5 Trends in Project Management
Technological advancements are bringing about changes in the way projects are handled and executed every day. As a project manager or scrum leader, it’s important to keep up with the latest project management trends to stay ahead of the curve and achieve successful outcomes. In this article, we’ll look at the five biggest trends everyone in this dynamic field should be aware of.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption and Automation
AI technologies are revolutionizing the way teams in a variety of industries go about their work. In a survey conducted by the Project Management Institute, 81 % of respondents said that artificial intelligence is already impacting their organizations. And with the proliferation of AI-driven tools like Dart and ChatGPT, the number can only increase in the coming years. Project managers have also started automating repetitive or low-value-add tasks, allowing them to concentrate their efforts on those that will significantly benefit their companies.
Organizations and project managers are using AI tools for the following:
- Creating detailed schedules
- Predicting outcomes and making estimates
- Performing risk analysis
- Enhancing team communication
- Optimizing resource allocation, etc.
2. The Rise of Remote Work
Remote working is not new, but it has become significantly more popular in recent years. The pandemic has demonstrated the need for teams to be able to work effectively and productively outside the traditional office setting. Advances in technology and internet infrastructure have given rise to tools that make it easier for teams to communicate, collaborate, and execute projects together from a distance. A well-known example of these tools is Slack. With this tool, project managers can create channels to communicate and bring together the right people for a specific task. Other project management tools like Dart are built with remote teams in mind, and help to nurture collaboration without a shared physical presence.
3. Hybrid Methodologies Are Becoming Mainstream
Project managers are adopting hybrid methodologies to optimize team efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability in order to drive successful project outcomes. Hybrid methodologies refer to the combination of two or more project management approaches to fit the needs of a particular project. For example, iterative methods like Agile are now being fused with traditional methods like Waterfall to leverage the unique strengths of both methodologies. This blended approach allows teams to minimize expenses, get better results, and reach set goals faster.
4. Increased Focus on Soft Skills
Gone are the days when project managers were valued based on their resumes and ability to implement various project methodologies alone. Nowadays, companies are increasingly shifting their attention to soft skills. This is not too surprising considering the introduction of advanced AI-powered solutions that can handle more of the technical parts of project management. Hence, organizations are now looking for professionals with demonstrated aptitude in team building, conflict resolution, negotiation, training and mentoring, and decision-making. As a project manager, you need to focus and improve on these skills if you want to remain relevant in today’s highly competitive environment.
5. More Attention to Big Data
It’s no secret that project managers deal with a lot of data in their day-to-day tasks. Currently, organizations are developing strategies centered on leveraging big data for insights that can help them handle projects better and grow their business. This data may come from various sources, including websites, social media, product analytics, etc. Data analysis allows companies to improve risk management, streamline complex tasks, and lower project costs. Fortunately, there are many advanced tech tools that can help managers get high-level data and custom reports, such as Tableau, KNIME, Looker Studio, etc.
Adaptation
These are five major trends that are currently shaping and shaking the project management world. PMs need to stay abreast of these changes and adjust their strategies accordingly in order to deliver projects successfully. By taking notice and even adapting to some of these trends, project managers will create an enabling environment for team members and other stakeholders.
