Understanding Project Management : Trends and Challenges

Dr. Araz Taheri - Architect / 15.08.2024

Project management can be broadly defined as the application of the art and science of management to execute various types of projects (1). Over the years, it has evolved into a well-established discipline with a comprehensive body of knowledge, categorized by professional institutions and national standards agencies (1). Among the most recognized resources are PMI's Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the international standard ISO 21500 (1). These frameworks emphasize that project management principles can be applied across industries and sectors (1).

Both public and private sectors rely on project management to enhance efficiency and ensure project success. While some governments have implemented advanced public project management systems (2), others remain at earlier stages of development. Globally, there is an urgent need to foster knowledge exchange between governments to improve public project delivery (2).

In practice, two dominant approaches in project management are the traditional Waterfall methodology and the increasingly popular Agile system. Agile practices, originally designed for software development, have now been adopted across industries (3). These methods focus on flexibility, collaboration, and adaptability, allowing project teams to tailor approaches based on organizational culture and project needs (3).

Another significant priority is sustainability, which ensures an organization’s long-term survival and growth. However, the integration of sustainability into project management frameworks is still underdeveloped (4). Practitioners and academics have emphasized the need for deeper connections between sustainable development principles and project management processes (4). This raises a key question: How can project management values align with the broader goals of sustainability?

An additional trend is the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in project management. AI tools are used to automate tasks, analyze data, and improve decision-making (5). However, it’s important to distinguish between simple task automation and transformative applications of AI (5). Data quality and maintenance are critical to AI’s success (5). Leveraging AI enables project managers to gain insights into project failures and improve success rates (5).

Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. Projects—both small and large—face issues with workforce shortages, scheduling, cost estimation, and regulatory compliance. These challenges demand effective management to ensure stakeholder sustainability, growth, and safety within the project ecosystem.

EXPOB Team's Perspective: A Holistic View of Project Management

The elements and life cycles of projects remain constant, with small nuances and various project management methods developed to enhance these elements. However, today's projects are more complex than ever. This growing complexity stems from the increasingly interconnected nature of human life, limited resources, competitive market environments, and a shortage of skilled workforce. These factors make managing projects efficiently a significant challenge.

Managing projects requires addressing these specific situations to remain efficient and sustainable. This can be particularly challenging for small and medium-sized projects led by SMEs due to their simple organizational structure and limited resources. These challenges can be viewed as "micro-projects" within the larger projects SMEs are executing. This complexity affects all stakeholders—project owners, managers, experts, controllers, executors, coordinators, suppliers, and ultimately the end-users.

As the EXPOB team, we believe that while project owners or SME owners cannot change the current situation and market conditions, they can change their perspectives and methods. SMEs can navigate this complex environment and create their roadmap by making strategic changes in their business. The modern project ecosystem requires fresh perspectives and professional collaboration.

Making the organizational structure more efficient, conducting simple research before planning a project, analyzing weaknesses, strengths, and goals, and performing detailed project analyses are simple actions that SME owners can take to reinforce their business. There should be proper contexts for making these changes, such as software platforms to organize and make these activities purposeful. Using technology should be a priority for SMEs to benefit from contemporary advancements, such as systems for data-driven decision-making and hybrid methodologies tools.

These changes require a shift in perspective rather than fundamental changes and rebuilding the organization from scratch. This is where a modern and specific project management method, using software developed to make the world a better place, can help people sustain their business and projects.

Conclusion and Call to Action

What are your thoughts on the current state of project management and its importance? Do you believe it's time for changes? What changes can you make in your own SME or the projects you are involved in? Is this issue something only project owners and executors should address, or should all team members be aware of it?

Thank you for reading! We invite you to share your thoughts and ideas on this crucial topic.


1.Building A Body Of Knowledge In Project Management In Developing Countries, Edited by George Ofori, 2023

2.Projects, Government, and Public Policy, By Stanisław Gasik, 2022

3.Agile Practice Guide, Project Management Institute, 2017

4.Sustainability Integration for Effective Project Management, By Jennifer Tharp, 2013

5.Applying Artificial Intelligence in Project Management, By Paul Boudreau, 2024

6.Exploring the Future of Research in Project Management - Revista de Gestão e Projetos, By Ralf Müller, 2023