| Abstract [eng] |
This research investigated the opportunities and implementation challenges of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a project management assistant in public healthcare institutions in Nigeria. The data used were collected through survey and semi-interview. Non-probabilistic sampling techniques such as judgmental and snowball were adopted to sample 44 participants. The data collected were analysed using mixed approaches (questionnaire and semi-interview). Findings revealed that project management practices (project planning, project monitoring and project execution) in Nigerian health institutions were positively and significantly impacted by the AI applications (p<0.05). Findings also revealed that improved real-time data analysis, accurate planning and forecasting, optimal scheduling, risk detection and management ability, predictive monitoring, reduction in human error and better decision making were the opportunities offered by applying AI in project management practices in Nigerian healthcare institutions. Several challenges such as inadequate IT infrastructure, cost of implementation and maintenance, weak policies and regulation guidelines, preference for manual methods and poor data privacy and protection were also identified as hindrance to AI implementation in healthcare institutions in Nigeria. The study concluded that using AI within Nigerian healthcare institutions not only assists project managers but contributes significantly to health-related projects. The study recommended that Nigerian health departments need to collaborate or partner with AI developers, tech companies to encourage customization of AI tools that fit into the local health system requirement. Also, Nigerian government and healthcare institutions should improve their IT infrastructures including network connection, to support real time data analysis, planning, forecasting and monitoring. |
