Three Skills Project Managers Need When Using AI in Projects
From the AI IQ Blog
by Paul Boudreau
Technology offers an incredible opportunity to improve project performance. This blog shares the latest research and how organizations are implementing AI into their project methodology. Come with an open mind, increase your knowledge, share your concerns, and become a project manager with new skills to offer an organization.
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Project managers are inundated with training and education opportunities. As AI becomes more common in how projects are managed, project managers must ensure they have the right skills to be successful.
1) Fundamentals of machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP). Whether the AI-based solution is provided by a vendor or created internally by programmers, the project manager should understand the fundamental capability of these two components. Machine learning is the engine that drives most but not all AI solutions. A software program uses loops or iterations to refine the correlation performed by regression analysis. Hyperparameters are set before the program begins and include items such as the number of iterations and the number of layers in the neural network. It is essential to be able to ask relevant questions, such as the number of datasets used to make the prediction.
NLP uses numerous techniques to interpret language and generate a response. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, depends on a corpus or body of work to provide useful responses since the data that is accessed significantly impacts the output. A project manager understands project information and needs to be involved in how project data is applied to Generative AI tools.
2) Data management. AI requires data, and, in most situations, relevant data will be more important than volumes of data. Data wrangling and feature engineering are necessary for proper input. An information technology (IT) person and a data scientist will not understand the nuances of project data. The project manager is the best person to identify the correct data, relevant data fields, and amount of data required for AI tools.
3) Math and statistics. AI is based on math. The algorithms use regression analysis to produce results. Statistics is an important component for understanding and interpreting the output. A high-level degree in math is not required. However, project managers must become familiar with managing different aspects of statistical analysis. What is an outlier? Can the outlier be ignored, or is it the start of a new trend?
Project managers have a critical role in the adoption and successful application of AI to improve project performance. There are new areas where training and additional knowledge are essential for this process. Collaborating with AI tools is an opportunity for project managers to demonstrate their value to project stakeholders. Improving these three skills should help you improve your value to any organization.
Posted on: December 13, 2023 02:05 PM |
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Comments (10)
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Zohaib Qadir
System Administrator Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)| Peshawar Institute of Cardiology
Peshawar, Kpk, Pakistan
In the fast-paced landscape of project management, where technology is a driving force, the project manager's ability to grasp the fundamentals of machine learning, natural language processing, data management, and statistics is paramount. These skills not only enable effective collaboration with AI tools but also empower project managers to make informed decisions based on a nuanced understanding of the technology involved.
Luis Branco
CEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, Ldª
Carcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Dear Paul
The topic you brought to our reflection and debate is very interesting.
Thank you for sharing and for the tips on the "Three skills project managers need when using AI"
Ming Yeung
Adjunct Professor & Acting COO/CPO/CRO (contract)| Blockchain Venture Capital Inc.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Dear Paul, thank you for sharing the skill sets for fellow incumbent and aspiring practitioners in this timely topic.
Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
Community Champion
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace Corps
Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Markus Kopko
AI Enabler for Project & Program Mgmt | Founder PMotion.ai / The PM
AI Coach| PMotion.ai
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Dear Paul,
Your insights into the essential skills project managers need to develop in the era of AI-enhanced project management are both pertinent and timely. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into project management processes, the role of project managers will evolve, necessitating a deeper understanding of AI technologies and their applications. Let’s delve into the three key areas you highlighted:
Understanding ML and NLP Fundamentals: Project managers need to have a foundational understanding of machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to effectively manage AI-based solutions. This doesn't mean they need to become experts in programming but should understand the capabilities and limitations of these technologies. Knowing how ML algorithms work, what hyperparameters are, and the importance of datasets is crucial for asking relevant questions and making informed decisions. Similarly, understanding the basics of NLP and how it interprets and generates language is important, especially when considering how project data is applied to generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
Data Management Skills: AI's reliance on data means that project managers must be adept at identifying and managing relevant project data. This involves understanding what data is necessary, how to wrangle it, and the importance of feature engineering. The project manager's intimate knowledge of the project's nuances makes them ideally suited to oversee the selection and preparation of data for AI applications.
Familiarity with Math and Statistics: A basic understanding of the mathematical and statistical principles underpinning AI algorithms is essential for project managers. This knowledge helps in interpreting AI outputs, understanding what constitutes an outlier, and determining the significance of various statistical findings. A high-level degree in mathematics may not be necessary, but a working knowledge of these concepts is important to manage AI tools effectively.
Your perspective underscores the fact that as AI tools become more prevalent in project management, the role of the project manager is not diminished but rather becomes more critical. Project managers will need to serve as the bridge between the technical capabilities of AI and the strategic and operational needs of the project. This requires not only technical acumen but also a strong grasp of project management fundamentals.
In light of these evolving requirements, how do you suggest project managers begin acquiring these new skills? Are there specific courses, certifications, or training programs you recommend? And how can organizations support their project managers in this transition to an AI-enhanced project management environment? Your thoughts on these aspects would be highly valuable.
BR,
Markus
Paul Boudreau
President| Stonemeadow Consulting
Kanata, Ontario, Canada
Hi Markus
Thanks for your comments.
An organization contracted me earlier this year to develop learning pathways that included course content based on learner profiles, sources, and metrics to measure knowledge acquisition. Training can depend on your location and resources. Sources include local colleges, online sites such as Coursera, and Corporate Training providers. Assuming I am allowed to promote my book, I recommend The Self Driving Project, which is available on Amazon. I teach an AI for Project Management course at two business colleges in Europe. I am also working with an education provider to develop a comprehensive course for colleges and universities (mainly in the US) to acquire later next year.
Markus Kopko
AI Enabler for Project & Program Mgmt | Founder PMotion.ai / The PM
AI Coach| PMotion.ai
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Hi Paul,
all the best for 2024, and many thanks for your comprehensive and enlightening answer.
I would be highly interested in those business college course and also the later one you mentioned. I will reach out to you via PM to gain more details, if you allow.
B
Jenelle Oberholtzer
Functional Architect II| TalenTech Digital
Mechanicsburg, Pa, United States
Thanks for sharing your recommendations on continuing professional development as a project manager seeking to strengthen their skill set in effort to leverage the benefits of AI! I found the recommendations extremely relevant and informative! Looking forward to adding some content on NLP to enhance my skill set for my team and organization.
Daniel King
Senior Project/Solution Manager| Norlys
København, Denmark
Thank you Paul for really good insight, and stimulating an excellent dialog on these areas of focus & skillset growth for project managers.
Thank you Paul for the really good insight,
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