The role of artificial intelligence in project management performance: The mediating effects of competence retention and top management support

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on project management performance, with a focus on the mediating roles of top management support and project management competence retention. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 309 employees using a convenience sampling technique. Conducted within the context of Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector, the research aligns with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and technological advancement. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships between the constructs. The results reveal that AI has a significant direct impact on both top management support (β = 0.865) and competence retention (β = 0.827), while also indirectly enhancing project performance through these mediating factors (β = 0.666 and β = 0.471, respectively). Additionally, top management support (β = 0.771) and competence retention (β = 0.507) directly influence project performance. The findings highlight the critical role of AI in improving decision-making, resource allocation, and skill retention, ultimately leading to better project outcomes. The findings have significant implications for organizations and policymakers. Practically, organizations in Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector can leverage AI to enhance project outcomes by improving decision-making, resource allocation, and skill retention.