I would like to ask about today's ever expanding project management technology, namely that of web-based PM software. Will a degree in project management even matter in the years to come when project management is more and more automated? The automobile industry is a perfect example. Cars went from being made in the shop, to being shuffled through assembly lines, to being assembled by robotics in a factory. It seems jobs have always been threatened by technology, but today, with the web, the business world is evolving faster than ever.
A company I work for uses a web-based project management tool called AtTask (http://www.attask.com/topics/project-management-online), and managing projects becomes easier and easier. What happens when project management software renders an education useless, when anyone with common sense can do it? Of course, there is still a need for project managers currently, but for how long?
Nearly finished with my undergrad education, I am concerned with growing tech.
Feedback anyone? Saving Changes...
Don KimPROJECT-TO-PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT EXPERT| Seeking opportunitiesSacramento, CA, United States
I agree with may of the responses to this thread, that project tools will most likely not replace the people side of managing projects. But to play devil's advocate, I do think as tools and processes become better at automating project status and portfolio views, that many people who have roles titled "project manager", but are in fact more project coordinators or status reporters will probably get their roles obsolete by automation tools.
It is no different than how software tools such as word processes eliminated many secretarial jobs or spreadsheets did to in house book keepers and accountants.
Like any other profession impacted both positively and negatively by technology, it is a matter of upgrading one's skills with the latest technology and integrating this with project management and leadership skills. It is the leadership skills that will be most essential. Saving Changes...
