Project managers navigate major disruptive industry trends

Nonprofit, for-purpose project management organisation Project Management Institute’s (PMI’s) ‘Global Megatrends Report’ shows that the trends affecting project management the most are digital disruption, climate crisis and labour shortages.

Project managers are tasked with the challenge of navigating these evolving impacts and ensuring that projects are completed successfully.

The report covers trends, including those mentioned, as diverse as demographic shifts, economic shifts and labour shortages, as well as civil, civic and equality movements.

However, digital disruption and the climate crisis have the most significant impact currently, says PMI Africa partner success specialist and regional youth lead Joanna Baidu.

She explains that digital disruption largely includes technological advancements that have an impact on society’s way of life in general, and the global Covid pandemic which has significantly accelerated the expansion of digital tools that allow for online collaboration and working remotely.

Technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) have enhanced customer experience, boosted employee efficiency and improved project management outcomes. With emerging tools like ChatGPT, project managers may consider such tools in risk management, updating projects and project planning.

“This highlights the transformation that has become our new normal,” Baidu says.

Although these tools can assist with prompts for questions and provide direct solutions for hurdles that project managers encounter, she emphasises that these tools could be used to support project managers rather than being dependent on them.

Further, the role of power skills, or interpersonal skills, which include collaborative leadership, communication, an innovative mindset, and empathy, should not be disregarded.

Power skills are centred around the way people connect and speak to each other or relate to one another, and technological advancement has, to date, been unable to meaningfully replicate these social interactions and engagements, Baidu adds.

There are also concerns about the use of AI, from its potential misuse to its ethical implications and the balance of innovation versus disruption.

“With this in mind, it is important to note that critical thinking skills are also necessary with the emergence and practice of such technologies, as often assumptions are made that data-generative AI is knowledge or even correct,” says Baidu.

Therefore, project managers must navigate using technological advancements to complement and enhance the way in which they work while being aware of the pitfalls.

Climate Crisis
The climate crisis is impacting people on a global scale, and the project management industry is not exempt from it, says Baidu.

The industry can support efforts to limit the impact of the climate crisis by ensuring that projects are managed responsibly and sustainably, with an emphasis on the environment built into every process and aspect of the project.

Careful consideration should be given to the roles of sponsors and stakeholders, as well as their skill sets and level of decision-making.

Further, a mindset or approach that addresses current challenges as well as future opportunities, should be encouraged.

It is also important to ensure that young people and professionals understand the macro and micro-influences from an organisational and an industry perspective and that they have domain-specific knowledge to ensure that they encourage progressive social impact.

“Professionals and students must be able to cultivate effective decision-making and an understanding of how projects align with the bigger picture from an organisational-strategy or global-trend viewpoint.”

PMI has integrated the importance and effect of progressive societal impact in its courses and initiatives, as well as in its engagement with students and young professionals, says Baidu.

New Demand
According to PMI’s ‘Talent Gap Report’, published in 2021, an increase in the number of jobs requiring project management-orientated skills is in high demand, owing to global economic growth and current retirement rates. This will create a global need for 25-million new project professionals by 2030.

Therefore, project management-orientated roles are required to keep up with demand, and PMI aligns its courses, resources and initiatives with this need.

The institute engages with academic institutions, training organisations, companies, and youth-serving nonprofit organisations to empower young people to fill the skills gap.

“PMI offers several certifications for project managers at various stages in their careers. A PMI certification can help boost careers or solidify expertise. Moreover, membership serves as an avenue for lifelong learning,” explains Baidu.

As demand for project management professionals increases, PMI is committed to helping build the required skills.