Digital Transformation In Public and Private Sector Project Management: Navigating the AI Economy

Introduction 

The landscape of project management is changing rapidly, with far-reaching implications across multiple sectors. Whether you are a project professional, an academic, or a policymaker, the importance of understanding these changes is crucial. This collaborative research initiative between the Advanced Project Management Research Centre (APROM) at the University of Southampton and the Association for Project Management (APM) aims to explore the profound effects of digital transformation on project management practices in both the public and private sectors. Our central research question is: How does digital transformation impact the methods and skills essential for project management.

Research Team 

• Dr Nicholas Dacre, Director of the Advanced Project Management Research Centre (APROM), Associate Professor of Project Management 
• Dr David Baxter, Director of Project Innovation Research (APROM), Associate Professor of Innovation
• Dr Hao Dong, Director of Strategy & Collaboration (APROM), Lecturer in Operations and Project Management
• Dr Al Mhdawi, Associate (APROM), Lecturer in Engineering Project Management
• Dr Ranga Abeysooriya, Research Fellow in Digital Transformation (AI in Public & Private Sector Project Management)
• Yixue Shen, Research Fellow in Digital Transformation (AI in Public & Private Sector Project Management)
• Ali Fuat Kuz, Research Fellow, Public Policy Southampton 

A Collaborative Initiative by the Advanced Project Management Research Centre (APROM) and the Association for Project Management (APM)

Why This Matters

For project professionals, adapting to the digital era involves understanding the evolution of methods and skills that are becoming increasingly critical. Academics will find this research useful in contributing to the growing body of knowledge on modern project management knowledge and theory. Policymakers play a pivotal role as well, as they can help create an environment conducive to the adoption of new practices influenced by digital transformation.

According to Dr Nicholas Dacre, Director of APROM “In an era where digital is the new normal, our collaborative research project is extremely timely. Led by a team of experts, including Dr David Baxter, Dr Hao Dong, and Dr Al Mhdawi, and in close partnership with the APM, our research will act as a navigational compass for project professionals, academics, and policymakers. We are not just charting the changing landscape, but also laying the groundwork for the future of project management profession and research”.

What We're Investigating 

The scope of our research by APROM and commissioned by the APM, is designed to be both comprehensive and impactful. We are investigating not just how digital transformation is affecting existing practices, but also what new methods and skills are evolving as crucial for success in both public and private sectors. Our key objective is to deliver data-driven insights and evidence-backed recommendations that will assist professionals, organisations, and educational institutions in addressing the challenges and capitalising on the opportunities that digital transformation presents in the realm of project management.

Expected Outputs 

The research is expected to deliver several key outputs:

• Professional Development Toolkit: 
  A toolkit for project professionals on applying digital tools such as AI, in their project management processes.
  
  
• Data-Rich Insights:
  Comprehensive analysis of survey results and case studies that provide a deep understanding of the current landscape.
  
  
• Evidence-Based Recommendations:
  Strategies and best practices for harnessing digital transformation effectively in project management.
  
  
• Professional Development Guidelines:
  Assessment of the skills and training necessary for project professionals to adapt to the digital landscape.
  
  
• Academic Contributions:
  Publication of research findings in academic journals, thereby contributing to the theoretical understanding of the impact of digital transformation on project management.
  
  
• Policy Recommendations:
  Insights to guide and support policymakers in creating an environment conducive to digital transformation in project management

How We're Doing It 

Our research methodology has been carefully designed to offer robust insights into this complex subject. We commence with an exhaustive review of the existing literature to build a solid academic foundation. Following this, a major survey targeting project professionals will be conducted to gather first-hand, real-world insights. To further deepen our understanding, we will also carry out a series of in-depth case studies and expert interviews. These will not only enrich our data but also allow us to make informed assessments about professional development needs and to formulate new best practices.

Get Involved 

Your expertise and viewpoints are invaluable assets to this research endeavour. Numerous avenues for participation are available, and we invite you to get involved. You can contribute by taking part in our comprehensive survey, by engaging with subject-matter experts in our webinars, or by gaining early access to our research findings and recommendations.

Stay Informed 

Be among the first to learn about our findings and their implications for the future of project management, contact the research team at aprom@southampton.ac.uk or visit us here.

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