The project management industry is evolving at a faster rate each year, both in technologies and methodologies. The environment continues to influence how organizations manage projects. Here are some project management trends for 2015 to help you prepare for what’s ahead.
Project Management Trends
1.Less Waterfall, more Agile
2015 will bring even more Agile practices into small and large organizations. Agile has gained a lot of traction over the past years, and even some US federal government agencies have started to move some projects to Agile.
It is cost effective, heavily relies on self-organizing teams and it appeals to human needs like purpose and autonomy. To be successful it relies on constant feedback being passed on between the project team members. Organizations will always try to find ways to cut costs and time spent on projects and Agile fulfils that requirement perfectly. It seems that Waterfall is fast becoming a legacy.
2.Mobile collaboration
Earlier this year something interesting has happened. This article “The work-life balance myth is dead.” written by The Telegraph has busted the work-balance myth. It seems that they are right and they make a very compelling argument, and a new trend is emerging: work-life blending.
What does this mean for project managers?
Well, it may mean that they will have to deal with a workforce always on the move, or working odd hours, new technology. With the mobile internet usage surpassing PC usage for the first time in 2014, project managers may need to adapt to this, making sure their project management software and collaborations tools are mobile optimized.
3.Remote project teams
With the development of cloud based platforms and online project management software, one trend can be seen emerging, remote teams. These tools provide a centralized repository for project scheduling, communication, collaboration and information, and having the right tools available to them, remote teams spread all over the globe have successfully tackled projects.
The project manager who walks down a row of cubicles to talk to team members will be a rare occurrence in the next few years.
4.More and more contractors and consultants
This trend will continue to grow in 2015. More and more organizations have embraced contractor roles and their contributions, with PM’s who consider them as equals to the on-staff project members.
Of course, employing contractors can be a double edged sword. If managed poorly, this trend could bring more challenges than benefits, collaboration and communication difficulties, poor onboarding or disputes over intellectual property rights.
5.Cloud will be king
In 2015 we will see cloud platforms gain market share in the project management software industry, as more and more teams will migrate their task management, scheduling and other project tracking to the cloud.
This will be driven by executives and management stakeholders who will want tailored views into the project performance data.
6.Mobile project management applications
We can see mobile apps gaining ground on browser-based applications. CYOD (Choose your own device) and BOYD (Bring your own device) will feed more demand for mobile access to the project management software solutions.
Project managers working with globally distributed teams will have access to real time information on any project they command, and at the same time team members will be able to access the system anytime/anywhere and enjoy a vastly improved UX (user experience) that blows the old Gantt Chart out of the water.
7.Cyber security will gain attention
So far we have had an increased number of cyber attacks, Sony, Target, Xbox, PS4 to name a few, and they are likely to increase even more. Brian Finch made a good point in the Wall Street Journal, “Cybersecurity must be defined by process, not tech…There is no such thing as a cyber silver bullet when it comes to defensive technologies or services.”
Security will fall under the project manager’s purview, and not necessarily on the technology employed on the project.
8.Risk management again
Risk management is already a very popular topic with project managers, but with the growth of Agile, it will become more of a necessity for professionals seeking new opportunities in 2015. While there are some software solutions that help with risk identification, you will have to improve your ability to identify potential scope and budget overreach and maintain a grip over your projects.
9.PMP certification will become more popular
There are projected to be 15 million new project management jobs within the decade. (Source: Project Management Institute)
As more young people struggle to find jobs, many will turn to a PMP or APMP certification to try to get a leg up in the project management career. As we know PMP carries some weight, allowing young individuals to learn the knowledge, gain some networking opportunities and distinguish themselves from the completion.
This trend will continue over the next years until the field will become over saturated with PMP certified professionals.
This is my list of project management trends for 2015. Do you agree with these? Feel I missed something? Please leave your comments below.
