Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the project profession
In June 2022, the Association for Project Management (APM) published two new research reports through its Research Fund which explores the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the project profession.
![]() |
![]() |
Artificial intelligence in project management, led by Nicholas Dacre, Associate Professor of Project Management at Southampton Business School and Fredrik Kockum, PhD candidate researcher, University of Southampton Business School, explores the general perception of AI and the ease of use of AI technology within projects. It highlights how it can support project planning and can enhance decision-making and problem-solving.
The report’s key findings include:
- AI enhances decision-making in projects.
- AI supports problem-solving functions.
- AI is most likely to be used during project planning.
- AI improves efficiency when analysing large volumes of data in projects.
- AI has the potential to increase project success and mitigate project failure.
- There is a positive correlation between the level of project complexity and the perceived usefulness of AI.
Dr Dacre said: "This very exciting research represents the culmination of over two years’ worth of engagement with the project management community. Our findings indicate that AI can enhance decision-making, improve the efficiency of project data analytics, and can increase project success."
Can artificial intelligence learn to be a project professional? led by Dr Ian Stewart, Reader in Project Management Education, University of Manchester and Dr Kun Wang, Engineering Project Management Lecturer, University of Manchester, provides insights on the benefits and limitations of AI for the project professional. The research aims to identify AI-aware project managers' beliefs, opinions and expectations regarding AI in the project management profession. The research evaluates these, using the sociology of professions and AI expert opinion as to how realistic those expectations are and the possible implications for the professional status of project management.
Dr Kun Wang said: “This research enables project management professionals to reflect on defensible competencies in front of AI. It motivates professional associations, employers and practitioners to rethink development approaches to build professionalism in the trend of developing AI technologies."
You can download both reports here
--Association for Project Management
Related articles on Designing for Buildings
- Artificial intelligence and civil engineering.
- Artificial intelligence and surveying.
- Artificial intelligence for smarter, safer buildings.
- Artificial intelligence in buildings.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Association for Project Management articles.
- Association for Project Management.
- BSRIA publishes Artificial Intelligence in Buildings white paper.
- Internet of things.
- Predictive analytics.
- Project management.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.