Guides: Katz Research and Library Introduction: Workshop

Case Overview

You have a friend who is an engineer working for Tetra Tech in Glen Allen, VA (just outside Richmond, VA), who is considering moving to Pittsburgh. Tetra Tech has offices in Pittsburgh, so they could potentially transfer.

Your task is to gather information that will help your friend make that decision.

In groups of three, you will explore the resources linked below. There are three tabs, one for each group member. Once you've taken a look at the resources, confer with your group to share what you learned and start to form your recommendation.

Research

1. How is Tetra Tech ranked locally? On what list? How is that list compiled?

Pittsburgh Business Times This link opens in a new window
The Book of Lists by Business Journals provides lists and rankings of the top organizations in specific industries in an area. These are available for many major cities in the US, and you can access the Book of Lists for Pittsburgh using the link above.
Navigate to Lists -> Access Book of Lists
Hint: There is a way to search within the Book of Lists - look for the magnifying glass.

2. What do analysts say about Tetra Tech?

Investext This link opens in a new window
Search for TTEK. Look at a recent report (in particular, ones by MarketLine or CFRA are helpful).

3. What are the consensus earnings estimates?

Mergent Online This link opens in a new window
Search for Tetra Tech in the search box on the left of the page. In Tetra Tech's profile, navigate to Business -> Consensus Estimates.

4. What is Tetra Tech's revenue per employee? How does it compare to its industry(ies)? (Hint: Collaborate with your second team member on this).

Mergent Online This link opens in a new window
In Tetra Tech's profile, navigate to Company Financials ->Ratios.

Now you've finished your portion of the research prepare to share with your group members and think about if you would advise your friend move to Pittsburgh.

5. What industry(ies) does Tetra Tech belong to?

Mergent Online This link opens in a new window
In the search box on the left of the page, search for Tetra Tech.
When in Tetra Tech's profile, navigate to Company Details -> Business. Use the NAICS codes.
NAICS codes were created by the US government to classify and measure industry activity. Knowing the code for your industry will help you find reports, articles, and other information on that industry.
Even though the codes are standardized, different resources will assign codes differently. Additionally, many companies can have multiple codes because of their various business segments.

6. What is the industy(ies) revenue per employee? How does this compare to Tetra Tech's? [Hint, compare data with first team member]

IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
In the search box in the middle of the page, search for the industry(ies) NAICS code.
Once in the report, navigate to Key Statistics -> Key Ratios.

7. What are the key external drivers for the industry?

IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
In the industry report, navigate to Industry Performance.

8. Find a local industry association. What sort of support or resources do they provide?

Google Search
Enter the following:
name of industry + association + Pittsburgh
Also consider searching for state, regional, or national groups to see if they have more resources.

Now you've finished your portion of the research prepare to share with your group members and think about if you would advise your friend move to Pittsburgh.

9. What is the Pittsburgh metro area like, compared to Richmond, VA?

Pittsburgh Metro Area Profile
Use whichever metrics you think would be helpful to know in this situation. To compare to Richmond, click the Add to Comparison link at the top of the page.
Note: This is a freely available website and has tons of helpful data, mostly taken from government sources.

10. What is the cost of living like in Pittsburgh compared to Richmond?

Cost of Living Calculator
Use this calculator from CNN to get an idea of the cost of living difference between Pittsburgh, PA and Richmond, VA.

11. Are people moving in or out of the Pittsburgh area? What is the migration flow like between Pittsburgh and Richmond?

Census Flows Mapper
This map built on census data will allow you to see the outbound, inbound, and net migration of specific areas.
In the first box on the left, select Allegheny County, PA (which is where Pittsburgh is located).
On the map, locate Richmond City, VA (hint - if you don't know where it is, pull up Google Maps in another window and use that to help).

Using the ACS 2011-2015 data, what is the net migration for Allegheny County to Richmond City? (Hint: if the net is positive that means people are moving to Allegheny County from Richmond City, and if it is negative that means people are moving out of Allegheny County to Richmond City.)

12. What are the employment opportunities like for civil and/or environmental engineers and/or consultants in Pittsburgh compared to Richmond Virginia? (Hint: Pick whichever occupation best aligns with the industry your second team member researched).

Now you've finished your portion of the research prepare to share with your group members and think about if you would advise your friend move to Pittsburgh.

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Course & Subject Guides

Katz Research and Library Introduction

Case Overview

Research