Although my main academic background is in Systems Analysis and Data Processing, management has always played a significant role in my professional life.
I worked in Project Management for sixteen years before taking a “more or less sabbatical” year to dedicate myself to a Master’s in Digital Humanities and to scientific research in Art History and Archaeology.
During this research period, I’ve analyzed various generative AIs to better understand the extent to which they can truly support our daily activities—and at what point they become more of a distraction. And of course, while Art History is a passion of mine, I couldn’t help but think about the career I’ve had for nearly twenty years—Project Management—whose know-how I bring to every area I work in.
So how can Artificial Intelligence assist me in Project Management?
Let’s begin by clarifying what Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (Gen AI) are.
When I wrote on this site about the controversy of AIs “stealing” from artists, I briefly (and quite superficially) explained how this technology works.
To simplify even more: AIs are programs designed to simulate human intelligence, though they don’t operate in the same way as human thought. They allow machines to perform predictive or decision-making tasks based on learned experiences, meaning they can adapt to both familiar and unfamiliar situations.
Generative AIs, or Gen AIs, on the other hand, are a type of AI that produces new data—such as images, audio (music, sounds, voices), text (as I’ve mentioned in previous discussions about Natural Language Processing and Textual Corpora for Humanities Research), or code.
Now consider what a Gen AI—like ChatGPT (OpenAI), Watson (IBM), or Gemini (Google), for example—can do for a project manager who often needs to produce flawless plans under tight deadlines and with incomplete information here and there:
📨 Communication and Reporting
Gen AIs can efficiently generate emails, reports, and status updates. This not only saves time but also ensures that communication is clear and consistent. They can draft reports based on received data and feedback, offering an objective view of project progress and roadblocks.
🛠 Automation of Repetitive Tasks
Many of the repetitive and administrative tasks that consume a project manager’s time can be automated with Gen AI. This includes creating schedules, updating spreadsheets, and tracking deadlines and deliverables. By automating these tasks, the manager can focus on more strategic and creative matters.
📊 Planning and Monitoring
Gen AIs can assist in creating and continuously adjusting project timelines, adapting plans as changes and unforeseen events occur. They can also analyze historical data from similar projects to provide more accurate forecasts and planning recommendations.
👥 Team Training and Development
Gen AIs can support the creation of personalized training plans for team members, identifying areas for improvement based on performance and project needs. This is particularly helpful for ongoing development and ensuring that the team is well-equipped to meet project demands.
📚 Knowledge Management
Through data analysis and information storage, Gen AIs can help build an accessible and organized knowledge base. This includes best practices, lessons learned, and previous documentation that can be easily retrieved and applied to new projects.
📈 Performance Analysis and Feedback
With the ability to process large volumes of data, Gen AIs can perform detailed analyses of both project and team performance. They can identify patterns and trends, highlight areas that need attention, and provide constructive feedback to improve project efficiency and effectiveness.
While Generative AIs offer powerful tools to enhance project management, it’s crucial to remember that they should be used as support, not as a full substitute for human oversight. The experience and judgment of a project manager remain essential when making critical decisions and handling complex, unpredictable situations.
By integrating Gen AIs into your project management practices, you can optimize processes, improve accuracy, and free up time to focus on the more strategic and creative aspects of management. Combining human intelligence with artificial intelligence enables you to achieve more effective and successful outcomes in your projects.
