The Crash and Burn of AI Projects
Mary-Catherine G.
Certified Project Manager (PMP) | Certified Product Owner (PSPO) | Business Analyst | Problem Solver!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the way we live, work and communicate, but it may take years before AI projects become successful with regularity. It has the potential to impact various industries and domains, from healthcare to education, from finance to entertainment. However, AI projects are not easy to execute and deliver.?AI projects often involve complex technical challenges and collaboration between technical and non-technical stakeholders, which can make it difficult for stakeholders to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings, delays, and other challenges.
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History is Doomed to Repeat Itself
?The current era of AI development is similar to previous eras of software development, such as the internet and mobile revolution. Technical experts tend to lead AI projects, resulting in a lack of focus on project management and requirements gathering. This can lead to a focus on technical aspects such as algorithms and data models, while neglecting the human factors that can affect the success of AI projects.
?As with previous eras of software development, AI projects involve complex technical challenges that require significant resources and expertise, but project management is critical to delivering projects on time and within budget. Collaboration between technical and non-technical stakeholders is necessary, but the technical complexity of AI can make it difficult for effective communication and understanding.
?Overall, successful AI projects require a combination of technical expertise, effective project management, requirements gathering, and communication. While technical expertise is important, it must be combined with these other factors to ensure that AI projects meet the needs of end-users and deliver value to stakeholders.
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Some Companies Aren't in the Modern Era Yet Anyway
?Many companies still use outdated and rigid project management methodologies or project governance, which can hinder the success of their AI projects. AI projects require specialized knowledge and skills that may not be present in traditional project management teams, which is why modernizing and standardizing these aspects is essential. This may involve adopting modern project management methodologies such as agile or DevOps, establishing new governance structures, and ensuring that the right talent is in place to support AI projects.
?Adapting project management methodologies and governance to the unique requirements of AI projects is crucial. AI projects require a high level of collaboration, innovation, and agility, and may involve expertise in areas such as data science, machine learning, or natural language processing. Companies may also need to hire specialized roles or upskill existing employees to support their AI projects.
?Companies that have not modernized and standardized their project management methodologies or project governance are at risk of unsuccessful AI projects. By adapting to the unique requirements of AI projects, companies can ensure that they deliver AI solutions that meet the needs of their stakeholders and deliver value to their organizations
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Blind Leading the Blind
?Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of life and work, but many business leaders and project managers are barely familiar with the concept of AI or how it can be applied to improve their projects. This lack of understanding can lead to unrealistic expectations, misaligned priorities, and project failure.?This can occur due to a lack of understanding of the limitations and capabilities of AI technologies, resulting in decisions that are not in the best interest of the project or the organization.
?AI can help project managers with tasks such as risk assessment, scheduling, budgeting, quality control, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving, but if project managers do not understand how AI works or what its limitations are, they may rely too much on AI and overlook human factors such as ethics, intuition, and collaboration.
?To avoid these impacts, project managers need to educate themselves and their teams about AI and its implications for their projects. They need to collaborate with AI experts and developers to ensure that the AI solutions they use are appropriate, reliable, ethical, and transparent. They also need to update their project management methodologies and tools to incorporate AI best practices.
?Organizations must invest in educating their business stakeholders about AI technologies and establish clear communication channels between business and technical teams. By doing so, they can ensure that AI projects are aligned with business goals, meet stakeholder expectations, and deliver value to their organizations. AI is a powerful tool that can enhance project management if used wisely and responsibly.
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How Do We Avoid This?
?Business and project leaders need to accept that AI will transform project management and change the nature of project work and the skills required for managing projects.?Addressing issues such as data privacy, security, and accountability will need to be a part of life.?
?Avoiding AI project failure is not easy.?It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses project goals, team composition, project management methodologies, quality assurance and testing, stakeholder education, ethical considerations, and project monitoring and measurement. By addressing these, organizations can ensure that their AI projects are aligned with business goals, meet stakeholder expectations, and deliver value to their organizations.