A Transformative Approach
FEATURED PAPER
By Bob Prieto
Florida, USA
Abstract
This paper explores the synergistic relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI), complexity theory, and Quantum Project Management (QPM). QPM leverages advanced quantum computing and AI-enabled decision systems to revolutionize large complex project (LCP) management by embracing uncertainty, adaptability, and interconnectedness, key traits of quantum mechanics and relativity. The integration of these technologies enables unprecedented efficiency, risk mitigation, and real-time responsiveness in large-scale engineering and construction projects.
Key Points
- Mega and Giga Projects are complex, unpredictable systems, behaving like quantum particles and other complex systems.
- QPM moves away from strict planning to a more flexible and adaptive way of working.
- AI helps by automating tasks, spotting patterns, and predicting outcomes to reduce uncertainty.
- Quantum computing ramps up processing power to make quicker, smarter decisions
Introduction
Quantum Project Management (QPM) theory redefines traditional project management paradigms by embedding principles of quantum mechanics and relativity. Fundamental to QPM is a recognition that projects are complex, non-linear, emergent systems exhibiting uncertainty, interdependencies, and probabilistic behaviors analogous to quantum systems. QPM recognizes that projects evolve unpredictably, much like quantum particles in superposition.
This understanding mandates a shift from rigid, deterministic planning to dynamic, fluid scheduling and decision-making. AI and quantum computing provide the computational power and adaptability to operationalize this shift effectively.
This paper looks at the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and complexity and how they factor into and influence Quantum Project Management (QPM) theory. Each of these are areas of increased focus, emerging thinking and insights, and have the potential of reframing our approach to Large Complex Projects (LCP).
QPM fuses quantum computing’s processing power with AI, revolutionizing project management by tackling complex scheduling, resource optimization, and risk assessment. It leverages predictive analytics to navigate uncertainties, superposition and entanglement, and its integration could redefine efficiency in complex, large-scale engineering and construction projects.
As we move through this paper we will see:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and complexity are deeply interconnected.
- AI interacts with complexity in multiple ways.
- AI alleviates complexity through automation, pattern recognition, optimization, and predictive modeling.
- Uncertainty plays a crucial role in complex systems.
- AI helps mitigate uncertainty in three key ways – reducing decision uncertainty; real time adaptability; and simulating uncertain outcomes.
- Quantum computing and real-time decision systems can revolutionize project management, adeptly handling combinational complexity and probabilistic simulations.
- AI’s predictive analytics and quantum computing’s vast processing capabilities make them ideal for navigating uncertainties and complexities in large complex projects aligning with Quantum Project Management theory’s core concepts.
More…
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How to cite this paper: Prieto, R. (2025). Artificial Intelligence, Complexity, and Quantum Project Management: A Transformative Approach, PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue VII, July. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/pmwj154-Jul2025-Prieto-AI-Complexity-Quantum-Project-Management.pdf
About the Author
Bob Prieto
Chairman & CEO
Strategic Program Management LLC
Jupiter, Florida, USA
Bob Prieto is Chairman & CEO of Strategic Program Management LLC focused on strengthening engineering and construction organizations and improving capital efficiency in large capital construction programs. Previously, Bob was a senior vice president of Fluor, focused on the development, delivery, and turnaround of large, complex projects worldwide across all of the firm’s business lines; and Chairman of Parsons Brinckerhoff, where he led growth initiatives throughout his career with the firm.
Bob’s board level experience includes Parsons Brinckerhoff (Chairman); Cardno (ASX listed; non-executive director); Mott MacDonald (Independent Member of the Shareholders Committee); and Dar al Riyadh Group (current)
Bob consults with owners of large, complex capital asset programs in the development of programmatic delivery strategies encompassing planning, engineering, procurement, construction, financing, and enterprise asset management. He has assisted engineering and construction organizations to improve their strategy and execution and has served as an executive coach to a new CEO. He is author of eleven books, over 1000 papers and National Academy of Construction Executive Insights, and an inventor on 4 issued patents.
Bob’s industry involvement includes the National Academy of Construction and Fellow of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). He serves on the New York University Tandon School of Engineering Department of Civil and Urban Engineering Advisory Board and New York University Abu Dhabi Engineering Academic Advisory Council and previously served as a trustee of Polytechnic University. He has served on the Millennium Challenge Corporation Advisory Board and ASCE Industry Leaders Council. He received the ASCE Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) award in Management (2024). He was appointed as an honorary global advisor for the PM World Journal and Library.
Bob served until 2006 as one of three U.S. presidential appointees to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC). He chaired the World Economic Forum’s Engineering & Construction Governors and co-chaired the infrastructure task force in New York after 9/11. He can be contacted at rpstrategic@comcast.net.
To view other works by Bob Prieto, visit his author showcase in the PM World Library at https://pmworldlibrary.net/authors/bob-prieto/
