Journal of Scientific Engineering Advances

Abstract

The rapid advancements in technology and the digital transformation ushered in by Industry 4.0 have significantly impacted IT project management practices, reshaping the skills required for successful project execution. This study explores the evolving competencies and methodological preferences of IT project managers, focusing on the South African IT sector. Through a quantitative research approach, data was collected from 50 IT project managers with diverse professional backgrounds. The findings indicate that cybersecurity awareness and ethical decision-making are the most critical competencies, highlighting the growing importance of data protection, compliance, and responsible leadership. Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, emerged as the preferred project management approach, reflecting the need for flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments. Additionally, the study reveals a preference for hybrid methodologies, combining traditional and agile methods to balance stability with responsiveness. While technical skills remain essential, there is a noticeable shift towards prioritizing ethical and security-related competencies. These insights contribute to understanding the skill dynamics in modern IT project management and provide valuable guidance for organizations, educational institutions, and project managers to align their practices with Industry 4.0 demands. Further research is recommended to examine the long-term impact of these evolving competencies and to explore their applicability across various global contexts.