How Project Managers Are Using AI

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Based on discussions, AI is being used by many project managers and many project-based organizations. Here are some practical examples of how AI is being used to improve project performance.

Generative AI

1. Generate sample templates. Project managers use tools such as ChatGPT to create a basic structure for scope, schedule, and risk documents that can be adapted to their projects.

2. Check for a comprehensive capture of the project plan. This consists of informing AI about the project and asking AI to review documents such as the scope requirements or risk details to check if the project documents have missed any items that should be included.

3. Check for solutions. For specific risks, project managers ask for mitigation strategies, select an appropriate one, and make adjustments as needed to use for their project.

Machine Learning

1. Prioritization. For organizations with many concurrent projects, machine learning is used to predict which ones have a high probability of success or provide the highest value. Decisions are made to prioritize or terminate projects in consideration of limited funding and organizational focus.  

2. Early warning. Organizations use machine learning to receive early warning of deterioration of budget or schedule performance before a human can detect the impending variance.  This allows more time to develop mitigation or action plans to avoid or recover the variance.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

1. Procurement bids. Project managers use NLP tools to compare bid submissions and identify inconsistencies.

2. Requirements issues. Project managers use NLP tools to find errors and omissions in requirements documents. I recently worked with two government organizations to implement this capability.

AI in project management is rapidly becoming a standard process and valued methodology. Knowledge of how to use the technology is increasing, and project managers are seeing productivity gains from using AI. Finding additional practical applications and use cases will improve the value of this technology in project management.