To Be Resolved

To Be Resolved (TBR): A Crucial Element in Oil & Gas Project Development

In the dynamic world of oil and gas, projects often involve complex planning and execution with multiple stakeholders. This complexity necessitates a clear communication framework to ensure everyone is on the same page. The term "To Be Resolved" (TBR) plays a pivotal role in this process, acting as a placeholder for information or decisions that are yet to be finalized.

What does "To Be Resolved" mean in Oil & Gas?

"To Be Resolved" indicates areas within a project plan, specification, or contract that require further clarification or decision-making. These items are typically identified during the early stages of project development when specific details are still under negotiation or are contingent upon external factors.

Examples of TBR items:

Dates: Project deadlines, equipment delivery dates, or specific milestones might be marked as TBR until final approvals are obtained or logistical hurdles are overcome.
Specifications: The exact technical specifications for equipment, materials, or processes might be left as TBR pending vendor selection or further analysis.
Criteria: Selection criteria for contractors, vendors, or specific technologies might be outlined as TBR until project requirements are fully defined.

Why use TBRs?

Flexibility: TBRs provide flexibility in the face of changing conditions, allowing for adjustments based on new information or unforeseen challenges.
Collaboration: They encourage open communication and collaboration between stakeholders, ensuring that all parties are aware of unresolved issues and actively participate in finding solutions.
Efficient Decision Making: By clearly identifying TBRs, project teams can prioritize decision-making efforts, focusing on the most crucial elements first.
Risk Management: TBRs serve as a tool for risk management, identifying potential areas of uncertainty and enabling proactive mitigation strategies.

Resolving TBRs:

Provider-driven: In some cases, TBRs are resolved by the provider, who will propose solutions based on their expertise and resources.
Customer-driven: Other TBRs require customer input and approval, particularly when decisions impact project scope, budget, or schedule.
Jointly resolved: Many TBRs are resolved through collaborative discussions and negotiations between the provider and customer, ensuring a mutual understanding and agreement.

Impact of Unresolved TBRs:

Failure to address TBRs promptly can lead to significant delays, cost overruns, and project disruptions. Unclear specifications, undefined timelines, or unresolved criteria can create confusion, misunderstandings, and conflicts between parties.

Key Takeaways:

TBRs are a crucial element in oil & gas project development, ensuring clarity, flexibility, and collaboration.
Effective communication and proactive resolution of TBRs are essential for successful project execution.
Recognizing and addressing TBRs early on minimizes risks and facilitates smoother project progression.

By embracing TBRs as a tool for effective project management, oil and gas companies can optimize project development, minimize uncertainties, and achieve their goals more efficiently.

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: To Be Resolved (TBR) in Oil & Gas

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does "To Be Resolved" (TBR) indicate in an oil & gas project?

(a) Completed tasks that need further review. (b) Areas requiring clarification or decisions before finalization. (c) Items that have been rejected and need to be revised. (d) Unforeseen problems that have arisen during project execution.

Answer

(b) Areas requiring clarification or decisions before finalization.

2. Which of the following is NOT a reason for using TBRs in oil & gas projects?

(a) To provide flexibility in the face of changing conditions. (b) To encourage open communication and collaboration. (c) To eliminate the need for decision-making during project execution. (d) To prioritize decision-making efforts effectively.

Answer

3. What is a common example of a TBR item in an oil & gas project?

(a) The name of the project manager. (b) The final budget allocated for the project. (c) The specific type of drilling equipment to be used. (d) The date of the project's completion ceremony.

Answer

4. How can unresolved TBRs impact an oil & gas project?

(a) Increase project budget and timeline. (b) Improve project efficiency and collaboration. (c) Eliminate potential risks and uncertainties. (d) Enhance the project's environmental impact.

Answer

(a) Increase project budget and timeline.

5. Which of the following is NOT a typical method for resolving TBRs?

(a) Collaborative discussions between the provider and customer. (b) Independent decision-making by the project manager. (c) Proposals for solutions from the provider based on their expertise. (d) Customer input and approval when decisions affect project scope.

Answer

(b) Independent decision-making by the project manager.

Exercise: Recognizing TBRs in a Project Plan

Scenario:

You are reviewing a project plan for a new offshore oil platform construction. Identify three potential TBR items in the plan below and explain why they need further clarification or decision-making.

Project Plan Excerpt:

Objective: Construct an offshore oil platform capable of producing 10,000 barrels of oil per day.
Timeline:
- Phase 1: Design and engineering (6 months)
- Phase 2: Procurement (3 months)
- Phase 3: Construction (12 months)
- Phase 4: Installation (3 months)
- Phase 5: Commissioning and Testing (2 months)
Budget: $250 million
Location: North Sea, coordinates [insert coordinates here]
Key Equipment:
- Drilling rig: To be determined based on vendor proposals.
- Production platform: Standard design, capacity 10,000 barrels/day
- Subsea pipelines: To be determined based on environmental impact assessment.
Contractors:
- Construction: [Company A]
- Installation: [Company B]
- Subsea pipeline installation: To be determined based on bids.

Exercice Correction

Here are three potential TBR items with explanations: 1. **Drilling Rig:** The plan states that the drilling rig will be "determined based on vendor proposals." This means the specific type, size, and capabilities of the drilling rig are not yet decided. * **Why it's a TBR:** This decision is crucial for the entire project as it impacts the cost, technical feasibility, and overall production capacity of the platform. 2. **Subsea Pipelines:** Similar to the drilling rig, the plan mentions the subsea pipelines will be determined based on an environmental impact assessment. This suggests that the exact design, route, and materials for the pipelines are still unclear. * **Why it's a TBR:** The environmental impact assessment will likely influence the pipeline design and construction, requiring further analysis and potential changes to the initial plans. 3. **Subsea Pipeline Installation:** The plan indicates that the company for subsea pipeline installation will be "determined based on bids." This means that the contractor responsible for this crucial part of the project hasn't been chosen yet. * **Why it's a TBR:** Selecting the right contractor for subsea pipeline installation is critical due to the specialized skills and equipment required for this complex task.

Books

Project Management for Oil & Gas: A Practical Guide to Success by John M. Nicholas: This book covers various aspects of project management in the oil and gas industry, including risk management and communication, where TBRs play a key role.
The Oil and Gas Project Manager's Handbook by Mark R. Fonstad: This comprehensive handbook delves into project planning and execution in oil and gas, likely mentioning TBRs within its scope.

Articles

"Managing Risks and Uncertainties in Oil and Gas Projects" by [Author Name]: This article may focus on techniques for managing uncertainties, including the use of TBRs to identify and address potential risks.
"Effective Communication in Oil and Gas Projects: A Guide to TBR Management" by [Author Name]: An article specifically addressing the importance of TBRs in communication and collaboration within oil and gas projects.

Online Resources

Project Management Institute (PMI): PMI's website offers numerous resources on project management, including guides and articles related to risk management, communication, and change management, all relevant to TBRs.
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): SPE's website provides publications, articles, and online forums related to oil and gas engineering and project development, potentially featuring content on TBRs.
Oil & Gas Journal: This industry publication frequently publishes articles on project management, risk assessment, and communication in the oil and gas sector, offering insights into the use of TBRs.

Search Tips

"To Be Resolved" oil and gas project management: This search term will return relevant articles, guides, and blog posts focusing on the use of TBRs in oil and gas projects.
"TBR management in oil and gas projects": This search term will focus on the process of managing and resolving TBRs within oil and gas project development.
"Risk management and TBRs in oil and gas projects": This search will highlight the connection between TBRs and risk assessment in the industry.
"Communication and TBRs in oil and gas projects": This search term will focus on the importance of effective communication for identifying, managing, and resolving TBRs.