Reshma Jayesh
29 July 2025: Three University of Canberra students from the Faculty of Science and Technology will take on seasoned project management professionals in a feisty debate in Canberra on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in project management next week.
AI is a great disruptor across multiple sectors and roles, and project management is no exception. But is this boon or bane?
At the upcoming The Great Debate, University of Canberra’s Romaisha Tauseef, Steven Finn and Nicholas Villiers will go head-to-head with industry experts – Yannick Arekion, Client Chief Technology Officer at Unisys; Sudesh Dahiya, Change Management Specialist at Ampol; and Alex Kovaceski, Chief Strategist at HFCM – to find out.
The Great Debate is a collaboration between the University and Project Management Institute (PMI) Canberra Chapter that promises to explore how AI will – and won’t – be able to shape the future of a project life cycle, and the role that professionals will play in adapting to emerging technology.
The debate will put both teams’ knowledge, versatility and confidence to the test – they won’t find out the side they’re advocating for until a few hours before the debate.
Professor Janine Deakin, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and a guest speaker at the event, emphasised the importance of industry events like The Great Debate in taking students’ learnings out of classrooms, and helping to prepare them for the workforce.
“The University of Canberra is a practical university, providing immersive student experiences. This event promises to be more than putting theory versus experience to the test – it’s about our students bringing fresh perspectives to the table, and shaping a workforce they will soon be a part of,” said Professor Deakin.
Ms Tauseef, who is studying for a Master of Business Informatics in Project Management, welcomes the challenge.
“It’s definitely special! It’s a one-of-a-kind event – young minds versus industry experts, speaking on the old vs new technology. I believe that the role of AI in project management is a topic that hasn’t been discussed much, yet it holds immense potential to be explored,” said Ms Tauseef.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Ms Tauseef added, “While studying in Australia, I never imagined that after my 10-year debating journey back in Pakistan, I would once again be back on the stage to discuss a professional path I’m truly passionate about. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much more there is to explore.
“I’m excited to be representing UC and stepping into a professional space where learning goes beyond the classroom. With AI now influencing areas like scheduling, risk analysis, and decision-making in project management, this debate is a chance to explore whether these changes are enhancing productivity or introducing new complexities. Most of all, I’m excited to challenge ideas, learn from industry experts, and contribute a fresh student perspective to a rapidly evolving conversation.”
The event is expected to attract the Canberra-based business community, as businesses and project management professionals constantly seek to advance their understanding of AI and be able to practically use relevant tools in a considered, ethical and professional manner.
Mr Nathan Furry, Events Director at PMI Canberra, says that AI is already transforming the way projects are delivered – from streamlining day-to-day administrative tasks to supporting complex decision-making and strategic planning.
“As project managers, we are at the forefront of these changes, grappling with both the opportunities and the challenges that AI presents. That’s why conversations like this at The Great Debate are so vital,” said Mr Furry.
“It’s not just about theoretical perspectives – it’s about confronting the practical realities of how AI will influence the way we lead teams, allocate resources, and drive value.
“For our student participants, it’s also a powerful chance to build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and gain exposure in the presence of experienced practitioners and potential mentors. Events like this help bridge the gap between education and industry – and that’s where real professional growth begins."
Ms Tauseef also volunteers at PMI Canberra, in order to stay across the latest in the field and gain access to a network of professionals through its exclusive industry events.
“Volunteering with PMI Canberra has been a turning point in how I see project management – not just as a career, but as a mindset. Being involved in real initiatives, connecting with professionals, and seeing the impact of structured planning and leadership has made me realise how dynamic and people-focused this field truly is. It’s not just about managing timelines and tasks – it’s about driving meaningful change with purpose and precision. This experience has deepened my interest in pursuing project management professionally.
"Opportunities like these expand our understanding beyond PowerPoint slides and textbooks. Events like The Great Debate bring real world insights right to us, bridging the gap between study and practice. If you want to explore how AI is shaping project management, you won’t want to miss it!"
The University’s Vice-Chancellor and President The Honourable Bill Shorten will deliver the opening address at The Great Debate; the debate will be adjudicated by a panel of industry gurus including Helen McHugh, President of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), Emeritus Professor David Williams AM, The Australian National University (ANU), and Kerry Markoulli, Executive Director at the Synergy Group.
In addition to the winning team selected by the adjudicators, the audience will get to vote for a People's Choice Award and decide on a Speaker of the Night.
Sponsored by nation-leading organisations including Leidos Australia, Chalfont Consulting, Calleo Resourcing and Australian Computer Society, The Great Debate will offer meaningful networking opportunities for project management career aspirants, professionals and academics for the University, and the broader Canberra community.
University of Canberra staff and students are eligible for discounted tickets. To find out more and purchase tickets, visit Humanitix.
There are 20 free tickets on offer for students of the School of Information Technology and Systems. To score one, email blooma.john@canberra.edu.au.
