The AFT-IFTIM Group (Association for the Development of Vocational Training in Transport and Logistics) has been created in 1960 by the representatives of professional federations in transport and logistics to develop vocational training. At present, the AFT-IFTIM Group gathers 24 000 members and employs 1 900 people spread all over France in 70 training centres.

The IPTL (Institut Pédagogique du Transport et de la Logistique) is at the crossroads of the AFT-IFTIM Group's missions, the development of training in transport and logistics in relation with the professional organisations, the national and public authorities, the organisation of initial and/or continuous training. It is composed of 70 employees and covers:

• International affairs,
• Study and Research,
• Support to the educational system in the field of transport and logistics within the framework on agreement with the Ministry of Education,
• Pedagogical and training engineering,
• Resources Center,
• Training for enterprises trainers and AFT-IFTIM Group trainers.

The Study and Research Department (DER) is part of the IPTL and produces studies, surveys experimental actions, evaluations for the AFT-IFTIM Group and his partners, within the framework of regional, national, european and international funds, in the following fields:

1. New technologies applied to transport and logistics,
2. Social and economic analysis relative to transport and logistics,
3. Employment, work organisation, evolution of competences,
4. Evaluation of vocational training system.

The DER has been involved in european projects for 13 years as partner and/or project manager. It publishes datas or surveys on a regular basis in logistics and transport for the partner of the AFT-IFTIM Group.

Team in charge of Novalog project in France

Jean-André LASSERRE - project manager Post-Graduate in history and law, he is specialised in public and social policies in transport and logistics. He is the Research Manager for the AFT-IFTIM Group since 1992 and Assistant Manager of the research-development and international affairs Department of the AFT-IFTIM Group ("Institut Pédagogique du Transport et de la Logistique"). He participates in several group of experts and professional bodies. He has been involved as project manager in several european and international projects among which INNOTRANS and COMETA.
Virginie BUSSAT - researcher With a PhD in institutions and public policies, Virginie BUSSAT is in charge of surveys within the Research and Studies Department of the AFT-IFTIM group. She is specialised in training as well as transport and logistics matters. She is coordinating several European projects with partners from local authorities, training institutes and companies from all European countries. She also has a several years' experience as a teacher in French universities
Martine Bouchat - administrative assistant She is currently managing the administrative and financial side of several european project within the Research and Survey Department. Tél. 33.3.44.66.37.88 Fax. 33.3.44.66.37.60 e-mail: mbouchat@aft-iftim.com