Project Planning & Scheduling

Strawman

Strawman: The Foundation for Oil & Gas Development

In the world of oil and gas, where complex projects with massive financial implications are the norm, efficient communication and collaboration are vital. To facilitate this, various tools and approaches are employed. One such tool, often used in the early stages of project development, is the "strawman."

What is a Strawman in Oil & Gas?

A strawman, in the context of oil and gas, is a working draft document circulated for comment, criticism, or suggested changes. It's essentially a preliminary proposal or plan presented for initial feedback. Think of it as a rough sketch or blueprint, laying out the initial framework for a project.

Why Use a Strawman?

The use of strawman documents offers several advantages:

  • Early Feedback: By sharing a strawman early on, project stakeholders can provide valuable input and contribute to the project's direction from the outset.
  • Identify Gaps and Opportunities: The initial feedback helps identify potential issues, gaps in information, or unforeseen opportunities that might not have been considered in the initial proposal.
  • Foster Collaboration: The strawman encourages open communication and collaboration among various teams and departments involved in the project.
  • Establish a Baseline: The strawman serves as a starting point for discussions and negotiations, establishing a clear baseline for the project's scope, objectives, and potential challenges.

Key Characteristics of a Strawman:

  • Incomplete: The strawman is not a final proposal but a preliminary framework, likely lacking details and specifics.
  • Open to Change: The document is intended to be revised and improved based on feedback received.
  • Focused on Core Concepts: The primary purpose of a strawman is to lay out the essential elements of the project, including its objectives, scope, and major components.

Examples of Strawman Documents:

  • Preliminary Project Plan: Outlining the project's timeline, key milestones, and expected outcomes.
  • Technical Feasibility Study: Analyzing the technical feasibility of a proposed development.
  • Financial Projections: Providing a preliminary estimate of project costs and potential revenue streams.

Conclusion:

The strawman is a valuable tool in the oil and gas industry, facilitating efficient project development by fostering early collaboration and gathering valuable feedback. By initiating discussions and providing a starting point for further development, the strawman serves as a foundation for successful projects in this complex and dynamic sector.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Strawman in Oil & Gas

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of a strawman in oil and gas project development? (a) To present a final and detailed project proposal. (b) To gather feedback and suggestions for a preliminary plan. (c) To finalize the project budget and timeline. (d) To secure funding for the project.

Answer

(b) To gather feedback and suggestions for a preliminary plan.

2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a strawman document? (a) Incomplete (b) Open to change (c) Highly detailed (d) Focused on core concepts

Answer

(c) Highly detailed

3. What is the main benefit of using a strawman in project development? (a) It eliminates the need for further revisions. (b) It ensures the project will be completed on time and within budget. (c) It allows for early stakeholder engagement and feedback. (d) It guarantees the project's success.

Answer

(c) It allows for early stakeholder engagement and feedback.

4. Which of the following is an example of a strawman document? (a) A final project report (b) A detailed engineering design (c) A preliminary project plan (d) A completed environmental impact assessment

Answer

(c) A preliminary project plan

5. Why is the strawman considered a "foundation" for oil and gas development? (a) It provides a comprehensive overview of the project's technical details. (b) It establishes a starting point for discussion and collaboration. (c) It guarantees the project's financial feasibility. (d) It outlines the project's final design and specifications.

Answer

(b) It establishes a starting point for discussion and collaboration.

Exercise: Developing a Strawman

Scenario: You are part of a team developing a new offshore oil drilling platform. Your task is to create a basic strawman document outlining the project's initial scope, key objectives, and potential challenges.

Instructions:

  1. Identify the project's core objectives. What are the main goals of this offshore oil drilling platform? (e.g., extracting a specific type of oil, increasing production, etc.)
  2. Outline the project's scope. What are the major components of the project? (e.g., platform construction, drilling operations, environmental impact assessment, etc.)
  3. Identify potential challenges. What are some foreseeable hurdles or obstacles that might arise during development? (e.g., weather conditions, regulatory approvals, technological limitations, etc.)

Remember: This is a preliminary document, so keep it concise and focused on the core elements.

Exercice Correction

The exact content of the strawman will vary depending on the specific project, but it should include elements like:

Project Objectives: * Extract a specific type of oil from the designated offshore field. * Increase production volume to meet market demand. * Optimize extraction efficiency and reduce costs. * Maintain compliance with environmental regulations.

Project Scope: * Design and construction of the offshore drilling platform. * Procurement of drilling equipment and materials. * Environmental impact assessment and mitigation plans. * Obtaining regulatory approvals and permits. * Installation and commissioning of the platform. * Drilling operations and production management.

Potential Challenges: * Challenging weather conditions and sea states. * Complex geological formations and potential drilling hazards. * Strict environmental regulations and potential for impact on marine life. * Obtaining necessary approvals from government agencies. * Managing logistics and transportation in a remote offshore location. * Potential technical difficulties and equipment failures.


Books

  • Project Management for the Oil & Gas Industry by David T. Cleland and James A. Kinnebrew: This comprehensive book covers project management techniques, including the use of strawman documents, specifically tailored for the oil and gas industry.
  • Petroleum Engineering Handbook by T.D. Allen and J.P. Farrell: This handbook provides a detailed understanding of petroleum engineering principles, including project development and planning, where the use of strawman documents is relevant.
  • Oil and Gas Exploration and Production by John M. Campbell: This book offers an overview of the entire exploration and production process, including project conceptualization and initial planning stages, where strawman documents are used.

Articles

  • The Art of the Strawman: A Practical Guide for Project Managers by [Author Name]: Look for articles on project management methodologies that discuss the use of strawman documents as a planning tool, specifically relevant to the oil and gas industry.
  • Developing a Successful Oil & Gas Project: The Importance of Early Stakeholder Engagement by [Author Name]: Articles focusing on stakeholder engagement in oil and gas projects often highlight the use of strawman documents to gather early input and foster collaboration.

Online Resources

  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): The SPE website offers a vast library of publications, technical papers, and resources related to oil and gas engineering and project management.
  • International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC): This organization offers resources and publications related to drilling operations, which often involve using strawman documents for project planning.
  • Oil and Gas Journal (OGJ): OGJ is a leading industry publication providing news, analysis, and articles on various aspects of the oil and gas sector, including project development and planning.

Search Tips

  • "Strawman" "Oil and Gas" "Project Management": This query focuses on the specific usage of strawman documents within the oil and gas project management context.
  • "Strawman" "Exploration and Production" "Planning": This search emphasizes the role of strawman documents in the early stages of oil and gas project development.
  • "Stakeholder Engagement" "Oil and Gas" "Strawman": This query focuses on the use of strawman documents for gathering feedback from stakeholders in oil and gas projects.

Techniques

Similar Terms
Most Viewed
Categories

Comments


No Comments
POST COMMENT
captcha
Back