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Today’s business environment leans ever closer to the data-centric utopia many envision. In this, the role of project management has grown all the more vital.
With millions of global organizations tackling the challenges of managing vast amounts of data, project managers find themselves leading data-driven initiatives—some of which can make or break a company.
Project management in data-driven initiatives
Project management has traditionally been associated with overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of projects within defined scope, time, and budget constraints. However, with the modern presence of big data and advanced analytics, project management has taken on a new dimension. According to a recent study by the Project Management Institute (PMI), 91% of organizations report that data science and analytics are integral to their success.
Effective project management based on actionable data often involves coordinating technical aspects in alignment with the business’s wider data strategies. As such, project managers must possess a deep understanding of data architecture, data modeling, and analytics to ensure that their solutions are implemented as effectively as possible.
As Asia Banu Shaik, a seasoned principal data engineer, aptly puts it, “Project management is what you get at the crossroads between technical skill and business experience. On the job, you’ll be translating complex data concepts and planning out actionable insights at a high tempo.”
Asia Banu Shaik and other industry leaders’ works
Across all industries, experts like Asia Banu Shaik are responsible for coordinating and implementing many large-scale data projects. From everyday operational management to high-pressure initiatives handling society’s financial and medical data, modern-day data project managers are the supportive pillars of the corporate world.
With over 20 years of expertise in the IT industry, and certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP)®, specializing in domains such as financial services, banking, insurance, and telecom, Shaik herself has consistently demonstrated the need for leadership and technical skills when implementing data solutions.
Like many others in her field, Shaik’s ability to conceptualize and execute data strategies has optimized operational efficiencies across the board, providing her clients with an edge over their competitors. Her experience in data architecture, cloud computing, and AI/ML has also played a major role, eventually landing her a prestigious position at her current place of employment.
Shaik notes, “The key to successfully managing data-related projects is by looking at the situation from two different angles—the tech side, and the business side. You’ll need to fully understand your client’s objectives, use the right tools and focus on creating measurable results.”
Recent developments and future trends
The rise of cloud computing, big data platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) has completely changed how organizations use their data. According to a recent Gartner report, by 2025, 70% of organizations will shift their focus from big data to small and wide data, enabling more context for analytics and making AI less data-hungry. These organizations will require project managers to adapt their strategies and new tools.
“It’s an exciting time to be in this field, as we wait for what new technologies may come next,” Asia Banu Shaik shares.
As organizations increasingly rely on data analysis to make strategic decisions, the role of skilled project managers like Asia Banu Shaik will be the deciding factor in their continued survival. Shaik notes, “The field’s current state is one of immense opportunity. With the right skills, mindset, and tools, we can play a major role in shaping the future—across all industries.”
