Assessing the Current State and Exploring Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Transformation in Fiber Project Management

Abstract

The telecommunications industry is a pivotal driver of technological innovation, with the global market forecasted to exceed $2 trillion by 2026. This growth is fuelled by the rising demand for broadband services, digital transformation initiatives, and the proliferation of mobile devices. This study assesses the current state, opportunities, and challenges of digital transformation in telecom project management, particularly within fibre projects. It aims to evaluate the impact of process automation on enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative online surveys to ensure comprehensive data collection. The survey, utilizing a 5-point Likert scale, targeted a sample size of 100 respondents using judgmental sampling to capture domain-specific insights. Results
indicate a higher integration of digital technologies s in areas such as risk management and resource allocation (Mean = 3.15), while lower utilization was observed in planning (Mean = 2.71) and quality control (Mean = 1.92). Although digital transformation has improved data accessibility (Mean = 3.99) and team collaboration (Mean = 3.58), its overall impact on project effectiveness remains limited (Mean = 2.14). The study reveals that 62% of organizations are still in the nascent stages of adopting technologies like IoT, cloud computing, and AI, with 57% relying on traditional management approaches. To address these challenges, the research proposes a structured digital adoption strategy,
emphasizing phased implementation, focused training, and change management. These recommendations aim to enhance fibre project management processes, optimize outcomes, and ensure sustained competitiveness in the evolving digital landscape.