Understanding the Impact of AI on Project Management

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into project-based work across industries, with the potential to transform how projects are conceived, planned, and delivered. Despite growing interest, the adoption of AI in project management remains in the nascent stages. This PhD project will critically investigate how AI is shaping the management of projects and project studies. It aims to generate new knowledge on the technical and behavioural transformations triggered by AI across different project contexts.<br /> <br /> The project sits at the broad research area of AI and project management. It is interdisciplinary in nature and can be tailored to suit the interests and backgrounds of individual candidates. Applicants from diverse disciplines—such as construction, engineering, computer science, business and management—are encouraged to apply.<br /> <br /> Methodological approaches are flexible and may include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, depending on the research focus. Exemplary research topics include (but are not limited to):<br /> • The development of AI-related skills and competencies for project practitioners<br /> • The factors influencing project managers’ and organizations’ willingness to adopt AI applications for their projects.<br /> • AI transformation processes in projects and organizations<br /> • Ethical considerations of using AI in project planning and delivery<br /> • The use of project data analytics in AI-driven decision-making<br /> • Machine learning applications to improve project cost, risk, and schedule performance<br />

<p>Whilst October 2025 would be the preferred start date, we can consider a February or April 2026 start date. Start dates beyond April 2026 will not be permitted due to UKRI regulations.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Understanding the Impact of AI on Project Management</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/15149/yixue-shen">Dr Yixue Shen</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Civil Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 15 August 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Research Proposal and Personal Statement</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:12px">A highly competitive School of Civil Engineering/EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £20,780 per year for 3.5 years.  An additional Top-Up of £3,000 per year for 3.5 years is available to previous University of Leeds graduates. Training and support will also be provided. <br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. There is 1 position available and if you are successful in securing an academic offer, this does not constitute an offer of funding. All candidates will be placed into the School of Civil Engineering/EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Yixue Shen by email to <a href="mailto:Y.Shen1@leeds.ac.uk">Y.Shen1@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>