TITLE:
A Competency Framework for Training of AI Projects Managers in the Digital and AI Era
AUTHORS:
Valéry Psyché, Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay, Fatma Miladi, Amina Yagoubi
KEYWORDS:
Competencies, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Technological Change, Competency Framework, DACUM Methodology, Project Manager
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.11 No.5,
May
31,
2023
ABSTRACT: In the context of a research project supported by
the Montreal Pole of Higher Education in Artificial Intelligence (PIA), we have
developed a competency framework for artificial intelligence (AI) project
manager in the context of Industry 4.0. This framework aims at informing
organizations on the state of the art of the competencies needed by any AI project manager and thus facilitate tasks
such as recruitment or performance evaluation of managers. In parallel, it also
aims to guide the AI management training strategies of educational institutions
and training organizations in order to design training adapted to the reality of the workplace at all levels
(college, university or professional). This article reports on the methodological research process that led to the co-construction of the competency
framework, the resulting competencies and the resulting discussion due to the
surprising findings on the emerging skills needed in the digital and AI era.
Specifically, we employed a qualitative methodology that involves conducting a
strategic survey, systematic literature review, and engaging experts through
interviews and focus groups. We leveraged the DACUM method to construct the
competency framework, which enabled us to facilitate exchanges between
participants and capture the key competencies essential for an AI project
manager. The main competencies and sub-competencies identified are also
presented. We conclude with a discussion of the findings and recommendations
for companies and training organizations.