The Institute for Work and Personnel Management (IFAP) pursues three goals: To make up-to-date and important know-how stemming from research conducted by scientific establishments and renowned institutes available to the Group in the form of publications, lectures and conferences. To supervise internal research projects in the form of academic theses and dissertations with the aim of resolving specific practical issues. To provide courses and teaching events in order to further the specialist skills of employees, particularly those from the Personnel vocational family. In all areas, the IFAP works in close cooperation with the IFAP Audi and the Group's personnel departments. Research and teaching focus The focus of HR research within the IFAP is designed to support the implementation of Strategy 2018. Research findings relating to the six dimensions of employer attractiveness - attractive work, secure jobs, good teamwork, leadership and participation, performance-related remuneration, opportunities for personal development and product and company image - are made available for use and are discussed. The teaching events aim to explore, consolidate and study the importance of personnel management in company management. This work is based on the eight modules of personnel management that relate to the Harvard approach.

The lectures and courses bring together members of the Personnel vocational family and experts from the company, science and other institutions. The top experts in the Personnel vocational family are actively involved in defining the teaching content and are themselves teachers and students at the IFAP. Achieving a consistent level of specialist excellence in the Personnel vocational family is a key prerequisite for ensuring an outstanding standard of HR work within the company. Partnerships There are established partnerships with research institutes and research networks such as the Social Science Research Center in Berlin, the University of Paderborn and Jacobs University in Bremen. Existing contacts with university faculties and various academics are being extended. Selected research projects Research is conducted in the form of national and international scientific projects and in conjunction with dissertations and theses. Current focal points include: Working conditions and health (e.g. shift systems) Health check-up High-performance work practices (HPWPs) Employer attractiveness Working in teams Personnel development on the shop floor Skills-based management development