On today’s PMChat, we chatted about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning on Project Management. The emergence of AI and machine learning gives us an opportunity to think about the future and how our roles might be affected. It allows us to ask the fundamental question – What is it about Project Management that is uniquely personal and cannot be replaced? What is the critical personal value that we bring?
As always, I’ve included my replies in italics. Please feel free to join the chat and add your replies!
Q1. 
Do you have any experience with AI or machine learning? Are these technologies that impact your current project management environment?
I work in cyber security – machine learning is revolutionising the way we manage mind boggling arrays of data to find patterns and identify threats and incidents. In terms of data management, its a game breaker.
Q2. Thinking about project management knowledge areas, where can you imagine machine learning helping? Are there tasks or activities that can be automated?
I’m thinking machine learning can help with bulk data management – modelling outcomes and probabilities, tracking progress and variances, then prompting corrective action. I see it helping remove some of the hard core brain work from project management
Q3. Conversely, are the areas where machine learning would NOT help? Are there tasks that need to retain the human touch?
I don’t see it replacing the human element – stakeholder management, communication – the critical decisions that require human intuition and engagement. But I see lots of ways it can help remove the bulk work so we can focus on the good stuff
So we’ve thought about the types of tasks that can be impacted by AI/machine learning, but that’s kind of at a high level. Let’s step down a level and think about HOW those tasks could be impacted.
Q4. Will we see AI-powered decision support systems and automation replacing or assisting your project management practice? Will these tasks be completely automated or do you see them being blended with human and machine thinking?
I think the possibilities for assisting #projectmanagement are so exciting, but I don’t see them replacing the human element. Clients will always value the personal face to face connection, but I love the idea of using AI to work more efficiently
Q5. Risk – machine learning is already available to help us model probabilistic outcomes using real-world data. How would you use this type of learning in your practice?
I struggle with managing probability based outcomes/scenarios. If I could use AI/applied learning to better manage predictive scenarios, I’d be very happy!
Q6. Human Resources – companies are using applied learning to help people work more efficiently and manage KPIs – i.e. using chatbots to track indicators and predictively remind us to do things. Have you seen these sorts of changes in your workplace?
I haven’t seen this in my current workplace but I’ve seen it used when I’m on websites that want to guide my interaction. I’m ambivalent about this – I get it, but I’d like to see it in my practice before I have a firm opinion
Q7. How do you see AI/machine learning impacting your work over the next 3-5 years? Do you see your role being replaced, supported, enhanced, reduced or something else? Will we learn to get along with our machines?
I can see AI/machine learning becoming a fundamental part of our #projectmanagement toolkit – our roles are safe but as the technology evolves, we will continue to adopt and absorb new tools and practices. I think it’s very exciting!
You’re always welcome to join the chat each week – you can find us on Twitter with the #PMChat hashtag every Tuesday (US) and Wednesday (Europe, Asia, Australian and New Zealand).
