Artificial intelligence is transforming construction planning and scheduling—but are we ready for the ethical challenges that come with it? When AI makes billion-dollar decisions, who's accountable? How do we prevent bias? And what does responsible digital transformation actually look like?
In this critical conversation, I sit down with Dr. Vijayeta Malla, a Program/Project Controls Professional with 17+ years managing $47B+ infrastructure programs including the Ontario Line Subway and Port of Oakland's E-PMO. As both a practitioner implementing AI on mega-projects and a researcher publishing groundbreaking work on AI applications in the AEC industry, Dr. Malla brings a rare dual perspective on this transformative technology.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ The Reality Check — Where AI is actually working in construction planning vs. where it's still just hype, with real examples from billion-dollar transit projects
⚖️ The Ethics Minefield — Who's responsible when AI makes scheduling decisions that affect billions in costs and thousands of jobs? Accountability frameworks every PM needs to understand
🤖 The Human Element — What the next generation of project controls professionals should be learning, and how to maintain transparency when AI influences decisions about people's livelihoods
🔍 Practical Frameworks — How to implement AI responsibly: audit for bias, establish human oversight, choose explainable tools, and focus on augmentation rather than replacement
🌐 The Future Vision — What responsible AI integration looks like 5-10 years from now, and the one thing every PM must understand about this transformation
Dr. Malla serves as PMI's Global Construction Ambassador and Co-Vice President of AACE New Jersey Chapter. Her research on AI applications in AEC has been presented at AACE International 2025 and multiple industry conferences. She holds a Ph.D. in Construction Management from IIT Bombay and is a certified PMP and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
This isn't just about technology—it's about making intentional ethical choices as we integrate AI into construction workflows. Whether you're exploring AI tools, concerned about automation, or leading digital transformation initiatives, this conversation provides the frameworks you need to navigate these complex decisions responsibly.
Remember: Technology is a tool, but ethics is a choice. Make it intentionally.
#ProjectManagement #ConstructionTech #AIEthics #DigitalTransformation #ResponsibleAI #TheEverydayPM #PMI #AACE #Infrastructure
