Project Management

Title: Navigating AI-Enhanced Project Management through the PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework

From the Ethics Bistro Blog
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We all tackle ethical dilemmas. Wrong decisions can break careers. Which are the key challenges faced? What are some likely solutions? Where can we find effective tools? Who can apply these and why? Dry, theoretical discussions don't help. Join us for lively, light conversations to learn, share and grow!

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Once upon a time in the dynamic realm of project management, where the hum of algorithms met the cadence of human decisions, ethical considerations took center stage. Project managers found themselves at a crossroads, facing dilemmas influenced by the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our story unfolds within the context of the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Ethical Decision-Making Framework, a guiding compass in the unfolding ethical odyssey of AI-enhanced project management.

In the heart of project management, the integration of AI introduced both opportunities and challenges. Project managers grappled with ethical dilemmas as algorithms influenced decisions that shaped project destinies. The PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework emerged as a beacon, illuminating the path to navigate these ethical nuances.

Our protagonist, the conscientious project manager, embarked on a journey guided by the PMI framework. The first step was to define the ethical dilemma at hand, unraveling the intricacies of AI-driven decision-making. Real-world scenarios became the canvas on which the project manager painted the ethical landscape.

Armed with knowledge, our protagonist delved into the second stage – gathering information. Transparency became a key quest, as the project manager sought to understand the inner workings of AI algorithms. The goal was to make informed decisions while ensuring clarity and explainability. As the story unfolded, the importance of stakeholders came into focus. The project manager recognized the diverse cast involved – from team members to end-users. The ethical responsibility extended beyond immediate concerns, considering the far-reaching impact on all stakeholders.

A myriad of options lay on the ethical table, each with its consequences and implications. Our project manager evaluated each option against the ethical principles embedded in the PMI framework – responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty. At the decision-making crossroads, the project manager made choices that aligned not only with the immediate ethical concern but also contributed to the project's long-term ethical culture. The PMI's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct served as the guiding script.

With the decision made, the project manager moved into the implementation phase. Practical considerations, communication, and transparency took center stage. The ethical resolution wasn’t just a decision but a commitment to ethical culture throughout the project.

The story ends with a promise to navigate the ethical journey of AI-enhanced project management, guided by the PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework. As we think back on this adventure, we invite you to share your thoughts on how AI ethics will shape the future of project management. What problems and opportunities do you see, and how can the collective wisdom of the project management community contribute to an ethical and creative landscape? We value your insights, so please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let's keep exploring the connection between ethics and innovation in the dynamic world of project management together!

Reference:

PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Posted by Shenila Shahabuddin on: February 10, 2024 12:00 AM | Permalink

Comments (13)

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George Freeman PM Thought Leader and Author | Florida, United States
Shenila,

Suppose the project manager “of the future” makes informed decisions based on knowledge obtained through AI, “vetted through human intelligence.” In that case, today’s project manager is the same project manager who resides in the future. In other words, the ethical considerations and landscape are no different.

However, we face ethical considerations if we remove “vetted through human intelligence” from the equation. Interestingly, this has been a true statement since the genesis of our profession, in that any unchallenged source of knowledge leveraged for a decision opens a project manager to ethical scrutiny.

We must remember that knowledge generated through “so-called” AI technologies resides within the current scope of accessible digital domains. In other words, even if we were not accessing it through the recent innovative technological interfaces (e.g., generative AI), the knowledge was and is there for our consumption.

If that’s true, why are we (i.e., the collective “we”) perceiving a shift in the ethics domain due to these innovative technologies? I understand that the term “artificial intelligence” raises the specter of ethical problems in the future, but when you “peel back the onion,” you will see that what’s burning our eyes is that which we find in front of us now.

AI ethics should NOT shape the future of project management. Instead, project managers should shape their projects guided by our ethics framework for the demands of the future.

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Shenila Shahabuddin Principal Consultant| Optimizia INC Karachi, Sind, Pakistan
@George

Thank you George for the feedback. Your perspective on the intertwining realms of AI, ethics, and project management resonates deeply. Acknowledging the transformative power of AI while emphasizing the enduring role of human intelligence in ethical decision-making is a crucial insight.

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Dr. Deepa Bhide Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Thanks for posting an interesting and contemporary topic Shenila. Ethics is surely being talked about a lot in the AI-age with the changes and disruptions AI creates. While this is good, in my opinion, it's good to reevaluate the business process landscape in the new paradigm of AI. We need to evaluate how the change impacts the value delivery of the project and make the change only if that positively impacts the value.

Have consummate information about the ethical landscape/constraints/obligations etc and changes (if any) needed in the decision-making process.

Thirdly, be truthful to the moral and ethical fundamentals.

Hope this helps

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Shenila Shahabuddin Principal Consultant| Optimizia INC Karachi, Sind, Pakistan
@Deepa

Thank you for your insightful contribution to the discussion on AI and ethics. I appreciate your perspective on reevaluating business processes in the AI paradigm, emphasizing positive impacts on project value. Your advice to understand the ethical landscape and stay truthful to moral fundamentals is crucial in navigating AI disruptions. It's clear that your perspective brings a practical and thoughtful approach to the evolving ethical considerations in this technological era. Looking forward to more enriching discussions.

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Ming Yeung Compliance Manager (and Acting CCO and COO)| Blockchain Venture Capital Inc. Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hello Shenila, thank you for an insightful and futuristic views on the behaviours of the project/program/portfolio managers I echo with George's comments on ethics and ethical behaviours irrespective of leveraging AI as we practice our craft and Deepa's pointers on delivering value for an organization run by ethical project team members.

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Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
Community Champion
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace Corps / Cameroon Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
thanks

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Manuel Baruco PM Specialist| Ministerio Educación de Panamá Panama, Panama, Panama
Hola. Recientemente leí un articulo titulado "Techo de Papel". El mismo, hacia referencia a las limitaciones que hoy en día tiene un profesional sin titulo universitario y de edad media para conseguir un empleo. Utilizar la IA que, mediante un algoritmo descalifica a una persona solo porque no se graduó de la universidad sin tener en cuenta otros aspectos; creo que, desde un punto de vista ético que valore y respeta a la persona no es una forma correcta de utilizarla.

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Shenila Shahabuddin Principal Consultant| Optimizia INC Karachi, Sind, Pakistan
@Ming

Thank you for sharing your insightful and futuristic perspectives on the behaviors of project/program/portfolio managers. I fully resonate with George's emphasis on ethics and ethical behaviors, especially as we navigate the integration of AI into our craft. Deepa's points on delivering value align well with the importance of having an ethical foundation within project teams.

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Shenila Shahabuddin Principal Consultant| Optimizia INC Karachi, Sind, Pakistan
@Manuel

Agradezco sus comentarios sobre el artículo "Techo de papel". De hecho, es preocupante que los algoritmos de IA, basados ​​únicamente en credenciales educativas, descalifiquen a las personas sin considerar sus habilidades y experiencias más amplias. Plantea cuestiones éticas sobre la evaluación justa y holística de las cualificaciones de una persona.

Valorar y respetar a las personas por sus habilidades, competencias y experiencias más allá de la educación formal es crucial para un proceso de contratación más inclusivo y equitativo. Es esencial que las organizaciones reconozcan los diversos caminos que siguen las personas para adquirir conocimientos y experiencia.

Su punto enfatiza la necesidad de consideraciones éticas en la aplicación de algoritmos de IA en las prácticas de contratación.

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Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
Community Champion
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
Overall, your blog not only educates and informs but also inspires reflection and conversation, making it a valuable contribution to the discourse on ethics and innovation in project management. Well done!

Well explained, it inspires cognitive ethical conversations.

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Shenila Shahabuddin Principal Consultant| Optimizia INC Karachi, Sind, Pakistan
@Md. Golam Rob

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging words! I'm truly grateful that the blog resonated with you and sparked reflection that was exactly the goal. Ethics and innovation in project management are critical topics, and it's rewarding to know that the post contributed meaningfully to the conversation. Your support means a lot, and I look forward to continuing the dialogue with insightful readers like you!

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Shenila Shahabuddin Principal Consultant| Optimizia INC Karachi, Sind, Pakistan
@Barkev Daron

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I'm glad to hear that the piece sparked cognitive and ethical reflection that's exactly the kind of meaningful engagement I was hoping to encourage. I truly appreciate your support and look forward to more thought-provoking discussions ahead!

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