David Francis, PMP, Certified Product Owner, Certified Scrum Master, Six Sigma Green Belt
Comprehensive Courses
In Project Management
Fundamentals And
Advanced Techniques
David Francis, PMP, Certified Product Owner, Certified Scrum Master, Six Sigma Green Belt is an internationally-published author of two Project Management textbooks and has more than 20 years of experience as a Project Manager and Business Analyst across several companies and industries. He has trained over 10,000 students in project management over 20 years.
selected course offerings
Introduction to Project Management
Managing Complex, Multi-Million Dollar Projects
Problem-Solving in Project Management
Project Managment Evolution
Each year continues to see major developments in Project Management. Artificial Intelligence projects are using project management processes, tools and techniques to plan and execute large technology projects. Big data and Analytics are also using Project Management skills and knowledge for their endeavors. Artificial Intelligence project management is in its infancy but will have a huge impact on future generations. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, most people were rarely exposed to computer technology. Over the span of five decades, from 1970 to 2020, the field of project management underwent a remarkable evolution due to the computer technology explosion. This required adapting to changing business landscapes and technological advancements. Project Management was well known in the construction industry, however it evolved quickly when it was applied to technology projects.
Initially companies invested a lot of money in technology with limited returns on their investment. That changed significantly over the decades and technology is now the powerhouse that drives many corporations. In the 1960s and 1970s, project management primarily relied on manual techniques and paper-based systems. The focus was on planning, scheduling, and controlling projects through methods like Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). These techniques laid the foundation for modern project management practices.
The 1980s and 1990s marked a significant shift towards software-based project management tools and methodologies. Microsoft Project became the industry standard after it was released in 1984. The development of personal computers and software applications allowed for more accurate planning, resource allocation, and tracking of project progress. The emergence of methodologies like PRINCE2 and the Project Management Institute’s PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) standardized project management practices and brought about a more structured and globally recognized approach.
As the 21st century progressed, project management continued to evolve in response to the digital revolution and the increasing complexity of projects. Many people became involved with Project Management through the Project Management Institute (PMI) which saw fast growth as we progressed into 2000. This also saw the development of new processes and tools. Agile methodologies gained traction, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and adaptability. Scrum, Kanban, and other Agile frameworks allowed teams to respond swiftly to changing technical requirements and deliver incremental value. Furthermore, the rise of remote work and virtual collaboration tools led to a reimagining of project management processes, with an emphasis on communication, stakeholder engagement, and virtual team coordination. Companies and organizations will always need good leaders that can coordinate teams.
The evolution of project management showcases a transformation from manual techniques to digital tools, from rigid methodologies to flexible approaches, and from local teams to globally dispersed collaborations. This journey reflects not only the advancements in technology but also the recognition of the importance of effective project management in achieving successful outcomes in an ever-changing business landscape. The future of project management continues to be bright as it expands into areas such as Health Informatics. If you are seeking a career that allows you to feel fulfilled, working in project management will greatly enhance your professional career and can lead to incredible opportunities. PMI estimates that employers will need over 87 million people in project management roles by 2027. The profession will also continue to evolve as projects become more complex. The highly recommended PMP and Scrum Certifications are excellent stepping stones to your career advancement.