Students from the University of Pittsburgh School of Business, home of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, were invited to Bayer Radiology Innovation and Supply Center and Wavestone Consulting to learn about their cutting-edge innovation strategies. These visits were part of the Integrated Management Capstone course.
Prior to this weekend, students completed a series of modules and assignments related to their course deliverables, which includes an innovation project focused on the application of their business acumen.
The students in the class completed the site visits as part of the immersive weekend component of the class. The students complete assignments before the weekend and then spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on the experiential parts of the class including site visits, panel discussions, refining their own innovation projects, and pitching them to the class.
“The course work ahead of the weekend established the foundation, enabling us to make stronger connections to the real-world examples,” says Davianne Crosmun (MBA ’26).
“Understanding the framework and theoretical ideas are vital. However, seeing how they are used in practice allows us to visualize how we can apply them in our own industries and companies.”
Innovation in Real Life
At Bayer Radiology Innovation and Supply Center, the students listened to a moderated discussion panel on Bayer’s role in healthcare innovation, including how patient centered innovation operates strategically in a highly regulated industry.
During the second part of the visit, students toured some of the research and development labs and spaces within the campus. This hands-on portion of the visit showed how ideas are operationalized at Bayer.
Anthony Pulleo (MBA ’26), had the unique perspective of working at Bayer while being enrolled in this course and he helped to facilitate the panel discussion.
“I really enjoyed helping to bridge the conversation between our class and my great colleagues at Bayer,” says Pulleo. “I tried to ask the panel questions in a way that aligned with our theme of innovation and drew on our pre-class readings.”
Eight Pitt Business alumni helped with the site visit to Wavestone Consulting Services, where the students learned Wavestone’s approach to partnered innovation. They reviewed the work the firm did for Westinghouse and Novartis and learned about their internal AI tool.
“Both Bayer and Wavestone were insightful and valuable in their own ways. Bayer provided a deep look into the discipline required for effective decision-making when successfully launching innovative products to market,” says Theresa Wohlever (MBA ’26). “Wavestone expanded on this theme by sharing innovation frameworks that instill rigor in both recommendations and execution for their clients. While rigor and discipline may not be glamorous, they form the essential foundation for building toward the future.”
Q & A With Panelists
Students submitted questions in advance to learn about institutional influence on innovation in the Pittsburgh region. Panelists included Thomas Catalano, director of product marketing at Philips Respironics; Julie Gulick (MBA ’08), president & CEO at Bally Design; and Alessandro Oltramari, president at Carnegie Bosch Institute and senior manager at Bosch Research.
“The alumni panel provided some really big-picture perspective that helped me reconsider my long-term career planning,” says Alex Beebout (dual MBA/MS ENGR ‘27). “The most important thing this program has taught me is how to translate technical concepts into the language of business in a way that makes them more compelling and easier to understand for non-technical audiences.”
Accelerate Your Career
At Pitt Business, we help students find the MBA program that is best tailored to their individual academic and career goals, providing the highest possible return on investment. Options include a 12-month accelerated format, 18-month full-time format, flexible part-time format, or dual/joint MBA degree options. Request more information, and unlock your possible at Pitt.