FMI Corporation Unveils Third Part of 2026 Project Management Study Insights

FMI Corporation, a prominent provider of consulting and banking services in the construction sector, has published the final segment of its 2026 Project Management Study, titled How the Role of Project Manager Is Evolving. This report provides deeper insights into the practices influencing project delivery and performance in the industry, wrapping up a three-part series that explores the evolving nature of project management roles.

The study compiles feedback gathered from 243 construction executives and 84 project managers, revealing critical trends in defining the project manager’s responsibilities and capabilities needed to effectively lead teams, projects, and financial outcomes. Notably, the final part elucidates that a significant 85% of executives regard project managers as the primary point of contact for customers, highlighting their pivotal role in facilitating project communication and coordination.

Key Findings on Project Managers’ Responsibilities

The findings categorize the project manager's role into three interconnected responsibilities: planner, communicator, and businessperson. “Project managers play a crucial role in linking fieldwork to customer expectations, ensuring that scheduling and financial forecasts are aligned,” remarked Gregg Schoppman, a partner at FMI. He further emphasized the importance of having a unified definition of project management roles, underscoring the need for adequate resources and professional development tailored to these roles.

The report also unveils a correlation between a project manager’s workload and performance outcomes. Project managers handling one to three active projects report achieving on-time or ahead-of-schedule completion 76% of the time. In contrast, those juggling six or more projects see this success rate drop to 64%. This data suggests that merely the number of projects managed does not solely determine a manager's capacity; rather, factors such as project complexity, administrative duties, organizational support, and procedural hurdles also play significant roles.

Training and Development Opportunities

Another pivotal finding highlights the opportunity for improvement in training and development practices within construction firms. About 47% of companies rely on in-house structured programs as their primary training method, yet only 7% consider their project management training as highly effective. As the study suggests, firms must align training programs with the diverse backgrounds of their talents and create uniform standards for career advancement within their organizations.

Looking forward to the next five to ten years, executives identified essential skills project managers will need, including advanced communication, strong client relationship management, financial acumen, and familiarity with technology and AI. FMI’s research urges industry leaders to frame these capabilities into well-defined expectations, developmental pathways, and performance metrics that enhance project outcomes.

The Ongoing Evolution of Project Management

As the landscape of project management continues to change, the essence of the role remains anchored in proactive leadership. Tyler Paré, a partner and leader within FMI’s Performance practice, remarked, “Technology should serve as a force multiplier. It enables project managers to focus on critical aspects—planning, supporting teams in the field, engaging with stakeholders, and making informed business decisions benefiting both projects and clients.”

FMI's thorough research provides invaluable insights into the evolving nature of project management in the construction field. The culmination of this study not only highlights current trends but also serves as a guide for industry professionals aiming to refine their practices and enhance project delivery.

For a complete overview, download the 2026 Project Management Study Part 3 here.

About FMI

FMI is a leading consultancy and investment banking firm specializing in services for the built environment. With expertise spanning strategy, leadership development, training, operational performance, mergers and acquisitions, and financial advisory, FMI assists firms in navigating the complex landscape of the construction industry effectively.