FORMULATING STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MAKING MANAGEMENT DECISIONS IN THE IT SECTOR IN AN UNSTABLE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The digitalization of the economy and the acceleration of technological change are fundamentally transforming approaches to business process management in the IT sector. Amid structural shifts caused by the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, and rising cyber threats, the effectiveness of management decisions has become a decisive factor in the survival of IT businesses. Despite macroeconomic instability, the Ukrainian IT sector has demonstrated resilience, maintaining 95 % of its operational activity. However, digital transformation is often fragmented, highlighting the need for a systematic approach to setting strategic priorities. This article examines the essence of digital transformation in project management as a multi-level process involving the implementation of cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. Based on an analysis of companies’ activities in 2020-2024, it has been demonstrated that the active use of digital platforms (Jira, Asana, Monday.com, etc.) increased the proportion of projects completed on time from 52 % to 76 % and raised customer satisfaction to 84 %. This confirms that digitalization is critical for maintaining project manageability in crisis conditions. The authors highlight a number of strategic priorities: increasing the adaptability of management systems, strengthening customer-centricity, ensuring cybersecurity, and developing human capital. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of a new-generation leader capable of shaping a strategic direction in an environment where technology serves merely as a tool. This paper examines the potential of the “AI-augmented project management” model, which enables the automation of reporting and monitoring, freeing up the manager’s time for strategic engagement. It is concluded that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the industry, as AI transitions from the experimental stage to an operational necessity. It is argued that the success of IT companies in an unstable environment depends not only on the chosen tools but also on the depth of technology integration into management decision-making and risk management processes. The article contains practical recommendations for improving the management of Ukraine’s IT sector, taking into account the challenges of martial law and the prospects for post-war recovery.