29 WSP in Canada

Team 51 Poster

Team Reflections

WSP is a Canadian engineering and services company that has an impact on the infrastructure of projects and the transportation and energy sectors and is known for innovative engineering solutions to improve the lives of society with a workforce of over 66,500 professionals. WSP plan, construct, manage, and engineer our communities to thrive by taking a multifaceted approach to challenging issues and providing our clients with cutting-edge, Future Ready solutions.

The latest invention was to provide a comprehensive digital platform for project management that contributed to addressing challenges in projects and enhanced cooperation and sustainability. Through our discussion of digital innovation, several ideas emerged, including what Mr. Darren Pascoe project Manager at WSP said about the issues faced by large projects, especially fragmented information and communications. Darren highlighted the need for a central information system to streamline operations. This resonated deeply with our experiences and efforts in group projects. Darren emphasized: Their goal is not only to meet customer expectations but to ensure that projects have a positive environmental impact. WSP focused on sustainability and that a company’s engineering solutions should reflect a societal commitment to sustainability, this commitment aligns with our academic discussions of corporate social responsibility and how it impacts our future thinking in business. WSP focuses on developing strategies that contribute positively and effectively to communities and set high standards and standards in our fields. WSP, bring world-class expertise and engineering to assist public and private sector organizations in transforming their sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies into action.

When we understood the implications of the WSP digital platform, especially those related to sustainability, we connected the dots to the concepts we studied. WSP enhanced operational efficiency and environmental responsibility when it integrated building information (BIM), Internet of Things (IOT) and geographic information systems (GIS). The use of real-time data monitoring to track energy consumption and resource use is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) and Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities). WSP prioritized these goals, strengthened its position in the market, and contributed to creating resilient and sustainable urban environments. We recognized in our previous knowledge that WSP’s innovation integrated technology and sustainability into business strategies. However, questions were raised about how WSP ensures the accuracy of its collected data as well as how it trains employees to use such advanced tools and technical aspects of implementing such digital solutions. Furthermore, we were surprised by the scale of innovation and the extent to which companies in the engineering sector are able to leverage technology to drive sustainability. The use of predictive analytics to anticipate risks and optimize resources demonstrates how data can guide decision-making. This vision has prompted us to think about our role in promoting similar innovations in any industries in the future.

It is clear that WSP’s digital project management platform works to integrate sustainability and efficiency into our lives. When we think about the impact of this experience on our business, we realize the importance of adopting an approach that gives priority to social responsibility and economic feasibility. WSP focuses on the need for continuous innovation and adaptability, which makes us develop strategies similar to WSP in our future businesses that contribute positively to communities, ensure sustainability, and set the standard for others in our fields. The WSP digital platform also facilitates communication and teamwork that results in real-time stakeholder engagement and free information sharing. The company seeks to create environments that encourage open dialogue and collective problem solving. The WSP platform also works to enhance effective communication, teamwork, and transparent information exchange, which further enhances project results

Through our analysis of WSP’s digital project management innovation, we gained insights into the ability of engineering companies to integrate sustainability into every stage of project development and to lead in both innovation and social responsibility. This exploration reinforced that companies can be catalysts for positive change in society and the environment. Our study of this company provided a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of modern business practices, and the study of WSP was an example of our belief in the importance of sustainable business operations.  This thinking has provided us with a clearer vision of how to develop innovative solutions that balance efficiency and environmental responsibility and incorporate sustainable practices into our professional lives. Our commitment to this will ensure that we make a positive impact on the industries we choose to work with. Throughout this process our team collaborated effectively and tasks were divided among the entire group members. This approach allowed us to delve deeper into different aspects of WSP’s innovations.

Individual Reflections

Hatoon:

Participating in this activity was a unique opportunity to interact with an international team. At first I felt overwhelmed by the communication challenges and time zone differences were a challenge, as coordinating meetings required careful planning. One important success is our ability to take advantage of technology. I focused on being respectful and open-minded, especially when dealing with cultural differences. Overall, this experience strengthened my appreciation for cross-cultural cooperation and adaptability and also improved my teamwork skills and different working styles.

Abdi:

Working on a team project with students from Asia, Europe, and North America was a rewarding experience that highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in tackling complex challenges. Similar to WSP’s digital project management platform, which streamlines collaboration and enhances efficiency, our team benefited from centralized communication and shared objectives. This experience reinforced how effective cross-cultural teamwork can lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes, much like WSP’s approach to managing global engineering projects.

 Manel:

Working with teammates from across the globe introduced me to the reality of managing cultural nuances and communication styles in an entirely new way. Using digital platforms was essential, not only to bridge time zones but also to create a space where everyone’s voice felt valued. This project gave me a deeper appreciation for adaptability and the richness that diversity brings, leaving me with a strong foundation for future teamwork in an increasingly interconnected world

Jamie:

Working on this project with a global team pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. At the beginning, adapting to the different approaches and communication styles was challenging, especially with the added layer of time zone differences.  Using digital tools became essential—not just for coordination, but for building a sense of unity despite the distance. This experience taught me how effective teamwork can be when you respect and integrate diverse viewpoints, a skill I now see as crucial for any international project.

Salwa:

Reflecting on our team project with students from different universities and regions, I feel happy and grateful. It was a good, new experience that taught me a lot. Also, we faced some challenges coordinating our online meetings, each member’s unique perspective made our discussions more interesting. I appreciated how everyone’s strengths contributed to our project’s success, and I felt that our teamwork grew stronger over time. This experience has not only improved my teamwork skills but also made me more confident in working with others, even from afar.

Reference

WSP Global. (2023). WSP Canada: Innovating for a sustainable future. Retrieved from https://www.wsp.com