Project Planning & Scheduling

Project Evaluation Review

Project Evaluation Review (PER): Navigating the Decision-Making Process in Oil & Gas

In the dynamic and often complex world of Oil & Gas, successful project execution hinges on robust decision-making. The Project Evaluation Review (PER) serves as a crucial tool for evaluating proposed projects and guiding their development. It acts as a formal checkpoint, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

What is a Project Evaluation Review?

A PER is a structured process involving a comprehensive assessment of a proposed oil and gas project. It examines all aspects, from technical feasibility and economic viability to environmental impact and social considerations. This meticulous evaluation ensures that the project aligns with the company's overall strategy and offers a clear path forward.

Key Components of a PER:

A typical PER encompasses several vital components:

  • Project Definition: This section clearly outlines the project scope, objectives, and deliverables. It includes a detailed description of the project's technical aspects, resource requirements, and timeline.
  • Market Analysis: This part assesses the market demand for the project's output, identifying potential customers and understanding market trends. It also explores potential competition and the project's pricing strategy.
  • Technical Evaluation: This involves a thorough assessment of the project's technical feasibility, including engineering design, equipment specifications, and operational procedures. It may involve input from experts in various fields like drilling, production, and reservoir engineering.
  • Cost Estimation: This crucial component provides a detailed breakdown of project costs, including capital expenditures, operating expenses, and contingency planning. Accurate cost estimation is crucial for informed decision-making.
  • Risk Assessment: This section identifies and assesses potential risks associated with the project. It includes risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address uncertainties.
  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: This evaluates the project's potential impact on the environment and local communities. It analyzes environmental risks, mitigation measures, and social responsibility considerations.
  • Financial Analysis: This component assesses the project's financial viability, including profitability, return on investment, and payback period. It examines various financial scenarios and potential risks to financial performance.
  • Decision Criteria: This outlines the criteria used to evaluate the project's feasibility and potential success. It establishes clear benchmarks for decision-making, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

Benefits of a Project Evaluation Review:

  • Informed Decision-Making: PERs provide a comprehensive understanding of the project's potential, enabling well-informed decisions regarding project approval, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.
  • Strategic Alignment: By assessing projects against organizational goals and strategies, PERs ensure that projects align with the company's overall direction.
  • Risk Identification and Mitigation: The thorough risk assessment helps identify potential challenges and develop strategies to mitigate them, minimizing financial and operational risks.
  • Resource Optimization: By clearly defining resource requirements, PERs enable efficient allocation of resources, minimizing waste and maximizing productivity.
  • Improved Project Execution: A well-defined PER serves as a roadmap for project implementation, promoting clarity, accountability, and efficient execution.

PERs are crucial for success in the Oil & Gas industry, ensuring informed decision-making, strategic alignment, and responsible resource utilization. By meticulously evaluating projects and addressing potential challenges, companies can enhance their chances of achieving profitable and sustainable operations.


Test Your Knowledge

Project Evaluation Review (PER) Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of a Project Evaluation Review (PER) in the Oil & Gas industry?

a) To generate new project ideas. b) To assess the feasibility and potential of proposed projects. c) To track project progress and monitor performance. d) To manage project risks and mitigate potential issues.

Answer

b) To assess the feasibility and potential of proposed projects.

2. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of a PER?

a) Project Definition b) Market Analysis c) Technology Development Plan d) Financial Analysis

Answer

c) Technology Development Plan

3. What is the significance of the "Risk Assessment" section within a PER?

a) To identify potential hazards to workers on the project site. b) To quantify the financial impact of potential project delays. c) To identify and assess potential challenges and develop mitigation strategies. d) To determine the environmental impact of the project.

Answer

c) To identify and assess potential challenges and develop mitigation strategies.

4. How does a PER contribute to informed decision-making in the Oil & Gas industry?

a) By providing a detailed overview of the project's potential, risks, and benefits. b) By creating a detailed project schedule and assigning responsibilities. c) By identifying potential investors and securing funding for the project. d) By conducting market research to understand customer preferences.

Answer

a) By providing a detailed overview of the project's potential, risks, and benefits.

5. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of conducting a Project Evaluation Review?

a) Improved project execution b) Enhanced resource utilization c) Reduced project costs d) Increased regulatory compliance

Answer

d) Increased regulatory compliance

Project Evaluation Review (PER) Exercise:

Scenario: An oil and gas company is considering a project to develop a new offshore drilling platform. They have conducted initial assessments and are now preparing for a formal PER.

Task:

  1. Identify three key components of the PER that are particularly important for this specific project. Explain why these components are crucial for the project's success.
  2. Describe two potential risks associated with this project and suggest mitigation strategies for each.

Exercice Correction

**1. Key Components of the PER:** * **Technical Evaluation:** This is crucial due to the complexity of offshore drilling. The technical evaluation should thoroughly assess the engineering design, equipment specifications, and operational procedures, ensuring the platform is safe, robust, and efficient in a challenging environment. * **Cost Estimation:** Accurate cost estimation is paramount for offshore projects. The PER should include a detailed breakdown of capital expenditures (construction, equipment), operating expenses (maintenance, personnel), and potential contingencies. This will ensure financial viability and allow for informed decision-making regarding project budgets. * **Risk Assessment:** Offshore drilling inherently involves significant risks. The PER should comprehensively identify potential risks such as weather events, environmental impacts, drilling complications, and regulatory changes. It should then propose mitigation strategies, contingency plans, and risk management measures to address these challenges. **2. Potential Risks & Mitigation Strategies:** * **Risk:** **Severe weather events and sea conditions:** Offshore platforms are exposed to harsh weather and sea conditions. * **Mitigation:** Design the platform with robust structural integrity, invest in advanced weather forecasting, and implement evacuation procedures for emergencies. * **Risk:** **Environmental impact and regulatory compliance:** Offshore drilling operations can potentially impact marine ecosystems. * **Mitigation:** Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments, employ mitigation measures to minimize environmental damage, and ensure full compliance with all environmental regulations.


Books

  • Project Management for the Oil and Gas Industry by James R. Murray: Offers a comprehensive overview of project management principles specifically tailored for the Oil & Gas sector, including sections on project evaluation.
  • Oil and Gas Project Management: A Practical Guide by John R. Meredith and Samuel J. Mantel Jr.: Covers the fundamentals of Oil & Gas project management, including financial analysis, risk management, and decision-making processes involved in project evaluation.
  • Cost Engineering in the Oil and Gas Industry by Stephen A. Morris: Provides in-depth insights into cost estimation and cost management in the Oil & Gas industry, crucial elements of any PER.

Articles

  • "Project Evaluation Review (PER) in the Oil and Gas Industry" by Oil & Gas Journal: This article, if available, could provide a concise overview of the PER process in this specific industry.
  • "How to Conduct a Successful Project Evaluation Review" by Project Management Institute: While not industry-specific, this article offers general guidance on conducting effective project evaluations, applicable to Oil & Gas projects.
  • "Risk Management in Oil and Gas Projects: A Guide to Best Practices" by Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): Discusses risk management practices relevant to Oil & Gas project evaluation, as risk assessment is a crucial component.

Online Resources

  • Project Management Institute (PMI): The PMI website offers a wealth of resources on project management, including information on project evaluation and risk management.
  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): SPE provides technical resources and publications relevant to the Oil & Gas industry, potentially including articles on PER and project evaluation.
  • Oil & Gas Journal: This industry publication often features articles on project management and evaluation, including PER-related topics.
  • Industry Reports: Organizations like IHS Markit and Rystad Energy provide industry reports and data relevant to Oil & Gas projects, which could be valuable for market analysis and financial forecasting during a PER.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: "Project Evaluation Review Oil & Gas", "PER in Oil & Gas Industry", "Project Assessment Oil & Gas", "Oil & Gas Project Financial Analysis".
  • Combine keywords with industry terms: "Upstream Oil & Gas PER", "Midstream Oil & Gas Project Evaluation", "Downstream Oil & Gas Project Assessment".
  • Explore specific aspects of PER: "Oil & Gas Project Risk Assessment", "Oil & Gas Project Cost Estimation", "Environmental Impact Assessment Oil & Gas".
  • Search for industry publications and journals: "Oil & Gas Journal Project Evaluation", "SPE Project Management Articles", "Energy Industry Reports".

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