Seven in 10 project managers benefit from AI implementation, APM finds
Artificial intelligence is improving outcomes for the majority of project managers, a new survey by Association for Project Management (APM) has found.
Seven in 10 project managers have integrated AI into their everyday processes with the same proportion saying it is improving the outcome of their projects.
The survey of 1,000 project professionals, carried out by national research company Censuswide, demonstrates the growing benefits of AI adoption in the project profession. Adoption of AI tools has been seen across all sectors, with the manufacturing sector leading the way with 78% of project managers stating AI has been integrated into project management processes at their organisation. This is closely followed by financial services seeing a 77% adoption rate, and aerospace and defence and healthcare and pharmaceuticals both at 75%.
Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, said: “AI is a hot topic in all industries, sectors, and professions. This research goes to show the project profession is a leader when it comes to using AI for positive change. The emerging technology is already having a significant impact on projects, and we expect this to continue for the foreseeable future.
“Furthermore, following Kier Starmer’s promise to fast-track decisions on major infrastructure projects, the use of AI throughout this could be essential. The implementation of AI provides the opportunity to significantly improve the prospects of projects of all scopes and scales being delivered on time, to cost, and to quality.”
Survey respondents identified specific areas where AI tools have even greater potential to enhance project management outcomes. Performance analysis emerged as the top area for improvement potential, cited by 28% of respondents. This was followed by data analysis at 26%, and administration tasks, such as form-filling and record-keeping, at 25%.
The findings demonstrate that AI is proving particularly valuable in streamlining time-consuming manual tasks, enhancing the accuracy of data analysis, and providing project managers with the insights needed to support strategic decision-making processes.
Professor Boddison continued: “By automating manual processes and enhancing analytical capabilities, AI can help organisations deliver projects more efficiently and effectively.
“However, as adoption increases, it’s important that project professionals take the lead in ensuring AI tools are used responsibly and ethically. By doing so, we can unlock even greater potential for AI to support project delivery across all sectors."
Case Studies on the use of AI in the project profession:
3 comments
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A good article, thank you. The statistics presented, (70% adoption rate among project managers), lend credibility to the claims made. Additionally, the inclusion of commentary from Professor Boddison gives a great APM prospective. So good one. My only remark is would be nice if you could provide concrete examples or case studies that illustrate successful AI implementations in project management. I know that would extend the article but may be a follow up would such content would be considered? Overall, a positive outlook on the future of AI in our profession. Thank you.
I am not having luck with the APM IT system. That comment came from me Ashok Singha, but I have two questions I wish to add: Questions What specific AI tools are project managers most commonly using to improve project outcomes, and how do these tools differ across various sectors? What measures are being proposed or implemented to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI in project management, as mentioned by Professor Boddison?
I am not having luck with the APM IT system. That comment came from me Ashok Singha, but I have two questions I wish to add: Questions What specific AI tools are project managers most commonly using to improve project outcomes, and how do these tools differ across various sectors? What measures are being proposed or implemented to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI in project management, as mentioned by Professor Boddison?
That Unknown User is me, Ashok Singha. The APM IT web login system, is not good on more occasions I have noticed. I have two questions to ask onto of my comment posted below at Unknown User 07 February 2025, 11:51 AM Questions What specific AI tools are project managers most commonly using to improve project outcomes, and how do these tools differ across various sectors? What measures are being proposed or implemented to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI in project management, as mentioned by Professor Boddison?
That Unknown User is me, Ashok Singha. The APM IT web login system, is not good on more occasions I have noticed. I have two questions to ask onto of my comment posted below at Unknown User 07 February 2025, 11:51 AM Questions What specific AI tools are project managers most commonly using to improve project outcomes, and how do these tools differ across various sectors? What measures are being proposed or implemented to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI in project management, as mentioned by Professor Boddison?