A more extensive website and increased presence at trade shows topped the list of techniques Mo-Sci could use to improve their profit and market share, according to a proposal developed by University of Missouri-Rolla students.

The 27 students presented the results of their semester-long marketing project to representatives of Mo-Sci on May 2. Co-founded by UMR’s Dr. Delbert Day, Mo-Sci Corp. develops and manufactures specialty glass microspheres, fibers and powders for a broad range of applications in the healthcare, transportation, pharmaceutical, electronics and sporting goods industries.

The class’ assignment was to research and analyze Mo-Sci, with particular emphasis toward marketing hydroxyapatite (a calcium phosphate ceramic that is used as a biomaterial). During the hour-long presentation, the students provided Ted Day, president of Mo-Sci, with an overview of the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The students also sought to share their ideas about market opportunities, such as using hydroxyapatite in applications ranging from water filtration to engine oils.

“Two major emphases were in place throughout the project,” says Paul Smith, a lecturer in the engineering management and systems engineering department at UMR. “First, the students are working on a real-life project, where real marketing problems and real decisions are encountered. Secondly, the students are providing a valuable service to Mo-Sci, giving the company advice and ideas toward helping them to be more successful in their business. It’s a great win-win for all.”

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach at UMR linked the students and company together as part of its ongoing efforts to integrate faculty and student activities with technology-based small businesses.

Class members include :

• Abdulaziz Majid Alkassabi of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a junior in engineering management
• Christian Luke Berens of Cape Girardeau, Mo., a senior in engineering management
• John Lawrence Berron of Union, Mo., a senior in engineering management
• Katherine Louise Bunge of Mexico, Mo., a senior in economics
• Robert Tyler Cobb of Florissant, Mo., a junior in engineering management
• Charles Eichmeyer of Marthasville, Mo., a junior in engineering management and civil engineering
• Phillip Bradley Ford of Rolla, Mo., a junior in architectural engineering
• Aldo Uriel Gallegos of Springfield, Mo., a sophomore in engineering management
• Ashton Matthew Gronewold of Carthage, Ill., a junior in engineering management
• Michael Allen Hasty of Sikeston, Mo., a junior in engineering management
• Ozgur Kahveci of Istanbul, Turkey, a sophomore in engineering management
• Kayla Joy Kensinger of Springfield, Mo., a senior in engineering management
• Brandon Alan Kerr of Arbela, Mo., a senior in engineering management
• D’ette Virlene McNeal of Salem, Mo., a senior in engineering management
• Jon James Miller of Rolla, Mo., a sophomore in engineering management
• Brett Joel Monzyk of New Haven, Mo., a junior in engineering management
• Cory Patrick Mullen of Cedar Park, Texas, a sophomore in engineering management
• Christopher Stephen Murray of Wilmington, Mass., a sophomore in engineering management and architectural engineering
• Nayland Philip O’Neal of Swansea, Ill., a junior in engineering management
• Nicholas S. Pantaleo of St. James, Mo., a junior in freshman engineering
• Jacob Dean Perkins of Harrisonville, Mo., a senior in engineering management and computer engineering
• Nathan Aaron Ramseyer of Lamar, Mo., a junior in engineering management
• Kristin Gayle Rhodes of Rockport, Ill., a junior in engineering management
• Samuel Davis Rush of House Springs, Ill., a junior in engineering management
• Terrence John Silva Sison of Manchester, Mo., a senior in engineering management
• Asia Antryce Young of St. Louis, a junior in engineering management