This article aims to highlight some of the current trends in how work is approached in companies that are at the forefront of the industries they belong to. Our demands, as well as those of the clients of products and services, are very high; we expect constant innovation, and companies are forced to continually adapt their offerings. The way organizations try to meet these demands is reflected in several trends in project management approaches. Our work involves implementing projects, even if we are not always accustomed to approaching them in this way. Projects are now adopted by both small and large innovative companies in all departments as a way of working.

These organizations understand the importance of this approach and invest significantly to ensure that employees, teams, and various departments have the necessary resources to produce the expected impact.

In a previous article, I briefly presented a comparison between traditional project management methodologies and those known as Agile, which adapt to changes that occur during project implementation.

The way we work is constantly changing, and we are required to adapt to changes in the environment, technology, and objectives. Smart organizations equip their employees with the skills to think more creatively, strategically, manage change flexibly yet still in a structured way, while also monitoring the bigger picture.

Project management as a discipline has evolved in recent years from a technical approach to one that achieves results in a flexible manner. In January of this year, the consultancy company TwentyEight Strategy published trends in project management for the current year. Below are some of them.

The Agile Approach to Project Management Expands. Agile approaches to project management are spreading beyond the information technology field, where they have already taken root. Innovative companies recognize the need to equip their employees with flexible thinking skills, trying to create a balance between traditional methodologies and applied Agile methods, to achieve their goals in an extremely competitive environment.

Expansion of the Strategic Role of Project Managers. Project management is increasingly focused on delivering solutions more quickly, with a strong impact on the business. Therefore, project managers are expected to think strategically and be responsible for the financial performance of the company. Smart companies train their employees to manage this role differently from the classic one, where they were only responsible for keeping the allocated budget.

Change, Change, Change – Change Management Principles. Change is embedded in everything we do. Every project is a source of change, and therefore, the tools necessary for managing change need to be known by project managers. Change management emphasizes relationship-building and strategic thinking skills. Organizations have learned that, to manage change, employees need more than technical knowledge and skills, as these are not enough to implement change. Without effective change, projects do not achieve the expected organizational impact. Smart organizations provide project managers with the resources and training needed to manage change quickly and effectively.

Managing the Complexity of Current Activities. The current business environment is increasingly complex, with many interdependencies between information and relationships. Understanding and interpreting project-related information, the people involved, and the existing connections are essential skills in order to break down a project into fragments that can be understood by everyone. Long-term visionary companies understand that project-based work will lead the organization toward stability. The most favored employees are those who can explain complex situations simply, and to develop, they need both technical skills and relational abilities.

Expansion of Project Management into Support Sectors. Project management is no longer limited to professionals in the field but has expanded into areas such as marketing, sales, and logistics. The benefits are measured in increased efficiency, strategic alignment, and enhanced customer satisfaction, which in turn lead to improved organizational performance. Companies that embrace flexible project management principles ensure that employees develop the necessary skills and tools to achieve the established results.

The Need for Constructive Thinking (Design Thinking). Innovative, constructive thinking is a major trend in problem-solving approaches. This way of thinking encourages finding unconventional solutions to face challenges. Progressive organizations encourage their employees to find approaches that strike a balance between adaptability, flexibility, and discipline in order to accelerate innovation.

The Significance of Portfolio and Program Management (MPP). Portfolio and program management has become an integral part of overall management and what we now call leadership. In fact, MPP has become a key element in the implementation of company strategies because any development effort requires organized work in projects. Therefore, tracking how projects and programs align with the organization’s overall strategy has become essential for all managers in a company. Organizations focused on future development encourage project managers to signal dysfunctions in aligning project results with the overall strategy. To succeed, employees are supported in developing their analytical skills.

Sorana Rotta

Consultant