Pros

CIBER is well positioned in the market because the company's rates are lower than top tier consulting firms, but the scope of projects they handle is the same.

Cons

Very decentralized. Weak marketing, resulting in minimal presence in customers' and prospects' awareness. Significant variations in quality among the branches and practice groups. Some are world-class, some are a joke. Senior management only watches the dollars. Sees little reason to invest in sales, internal training.

Advice to Senior Management

For long-term growth and stability, start looking at three issues: First, a more professional and consistent sales approach that is used throughout the company. You have some good teams, but the innovations they are making aren't being shared. Second, invest in marketing the firm. Few of our prospects have ever heard of CIBER. What kind of $2 billion company approaches the market in stealth mode? A cheap one, maybe? One that's being led by techies who don't understand the importance of good marketing. Third, invest in internal training and provide greater opportunities for lateral movement within the company. People feel stifled in terms of their career paths, because they tend to be pigeon-holed by technology area. Good people should be able to grow and evolve, even across geographic and practice lines.