Current research 

Navigating AI in project management: Dual impacts on managerial well-being

Researcher: Dr Xiangming (Tommy) Tao, University of Sussex

Summary

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, AI applications are transforming project management and challenging traditional practices. Enterprises increasingly adopt AI to reduce workforce input, replacing human intellectual labour. While AI enhances project managers' self-efficacy, it also raises job insecurity due to potential substitution.

Despite significant academic and industry attention, including studies on project professionals' well-being (Cheung et al., 2020) and AI's role in project management (Wang and Stewart, 2022), the dual impacts of AI on project managers' well-being remain underexplored. It is crucial to understand how AI usage in project management impacts project managers' self-efficacy and job insecurity, and what organisational climates can mitigate these negative effects.

This research investigates the dual impacts of AI in project management on project managers' well-being, focusing on the mediating effects of self-efficacy and job insecurity, and the moderating role of a psychologically safe climate.

Big data-driven stakeholder engagement in a dynamic and complex environment of mega infrastructure projects

Researchers: ● Jin Xue, Lecturer, The University of Sydney, Australia  
● Weiting Hong, Postdoctoral fellow, The University of Sydney, Australia  ● Qiancheng Wang, PhD candidate, The University of Cambridge, UK  ● Yunping Liang, Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA  ● Jennifer Whyte, Professor, The University of Sydney, Australia

Summary

Stakeholder engagement in mega infrastructure projects is critical given their complexity and profound socio-economic impact. These projects involve diverse stakeholders, from governments to contractors, contributing to challenges such as cost overruns and delays. Effective stakeholder engagement remains challenging in dynamic project environments.

Current research underscores the limitations of traditional stakeholder analysis frameworks in capturing evolving stakeholder dynamics and complexities over project phases. In this context, a pressing research question emerges: What data-driven analytical approach could be developed to evaluate stakeholder dynamics in mega infrastructure projects?

This research will aim to bridge these gaps by developing innovative analytical frameworks using big data and social media analytics. Integrating official project documents with advanced analytics promises to provide robust insights into stakeholder engagement strategies capable of navigating the dynamic and complex project landscapes effectively.

Improving the early-career experiences of racially diverse project professionals

Authors: Dr. Christina Scott-Young and Dr. Jessica Borg

Summary 

By exploring the under-researched perspectives of early career minority groups in project management, this research contributes to an area where few studies have been conducted. In doing so, this research seeks to advance both the project management sustainability and careers literatures and shed light on the lived experiences of under-represented minority groups as well as provide evidence-based practical recommendations to improve practices that support project professionals from diverse backgrounds during their early careers. The research aims to positively contribute to the better career development, satisfaction, and retention of diverse early career project professionals (i.e., improve their career sustainability), which will further contribute to improving the triple bottom line in terms of economic, social, and environmental sustainability through sustaining a more diverse project profession. 

Digital transformation in public and private sector project management: A comprehensive analysis of methods and skills in the emerging AI economy

Authors: Dr Nicholas Dacre, Dr David Baxter, Dr Hao Dong and
Dr Al Mhdawi

Summary 

This research project aims to explore the influence of digital transformation on the project management field, particularly in the context of the evolving AI-driven economy in both public and private sectors. The central research question seeks to understand how digital transformation is reshaping the methods and skills required by project management professionals, and what adjustments are needed to effectively leverage digital technologies in the emerging AI economy.

Integration of Agile project management in the context of sustainability - Research Fund 

Authors: Dr Ruben Burga and Chris Spraakman

Summary 

This research addresses the intersection of Agile project management, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and sustainability initiatives, which is a topic of significant interest in the field of project management. Despite the prevalence of discussions on Agile project management, there has been limited academic research in this area, especially considering the recent integration of AI and its impact on sustainability efforts. 

Promoting neurodiversity

Authors: Lydia Adigun, Professor David Pontin, Caroline Tite and Dr Nicholas Dacre 

Summary 

Project management is a critical field that requires efficient and effective leadership skills to meet project objectives. However, the underrepresentation of certain groups, specifically neurodiverse individuals, in project management roles is a significant concern. The lack of neurodiversity potentially hampers the infusion of diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, which are critical for successful project outcomes. This research proposal aims to investigate the underrepresentation of neurodiverse individuals in project management roles and explore potential strategies to address this issue.