Anticipating and learning about the latest trends in your work industry is crucial. Keeping up with the latest developments is especially important for project managers, who must adjust to changes in the field to remain current and work at an optimal level.
Project managers are typically responsible for assembling schedules, budgets, and communication channels to ensure their team can complete work efficiently and successfully. As the field evolves, project managers must prioritize technological advancements, education, and people skills.
Here are five current trends to watch out for in the project management field:
1: Artificial Intelligence
Just like the 2024 trends in human resources, AI will change the landscape of project management. A study conducted by the Project Management Institute concluded that 21% of respondents use AI frequently as a project manager.
“Integrating AI in project management has opened up possibilities, enabling organizations to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and drive project success,” said Barry Goldberg, a Strategic Project Management & Operations Leader who has written on the topic . “Through the automation of tasks, provision of data-driven insights, and facilitation of informed decision-making, AI-powered project management tools have become invaluable assets for modern project managers.”
These AI tools can assist in decision-making processes and with administrative tasks. Having AI finish time-consuming tasks clears time for project managers to work on creative, strategic, and person-centered tasks.
2: Cybersecurity
As of 2023, nearly 90% of companies store information on databases via a multi-cloud approach. Project managers must understand cybersecurity measures and work alongside cybersecurity professionals to identify and mitigate risks and ensure company security.
“A Project Manager plays a critical role in helping organizations to achieve their goals by managing these complex projects that require coordination across multiple integrated technology areas, teams, and stakeholders,” said cybersecurity project management leader Adrian Rodriguez.
Managing these risks requires coordination with other departments and stakeholders to protect security from all ends. Risk mitigation, efficiency, invisibility, and security improve when project managers and cybersecurity professionals collaborate.
3: Adaptability
As a project manager, you are responsible for leading your team to finish projects successfully. As a result, project managers must be able to adapt to new situations and conflicts as they arise.
With 83% of businesses implementing AI into their business strategy, project managers must remain flexible and learn how to use and incorporate it into their daily routines. The pandemic has also impacted the field, as project managers must adjust procedures and processes with the ever-changing market.
“Projects seldom run smoothly, and this is even more the case now as we roll into the new year, with new AI-driven technologies being developed and implemented almost every day,” said Rachel Wells, an entrepreneur and contributor at Forbes. “You will need to adjust your approach to accommodate for the use of new technology, and also, considering how volatile markets have been since the pandemic, prepare for the worst-case scenarios.”
4: Sustainability
As our climate changes and resources vanish, businesses are strongly encouraged to incorporate sustainable practices in 2024. These practices benefit the environment, supply chain, image management, stakeholder relations, and innovative practices.
“From reducing operational costs and fostering innovation to fortifying supply chains and contributing to a positive global environmental impact, the adoption of sustainable project management is not just a responsible choice but a strategic one,” said Anita Dubinko, a renowned project management leader.
With more than 80% of project managers believing that sustainability improves operational performance, employee retention, and overall efficiency, sustainability will be a top priority in 2024.
5: Continuous Learning
Lifelong learning is crucial for any career, especially as a project manager. With frequent shifts in the market and new technologies and workflow systems implemented, project managers must stay on top of industry trends.
Project managers must also ensure that the whole team has opportunities to learn throughout each project, as 83% of workers are more likely to feel happier working for a company that invests in resources for continuous learning.
“When you demonstrate eagerness to learn and continue your professional development and training while in your role, you position yourself in a favorable light to your employer, become more efficient in your work, and develop and refine your soft and hard skills such as budgeting, risk management, and leadership,” said Rachel Wells.
Push Project Management Forward
Our Professional Certificate in Project Management teaches you the necessary skills to manage and complete tasks successfully. Whether you aspire to be a project lead, climb the corporate ladder, or develop a deeper understanding of teamwork and management, our online certificate program can help you become a standout project management professional.
The program will teach you how to collaborate with coworkers, lead projects, manage risks and expectations, and understand project management methodologies. You can earn this certificate asynchronously in as little as one year while learning from industry experts and seasoned professionals.
