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Navigating the Digital Divide: Growing Up in the 90s

I was born in the late 1980s, a time when the world was on the cusp of a technological revolution. Unlike today’s children, who seem almost inseparable from their digital devices, my childhood was steeped in tradition and simplicity. Back then, the concept of a phone or a tablet was reserved for the realm of science fiction. It was a different era, one characterized by tangible experiences, face-to-face interactions, and a slower pace of life.

The Journey

In my early years, playtime meant exploring the outdoors, climbing trees, and inventing imaginative worlds with friends in the neighborhood. We created our own entertainment, weaving stories and building forts from scrap materials, relying solely on our creativity and resourcefulness.

Image: I am enjoying a tree not worrying the cartoon I would miss in TV

Television was a special treat, a communal experience that brought families together in the living room. Cartoons on Saturday mornings were a cherished ritual, eagerly anticipated week after week. The limited programming options meant that we savored every moment, fostering a sense of shared enjoyment and anticipation.

Education, too, took on a more tactile form. The library was our digital realm, where we eagerly flipped through pages, devouring stories and information with a thirst for knowledge. Encyclopedias were our Google, providing answers to curious minds.

Communication was a deliberate act. Phone calls were made from landlines, and each conversation was valued for its rarity. Writing letters was an art form, carefully chosen words inked onto paper, sealed in an envelope, and sent with anticipation of a distant reply.

How IT Project Management used to be

As time advanced, the realm of IT emerged, reshaping my trajectory. I pursued Management Information Technology, a decision that would define my career. Transitioning into a project manager, I navigated the intersection of technology and management, managing teams and resources to bring visions to a success.

From the 1990s up to today, the evolution of digitalization in IT and project management has been nothing short of revolutionary. In the 1990s, IT was characterized by the advent of personal computers and the internet, which fundamentally changed how businesses operated. Project management expertise was primarily rooted in traditional methodologies like Waterfall, which followed a linear progression from requirements to implementation.

As we moved into the 2000s, the rise of agile methodologies marked a significant shift in project management. This approach emphasized iterative development, collaboration, and flexibility in response to changing requirements. Simultaneously, the proliferation of the internet and the emergence of social media platforms began to reshape how businesses interacted with customers and marketed their products or services.

The 2010s witnessed the proliferation of cloud computing, which transformed how businesses managed their IT infrastructure. This shift allowed for greater scalability, accessibility, and cost-efficiency. Additionally, the rise of mobile technology and the app economy changed how people accessed information and services, further accelerating digitalization.

Image: My old office in Sri Lanka

Today, we find ourselves in an era dominated by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies are revolutionizing industries from healthcare to finance, enabling automation, predictive analytics, and unprecedented insights. Project management expertise has evolved to incorporate hybrid methodologies that blend elements of agile and traditional approaches to suit diverse project needs.

How will the digitalization change life and work in the future?

The future promises a profound transformation for IT project managers, driven by accelerating digitalization. With the rapid advancement of technology, the role I assume will become even more dynamic and demanding.

Firstly, communication and collaboration will evolve. Enhanced virtual reality and augmented reality tools will facilitate immersive meetings, enabling global teams to work seamlessly together, regardless of physical distance. This will foster a deeper level of understanding and cooperation among team members.

Automation will play a pivotal role. AI-driven project management platforms will handle routine tasks, allowing managers to focus on strategic planning and problem-solving. Predictive analytics will provide valuable insights, enabling more informed decision-making and preemptive issue resolution.

Flexibility in work arrangements will become the norm. Remote work will continue to rise, offering opportunities to tap into a global talent pool. IT project managers will need to adeptly manage remote teams, ensuring productivity and maintaining a cohesive work culture.

Continuous learning and adaptability will be essential. The pace of technological change will demand a commitment to staying updated with the latest trends and tools. IT project managers must be quick to integrate new technologies into their projects for optimal results.

The effect on Open Digital Society

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduced in 2018 has both positive and negative effects for IT project managers. On the positive side, it emphasizes data security and transparency. This encourages best practices, reducing the risk of data breaches. It also builds trust and ensures ethical data handling. However, compliance requires a deep understanding of the regulation, potentially affecting project timelines and budgets. The strict penalties for non-compliance add legal risk, prompting some to seek expert advice. Despite challenges, the GDPR promotes responsible and secure digital practices in project management.

Self Evaluation

In my role as an IT project manager, I have learned and grown in various ways, gaining valuable insights into effective project management and the intricacies of the IT field. One of my key strengths lies in my ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams. I’ve successfully facilitated clear channels of communication, ensuring that all team members are aligned with project goals and objectives. This has led to improved efficiency and a more cohesive work environment.

Additionally, I have demonstrated proficiency in utilizing project management tools and software. This has enabled me to streamline project workflows, track progress, and allocate resources effectively. I have also become adept at risk assessment and mitigation, proactively identifying potential roadblocks and implementing strategies to keep projects on track. I enjoyed leaning through the TED Talk videos specially that were asked to watch. Lot gained during those sessions!

However, I recognize that there is always room for improvement. I believe there is a need for me to further develop my technical expertise in certain areas, such as emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. This would enhance my ability to make informed decisions and provide valuable insights on technology-driven projects. Additionally, I aim to refine my leadership skills, focusing on empowering team members and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

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