This post is about my thoughts while reading the following article:
Title: Artificial Intelligence in Project Management: Systematic Literature Review
Published in: International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2022
Authors: Bento, S., Pereira, L., Gonçalves, R., Dias, Á., Costa, R.
Lately, I’ve been easing off coffee after a bit of a caffeine overload from days spent in training sessions. It’s been a few days of going without, and to my surprise, I’m functioning just fine. Now, back to my research on AI in project management, I turned to this 2022 review, which offers a detailed look at how AI contributes to decision support systems and project control. For the purpose of ease, from now on, we call it 2022 review.
This article dives deep into how machine learning, data mining, and other AI techniques support project managers by providing real-time insights. The authors focus on how these systems improve project decision-making, helping managers monitor and control projects more efficiently. While the review is thorough in its technical focus, I noticed that its scope is somewhat narrow compared to broader discussions I’ve encountered recently.
Key Insights from the 2022 Review
The 2022 article provides valuable insight into how AI supports decision-making in project management. It highlights the role of AI-driven systems in improving project control, showing how AI tools can track and manage project resources, performance, and timelines. There’s no question that the depth of its focus on technical decision support systems is beneficial, particularly for understanding how AI can optimize decision-making.
However, as I read through the article, I couldn’t help but feel that its scope remained heavily focused on technical aspects. While decision support is critical, the article didn’t delve into other areas where AI is making significant strides, like team collaboration, predictive analytics, and risk management—all elements crucial to modern project management.
Comparison with the 2023 Review
When compared to the 2023 review (Artificial Intelligence Enabled Project Management: A Systematic Literature Review), it’s clear that the 2022 article takes a narrower approach. The 2023 review offered a much broader look at how AI is influencing different aspects of project management, from risk mitigation to team dynamics. It was more holistic, covering not only technical decision-making tools but also the human side of project management—something I found particularly compelling.
In contrast, the 2022 review is more technically focused, centering on decision support systems and their role in optimizing project control. While valuable, it lacks the broader insights found in the 2023 article, which explored how AI can integrate into collaboration tools and affect communication within project teams.
Conclusion: The Broader Perspective of the 2023 Review Still Stands
While the 2022 review provides a solid foundation in understanding how AI supports decision-making, its narrow scope limits its overall utility for someone looking to understand the wider impact of AI in project management. After reading the 2023 review, I’ve come to expect a more comprehensive approach—one that covers not only the technical systems but also how AI impacts team collaboration, risk management, and project workflows.
For those specifically interested in decision support systems, the 2022 review is useful. However, for anyone wanting to explore the full spectrum of AI’s potential in project management, the 2023 review is still the best starting point. It offers a well-rounded and insightful look at AI’s transformative power across all aspects of project management.