I had the pleasure of attending an event titled “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Principles for Enhanced Project and Program Management: Case Studies and Best Practices” with Dr. Nathaniel P. Crews from CalTech, arranged by the Industry Affinity Groups Project Management Institute Orange County Chapter. The event was insightful and informative. Dr. Nathaniel’s expertise on the current and future trends related to AI was impressive and he shared how project managers can utilize AI to improve project outcomes were practical and valuable. Dr. Nathaniel’s presentation was structured in a clear and easy-to-follow manner, making it an enriching experience. He focused on the most relevant and impactful information about Artificial Intelligence and Program Management. The event was an excellent opportunity for project managers to learn and grow their knowledge about generative AI and how to use it.
Introduction To Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a vast field of computer science that aims to create systems capable of performing tasks that usually require human intelligence. Generative AI is a subset of AI that refers to systems that generate new content, like images, text, or audio, which often imitate human creativity. Generative AI applications can be used for image and video generation, and text-to-speech synthesis.
AI Impact On Project And Project Managers
AI technology can enhance project planning, execution, and monitoring. By leveraging AI, project managers can optimize workflows and achieve better project outcomes. AI is a powerful tool that enables project managers to make data-driven decisions, mitigate risks, and ensure quality deliverables. AI is easy to access around the world and cost-effective. There are two aspects of improvisation in project management: the first is in the products and services and the second is in coordination to design products and deliver them to customers at the lowest possible operational cost and increase the project’s time efficiency.
Here are some of the most common AI applications in project management:
- 1. Risk Management: AI can analyze historical project data to identify potential and future risks and prevent issues.
- 2. Resource Allocation: AI algorithms can optimize resource allocation by analyzing project requirements, team capabilities, and resource availability to ensure that resources are efficient in meeting project goals.
- 3. Scheduling: Project managers can create practical and achievable project timelines with AI-powered tools. generate and optimize project schedules based on various factors, such as task dependencies, resource availability, and project constraints.
- 4. Decision Making: AI can assist project managers in making informed decisions by analyzing large amounts of data and providing insights and recommendations to make data-driven decisions that will likely lead to project success.
- 5. Quality Control: Using AI project managers ensure that project deliverables meet quality standards and monitor project quality by analyzing data from various sources, such as sensors and monitoring devices.
- 6. Communication: AI can be used to improve communication efficiency and reduce the burden on project managers with AI-powered chatbots that streamline communication by providing instant responses to common questions and inquiries from team members and stakeholders.
- 7. Performance Monitoring: Using AI’s project managers can identify bottlenecks and issues early on and take corrective actions to keep the project on track.
What Project Managers Should Know About AI?
While exploring AI options for the project, project managers should be mindful of AI usage, cybersecurity, and securing companies’ intellectual property. As project managers, we have a role in understanding the outcomes of AI concerning the quality and security of the data gathered while using AI applications. Project managers should consider the accuracy and accountability of the information and data received for budget, schedule, and resource optimization. As change makers in project executions, project managers need to understand such applications, benefits, and challenges that could come across in their industry. Although AI covers most of the activities, AI is not going to replace our jobs as we need to scrutinize and select the best approach for the project.
Future AI is more focused on shortening the process cycle. As change agents, Project managers should understand that adopting AI can be complex as technologies are evolving and they need to invest time and money and train themselves to use AI technologies. They need to connect with networks around the world to know the latest trends in AI applications. Being part of a user community network will help the project managers understand the challenges and adoption experiences of AI technologies and be a good knowledge-sharing platform for project managers.
Skill Project Managers Should Have To Lead AI Projects
Here are six things project managers should know about AI:
- AI Machine learning fundamentals: Project managers need to explore existing AI applications in the market and learn some languages like Python, SQL, Java, and data mining languages.
- AI Implementation strategy: Project managers need to understand how the applications work and will benefit their project and plan how to implement AI strategy in their project.
- Data Literacy: Project managers need to know what data needs to be shared on the AI application, how to secure company data, and be ethical and responsible while using such AI applications.
- Ethical and responsible AI: While working with AI there can be ethical concerns, such as the potential for misuse, generated content bias, and intellectual property rights issues.
- Change management: When adopting AI, project managers need to make sure all stakeholders are part of the AI application adoption process and support the change management process while implementing AI strategy.
- Technical proficiency: Project managers need to understand the limitations of the applications for their project.
Collaborative tools
Project managers can use collaborative tools to save time on the project, such as the Miro Board for brainstorming sessions during meetings. They can also use AI to improve the text, sound quality, and delivery methods of their presentations to the customers.
AI Takeaways
The takeaway from the event was that project managers need to evaluate their proficiency in AI-adapted applications align their needs of the project, and look for an AI application to improvise and spend quality time on the most critical parts of the project. They should define their project needs. Project managers can join an AI-oriented business group to stay updated with AI technologies and evaluate case studies related to the adoption of AI technologies. The presenter recommends starting with small steps and increasing technical proficiency in AI applications due to the vast AI technologies in the market. The presenter shared valuable information to become better change agents. The event achieved its objectives, leaving attendees with new insights about Artificial Intelligence and valuable insights about how project managers should lead their projects using AI.
