The 5 Best Project Management Trends Shaping 2018

This is going to be a big year for project management, but not because of a breakout in new tech or an influx of government-hired professionals. No, 2018 is going to center itself around emerging trends in the field. From role changes to hiring processes and more, here are the trends that will create a paradigm shift in project management.

1. Agile

Agile development has infiltrated marketing, finance, and even construction in 2017. So, it only makes sense that it is working its way into PM. This change increases communication and forces teams to become readily adaptive, creating a higher return on investment.

What makes the trend so noticeable is its divergence from the norm. Instead of trickling down from larger corporations, small businesses are paving the way for a more”agile” future.

PM is experiencing a time period where the older workforce gives way to a new, forward thinking generation. With flexible mindsets and new tools available, the Agile model simply fits their processes better than traditional models.

Utilizing tools like infrastructure monitoring & alerting | AppOptics, automation of high-fidelity metrics and detailed transaction traces are now offered in real-time visibility. Combine that with machine-based objectivity, and it’s easy to see how Agile is taking over the scene.

2. DevOps and Agile Combined

By definition, the integration of these two aspects was always inevitable. Agile applies processes, tools, and organizational design concepts vis software development methodology, aiming for more efficient programs.

DevOps, a change in IT culture, is all about rapid service delivery with an emphasis on people and culture that also aims for efficiency through collaboration between operations and development. It’s clear that DevOps relies on Agile based on these definitions as well as in actual implementation, which means the remaining bulk of IT is about to jump on Agile as well.

3.Increased Diversity

As you probably have already noticed, PM isn’t exactly a diverse field. The number of women, ethnicities, and LGBQT individuals within the field are minimal at best and often have little representation. That’s all about to change thanks to the efforts of Women in Project Management and Vets2PM.

They and other organizations are working to make PM a more inclusive, open business sector. Agile Alliance has already rewritten their code of conduct to be more proactively inclusive, while STEM has been working to include more than just men amongst their ranks.

Some believe this will lead to a culture war, but the truth is that PM could benefit from what other STEM departments have already found. High test scores and ability are beneficial, no matter where they come from.

4.IoT, AI, and ML

The Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML), have grown exponentially in the past year alone. They are immensely impressive on their own, but are proving themselves even more so when combined.

The latest advancements in PM software aim to incorporate all three of these powerhouses into one. Aurora and Rescoper have already combines AI and IoT into their software, expanding into possibilities once thought impossible.

Who knows what the three of these giants could mean for PM, but it won’t be long until the field finds out. With rapid implementation happening behind the scenes, expect to see astounding new tools hit the scene within the year.

5.Millennials Enter the Scene

As stated earlier, there’s a new generation entering PM. Working requirements and the economy, combines with a lack of open positions, have kept Millennials out of this field for a long time. All that is about to change, though.

As retirees leave, Millennials are finishing the working requirements necessary for PM positions. Combined with The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act, there’s more incentive than ever before for companies to hire them.

While this doesn’t mean that Millennials are taking over PM, it does mean a more even age distribution within the workforce. New minds bring about changes, which means another push for a positive future.

More to Come

These are just the largest trends emerging in 2018. There are bound to be more that arise as PM itself is reshaped and forged for the future of the field. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s coming next.

This is a guest post by Ashley Lipman

Ashley is an award-winning writer who discovered her passion in providing creative solutions for building brands online. Since her first high school award in Creative Writing, she continues to deliver awesome content through various niches.