Today we’re celebrating Head of Project Management Mark Barnett! He has recently been sharing his industry expertise on the future of AI within project management with others at a range of conferences and talks.
Firstly, Mark helped to chair a panel with the Association for Project Management – exploring themes including Job Displacement vs Job Reinvention, Augmentation vs Replacement and Information, Identity & the AI Slope. Mark then led an interactive CRIT exercise (Context, Role, Interview, Task). This exercise was highly rated by participants, with them finding it to be “a powerful, two-way, iterative way of working with AI strengthening the human–machine dialogue.”
Mark also attended the Association for Project Management Women in Project Management Conference alongside fellow lecturer Sherine Ochieng. This conference was a day of learning, networking and collaboration with the theme ‘Transform Tomorrow’. Mark’s session connected perfectly with this theme, being ‘Stand-out: The core skills that differentiate early career PMs In the AI age’.
UCW student Beth, who attended the conference, said: “As someone early in my project management journey, it was a reminder that while AI can enhance our work, it’s our ability to connect, reflect and lead with purpose that truly sets us apart”.
This conference forms part of the Business, Accounting and Operations Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston has ten sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
Oyinade who was attending the event for the first time said: “What resonated most with me from Mark Barnett and Sherine Ochieng’s session was the reminder that while AI is a powerful tool, it will never replace the human side of a project. Their emphasis on emotional intelligence, creativity and communication really spoke to me.”
Find out more about our Project Management Degree Apprenticeship and Project Manager Associate Apprenticeship by clicking the links! Click here to find all of our Business, Accounting and Operations courses!
