Contemporary role of the PMO in a Disruptive AI World

1
PMOfficers all rights reserved 2020-21
Webinars Series
The Magic of the PMO
Moderator: Leonardo Reyes PMOfficers Founder
Date: Wednesday 14th July 2021
Barcelona (Spain) 20.00 Local Time
Sponsored by
Contemporary role of the PMO
in a Disruptive AI World
Speaker:
Dr. Harris Apostolopoulos
Chief Transformation Officer | Head of Strategy |
PMO | Project Portfolio | Program & Project
Management
OBJECTIVE:
The role of the Artificial Intelligence within
PMOs, and the keys for organizational
success and sustainability.

14
July
10:00 PM
Dubai time
Harris Apostolopoulos, PhD
Chief Transformation Officer
PMO Global Alliance
harris.apostolopoulos@gmail.com
Contemporary role of the PMO in a Disruptive AI World
Our future is Digital!
Webinar Series
The Magic of the PMO

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| https://www.linkedin.com/in/apostolopoulos/
01 Introduction
02 The New Reality
03 AI and the PMO
04 Keys to avoid the twists and turns
05 Summary
The recent and ongoing crisis disrupted the global status quo
Facts & Figures
Opportunities l Threats | PMO role at Turbulent Times
AI Impact on Project Management l 7 Lessons from COVID-19 Crisis
Moving forward! l Great Leadership, Great Results
2

• 18 years of diverse industry exposure, in international and multicultural business environments in
the field of Strategy & Transformation | PMO | Project Portfolio | Program & Project Management.
Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/apostolopoulos/
In simple words: Putting the pieces together, towards corporate excellence and sustainability!
• Exclusive member of the PMI’s Thought Leadership
Inner Circle.
• Awarded for outstanding performance in the world’s largest government transformation
program, the Saudi Vision 2030.
• Board Member and Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) of the PMO Global Alliance
• Led and directed a plethora of large scale, complex project portfolios and programs
(20 countries, up to $1.65 billion value and benefits of $178 million).
• Results-oriented, being capable to lead Business & Digital transformations and PMOs
• Being motivated by what others believe as complex and impossible to achieve
• PMOGA - Hackathon, 1st place winner: Change
Management for overcoming the COVID-19 Crisis.
• PMOGA - Hackathon, 2nd place winner: A Framework
for Remote Working during Crisis.
Harris Apostolopoulos,
PhD, ΕΜΒΑ, PfMP
• PMI’s guides and standards contributor & reviewer
• Industry Experience: Government, Airlines / Aviation, Smart Cities, Banking,
Supply Chain / Logistics, IT / Telecoms, Renewable Energy and Education.

| harris.apostolopoulos@gmail.com
The International
Monetary Fund (IMF)
projected a Global growth of
- 4.9%
in 2020 and a
related uncertain
recovery
The International
Monetary Fund (IMF)
6%
in 2021 and a
related recovery of
4.4% in 2022
4
Susan, HR Director Mustafa, Operations
Manager
Matt, CEO Lilian, Administration
Manager
Jonathan, CFO Katie, Project
Manager
Ahmed, Safety
Engineer
Mary,
Communications Expert
Source: https://generated.photos/

Introduction
While it is a great challenge to stay resilient: changes to
the corporate strategy, culture, technology and
organizational processes are inevitable.
Nevertheless, many opportunities come into surface and
Transformations were accelerated and the role of the
PMO was amplified.
5
The industrialization of the
technology is amplifying the
everyday use of algorithms
and the use of AI.Using AI
can fundamentally change
the way projects get
delivered for the better.
The recent crisis disrupted the global status quo in an
unprecedented way. A central challenge of AI ethics is
simply to define the problem correctly; AI systems should
be designed to benefit everyone, now and in future.
The higher the PMO expectations, the higher the
complexity…it starts with the main purpose to facilitate or
even lead project success by establishing best practices,
tools, processes, mitigating risks and ensuring on-time
project delivery within a specified budget.

| harris.apostolopoulos@gmail.com 6
• Artificial intelligence (AI) is radically changing the world as we used to know it.
• The fourth industrial revolution is here! …nanotechnology, space, robotics, IoT, blockchain,
cybersecurity and many other technologies and digital trends, they set a challenging future for the
modern society and humanity.
• One of the greatest challenges in regards to implementing a successful PMO, is being able to deal
with continuous change(s) especially in the Digital field.
• Undoubtedly, AI can affecting the development and execution of strategy in organizations
enhancing their associated digital capabilities.
• It seems that, the more digital an organization becomes, the greater the new value will be created
in the economy, as there is a trend for the adoption of digitally enabled business models.
• Which actually comes first, the AI or the Business Strategy?

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Algorithms Modelling Representations Intelligent Thinking Constraint Action(s)
Artificial intelligence is actually the simulation of human intelligence….
…in machines.

The International
Monetary Fund (IMF)
- 4.9%
in 2020 and a
related uncertain
recovery
Sources:
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2021/03/23/world-economic-outlook-april-2021
https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/insights/digitalization://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/insights/digitalization
https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2020-07-28-02/
https://www.weforum.org/platforms/shaping-the-future-of-digital-economy-and-new-value-creation
91%
of businesses are engaged
in some form of digital initiative
87%
percent of senior business
leaders say digitalization is
a priority.
(Gartner)
The International
Monetary Fund (IMF)
6%
in 2021 and a
related recovery of
4.4% in 2022
Air traffic will not
return
to pre-COVID-19 levels until
2024
as per IATA
(International
Air Transport
Association)
An estimated
70%
of new value created in the
economy over the next decade
will be based on digitally enabled
platform business models
(world economic
forum)
8

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Note: Survey is still live and can be accesses at: https://forms.office.com/r/LWhU8mc0wW
Which do you think are the biggest
challenges of the recent global crisis?
Top 3: 1. Restructuring the global economy
2. Business Transformation
3. Digital Technology acceleration
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/apostolopoulos

The International
Monetary Fund (IMF)
- 4.9%
in 2020 and a
related uncertain
recovery
10
• Big Data & Analytics
• Robotic Process Automation
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Blockchain
• Anywhere Operations
• Cybersecurity
• Distributed Cloud
• Internet of Behaviours (IoB)

| https://www.linkedin.com/in/apostolopoulos
The International
Monetary Fund (IMF)
- 4.9%
in 2020 and a
related uncertain
recovery
The International
Monetary Fund (IMF)
6%
in 2021 and a
related recovery of
4.4% in 2022
11
Change defines our emerging future and, as a consequence, effective leadership will be defined by the
ability to navigate towards the new normal.
1
1
2
2
3
3
It’s perpetual: occurring all the time in an ongoing way
It's pervasive: unfolding in multiple areas of life at once
It’s exponential: accelerating at an increasingly rapid
rate.

PROJECT PROGRAM PORTFOLIO
Change is expected and
the PMO processes keep
change managed &
controlled.
Change is higher in
complexity; expected,
and the PMO should be
well prepared to
manage it.
PMO continuously
monitors & controls the
changes, but in the
broader internal &
external environment.
DELIVERABLES BENEFITS STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
VALUE CREATION & SUSTAINABILITY
PMO
AI projects are based on machine learning that simply helps to identify patterns within data sets and thus tries to make
predictions based on the existing data.

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AI Applications Transforming the Digital World!
Expert system: s a knowledge-based system that employs knowledge about
its application domain emulating the decision-making ability of a human
expert.
Facial recognition: Storage of an image of a face or a set of its
characteristics and identifying or verifying the identity of an individual using
their face.
Robotic process automation: software users create software robots, or
“bots”, that can learn, mimic, and execute rules-based business processes.
Virtual agents: Animated, human-like chatbot embedded with
predefined scripts and responses; give relevant advice and sustain an
informative conversation with consumers.
Machine learning: computer algorithms that provides systems the
ability to automatically learn and improve from experience.
Knowledge-based system: Understand data sets being
processed; used in problem-solving procedures , supporting
human learning, decision making and related actions.
Voice assistant: A software agent that performs tasks based on
specific verbal commands(can make calls, send text messages, look
things up online, provide directions, open apps, set appointments on
our calendars).
Decision management: Set of rules and logic for AI systems making
valid decisions by providing up-to-date and relevant information and
performing analytic functions.

• In principle AI can eliminate inconsistencies. Once you identify the
areas you think AI would have the most impact on your business,
it’s then time to apply it consistently.
• Machines don’t have bad days or make mistakes. With AI, data,
does the talking and your PMO is able to do the walking.
• By applying AI to all aspects of the project’s journey, from planning to
benefits realization, you are able to take that information and apply
actionable insights for future projects.
• The whole picture is important. AI can give you that picture with real data analysis
and optimize your project performance with greater confidence.
• Using AI in the projects’ / PMO world can fundamentally change the way projects get
delivered for the better.

| https://www.linkedin.com/in/apostolopoulos/ 15
• Projects are an ideal environment for AI.
• AI can digest project and portfolio data to quickly identify key
learnings and insights and improve overall execution.
• AI can be applied to multiple aspects of projects and PMO
performance including risks, budget, schedule, resources,
etc.
• AI can enable human uncertainty reduction that comes with an
optimistic attitude and replace it with real data and information.
• AI leverages the data to drive strategic decisions with a greater understanding to make
better investments.
• This means the right work at the right time and in the right way.

AI systems can now compose text, audio, and images to a sufficiently high standard that humans have a hard
time telling the difference between synthetic and non-synthetic outputs for some constrained applications of the
technology.
• AI systems become more powerful and more general they may become
superior to human performance in many domains
• AI will change the workplace and the jobs that humans do. Some jobs
will be lost to AI technology, so humans will need to embrace the change
and find new activities that will provide them the social and mental
benefits their job provided.
• In both the short-term and the long-term, AI should be developed in
a safe and beneficial direction.

• AI could help people with improved health care, safer cars and other
transport systems, tailored, cheaper and longer-lasting products and
services.
• AI can enable the development of a new generation of products and
services.
• Boost sales, improve machine maintenance, increase production output
and quality, improve customer service, as well as save energy.
• AI is predicted to be used more in crime prevention and the criminal
justice system, as massive data sets could be processed faster…
AI is not about recreating the human brain. It is about building a system that acts
like a human.

• Overuse can also be problematic: investing in AI applications
that prove not to be useful or applying AI to tasks for which it
is not suited, (e.g. complex societal or political issues).
• AI could severely affect the right to privacy and data
protection. (e.g. face recognition, online tracking, profiling of
individuals).
• Use of AI in the workplace is expected to result in the
elimination of a large number of jobs.
Ethics in AI is essentially questioning, constantly investigating, and never taking for granted the technologies
that are being rapidly imposed upon human life.
Stephen Hawking has said, “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human
race.” Elon Musk claims that AI is humanity’s “biggest existential threat.”

Note: Survey is still live and can be accesses at: https://forms.office.com/r/LWhU8mc0wW
Which are the top skills and
competencies of a PMO professional?
Top 3: 1. Complex problems solving
2. Highly adaptable
3. Analytical thinking

ABOUT IATA
1They have a seat at the executive table. Strategic results
require strategic positioning. PMOs that are highly effective in
driving business growth report to varying levels of executive
management, ranging from senior vice president to the C-
level, and are regarded as members of executive
management. Champions are strategically positioned, too.
The majority of the leaders interviewed have highly visible
sponsorship at the C-level.
2They are a vital part of the strategic planning team. Since
portfolio management is a core competency, PMOs actively
participate in strategic planning and help shape strategy by
providing feedback to executives about performance, labor
costs, and customer feedback.
3They embrace core competencies. Excellence in project
management remains a critical capability for PMOs. The
most successful organizations recognize the specific role of
the project manager and build significant learning and
development programs to mature project management skills.
4They use consistent objectives across industry and
regions. Customer-facing or business-facing, strategic PMOs
share the same objectives: Drive success through alignment
with business stakeholders and operational excellence.
Meeting these objectives is differentiated by such factors as
orientation, region, and culture.
Adapted from: Strategic PMOs Play A Vital Role In Driving Business Outcomes, Forrester, A Part Of PMI’s Thought Leadership Series (2013)

• PMOs can introduce innovative ideas, services or a process
which can affect significantly the current way of doing or
thinking in an organisation.
• PMOs can have the capacity and capability and to see
something others stakeholders don’t.
• A PMO can have the power to transform the accepted rules,
processes, strategy and associated corporate governance.
• Lead the stakeholders towards a common vision / mission
in the same direction.
• Expand and develop the PMO services; deliver benefits
across all vertical of an organisation.
• Embrace a Common language, culture and mindset
• Effectively, lead the change(s) as a game changer!

• Complete check-in procedures and mandatory pre-
flight safety and security questions digitally via their
own mobile devices.
• Replacement of the current kiosk-based check-in
process which requires crew to use their staff
identity cards as a form of authentication.
• Improve operational efficiency by speeding up the
existing check-in process and automating crew time
and attendance management and access controls.
• Cabin crew will also experience a seamless and
contactless check-in experience.
Contactless check-in and bag drop Contactless delivery of meals and
retail items
Facial recognition technology for crew members
Etihad Airways: facial recognition technology to
identify and authenticate crew members.
For more information log on at the official website of Etihad Airways

• Improve existing processes or create new innovative ones.
• Robots travel in between pickers and packagers, performing
the more demanding task of picking.
• Reduce manual errors and increasing productivity
• Generate more and better data and to drive improvements
across the whole end-to-end process
DHL's Supply Chain group expanded its partnership with
autonomous mobile robot (AMR) maker Locus Robotics to deploy
more warehouse robots in its fulfilment and distribution centres.
An investment of ~ $300 million in emerging technologies
accelerating the digitalization program (14 target technologies)
For more information log on at the official website of DHL

Source: https://blog.google/technology/health/ai-dermatology-preview-io-2021/
• A web-based application that you use along with your
smartphone's camera.
• Users sign into their Google accounts, upload images of
their medical condition via the Derm Assist website and
answer questions about their symptoms.
• The AI model, which is built upon knowledge of 288
conditions, then analyzes the information you provided
and gives you a list of possible matches.
• The service will be free to all internet users, whether
they are Google users or not.
• Help spot skin, hair and nail conditions, based on
images uploaded by patients.

Embraces a culture
that promotes constant
Transformation.
Understands that
change management
is critical.
Self-identify as a “disruptor”
or “leader” when making
disruptive, digital, and
transformative changes.
84%
of respondents
view CEOs as
champions
of change.
30%
of respondents cite
choosing the right
disruptive
technology as the top
roadblock to
transformation.
90%
of executives believe the
PMO will play an
increasingly critical
part in digitally transforming
organizations in the future.
Key Findings:
▪ Digital transformation is a top priority for
organizations as they look for new ways
to innovate, grow revenue, and increase
profitability.
▪ Cloud solutions, the internet of things,
artificial intelligence, and blockchain top
the list of technologies being used by
organizations today.
▪ CEOs lead the pack as champions of
change while COOs and CTOs also play
key roles.
▪ Involving the project management
function, as well as choosing the right
technology and formally linking strategy
design to delivery, are key to success.
▪ Change management is imperative to
digital transformation success, creating a
unique opportunity for the enterprise-
level PMO to evolve.
Source: The C-Suite Outlook: How Disruptive Technologies Are Redefining the Role of Project Management, PMI® Though Leaders Series, Forbes insights, Sep. 2018
Data collection and analysis is based on a survey of 537 executives across the globe (80% of survey respondents are from the C-suite)

Source: Artificial Intelligence impact in Project Management, IPMA®, PwC, Oct. 2020
• The role of the Artificial intelligence in project management within organizations is changing, mainly in the way
that it provides its stakeholders with insights based upon a range of data sources.
• Openness and adaptability appear alongside technology to be the way forward.
Data collection and analysis is based on responses of 295 project management professionals, including IPMA members and future members and PwC contacts
56%
of the organizations
already have a digital
Transformation
Strategy which includes
AI adoption
Improved decision
making
Increased levels of
productivity
Better performance
and reporting
Top 3 reasons
identified for AI
adoption in PM
1
2
3
Five key non-IT skills
required for using AI in
project management
1. Analytical thinking
2. Creative thinking
3. Problem-solving skills
4. Learning skills
5. Strategic thinking
$15.7 trillion – that’s the
global economic growth that
AI will provide by 2030,
according to PwC research.
Who will get the digest share of this
prize? Those who take
The lead now.

In order for the value of a PMO to be realized, commitment by both the organization and individuals is required.
There is no, one size fits all.
• Proper environment creation; take into account corporate culture and insights
• Invest in training is a MUST
• Don’t fall back to the traditional approach if things don’t work out with the first try
• Prioritise and remove obstacles. Conflict is not always bad. Apathy is worse
• Have faith in a team spirit approach. Nobody knows everything
• Tailor PMO processes; simple and tools as needed
• Be patient, results do need time; reward your team for best performance
• Minimise and try to avoid complaints.
• Allow time for people who take longer to digest the key messages
• Effective and Transparent Communication!
• Keep it simple and to the point
27

Chief Transformation Officer
PMO Global Alliance
Digital Transformation: The future is now!
FREE BOOK
RELEASE Q3/21

Source: https://generated.photos/
All the photos shown were generated completely by AI software

31
7 Lessons from COVID-19 Crisis
1. Life is short, enjoy every second of it…
2. Be kind to all (scars are more than the trophies)
3. Jobs are temporary (remote work is here to stay)
4. Your savings can save you
5. The environment and climate is in danger,
take actions and protect nature.
6. Human connection is important and
technology is too
7. Your greatest wealth is your health

01
A NEW TRANSFORMED WORLD
.
02
SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THE NEW NORMAL
03
MOVING FORWARD - PMO 04
GREAT LEADERSHIP, RESULTSTS

3
4
Putting the pieces together, towards corporate
excellence and sustainability!
Thank You!
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Contemporary role of the PMO in a Disruptive AI World

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