Student research
APM is keen to support all students at all levels regarding their research into the management of projects. Our research department encourages students to submit their surveys and would like to see the project management community becoming involved by completing the surveys, if applicable, and answering questions which will assist students in their studies.
Two ways to promote your research
Via this page
Your input will help to develop the knowledge base of project management and drive the profession forward. Please see the Promote your research section below on how to upload your survey.
Via the APM Community platform
Members can promote their research via our Surveys and media requests feed on APM Community.
Surveys and media requests is a space where you can ask for help with your research, ask for survey's to be completed from a diverse range of professionals from a wide range of project and sectors.
Disclaimer: Please note that whilst APM are keen to advertise these research opportunities it is the responsibility of each student to follow their University's ethical guidelines.
List of current research by students
The following is a list of current and recent requests from students for assistance and contributions to aid their research activities. Please note that some of these are date sensitive.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Project Management: Evidence from the UK
Synopsis This MSc dissertation research at De Montfort University explores the factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in project management within UK organisations. Using Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory, the study looks at the organisational, technological and human factors that shape adoption decisions, the challenges and risks that hinder AI integration, and the practices that support successful adoption. De Montfort University has granted full ethical approval for the research, which Dr Haris supervises.
Requirement I am looking for UK-based project professionals to take part in a single confidential interview of approximately 35–45 minutes, conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Participation is entirely voluntary and fully anonymised — neither you nor your organisation will be identifiable in any output. The interview covers your views and experiences of AI in project delivery, regardless of whether your organisation currently uses AI. A Participant Information Sheet is available on request.
Target audience UK-based project managers, programme managers, and PMO leads across all sectors.
Survey closing date 14 August 2026
The Influence of Power Asymmetry Between Clients and Contractors on Construction Project Performance in the United Kingdom
Synopsis Examining the influence of power asymmetry between clients and contractors on construction project performance in the United Kingdom, in partial fulfilment of the MSc Project Management at York St John University.
Requirement Completion of the questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and asks practitioners to rate, on a five-point Likert scale, their perceptions of power asymmetry (covering contractual terms, decision authority, resource control and information sharing) and of project performance outcomes (cost, time and quality) in UK construction projects with which they have been involved.
Participation is entirely voluntary and no identifying information about members or their organisations will be requested or recorded.
Target audience Project management practitioners.
Survey closing date 15 August 2026
Dynamism in External Stakeholder Engagement in infrastructure megaproject
Synopsis I am a PhD candidate at University College London, conducting research on Dynamism in External Stakeholder Engagement in infrastructure megaproject. Key research area covers:
- Various perspectives on external stakeholder engagement.
- Dynamism of external stakeholder engagement, how engagement has changed or evolved over time.
- Narratives surrounding protesters and promoters.
Requirement I am currently inviting participants for a 45-minute semistructured interview to share their experiences and insights on external stakeholder engagement in megaprojects.
Target audience Engagement managers, Local authorities, Environmental activists, Local community members.
Closing date 31 October 2026
If you're interested or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact me at wei-zhang@ucl.ac.uk or reach out via LinkedIn.
Across industry: Need for an SME Decarbonisation Toolkit for Measurement and Verification
Synopsis I’m Jordan Hutchinson, a Year 4 Construction Management student at the Technological University of the Shannon. I’m researching the need for a practical decarbonisation toolkit for construction SMEs with cross industry inputs.
Many SMEs deliver a large share of project work but often don’t have the time, staff, or systems to measure emissions consistently, and many existing carbon tools are designed for larger organisations. My dissertation is developing a lightweight toolkit (simple data inputs + clear outputs) to help SMEs identify emissions “hotspots” and prioritise practical actions.
Requirement Could you spare 8–10 minutes to complete this short survey? Responses are confidential and will be anonymised in analysis for academic purposes. Contact details (if provided) are collected separately for follow-up only.
Target audience Seeking responses from all industry stakeholders. It would really benefit the study if you could also share/forward the link to any relevant colleagues or contacts (especially those involved in sustainability, operations, procurement, or project delivery).