AI reshaping project management
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work – and a CQUniversity Project Management expert is ensuring that future project managers are tapping into the technology’s potential.
Dr Roksana Tumpa is a Lecturer at CQU Sydney, and recently travelled to New York to review curriculum for the global Project Management Institute (PMI).
She said use of AI was a major consideration for the important process.
“AI is no longer seen as an isolated tool or a futuristic possibility, rather it’s a fundamental force reshaping project management,” Dr Tumpa said.
She highlights measuring and managing risk as a transformation point enabled by AI.
“AI-powered tools are already optimising project scheduling, monitor progress, and adjust baselines to keep projects on track – and AI also plays a crucial role in risk identification,” she explained.
“Especially in industries like construction, where unexpected delays, cost overruns, and safety hazards are common, AI has ability to predict and reduce risks before they become major problems.”
Dr Tumpa said future project managers needed to understand AI tools, but also the importance of human skills and oversight.
“Project managers are already leveraging generative AI across documentation, communication, and report generation – but AI’s capabilities still rely on human judgment, for instance in stakeholder management and leadership,” she said.
The passionate educator has also received an international grant to investigate best practice for equipping students with skills to harness AI capabilities.
She’s also using AI in the classroom, to help students develop their human skills.
“Stakeholder management is a core skill for project managers, and AI-driven simulations can actually provide a risk-free environment for students to practice handling stakeholder concerns,” she said.
“This hands-on experience helps students refine real-world communication and negotiation skills.”
Dr Tumpa has recently published a paper on gamifying project management education through AI, and earned new AI qualifications from the PMI.
She’s also using AI in the classroom, to help students develop their human skills.
Explore pathways in project management at CQUniversity’s Project Management course page.
