2022 in Project Management - 3/8
2022 has been an unprecedented year, and it brought with it a wide range of challenges and developments that have the potential to change the way that project managers approach their craft.
This is the third article in the list.
3. Breakthroughs in Nuclear Fusion research
In February and in December, two important breakthroughs were reported, one for each of the two main experimental approaches that are being studied (magnetic confinement and inertial confinement).
Even though mass production of energy remains a distant goal, nuclear fusion is regarded as the potential energy source of the future and could be used to replace fossil fuels and nuclear fission. When the technology is deemed feasible on a large scale, a massive number of implementation projects will be started in order to install, develop and manage the new necessary infrastructure.
Moreover, nuclear fusion must be seen as a component of a decarbonized power grid, whose creation is already under way.
Considerations about Project Management
Whether we consider the future wave of projects for the construction of fusion power plants, or the increasing pace of investments on the decarbonized grid, those projects will be critical for our economies and our society, will rely upon massive funding and attract the best skills.
Energy-related projects are mostly construction projects because they involve building new infrastructure or updating existing infrastructure.
Construction projects are typically managed using a waterfall-like approach.
Do not dismiss “waterfall” methods too hastily!
The List
Breakthroughs in nuclear fusion research (this article)
Upcoming
Natural catastrophes and heat waves
The Football World Cup
The Aquadom collapse
Generative AI goes mainstream
ABBA Voyage virtual concert
Bonus point
Agile Methodology and big-”A” vs small-”a”: according to the State of Agile report 2022, "Accelerate Time to Market" is the #1 expected result of an Agile transformation. The ability to manage changing priorities has disappeared from the radar, meaning that it is relevant for no more than 30% of respondents.
Up next
#4: Natural catastrophes and heat waves
Neither new nor surprising, but necessary.