How Can Project Management Succeed in the Digital Age? 

Project Management as the Key to Digital Transformation

“Planning also means looking into the future. There is always uncertainty involved. That also means creating transparency,” Stuffer points out at the beginning of the podcast episode. Today, companies simply cannot avoid this anymore. In the course of digital transformation, not only technology changes, but also the way teams collaborate and how innovations emerge. Traditional methods quickly reach their limits, and tackling ever-new challenges requires a structured, project-based approach. “Transformation, the re–design of organizations, processes, product portfolios, and business models can often be vital to survival,” warns Stuffer. Project management is therefore much more than just a controlling tool, rather, it has become a strategic key factor for change. 

What Modern Project Management Tools Need to Deliver

From Stuffer’s perspective, the era of strictly waterfall-based tools is over. Today’s project management software must be designed for complexity and flexibility, especially when it comes to prioritization, resource allocation, and scenario planning. Yet, the daily reality is rarely perfect: projects run in parallel, effort collides with resources and budgets, and day-to-day business must continue uninterrupted. Modern systems must therefore not only provide orientation but also create freedom for teams. Structured management and strong tool support are essential, according to Stuffer. 

Tips and Success Factors for Selecting and Implementing a Project Management System

Even the selection of a new project management tool can be full of pitfalls: Those who use an endless wish list of features as their benchmark risk ending up with overloaded software that hinders rather than helps users. Instead, the project management expert recommends taking a pragmatic approach and starting with only the most essential functions. Openness to modern technologies, such as AI support, and genuine user experiences are crucial factors for success. 

Exciting Topics: Eliminating Shadow IT and Citizen Development

Later in the conversation, Stuffer also addresses the topic of shadow IT. In his view, shadow IT usually arises from frustration with systems that are too complex or inflexible. Therefore, an essential factor is an IT landscape in which project management systems are not isolated islands, but are flexibly connected through interfaces. 

Stuffer also touches on the topic of citizen development – the adaptation of reports and processes via No-Code and Low-Code tools, even without programming knowledge. According to Stuffer, this principle fosters acceptance and brings IT and business departments closer together. The concept is being taken even further with Citizen AI, a powerful AI extension within the cplace platform. 

Practical Tips and Summary for CIOs

So how can digital transformation succeed? How can companies foster teamwork and enable a cultural shift? The cplace CEO also addresses these questions. But we don’t want to give too much away here… You can find the answers, along with the full CIO podcast episode with Petra Koch and Rupert Stuffer (in German) here.