International Conference KNOWLEDGE-BASED ORGANIZATION

Vol. XXX No 3 2024

AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL

TRANSFORMATION: EXPLORING EMERGING TRENDS

Hortensia GORSKI*, Ilie GLIGOREA*, Adrian BRUDAN**, Romana OANCEA*

*“Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, Sibiu, Romania

**West University of Timișoara, Romania
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]

Abstract: In the context of today's dynamic environment, agility and speed are two essential
characteristics that apply to project management in the software development industry, as well as in
many other industries. In order to meet the complex and continuous challenges of the digital age, the
principles, techniques and methods of Agile Project Management and Scrum are expected to become
more widespread, especially in software development, replacing or augmenting the traditional ones.
This paper aims to identify trends in project management related to digital transformation and
diffusion of Industry 4.0 technologies. A bibliometric analysis was carried out by searching the WOS
database. The resulting documents were exported and processed in VOSviewer to fulfil the scope. The
research revealed that, in the context of digital transformation, information technology supports the
agile approach, agile transformation and agile project management. Furthermore, emerging
technologies specific to Industry 4.0, especially artificial intelligence, and big data, can contribute
significantly to all project phases. These emerging technologies can improve data processing and
analysis, project forecasting, and risks prediction, can support decision making thus contributing to
the success of the project.

Keywords: agile, artificial intelligence, big data, digital transformation, project

management

1. Introduction and Methodology in turn fostered the emergence of innovative

The subject of project management in the business models and the adoption of agile,
context of technological change is of iterative processes [2]. The advent of
interest to researchers from a wide range of digitalization and the subsequent digital
disciplines. Nowadays, digitalization plays transformation have had a profound impact
a pivotal role in organisations, influencing on the way in which project stakeholders
virtually every aspect of their operations. interact, engage with one another, and
The ability to rapidly process large volumes communicate during project execution [3].
of data, coupled with increased internet In view of the ever-changing context of
penetration and enhanced capacity to public-private partnerships (PPPs), that
exploit digital knowledge, are key drivers require project dynamics, it is imperative
of the ongoing digital transformation within for organisations to adopt a flexible
organisations [1]. The emergence of new structure, integrate digital tools, and
technologies has been a driving force cultivate advanced professional knowledge
behind the digital transformation, which has and skills among their projects managers

DOI: 10.2478/kbo-2024-0087
© 2024 Hortensia Gorski et al. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No
Derivatives 3.0 License.
and the wider project team [4]. In the digital also encompasses a cultural philosophy that
economy it becomes evident that digital is employed to enhance the reliability,
information continues to transform the way quality, and velocity of the software
projects are executed [5]. development lifecycle. The use of the
The aim of the present paper is to identify the automation technology plays a crucial role
trends regarding project management in the in the implementation of DevOps.
context of digital transformation and the Moreover, effective communication,
promotion of Industry 4.0 technologies. A collaboration, and empowerment are
bibliometric analysis was performed by essential for the development teams, at
searching on WOS database, and the resulting every stage of the process. [9]. One of the
documents were exported and processed in fundamental principles underlying both
VOSviewer to fulfil the objective. DevOps and Agile methodologies is the
importance of cross-functional teams. There
2. The Agile Approach are several benefits, including faster
In the context of turbulent markets, delivery, higher quality, improved customer
organisations are required to implement satisfaction, reduced costs, and increased
ongoing adjustments to their strategies, innovation, associated with implementing
structures, processes, and products. When these methodologies in combination.
the environment is characterised by In the Agile-Scrum methodology, the
continuous change, the software product owner, the team, and the Scrum
development industry exhibits two defining Master are key stakeholders that collaborate
characteristics: agility and speed. The throughout all phases of the sprint cycle.
dynamic nature of the environment is Adopting an agile mindset is a fundamental
conducive to the application of Agile aspect of enhancing output, maximizing
methodology [6], which has emerged as a results, and achieving adaptability [10].
principal approach alongside the traditional
Waterfall [7]. The use of an agile approach 3. Managing Projects and Digital
facilitates improved coordination and Transformation through Industry 4.0
teamwork throughout the project Technology
development process. The advent of the Fourth Industrial
To provide support for the organisational Revolution (4IR) has prompted a profound
digital transformation, other researchers digital transformation across a multitude of
proposed that the Hybrid “Stage-Gate - sectors and affects almost every
Agile - Design Thinking” approach should organisational process, from management
be considered as a potential model [8]. to execution. This encompasses project
This suggests that a model based on the management, among others. To remain
principles of shared values and an competitive, organisations must effectively
innovative approach would be more leverage technology and a vast amount of
effective in this context. data to better inform their project strategic
One of the most significant trends in today's planning, execution, and delivery [11].
software development is the combination of Industry 4.0 encompasses tools at the
DevOps and Agile methodologies. The leading edge of the technological
term DevOps refers to a software transformation. As the adoption of Industry
development methodology that represents a 4.0 technologies continues to grow, it is
fusion of two distinct yet complementary becoming increasingly evident that a
entities: the domain of software change in project management approach is
development (Dev) and that of the necessary. The advent of artificial
operations teams (Ops). In addition to a set intelligence, big data, analytics, cloud
of tools, practices and capabilities, DevOps computing, robotics, digital manufacturing
(3D), advanced sensor technology, resulting sample of documents was
blockchain, and the advanced Internet, exported from WOS and imported into
among other developments, has led to a VosViewer software for further processing.
shift from traditional project management Once the thesaurus file has been created
methods to new and modern approaches. and uploaded, VosViewer generated 155
The integration of business process and keywords that met the five-occurrence
portfolio management represents a strategic threshold. These keywords were distributed
approach to the Industry 4.0 transformation. across nine clusters. Links to other
A project portfolio management model has keywords on the map were also identified
been proposed to provide valuable support (Links: 2,711, Tola Link Strengths: 5,336).
to organisations throughout the digital Figure 1 presents the Density Visualization
transformation process, by strategically map, which is color-coded on a rainbow
deploying technology resources in an scale ranging from dark red, which
integrated manner. Adopting a coherent and represents the most central topic, to orange,
strategic approach to the selection and yellow, green, blue, and turquoise.
prioritisation of Industry 4.0 projects, the In term of frequency, the first 25 keywords
model ensures that the value of these with occurrence ranging from 295 to 23, are:
projects is assessed and that the “project management” (295), “bim” (86),
technologies deployed are aligned with the “management” (72), “technology (58),
strategic goals and objectives of the “digital transformation“ (55),
organisation [12]. “digitalization“ (50), “system“ (49), “model“
In the face of intense competition and (44), “design“ (42), “performance“ (42),
market shifts, it is of great importance for “software development“ (38), “construction“
projects to meet time, cost, and quality (35), “innovation“ (34), “challenges“ (33),
objectives and constraints. In order to “implementation“ (33), “framework“ (31),
facilitate continuous innovation, it is “industry 4.0“ (30), “impact“ (29), “project“
essential to adopt a flexible and agile (29), “information technology“ (28), “agile“
approach, supported by information (26), “knowledge“ (25), “big data“ (24),
technology (IT). Furthermore, a knowledge- “artificial intelligence“ (23), and
based management decision support system “collaboration“ (23). It can be observed that,
can be used to facilitate the analysis of “performance management” is the most
project performance and the impact of prominent and central concept. Second in
strategic decisions over time [13]. terms of occurrence is Building Information
Modelling (“bim”) – a concept from the
4. Results and Discussions construction sector and the foundation of
In order to identify the prevailing trends in digital transformation in AEC– Architecture,
research and to achieve the stated research Engineering and Construction industry. It is
aim, a search on Web of Science (WOS) linked with “construction industry”,
was conducted by employing a combination “construction 4.0”, “construction
of two search terms: TS = “project management”, “construction projects
management” AND TS = “digital management”, and “gis” (Geographic
transformation”. This operation yielded a Information System). Although the subjects
total of 888 retrieved documents. Of these, of construction and “bim” are of great
830 were in the English language, while the interest and novelty, the present paper does
remaining 58 were in Spanish (14), Russian not aim to examine such projects, but rather
(13), German (12), Portuguese (7), Italian to focus on the project management related
(5), Chinese (3), French, Slovenian, to software development.
Turkish, and Ukrainian (1 each). The
 Figure 1: The Density Visualization Map
Source: Authors’own computation

Figure 2: The “project management” concept- an Overlay Vizualization

Source: Authors’ own computation

In this paper, the concept maps created scale from magenta (representing the
with VOSviewer are represented and oldest concepts) to dark red (representing
analysed in the Overlay visualisation, the newest ones).
based on the Average Publication Year As it can be noticed in figure 2 “project
(APY), with colours ranging on a spectral management” is the most prominent
concept (Occurrence/ Occ.: 295). The directly linked with “project management”.
concept is central and is characterized by Moreover, the most recent developments in
strong links with other keywords in the this field, with APY after 2020, have
map (Links: 148; Total link strengths: focused on the following topics: “project
925). The strongest link is with “digital success” (APY: 2022.40), “agile project
transformation” (LS: 32). The concept is management” (APY: 2021.46), “digital
not a novel one (APY: 2018.72). However, transformation” (APY: 2021.27), “model”
it has been refreshed by newer concepts (APY: 2021.09), “management” (APY:
identified after 2020, which are 2020.78), “impact” (APY: 2020.52), “agile
represented on the map with colours from transformation” (APY: 2020.27), “system”
orange to dark red. (APY: 2020.22), and “agile” approach
As illustrated in figure 3, “software (APY: 2020.01).
development” (Occ.: 38: APY; 2017.13) is

Figure 3: The “software development” concept - an Overlay Vizualization

Source: Authors’ own computation

Software development projects frequently iterative cycles and incorporating user

encounter difficulties in relation to time, feedback. However, several obstacles can
cost, and quality. Agile software impede the implementation of ASDMs.
development methodologies (ASDMs) These include the existence of traditional
address these challenges by employing organisational cultures, the lack of
management support, the shortage of agile Figure 5 also shows that the novel concept
experts and reluctance to adopt agile “agile project management” (APY:
practices [14]. 2020.78) is linked with “technology”,
In the context of today's dynamic “information technology”, “agile
environment, two essential characteristics, transformation”, “challenges” and
namely agility and speed, also apply to “adoption” (figure 5).
project management in the software For “projects”, to cope with complex and
development industry, as in many other continuous “challenges”, the “agile”
industries. This is driven by the industry's approach is of paramount importance,
need to react quickly and respond to especially in the context of “digital
changing market condition. transformation”.
As can be seen in Figure 4 the concept As also emphasized by other researchers,
“agile” is linked with “software the Agile approach and the implementation
development”, “digital transformation”, of Agile management principles and
“digital” but also with concepts from other methods have been widely adopted in
areas besides technology such as: software development and project
“project”, “management”, “leadership, management, replacing traditional project
“innovation”, “system”, “scrum”. management [15, 16].

Figure 4: The “agile” approach - an Overlay Vizualization

Source: Authors’ own computation
 Figure 5: The “agile project management” approach - an Overlay Vizualization
Source: Authors’ own computation

In order to process and analyse vast (APY: 2021.86) are playing a pivotal role
amount of data, “artificial intelligence”, (Figure 6).
“big data” (APY: 2020.50) and “analytics”

Figure 6: “big data” and “analytics”- an Overlay Vizualization

Source: Authors’ own computation

The concept “artificial intelligence” (APY: close to the central topic “project
2021.83) is a topic in vogue, situated very management”. As it can be observed in
Figure 7, it is linked with “digitalization” “industry 4.0” technologies (APY:
(APY: 2021.27), and “digital 2021.70): “digital twin” (APY: 2021.71),
transformation” (APY: 2021.27) – specific “machine learning” (APY: 2021.70), “big
to the “digital economy” (APY: 2020.31). data” (APY: 2020.50) and “internet of
Moreover, it is also connected with other things” (APY: 2020.09).

Figure 7:”Artificial intelligence” - an Overlay Vizualization

Source: Authors’ own computation

It is evident that projects generate processing of vast data volumes becomes a

substantial amount of data throughout their necessity to support the development of
life cycles, which presents significant intelligent decision-making systems.
challenges for project managers and experts Machine learning is a key technology in this
tasked with complex decision-making. The field [18].
volume of data involved is considerable,
and this can act as a significant barrier to 5. Conclusions
effective decision-making. The advent of In a world of constant change, cost
the Fourth Industrial Revolution has led to overruns and time delays are common,
an increased demand for the application of especially in complex projects, even when
artificial intelligence (AI) in big data are used project management tools.
technology. Machine learning (ML), which Addressing these issues requires a shift
leverages data generated during project from traditional project management
phases, can be used to predict risks and systems to modern ones that embrace
support decision-making throughout the design change, agile project management
project lifecycle.[17]. practices, new models, technology,
The incorporation of artificial intelligence knowledge, and other tangible and
techniques has been shown to improve the intangible assets. Moreover, within the
accuracy of project forecasting. Using complex and dynamic environment,
models, such as artificial neural networks, project portfolio management should be
enables the precise prediction of production aligned not only with the organizational
timelines. As the 4IR progresses and the strategy, but also with the national
world becomes extensively digitalized, the digitalisation strategy.
The adoption of Agile methodologies has Industry 4.0. As reflected in the present
shown considerable effects on the entire research, artificial intelligence is the most
project management process. Moving to an important and novel technology, that can
Agile transformation framework is more be used in synergy with big data, for a
than a change in project management successful project management.
methodology. It is a comprehensive set of The modern workplace is undergoing a
organizational changes that includes not profound transformation, with project
only processes, technology, methodology, delivery teams being forced to adapt to a
strategy, and structure, but also changes in rapidly evolving landscape. To maintain a
leadership. Moreover, Agile project competitive edge, it is becoming
management and Agile Scrum increasingly important for project teams to
methodology also encompass cultural acquire more experience, new skills, and
aspects. Transparency, commitment to the knowledge.
goal of the Scrum team and sprint, capacity To remain relevant, higher education
to solve complex problems, trust in the institutions, like business, must swiftly
professionalism of the team members, adapt to the evolving landscape of
openness to stakeholders, capacity to challenges and opportunities. The agile
respond to change are some of the cultural approach and the digital transformation
aspects that are pertinent to the success of initiatives promote the importance of
the Agile Scrum methodology [19]. ensuring a dynamic approach to
Furthermore, project alliance and highly curriculum development. In this context
collaborative methods are also required, the implementation of data science courses
especially in the context of new digital is of critical importance for future
technology. graduates. It is imperative that they
In order to achieve success, it is essential become not only proficient in their primary
that project planning, execution, field but also in areas like artificial
monitoring, and delivery integrate intelligence, machine learning, big data,
technology, particularly information analytics, data mining, and others.
technology and emerging technologies of

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