Project Management Institute (PMI), in its latest report has six critical demographic, economic, and social trends that will shape the environment in 2022.
Digital disruption tops the list of trends identified in the report. This mirrors with what Nigerian companies are discovering with process automation, remote testing, access to real-time data and decision support, among many digital technologies proving critical to their ability to stay competitive in the changing markets.
The PMI Global Megatrends 2022 report is an analysis of the global forces significantly impacting society and the project management profession today.
Global Megatrends 2022 helps project professionals understand the world’s rapid transformation and the global context in which they work so they can use projects to solve complex problems.
The report draws on trend data, primary and secondary research and interviews with project managers in the field.
Commenting, Interim President/CEO and Chief Operating Officer, PMI, Michael DePrisco, said: “The world continues to see ongoing change and uncertainty, impacting our daily lives at home and work.
“Our Global Megatrends report helps our community of project professionals understand the trend lines reshaping the future – from the climate crisis to the ripple effects of shifting demographics.
“To take on these challenges, project professionals must be dedicated to not only developing strong technical skills, but also cultivating an understanding of the broader strategic environment impacting their projects.”
Last year, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Climate Change Bill into law providing for, among others, the mainstreaming of climate change action and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change, signalling the top priority his government has accorded to climate crisis.
Organisations now device new ways to address worker shortages and close the talent gap, such as implementing equitable and inclusive policies to support age-diverse staff.
Economic shifts
Also, declining fertility rates and high immigration amongst Nigerians are in line with the global trend leading to demographic shifts and labour shortages, a key trend in the report.
As a result, organisations now device new ways to address worker shortages and close the talent gap, such as implementing equitable and inclusive policies to support age-diverse staff, creating a successful retention culture, aligning social impact initiatives, understanding the importance of work-life balance, and attracting younger employees.
For Nigeria, supply-chain resilience is critical to economic recovery, another key trend identified in the report, which has exposed supply chain vulnerabilities and globalisation setbacks.
With the right strategies in place, businesses can mitigate global supply chain risks and facilitate cross-border collaboration made easy through efforts like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Nigerians are also increasingly holding companies and brands accountable. Civic, civil and equality movements are driving a genuine interest amongst companies to seek out real change including true diversity, equity and inclusion programs that give everyone the same opportunity.
“The need for transformation is imminent, and individuals and organisations must fine-tune skills that drive change,” said DePrisco. “In today’s fast-moving environment, they must draw on a robust toolkit of capabilities to cultivate new ways of working and lead their teams forward.”
The PMI 2021 Talent Gap Report states that the global economy will need 25 million new project professionals by 2030.
Professionals with project management skills and a broad, global perspective of macro trends will grow in The Project Economy, where organisations deliver value through the successful completion of projects, delivery of products, and alignment to value streams.
