IN-PERSON: Learning. Life. Work
Abstract
In recent education and learning landscape student active learning with use of new technologies through collaboration with teams and industry is paramount. This paper explores the innovative integration of ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model, into project management within engineering education. The study carried out in a learning community of students engaged in an industry-based capstone project , with one student assuming the role of a project manager. The core objective is to evaluate the efficacy of ChatGPT in generating Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), a crucial component of project management. This is achieved by feeding the AI model with progress and meeting notes recorded throughout the project’s lifecycle. Comparative analysis between the WBS crafted by the human student project manager and that generated by ChatGPT was carried out. Both versions are assessed by the team members and academic supervisors, using industrial standard practices as a benchmark. This dual evaluation approach provides a holistic understanding of the performance and practicality of AI-assisted project management in an educational setting. The results demonstrate that ChatGPT can often surpass human capabilities in creating effective WBS. This finding opens up new avenues for enhancing learning and teaching in engineering disciplines. Integrating AI tools streamlines project management and offers students a unique opportunity to interact with cutting-edge technology and prepares them for the evolving technological landscape in their professional careers. Furthermore, our study sheds light on the potential role of AI in facilitating more efficient and effective project management, thereby enriching the overall educational experience.
Olga Troynikov is the Professor of Functional Materials and Human-Centred Engineering and Assistant Associate Dean at the discipline of Manufacturing, Materials & Mechatronics, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Australia. Olga’s discipline and research practice covers physical and physiological interface between humans, materials and material systems that deliver frontier human performance technologies, and solves real life problems by improving human protection, health and safety, productivity and wellbeing.
Anjaney Jaydeep Thakur is an aspiring graduate of Master in Engineering Management from RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, with a background in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mumbai. With a profound interest in project management, Anjaney has explored the application of AI in technology-focused projects for their Master’s thesis. He investigated the automation with ChatGPT for project management activities. This research showcased their fascination with emerging technologies and passion for project management methodologies
Dr Chi-Tsun Cheng (Ben) is an Associate Professor in the Manufacturing, Materials and Mechatronics discipline under the School of Engineering at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Dr Cheng is Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II, IEEE Access, IEEE Open Journal of Circuits and Systems (OJCAS), and IEEE Circuits and Systems Society Newsletter. He is a Senior Editor for the IEEE Journal on Emerging and Selected Topics in Circuits and Systems (JETCAS). He is also an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE. His research interests include Wireless Sensor Networks, IoT, I4.0 Technologies, and Additive Manufacturing.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Monday 10th June, 2024