Critical Project Management Knowledge and Skills for Managing Projects with Smart Technologies

Abstract

Smart technologies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution can improve the performance of the construction industry with corresponding changes to project manager’s knowledge and skills. This study investigated the impact of smart technologies on project management knowledge and skills required of project managers with the following research objectives: (1) to investigate the project management knowledge areas and skills that are important in managing projects with smart technologies; (2) to evaluate the changes in the relative importance of project management knowledge areas and skills in managing projects with smart technologies; and (3) to determine if project managers from different organisation domains perceive the importance of the knowledge and skills differently. Project communication, cost, and risk management were found to be most important, with changes in the importance of project integration, stakeholder, scope, and procurement management when managing projects with smart technologies. The top skills required were found to be problem solving, information management, communication, project management, and planning and organizational skills. Higher importance was placed on technical and operational technology skills, information management skills, creativity, ethical awareness, strategic planning, active learning, decision-making, and motivation skills when managing projects with smart technologies. The findings from this study contribute to the knowledge through better understanding of the impact of smart technologies on project management knowledge and skills. This can serve as guidelines for practitioners to remain competent and consistently deliver successful projects with smart technologies.