Artificial Intelligence and the Project Management Lifecycle: Evidence from the Construction Industry in Ghana

Abstract 
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) 
into project management (PM) is reshaping 
how projects are planned, executed, and 
monitored across industries. Despite 
increasing global adoption, empirical evidence 
from developing contexts, particularly within 
Africa’s construction sector, remains limited. 
This study examines the influence of AI on the 
PM lifecycle, alongside associated challenges 
and sustainability outcomes, using Ghana’s 
construction industry as a case. A quantitative 
approach was employed, with data collected 
from project managers and construction design 
teams within D1K1 firms. The findings reveal 
a positive but weak relationship between AI 
adoption and PM lifecycle performance (r = 
0.297, p < 0.01), indicating incremental rather 
than transformative effects. Descriptive results 
show moderate agreement on AI-related 
challenges (composite mean = 3.741), with 
skill gaps emerging as the most significant 
constraint (mean = 3.845). In contrast, AI 
demonstrates a strong contribution to 
sustainable construction practices (composite 
mean = 4.005), particularly in waste reduction 
(mean = 4.214) and sustainability evaluation 
(mean = 4.095). These findings suggest that 
while AI enhances efficiency and 
sustainability, its full potential is constrained 
by organisational and capability-related 
factors. The study highlights the need for 
targeted skill development, strategic 
investment, and stronger industry–academic 
collaboration to support effective AI 
integration in emerging economies.