Key challenges of adopting artificial intelligence tools in project management in Ghana

Undoubtably, artificial intelligence (AI) has come to stay in all life activities. The last decade has seen a considerable number of studies and policy implementation across sectors aimed at adopting AI tools. However, less studies have explored the barriers to adopting AI tools in project management (PM) in the construction industry in developing economies such as Ghana. Professionals in the construction industry in Ghana handle complex projects which new technologies like AI can assist in improving their performance. But the shift towards this new technology has been met with many obstacles in the PM within the country. Therefore, this study aims at analysing the key challenges confronted by PM professionals in adopting AI tools in project management within Ghana. This study utilised questionnaire survey solicited from seventy-one experienced PM professionals. The following tests were conducted on the data: normality, reliability, mean score and Kruskall-Wallis tests. Findings from the analysis include lack of commitment from the leadership of PM firms to accept and invest in AI gadgets, there is resistance to change among construction workers with the feeling of AI tools taking over their jobs, cultural barriers, and ethical concerns. Although, the study is limited to a handful of PM professionals in Ghana, it provides a checklist of obstacles that must be overcome to facilitate the practical use of AI in PM. The findings will be helpful and supportive to further research on AI in PM.