How AI Training Sparked Company-Wide Innovation at KSNPM

Introduction

When one employee’s enthusiasm meets an innovative leadership team, organisational change can follow. This case study shows how a single staff member’s passion for AI, supported by an open and agile leadership team, evolved into a comprehensive AI skills training programme at Ireland’s premier project management consultancy.

About KSNPM

Founded in 1998, KSNPM is recognised as Ireland’s leading project management practice. The company serves clients across commercial, residential, hospitality, education, infrastructure, industrial, and retail sectors.

With over 20 years of proven expertise, KSNPM delivers tailored advice throughout the full building lifecycle. Its team of senior leaders, project managers, architects, and sustainability consultants consistently deliver complex projects while maintaining the highest standards of technical accuracy and client service.

In an industry where efficiency gains without compromising quality are critical, AI integration has become a key part of KSNPM’s future strategy.

The Spark

After completing the AI Core Skills training course, one KSNPM team member achieved measurable efficiency gains in their daily work. Inspired, they encouraged six colleagues to join the next training session.

This excitement, rooted in practical outcomes rather than hype, quickly caught the attention of senior leadership. When multiple participants reported similar improvements, the leadership team recognised the opportunity to roll out AI training across the organisation.

The Challenge

KSNPM’s team faced several challenges that demanded tailored AI solutions:

• Training staff at scale to safely trial AI tools in line with company policy and the EU AI Act
• Taking a measured approach to internal experimentation before external rollout
• Using AI for meeting note-taking and producing minutes
• Preparing complex bids under tight deadlines
• Reviewing large volumes of technical documentation with accuracy and consistency
• Producing reports, project execution plans, risk trackers, Gantt charts, and more
• Reducing time spent on repetitive administrative tasks
• Assessing project controls including risk, cost, and quality
• Managing project reporting for multiple stakeholders and formats

Unlike generic programmes, KSNPM required training customised to the heavy administrative demands of a high-performing consultancy.

Our Approach

Discovery Phase

An AI survey mapped the specific pain points faced by each participant. Instead of assuming universal challenges, we analysed individual workflows to uncover bottlenecks. This revealed nuanced issues that standard training often misses.

Customisation

The survey data informed a bespoke curriculum tailored to real problems faced by project managers, HR, admin, sustainability teams, and bid writers. Each module had immediate, practical relevance.

Delivery

World-class AI instructors delivered the customised training through live online sessions. The interactive format enabled real-time problem solving using KSNPM’s actual workflows and documentation.

Results

Widespread Training

KSNPM expanded AI literacy across teams, creating a shared foundation of knowledge.

Quantifiable Impact

• Time Savings: Project managers reduced time spent on documentation, risk assessments, and reporting.
• Industry Example: A sustainability consultant preparing environmental impact assessments typically spent 8–10 hours on research and drafting. With AI, regulations were cross-referenced, requirements identified, and draft documentation produced in a fraction of the time for expert review.

Governance and Compliance

KSNPM has introduced AI in a phased, measured way. All staff have received training on AI risks, and governance frameworks are firmly in place. Their AI policy and protocols align with the forthcoming EU AI Act, positioning the firm ahead of regulatory requirements.

What’s Next

Baseline AI literacy has already sparked ideas for advanced automation, such as:

• Automated project status summaries from multiple systems
• Dynamic risk assessment reports
• Client communications tailored to project phases

This progression marks the shift from individual productivity tools to enterprise-level transformation.

Key Learnings

1. Organic enthusiasm drives adoption: Staff who see real benefits become natural advocates.
2. Customisation matters: Tailored training delivers immediate impact, unlike generic programmes.
3. Governance enables innovation: Strong policies give teams confidence to experiment.
4. Baseline literacy unlocks advanced solutions: A shared foundation paves the way for automation.

KSNPM’s journey demonstrates how strategic, phased AI adoption builds organisational capability and competitive advantage in a complex market.

Testimonials

“The AI training at KSNPM has been a real game-changer. Senior leadership were proactive in supporting a company-wide shift. The tailored programme gave us tools that fit our industry’s unique challenges, from admin to deep research. We’ve seen efficiency gains, stronger outputs, and more time to focus strategically for clients. Most importantly, it’s created a culture of innovation. This training has set us up for today and prepared us for the future.”
— Paula

“The AI training gave us a real competitive edge. It streamlined processes, ensured consistency, and freed us from firefighting under pressure. Now we focus on strategy and client value, delivering at pace without compromising quality.”
— Tom

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