Considering some of the global changes including the COVID-19 pandemic and digitisation, the business world continues to transform at an increasingly rapid rate. As a result, the skills required of employees are rapidly evolving, and businesses need to adapt to stay ahead. In this blog, we will explore the emerging project management trends that are responding to these developments, which can help businesses remain competitive and successful in an ever-changing market.
A recent study conducted by Statista shows that the UK may experience a shortage of 250,000 highly skilled workers by 2030. To stay competitive, businesses must prioritise developing digital skills and adopting agile working practices. So, let’s dive in and discover what the future holds for project management!
AI in Project Management
The hype surrounding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in project management software has been increasing over the years and has become even more pronounced in 2023. Many software vendors are exploring ways to incorporate data-driven insights into their tools, which has led to a surge in interest towards machine learning and automation solutions. Although these may not be true AI, they still represent a significant step forward in streamlining routine and administrative tasks for project teams. This trend signals a shift towards a more efficient and effective project management process that leverages innovative technology.
Transforming the workplace: embracing new working models
The evolving needs of employees are driving a demand for increased workplace flexibility. With more individuals opting to work remotely, (or via a hybrid model), and with greater emphasis than ever on personal fulfilment and autonomy, project managers must adapt to colleagues’ changing needs. As businesses expand globally, project teams may comprise individuals from multiple locations, adding new challenges to effective collaboration and communication. To overcome these challenges, project managers must develop flexible strategies that cater to the diverse needs of team members, ensuring optimal teamwork and successful project outcomes.
In 2023, PMO is undergoing a major shift in its approach to project management. Instead of being viewed as a person, the PMO is now seen as a provider of services to people. This recognition represents a significant change in the perception of programme and project delivery. The focus is now on the value that the PMO’s services provide, rather than the individuals providing them. By presenting itself as a service-based offering, the PMO is taking a step further away from the notion that it’s merely an administrative function. This shift in mindset can help organisations unlock the full potential of the PMO and leverage its expertise to drive project success.
The continuing rise of Agile and hybrid methodologies in project management.
In the traditional project management landscape, project assignments were frequently rotated among different teams. However, this practice is proving to be increasingly problematic. Agile methodologies, on the other hand, emphasise the importance of stable teams that work together through multiple iterations to deliver tangible outcomes. Agile teams estimate the feasibility and scope of intended results in advance and divide them into ‘sprints’. This approach provides greater clarity about what can be achieved; who is capable of doing what; and may still be uncertain. Additionally, consistent teams make it easier to share knowledge among team members. Many organisations have already adopted Agile methodologies and have experienced success. It’s expected that Agile and hybrid methods will continue to grow in importance in the future.
In conclusion, the world of project management is changing rapidly, and it’s important for businesses to keep up with the latest trends and technologies to stay ahead of the curve. At smart/tasking, we understand the challenges that businesses face in adapting to these changes, and we are here to help. Whether you need support in implementing Agile or hybrid methods, managing remote teams, or integrating AI into your project management tools, we have the expertise and experience to help you optimise your business. So, if you’re ready to take your project management to the next level, don’t hesitate to contact us today to see how we can help.
