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