ETH Medal Awarded for Master’s Thesis on Duration Forecasting in Automotive Development Projects
Toshi Protsch has been awarded the prestigious ETH Medal for his outstanding master’s thesis, conducted in collaboration with AUDI AG. The thesis explores how artificial intelligence and financial data analysis can improve project duration forecasting in the complex and uncertain landscape of automotive development.
Automotive R&D projects frequently face schedule overruns and cost increases. In his master’s thesis, Machine Learning for Enhanced Duration Forecasting and Delay Detection in Automotive Development Projects, Toshi developed a machine learning model that leverages financial records to predict project status and progress, offering a new approach to duration forecasting and proactive cost control.
Using real-world data from the industrial partner, the research introduces a novel framework that demonstrates the feasibility of using financial data—independent of evolving project plans or budgets—to forecast timelines more accurately. The findings show how AI can support more informed decision-making in dynamic development environments where reliable planning is often difficult.
Toshi will continue his research at the Chair of Production and Operations Management at ETH Zurich, building on the data-driven approach of his thesis to tackle further challenges in operations management.
Congratulations to Toshi!