PMI Pulse of the Profession: Keeping an Eye on Current Trends in Project Management

The field of project management is constantly evolving, with fresh trends and strategies emerging continuously. It is imperative to be aware of the latest advancements in project management to ensure that one remains at the forefront. The PMI Pulse of Profession report is an excellent resource for staying updated on current trends, offering invaluable insights into recent developments within this domain.

Project managers face challenges and trends highlighted in the 2021 PMI Pulse of the Profession report. Among them is a vital requirement for efficient project risk management due to the multiple uncertainties and unpredictability prevalent in today's business environment. Project managers recognise potential risks that could thwart their projects, emphasising their importance further.

Many organisations are turning to project management offices (PMOs). These centralised units are designed to provide oversight and support for project managers, helping to ensure that projects are executed efficiently and effectively. PMOs can also play a key role in risk management by providing guidance and resources to help project managers identify and mitigate potential risks.

Another significant trend in project management is the growing popularity of agile methodologies. Agile is a flexible, iterative approach to project management that emphasises collaboration, customer satisfaction, and rapid delivery of working software. Agile methodologies are particularly well-suited to complex, fast-moving projects and have been embraced by organisations across various industries.

Project managers must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and work closely with stakeholders to ensure that their projects meet business needs. Agile project management training and certification can help project managers develop the skills and knowledge they need to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

One certification that has been gaining traction in the agile project management space is the IPMA® Certified Agile Project Management Course. This certification program is designed to help project managers master the skills and knowledge needed to manage agile projects successfully, from planning and execution to monitoring and control.

Overall, the PMI Pulse of the Profession report provides valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges facing project managers today. By staying current with developments in the field, project managers can position themselves for success and deliver better outcomes for their organisations.

In addition to the trends and challenges highlighted in the 2021 PMI Pulse of the Profession report, there are other emerging trends that project managers should keep in mind. Some of these include:

Remote project management: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many organisations to adopt remote work, meaning project managers are increasingly managing projects with remote teams. This presents new challenges in terms of communication, collaboration, and team building, and project managers need to be able to adapt to this new reality.

Artificial intelligence and automation: AI and automation are transforming many industries, and project management is no exception. Project managers should be aware of the potential benefits and drawbacks of these technologies and should be prepared to leverage them to improve project outcomes.

Sustainability: With increasing awareness of climate change and environmental issues, sustainability is becoming a more important consideration in project management. Project managers should be able to balance competing priorities and ensure that their projects are environmentally responsible.

Project managers should build their skills and knowledge in critical areas to stay ahead of the curve and meet these emerging challenges. Some strategies for doing so include:

• Ongoing education is vital for project managers as the field of project management continually changes. Participating in courses, conferences, webinars, or reading relevant industry publications to stay updated on trends and practices is essential.
•  Building a robust professional network can be invaluable for project managers. Networking can help project managers stay informed about industry trends, learn from their peers, and connect with potential mentors or job opportunities.
• Project management certifications can be beneficial for showcasing proficiency and setting oneself apart in a competitive job market. A wide range of certifications is available, ranging from general project management certifications like the PMP® to more specialised certifications like the IPMA® Certified Agile Project Management Course mentioned earlier.   

By staying aware of emerging trends and investing in their professional development, project managers can position themselves for success in an ever-changing field.