Introduction
Effective project management is crucial among organizations since it enhances the timely execution of processes. Successful project managers are equipped with technical skills that promote efficient management. Technological advancements have revolutionized the project management field through automation and digitization of managing activities. Therefore, investigating the role of business technology in project management can help understand the current changes and emerging trends in the field. This report will explore three articles on business technology in the context of project management. While business technology has advanced project management, project managers should reflect on the emerging trends in their field and acquire relevant skills.
Articles’ Brief Summary
This report will utilize information from three articles that explore the vital role of technology in the field of project management. “Project manager competencies in the context of the industry 4.0” by Ribeiro et al. discusses the impact of recent technological advancements on project management (2021). The article is focused on the soft and hard skills that managers should have to remain competitive in the contemporary industrial revolutions. “Digital transformation as an interaction-driven perspective between business, society, and technology” by Van Veldhoven and Vanthienen explains how digital developments have influenced societal and business transformation (2022). Meanwhile, Finance Online’s article, “10 project management software trends & forecasts for 2022/2023 you should know” presents the various project management software trends that are shaping businesses (2022). Therefore, the chosen articles provide insights into the impact of technology integration in project management.
Emerging Trends in Business Technology Management
Business technology is dynamic with emerging trends that impact project management from various facets. According to Finances Online, digitization, complex technology integrations, and hybrid project management integration are key trends that will transform project management (2022). Digitization involves the use of technologically enabled software to perform functions that project managers did physically in the past (Finances Online, 2022). For instance, role assignment and risk management processes are automated, making it easy for managers to generate relevant reports. The article, further, articulates that user assessment, training, and practice session are adopted by organizations to ensure efficient use of the digitized tools.
Complex technologies such as risk management and forecasting software are likely to impact project management. Finances Online emphasize that businesses need to identify risks associated with their projects (2022). While in the past managers used performance history and simple software programs to identify projects’ setbacks, modern technology is more complex. Consequently, there is improved accuracy in determining business risks through the use of complex technologies. Meanwhile, recent technological developments have led to the adoption of hybrid project management approaches (Finances Online, 2022). Unlike, in the past, many organizations utilize traditional and agile techniques for effectiveness. Newly developed management software programs combine all possible techniques to improve a project’s success. Therefore, emerging trends in business technology can positively impact project management.
Recent Changes in Project Management
The increasing competition and changing societal needs demand effective business processes. Consequently, project management has taken a dynamic shift in its approach. Van Veldhoven and Vanthienen argue that society has transformed due to technological developments (2022). Many project managers utilize approaches that are most effective and profitable. Consequently, organizations have integrated complex software applications in the execration of project management activities. Recent technological developments have led to software that are capable of automatically assigning resources and duties to employees. Unlike in the past, the current project management technologies enhance automation and digitization (Ribeiro et al., 2021). Change to digitized and automated project management software and technology has led to assured quality output.
Project Managers’ Business Technology Skills
Contemporary project management approaches require the unique skills of project managers for competency. According to Ribeiro et al., project managers need various competent skills to remain relevant in the industry 4.0 generation (2021). The article propounds that technical skills are crucial since many organizational operations are technical unlike in the past. The most important technical business skills required from project managers are human resource management, risk assessment, and virtual platform usage (Ribeiro et al., 2021). Therefore, project managers should acquire the technical skills to remain successful in their specific industries. Project managers should integrate information technology in recruiting people involved in a project (Ribeiro et al., 2021). Technical human resource skills allow managers to work with competent employees.
Risk assessment skills include the use of complex software to weigh the possible success of a project. Understanding a project’s risk help reduce operational costs and maximize a project’s success. Modernization of business activities involves the use of virtual platforms for communication and monitoring purposes (Ribeiro et al., 2021). Project managers must know how to integrate and use various virtual platforms for business success. For instance, the use of monitoring software helps managers reduce project costs and associated inaccuracies. Therefore, project managers should equip themselves with human resources, virtual platform usage, and risk assessment skills to remain relevant in the field.
Software Impact on Project Management
According to the three articles software integration into project management has various impacts on the role of managers. According to Finances Online, the use of planning and forecasting software has transformed the role of managers from mere leaders to technicians (2022). A similar argument is presented by Ribeiro et al., who state that project managers need the knowledge of operating project management software (2021). Meanwhile, Van Veldhoven & Vanthienen state that the integration of complex software such as risk analyzers has simplified the role of project managers (2022). Modern project managers can estimate activities’ success by running simple computer commands and tapping keyboards. Although software integration has simplified the project managers’ roles, it has made them more technical.
Soft and Hard Technology Skills and Attributes
Various hard and soft technology skills are crucial for project managers. Soft and hard technical skills exhibit major differences. First, hard skills are the managers’ ability to do a specific task while soft skills are how they do them (Ribeiro et al., 2021). Second, hard skills involve specialized knowledge and technical abilities, but soft skills are about an individual’s behaviors and personality traits. Last, hard skills require specialized learning and training, while soft skills do not, and can be learned through personal experiences. According to Ribeiro et al., important hard technical skills and attributes are management, technical expertise, and monitor and control skills (2021). Effective communication, teamwork, and ability to influence others are important soft skills for project managers.
Conclusion
Project management is vital for organizations since it allows monitoring and controlling of various activities. Technological advancements have influenced the role of project managers. Advancements in areas such as risk assessment have eased the role of project managers. However, the complex developments require the acquisition of hard technology skills by the managers. The soft skills allow the project managers to relate with other employees while maximizing a project’s success amidst rapid technological changes. Therefore, project managers should be equipped with knowledge and skills that will make them competent in the field.
References
Finances Online. (2022). 10 project management software trends & forecasts for 2022/2023 you should know. Web.
Ribeiro, A., Amaral, A., & Barros, T. (2021). Project manager competencies in the context of the industry 4.0. Procedia Computer Science, 181, pp. 803–810.
Van Veldhoven, Z., & Vanthienen, J. (2022). Digital transformation as an interaction-driven perspective between business, society, and technology. Electronic Markets, 32, pp. 629–644.