The Future of Project Management: Trends to Watch

Editorial Team

The Future of Project Management

The project management landscape has shifted significantly, taking enterprises from sticky notes to corporate SaaS solutions. With the introduction of emerging technologies and organizational paradigms, project management continues to evolve rapidly, and businesses must keep up if they want to succeed. 

This has been especially evident recently, thanks to the highly turbulent year 2020. In 2023, we still feel the consequences of the huge shutdowns and worldwide lockdowns. These changes have undoubtedly shaped trends as firms rush to adopt newer project management methods.

Keeping that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 5 trends shaping project management in 2023, and they are here to stay. So, let’s dive in.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

AI and automation have had a significant impact on project management processes, as they have in all other areas of the software industry. To automate manual project work while getting performance insights, businesses use such powerful tools more and more every day. 

AI automates tricky scheduling and data visualization activities while delivering insightful decision-making. It reduces risk by anticipating the project’s expenses, duration, and progress while easing the execution.

While there are many possibilities, AI is very technical and complex at its core. Thereby, firms must carefully consider AI’s ethical implications because its adaptive algorithms assist humans in navigating unfamiliar surroundings according to their actions.

Cloud-Based Technologies

Cloud-based solutions are changing project management by providing a flexible and scalable infrastructure. Utilizing the benefits of cloud computing, project teams can control resources and data more efficiently, assuring increased accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and robust security. In addition, these technologies provide seamless collaboration and remote access, allowing distant teams to communicate and operate successfully.

Integrating cloud-based solutions with VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting improves project management methods even more. VPS hosting allows for effective resource allocation, simple management, and project scalability. This integration enables firms to optimize project operations and ensure the smooth execution and delivery of projects. 

With the ongoing evolution of project management, integrating cloud-based technologies with VPS hosting holds immense potential. It combines the benefits of cloud computing, such as improved performance and accessibility, with the flexibility and scalability offered by VPS hosting. If you are considering investing in VPS, check out the best VPS hosting providers.

Rise in Remote Working 

Remote work, which had an unprecedented spike during the COVID-19 pandemic and the years that followed, is here to stay. A recent report has shown that 25% of all occupations in North America will be permanently remote by the end of this year.

This is occurring due to the various benefits remote working brings. Firstly, this concept allows team members more flexibility and control over their working schedule, improving the work-life balance. Additionally, remote work eliminates geographic restrictions, giving project managers access to a diverse global talent pool. 

Cost savings, enhanced collaboration tools, and improved employee satisfaction and retention are other benefits your company will experience if you take the remote working path. Therefore, it is obvious why this trend is sticking around for the long haul. 

Yet, if you want to work remotely, make sure to do it safely

Resource Planning

Resource management has become more critical, and the involvement of all roles is crucial. It involves systematically defining project objectives, determining project scope, allocating resources, creating timelines, and establishing clear deliverables. Therefore, it lays the foundation for successful project execution.

Many businesses and industries face complex resource constraints, with volatility brought on by staffing shortages or surpluses. As a result, the current trend is to reduce the burden on existing employees. The challenge for those in command is to bring predictability to the unpredictable.

It is essential to have a thorough grasp of employees’ work, including both projects and routine tasks. To do this, team leaders should participate in resource planning processes to improve project and line management collaboration. Considering both viewpoints, comprehensive resource planning can improve worker allocation and management.

Resilience as a Priority

We are aware of how difficult project work is. But, let’s admit it, the outlook for many people’s emotional wellness in this decade hasn’t exactly been promising thus far. And when mental well-being is down, so is the motivation. All followed by a crash in work productivity.

That is why the forward-thinking leadership team must prioritize protecting their own and their colleagues’ emotional and mental well-being. Individual resilience, project resilience, and corporate resilience are all crucial for the year ahead. 

Use resource reporting to keep an eye on workloads and avoid overload. Moreover, keep in touch with the team frequently, even if you can’t use resource management tools. Finally, create a culture of psychological safety by promoting honest discussion of difficulties. 

Demonstrating what you preach about work/life balance and abstaining from late-night work-related correspondence can set an example for your employees and foster a positive workplace culture.

Conclusion

The future of project management is shaped by several prominent trends that are here to stay. And it’s for a reason. 

According to Project Management Institute (PMI) research, companies with mature project management practices have greater project success rates, often complete goals, and fewer project failures. Furthermore, firms who invest in project management skills development and the implementation of project management offices (PMOs) view more effective project results and a higher return on investment.