informed of AI developments to make informed investment decisions.
In conclusion, the future of project management seems intrinsically linked to AI. Project managers must align their strategies with advances in AI to remain relevant and effective, ensuring they harness their potential while addressing the challenges associated with it.
We hope that Quebec will be an innovative, responsible and judicious leader in this work over the years to come.
Note: part of this text was translated using Deep L software; and subsequently the generated text was reviewed, edited and improved by Sylvie Leduc.
