2022 in Project Management: A Retrospective
A Look Back at Unprecedented Challenges and Opportunities in a Year of Great Change
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.
In the next 8 days, we will look back at an unorthodox mix of critical events in the past year that can help us reflect, take action and be inspired.
The List
War in the heart of Europe (this article)
Cryptocurrencies meltdown (link)
Breakthroughs in nuclear fusion research (link)
Natural catastrophes and heat waves (link)
The Football World Cup (link)
The Aquadom collapse (link)
Generative AI goes mainstream (link)
ABBA Voyage virtual concert (link)
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.
1. War in the heart of Europe
Russia's attempt to invade Ukraine is by far the most dramatic event of the year. Just like the pandemic two years ago, it has nothing to do with project management - but its consequences are tangible in every single aspect of our lives, professional and private.
The disruption of global trade networks, of supply chains, and of financial flows can all have a direct effect on the ability of companies to plan and execute projects.
In addition to the direct consequences of the conflict on people, finance and trade, the authority of international institutions has taken a serious blow. This increases the uncertainty of any plan that is not strictly confined within national borders, for all Countries.
Takeaways for your project
Consider the following factors that might help you identify potential project risks, in case the conflict becomes endemic (the “stalemate” scenario) or escalates, either in intensity or geographical extension:
extension of international sanctions to more Countries, affecting existing or planned partnerships;
further disruption of supply chain;
new waves of refugees, creating an emergency situation in new regions - even if not directly affected by conflict;
psychological strain on team members who have a relation with Countries affected by the conflict.
Up next
#2: the Cryptocurrencies meltdown
From the peak of inflated expectations to the trough of disillusionment, cryptocurrencies had a rough 2022.