Perils of Over-Reliance on AI in Project Management Education
By Sylvia Edwards | You do it, I do it - we all do it... More so the students are definitely doing it and it has ramifications. The use of AI while teaching project management.
By Sylvie Edwards for Sankarsingh-Gonsalves Productions
You need to live under a rock if you are not aware of the developments in education and almost everywhere when it comes to AI. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of various industries, including project management. While AI offers numerous benefits, such as automating routine tasks and providing data-driven insights, students in project management programs must be cautious about relying too heavily on these technologies.
I see it everyday in my role as a college professor. Students need to understand how to augment their work and not replace it with AI. Here, I will explore the main issues that can arise from over-dependence on AI and how it can impact students' future careers in the industry.
Erosion of Fundamental Skills
One of the primary concerns is that students may neglect the development of essential project management skills. AI tools can handle scheduling, resource allocation, and risk assessment, but understanding the underlying principles and methodologies is crucial. Yes, here it comes – my favorite saying: A fool with a tool is still a fool. Without a solid foundation, students may struggle to make informed decisions when AI tools are unavailable or when they need to interpret AI-generated data. It is still about knowing fundamental concepts so that you can tell if AI is “telling” you the right thing.
Lack of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities
AI can provide solutions based on historical data and algorithms, but it cannot replace human intuition and critical thinking. Project managers often face unique challenges that require innovative solutions and the ability to think independently. Over-reliance on AI can hinder the development of these critical skills, leaving students ill-prepared for real-world scenarios. Every PM knows that each project brings its own set of challenges and applying cookie-cutter approaches to all can often lead to trouble.
Ethical and Bias Concerns
AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the data is biased or incomplete, the AI's recommendations can be flawed. Students who rely solely on AI may not develop the necessary skills to identify and deal with these biases, potentially leading to unethical decisions and project failures. Again, it goes back to having a solid fundamental understanding. To recognize biases or misguided information one must know what it is and not take an AI agent at its word. I see it repeatedly, the students asking an AI model to look at a question or a case study and simply copy the content that is provided without question. That is what causes or perpetuates misleading views.
Reduced Interpersonal Skills
Effective project management requires strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. AI tools can assist with data analysis and reporting, but they cannot replace the human touch needed to motivate teams, resolve conflicts, ensure collaboration and build stakeholder relationships. Students who depend too much on AI may find themselves lacking in these vital interpersonal skills. I still see in my classes a lot of issues with working in teams and being accountable for deadlines and deliverables. This should be supported by gaining strong skills that an AI agent cannot teach or demonstrate (or at least not yet).
Overconfidence in AI Capabilities
AI is a powerful tool, but it is not infallible. Students who place too much trust in AI may become overconfident in its capabilities, leading to complacency and a lack of oversight. This overconfidence can result in missed errors, overlooked risks, and ultimately, project failures. What I see it leading to is over-reliance without questioning, promoting a lack of profound understanding. That understanding is what makes a great PM stand out in their field.
Long-Term Career Implications
The issues mentioned above can have significant long-term implications for students' careers in project management. Employers seek professionals who possess a balanced skill set, combining technical proficiency with critical thinking, ethical judgment, and strong interpersonal abilities. Over-reliance on AI can create gaps in these areas, making it challenging for graduates to meet industry expectations and excel in their roles. It becomes hard to demonstrate knowledge without an AI agent by your side.
While AI is undoubtedly an asset in project management, students need to use it as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, their education and skill development. Using their time in my program to get the most that they can from their professors and by striking a balance between leveraging AI tools and honing their fundamental skills, students can better prepare themselves for successful and fulfilling careers in the project management industry.
About the author: Sylvie Edwards is a Fellow of the Project Management Association of Canada with over 25 years of industry experience. She is a post secondary #educator and past President of the Project Management Institute- Durham Highlands Chapter.
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