The Oregon Business Consulting Group (OBCG) delivered its first client presentation spring term to Trimble Navigation in Corvallis to rave reviews—and an invitation to collaborate again.
OBCG is a professionally managed, student-run consulting organization housed in the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon.
Trimble Mobile Computing Solutions (MCS), a division of Trimble Navigation, offers innovative rugged handheld computers to provide reliability and efficiency in extreme outdoor and industrial environments.
A team of undergraduate students, led by Hayden Conrad, included Molly Frazier, Nick Hubert, and Christian Meunier. The students delivered an analysis of the thermoplastic pipe fusion market, with a specific focus on the remote electronic systems for data logging, explained Rich Duncombe, OBCG director. The team presented for two hours to six Trimble managers, including the division general manager.
"The students provided a thorough analysis of the market sizing and use cases for Trimble's product in a market dominated by small private companies," Duncombe said.
Analysis included key growth trends driven by water, natural gas, and oil infrastructure investment, as well as specific recommendations for what Trimble should do next to leverage this opportunity.
"The Trimble project proved to us that as a group we are able to deliver on providing high-quality work for our clients and experiential learning opportunities for our students," said Frazier, OBCG president and a senior in the Business Honors Program. "Working on the Trimble project put me outside of my comfort zone in a good way. I learned a great deal about market analysis, research, and teamwork."
"This far exceeded my expectations," said project sponsor Greg Goodwin '89, business development manager for North America at Trimble Navigation. "The team was very professional and used my time wisely in the check-in calls. Well done. You have given us some great options to pursue."
For companies interested in enlisting OBCG services, contact Rich Duncombe, richd@uoregon.edu, 541-346-8515.