Capstone – Project

Growing an Architecture, Engineering, Environmental and Survey Firm

A Collaboration Between

Project Synopsis

Wightman is an architecture, engineering, environmental and survey firm founded in Southwest Michigan in 1946, currently with 140 employees in four offices across Southern Michigan. In 2019, Wightman has adopted a three-year strategic plan to grow into a multistate firm in the Midwest/Great Lakes region. Wightman is especially interested in opening new offices in Michigan and Indiana in a way that aligns with its strategic plan, which includes considerations for long-term growth, talent acquisition, and geographic diversity. There are two key questions to consider in the proposed project. 1. Which geographic market should Wightman target first as part of its growth strategy; Grand Rapids, MI, Fort Wayne, IN, Northwest IN, or some other location? 2. What is the best strategy for opening a new office in the recommended market; organic growth, a merger/acquisition, or some other strategy? The end goal of the project is to make a recommendation to Wightman's board of directors and leadership team for its next great office location and the best strategy to follow in opening the new office.

HOST VENUE ADDRESS

  • 2303 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor, Michigan, 49022

REQUIRED PREREQUISITES

  • A review of Wightman's summary of its 2021 strategic plan
  • A review of the Deltek Clarity Architecture & Engineering Industry Study
  • A review of the Merger & Acquisitions Survival Tips Ebook from PSMJ
  • Background with market analysis
  • Interest in mergers & acquisitions

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Students will know the factors driving competition in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Survey (AECS) industry
  • Students will know how to prepare a market analysis
  • Students will know to develop a strategy to penetrate a new geographic market
  • Students will understand the importance of talent acquisition and retention in service industries

Project Topics

Growth Strategy

Marketing

Sales & Business Development

Talent Management

Company Information

CompanyWightman
HQMichigan
RevenueUnlisted
Employees100-500
StageMedium Business
Hiring PotentialFormal Internship
Websitehttps://www.gowightman.com/

Company Overview

Wightman is a team of more than 140 interdisciplinary professionals primarily serving government, commercial, utilities, and educational institutions throughout Michigan, northern Indiana, and the Great Lakes region. Our team works nationwide for specialty services including environmental consulting, reality capture and educational planning. We’ve worked hard since our founding in 1946 to earn the trust of our clients to become one of the most prominent engineering, surveying, architectural, and environmental services firms in the region. This trust was recognized when we were named the 2016 Large Firm of the Year in the state of Michigan by the American Council of Engineering Companies. As an employee-owned company, we have a relentless commitment to creating an experience for our clients that goes beyond the job at hand. We are driven to create partnerships where we become part of your team – a trusted adviser who brings original, effective, and practical solutions to the table. We also are passionate about giving back to the communities we serve through corporate and personal community involvement and through support of activities that enhance the quality of life for everyone.

Experiential Learning Program Details

SchoolUniversity of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business
Engagement FormatCapstone - Small Team Consulting Project - Students work in consulting teams of 3-5 directly with faculty and client liaisons on developing real solutions to real-world challenges.
Course
LevelN/A
Students EnrolledN/A
Meeting Day & TimeN/A
Student Time Commitment1-3 Hours Per Week
Company Time Commitment3-5 Hours
Duration0.29 Weeks

Program Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Due Date Type

Key Project Milestones

  • October 14, 2019 - Review of Wightman's 2021 Strategic Plan


  • October 15, 2019 - Geographic Market Analaysis of the AECS Industry in the Great Lakes/Midwest Region


  • October 17, 2019 - Analysis of Market Penetration Stratetgies


Project Resources

There are no resources currently available

Industry Mentors

Company Admin

 

[email protected]

Academic Mentors

Instructor

Alice Obermiller

[email protected]

Instructor

 

[email protected]

Assigned Students

There are currently no students assigned.