What was the context of your dissertation? What projects or other factors particularly influenced your dissertation?

My dissertation “Prediction of project progress as a contribution to virtual validation in the automotive sector” was written while I was working at Volkswagen AG, specifically in the department responsible for the integration and validation of E/E components. A major challenge in this context was dealing with regressions in the software without jeopardizing the project deadline targets. Growing technical complexity and increasing digitalization made traditional project management methods ineffective. The idea of using machine and deep learning methods arose from the need to manage this complexity and to be able to predict the course of the project more precisely in order to be able to take early action against any deviations.

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How does your work contribute to the field of research?

The dissertation makes an innovative contribution to the research field of virtual validation and project management in the automotive sector. By applying predictive analytics, I was able to show that data-driven methods, especially transformer models, are able to identify hidden patterns and dependencies in project development. The research helps to increase transparency, control and cost efficiency in automotive development by enabling the early identification of the risk of project delays and the development of appropriate strategies.

What does the future hold for you and the topic?

After completing my doctorate, I am now Head of Project Steering Homologation and Cross-Functional Technologies at Volkswagen. I lead a team of around 50 employees and am responsible for steering the development areas, timely homologation and market release as well as managing budgets and projects in the specialist departments. My research findings have been taken up by relevant specialist departments, which now regularly produce forecasts, for example on the progression of software errors, in order to determine the maturity level of vehicle development projects. It's almost like watching a movie for me when I hear that colleagues have read my work and integrated it into their daily practice.
My time at the chair has created a real passion for the topic of AI. Since my dissertation, I have also carried out numerous AI projects, including the partial automation of my email inbox, the development of CustomGPTs and the production of a children's audio book. My larger projects include building an AI-powered YouTube channel, developing a fully automated household diary and founding the blog GrowthJourney365.com. This blog, inspired by my dissertation experiences, is dedicated to personal and professional development and how to apply scientific knowledge in a practical way.