Artificial Intelligence & Today's Project Manager

Warning: a commentary on AI

AI has become a catch-all marketing term for any next-gen application that appears to be transformational. Marketers, columnist, writers, investors, etc. are using the term "AI," but if cornered, most would admit that what they are speaking to is actually "Weak AI " or "Machine/Deep Learning." If you examine these categories, you will then find that we are simply talking about evolved advanced algorithms that are analyzing data using models and patterns (e.g., statistical, historical), coming to a result through structured logic.

The advancements made in software engineering, sensors, RF communications, human to device interfaces, and the like are extraordinary; and the degree at which we see product generations churn is staggering. However, this is not happening because of AI – it’s happening because of hard-won engineering that has become componentized to the entrepreneurial masses.

When most individuals hear the term AI, they are thinking of what is called "Strong AI," which is essentially the point at which computers have the intelligence of humans – which does not exist. Bottom Line: I look forward to jumping on the "AI bandwagon," but I don’t see a wagon to jump on to at this point. So, Let’s keep ourselves grounded in the hear and now and recognize (and even appreciate) this marketing barrage.

I just need to know when MS Project will become self-aware so I can prepare for the project terminators.



"Come with me if you want to deliver a unique product, service, or result."

Gartner’s article (in my opinion) is predicated on a subjective viewpoint. The author assumes that project managers spend 80% of their time doing Data Collection, Tracking, and Reporting. This represents to me that Gartner did NOT execute reasonable due-diligence on this subject, which is quite disappointing, recognizing that they are a Research focused entity.

Maybe the eighty percent is based on how Gartner personally leverages project managers as schedule managers, or maybe it’s the "I dislike project managers – syndrome." This disorder comes on individuals who believe "they could do a better job," which is normally based on the fact that their only interaction with a PM is when they are being asked for "percentage of completion" on a task.

Regardless of the reason, this is a massive mischaracterization of our profession.