ADAPTABILITY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TECHNOLOGY IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT TASKS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PROJECTS

Abstract

The discipline of Project Management (PM) like most other professions evolves with changes in technological advancement. The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in PM is assuming a phenomenal dimension, but unfortunately low, in Northern Nigeria projects. This study therefore, aims at evaluating the adaptability of AI technologies into PM tasks in the region’s projects. This research adopted a mixed research approach involving both quantitative and qualitative research methods, in which a semi-structured questionnaire was issued to 384 respondents made up of Project Management Officers/Directors, Project Managers, Program Managers, Project Officers, Junior Project Managers in North-East, North-West and North-Central geo-political zones of Nigeria, and out of which 241 responded representing 62.80% response rate. Data analysis was by means of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Study results showed that ‘tasks prioritization’ and ‘delivery of untiring objectivity and vigilance’ ranked highest amongst identified AI roles, whereas, ‘need to build soft-skills on areas of AI deficiency, possession of digital-knowhow, data-science, digital security and privacy knowledge’ ranked highest among critical competences that drive the future traits of Project Managers for AI adoption. The study concludes that interface between AI technologies and Project Management would improve project success of Northern Nigeria projects. The study recommends the strengthening of institutional frameworks by government and built environment professional bodies to promote the application of Artificial Intelligence technologies in Project Management tasks.