bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dakwah Kultural Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Ukiran Kayu Khas Melayu Palembang
Authors: Pahlevi Reza
Published: September 2016

Penelitian ini berusaha mengungkap berbagai fenomena yang menggambarkan serangkaian kegiatan dakwah kultural Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Ukiran Khas Melayu Palembang. Sehingga dapat diperoleh sejumlah informasi mengenai berbagai upaya penerapan program yang dimaksud. Penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan, pertama kontribusi Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Ukiran Khas Melayu Palembang terhadap perkembangan metode dakwah kultural adalah dakwah melalui seni. Kedua, Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Ukiran Khas Melayu Palembang sebagai tempat Wisata Religi yang sangat signifikan. This research tries to reveal the various phenomenon that describe a series of cultural propaganda activities Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Ukiran Khas Melayu Palembang. In order to obtain some informations about the efforts of the implementation of the program in question. It can be concluded, the first contribution of Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Ukiran Khas Melayu Palembang on the development of methods of cultural propaganda is propaganda through art. Second Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Ukiran Khas Melayu Palembang as a very significant Religious Tourism.
Interaction and Immediacy in Online Learning
Authors: Woods Robert H. , Baker Jason D.
Published: September 2016

This article presents the concepts of interaction and immediacy and discusses their theoretical frameworks, implications, and relationship with one another. The authors propose the development of a new conceptual model and recommend additional antecedent research.
Telling Story! Voice in Photography: An online visual art critical studies program evaluation
Authors: Semchuk Sandra , Tien Laural
Published: September 2016

This article highlights the current dialogue about educational technology and ways of knowing in visual art education. The authors outline and evaluate the development and testing phases of a hypertextual online visual art course offered at the then Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (http://www.eciad.ca/www/) in the summer of 2001. Through this, we offer a framework for the evaluation of online visual art critical studies courses.  Keywords: online art education; digital technology; photography; hyper-textual online learning community; visual art
Elements of Effective e-Learning Design
Authors: Brown Andrew R. , Voltz Bradley D.
Published: September 2016

Preparing and developing e-learning materials is a costly and time consuming enterprise. This paper highlights the elements of effective design that we consider assist in the development of high quality materials in a cost efficient way. We introduce six elements of design and discuss each in some detail. These elements focus on paying attention to the provision of a rich learning activity, situating this activity within an interesting story line, providing meaningful opportunities for student reflection and third party criticism, considering appropriate technologies for delivery, ensuring that the design is suitable for the context in which it will be used, and bearing in mind the personal, social, and environmental impact of the designed activities. Along the way, we describe how these design elements can be effectively utilized by contextualizing them with examples from an e-learning initiative.
Using Integrated Enterprise Systems to Achieve Strategic Goals: A case study of a dual mode university
Authors: Smith Alan
Published: September 2016

Since 1999, the University of Southern Queensland has embarked on a range of initiatives designed to improve the infrastructure and systems used to support its widely ranging activities in teaching and learning and research and its expansion into new international markets. This has involved the careful selection and implementation of various enterprise systems, together with the use of horizontal process teams. The results of this approach are now being realized, with demonstrable improvements to many university services, together with significant cost efficiencies. This paper discusses the reasons for the changes, the processes used to drive the changes through the various university committee structures, and the outcomes of the implementation of the enterprise systems.  Keywords: higher education, enterprise systems, change management, integrated systems
Quality Assurance, Open and Distance Learning, and Australian Universities
Authors: Reid Ian C.
Published: September 2016

Open and distance education has integrated quality assurance processes since its inception. Recently, the increased use of distance teaching systems, technologies, and pedagogies by universities without a distance education heritage has enabled them to provide flexible learning opportunities. They have done this in addition to, or instead of, face-to-face instruction, yet the practice of quality assurance processes as a fundamental component of distance education provision has not necessarily followed these changes.  This paper considers the relationship between notions of quality assurance and open and distance education, between quality assurance and higher education more broadly, and between quality assurance and the implementation of recent quality audits in Australian universities. The paper compares quality portfolios submitted to the Australian Universities Quality Agency by two universities, one involved in distance education, the other not involved. This comparison demonstrates that the relationship is variable, and suggests that reasons for this have more to do with business drivers than with educational rationales.  Keywords: distance education, quality assurance, online learning, e-learning, audit, higher education
Navigating Distance and Traditional Higher Education: Online faculty experiences
Authors: Yick Alice G. , Patrick Pam , Costin Amanda
Published: September 2016

The academic culture of higher educational institutions is characterized by specific pedagogical philosophies, assumptions about rewards and incentives, and values about how teaching is delivered. In many academic settings, however, the field of distance education has been viewed as holding marginal status. Consequently, the goal of this qualitative study was to explore faculty members’ experiences in a distance education, online university while simultaneously navigating within a traditional environment of higher education. A total of 28 faculty members participated in a threaded, asynchronous discussion board that resembled a focus group. Participants discussed perceptions about online teaching, working in an institution without a traditional tenure system, and the role of research in distance education. Findings indicated that online teaching is still regarded as less credible; however, participants also noted how this perception is gradually changing. Several benchmarks of legitimacy were identified for online universities to adopt in order to be viewed as credible. The issue of tenure still remains highly debated, although some faculty felt that tenure will be less crucial in the future. Finally, recommendations regarding attitudinal shifts within academic circles are described with particular attention to professional practice, program development, and policy decision-making in academia. Key words: distance education, online education, online faculty experiences, academia, tenure
Increasing Access to Higher Education: A study of the diffusion of online teaching among 913 college faculty
Authors: Shea Peter , Pickett Alexandra , Li Chun Sau
Published: September 2016

Online learning environments provide an unprecedented opportunity to increase student access to higher education. Accomplishing this much needed goal requires the active participation and cooperation of university faculty from a broad spectrum of institutional settings. Although online learning has seen rapid growth in recent years, it remains a relatively small percentage of the entire curriculum of higher education today. As a relatively recent development, online teaching can be viewed through the lens of diffusion of innovation research. This paper reports on research from 913 professors from community colleges, four-year colleges, and university centers in an attempt to determine potential barriers to the continued growth in adoption of online teaching in higher education. It is concluded through factor and regression analysis that four variables are significantly associated with faculty satisfaction and their likelihood, therefore, to adopt or continue online teaching – these include levels of interaction in their online course, technical support, a positive learning experience in developing and teaching the course, and the discipline area in which they taught. Recommendations for institutional policy, faculty development, and further research are included.

Keywords: online teaching, faculty satisfaction, faculty development, diffusion of innovation, access, higher education, study
Audio/ Videoconferencing Packages: High cost
Authors: Murillo Sonia , Rizzuto Mary , Sawyers Urel
Published: September 2016

This report compares two integrated course delivery packages: Centra 6 and WebEx. Both applications feature asynchronous and synchronous audio communications for online education and training. They are relatively costly products, and provide useful comparisons with the two less expensive products to be evaluated in the following report #53. The criteria used in the current evaluation include capacity, interactivity features, integration with learning management systems, technical specifications, and cost. The report ends with a short analysis of the currently emerging audio-conferencing software, Google Talk.
"Best Practices" and Collaborative Software In Online Teaching
Authors: Tremblay Remi
Published: September 2016

In recent years, many distance educators and institutions have successfully adopted asynchronous text-based environments as the backbone of their online classrooms. Group email, electronic references, and course websites, coupled with online discussions, typically constitute the model of online course delivery. Although the structure and pacing of these asynchronous text-based environments provide both students and instructors with increased flexibility and convenience, the synchronicity and sometimes the freshness of the interaction of the traditional face-to-face classroom were often sacrificed.
"It's a unique role!" Perspectives on tutor attributes and expertise in distance language teaching
Authors: Shelley Monica , White Cynthia , Baumann Uwe , Murphy Linda
Published: September 2016

This article outlines the background to, and progress on, a project based on work carried out at the Open University UK (OUUK). The aim of the project is to articulate the attributes and expertise required by tutors of languages in distance education. A review of the literature on the roles and competencies required for tutors operating at a distance indicates that the specific context of language teaching has received relatively little attention from researchers in the field. There has, however, been considerable interest in the skills and attributes necessary for face-to-face language teaching in the classroom, which is outlined here. Issues of definition and research perspective are discussed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of various research approaches. The different stages and outcomes of the collaborative project are described in detail, demonstrating how the unfolding research design allowed opportunities for consultation, reflection, and responsive changes. The next stages of consultation are outlined, together with implications for the on-going professional development of tutors.
Faculty Development as Community Building - An approach to professional development that supports Communities of Practice for Online Teaching
Authors: Eib B. J. , Miller Pam
Published: September 2016

When faculty development is viewed as an ongoing need and when we approach faculty development as a long-term, continuous effort, community building becomes a part of the process. Carefully designed faculty development approaches can facilitate and create a culture that supports a thoughtful focus on teaching, while at the same time, nurture a sense of connectedness and collegiality across the organization that is vital to continuous innovation and improvement. This paper reports on a program designed to improve the collegial culture at a higher educational organization in Western Canada. While the program was aimed at a Social Work Faculty at a research university, we believe the design can be modified and applied in other disciplines and in other environments, such as distant and open universities. We conclude with suggestions for applying our approach to faculty development in open and distance institutional contexts.
Portable Applications in Mobile Education
Authors: Baggaley Jon
Published: September 2016

Portable software applications can be carried on a convenient storage medium such as a USB drive, and offer numerous benefits to mobile teachers and learner. The article illustrates the growing field of ‘portable apps’ in reviews of seven contrasting products. These represent the major categories of document editing, email maintenance, Internet browsing, instant messaging, file transfer, multimedia presentation, and anti-virus protection. Emphasis is placed on ways to use ‘portable apps’ to overcome the common problems of Internet usage during travel.
Learners' Perspectives on what is Missing from Online Learning: Interpretations through the Community of Inquiry Framework
Authors: Stodel Emma J. , Thompson Terrie Lynn , MacDonald Colla J.
Published: September 2016

Despite the success that instructors and learners often enjoy with online university courses, learners have also reported that they miss face-to-face contact when learning online. The purpose of this inquiry was to identify learners’ perceptions of what is missing from online learning and provide recommendations for how we can continue to innovate and improve the online learning experience. The inquiry was qualitative in nature and conducted from a constructivist perspective. Ten learners who had indicated that they missed and/or would have liked more face-to-face contact following their participation in an online course were interviewed to elicit responses that would provide insights into what it is they miss about face-to-face contact when learning online. Five themes emerged: robustness of online dialogue, spontaneity and improvisation, perceiving and being perceived by the other, getting to know others, and learning to be an online learner. Garrison and colleagues’ (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000) community of inquiry framework was used to interpret the findings.
Online Faculty Development and Assessment System (OFDAS)
Authors: Villar Luis M. , Alegre Olga M.
Published: September 2016

The rapid growth of online learning has led to the development of faculty inservice evaluation models that are geared towards the demands of quality improvement of degree programs. Based on the best practices of student online assessment, the Online Faculty Development and Assessment System (OFDAS) created at the Canary Islands was designed to serve the dual purpose of faculty development and classroom learning environment assessment. Results of analyses showed that OFDAS maximized the potential of online faculty development to encourage staff to reflect on teaching professional skills. Implications were discussed in terms of emphasizing the process of online teaching knowledge learning and incorporating perspectives to capture a comprehensive view of faculty teaching attitudes and their association with student classroom learning perceptions.
eLearning in Higher Education Makes Its Debut in Cambodia: Implications of the Provincial Business Education Project
Authors: Abdon Buenafe R. , Ninomiya Seishi , Raab Robert T.
Published: September 2016

Developing countries face a number of challenges in their efforts to compete successfully in the new global economy. Perhaps the most critical resource needed to achieve these goals is trained human capital. While many developing countries are trying to address this need through traditional means, this may not be the most effective or efficient response. e-Learning has been suggested as an alternative approach that can overcome many of the challenges involved in reaching underserved students. But most educational institutions in developing countries are unfamiliar with eLearning, have low levels of computer availability, access, familiarity and Internet penetration which leads to skepticism about the feasibility of this approach. In an effort to assess the potential of e-Learning in meeting the needs for developing human capital in Cambodia, this paper reports on the experience and achievements of the Provincial Business Education through the Community Information Centers (CICs) project. Key findings are that e-Learning was able to successfully deliver tertiary educational opportunities to underserved provincial students, Cambodian students were able to overcome serious challenges and that female Cambodian students demonstrated superior performance in online classes. These results suggest that eLearning is an effective alternative for delivering tertiary education in Cambodia.
The Development of Distributed Learning Techniques in Bhutan and Nepal
Authors: Rennie Frank , Mason Robin
Published: September 2016

This paper discusses research and development work currently being conducted with universities in Bhutan and Nepal to design appropriate systems for distance and distributed learning courses among a network of campus sites. Although working from a high level of awareness of pedagogic skills, staff in the region face two significant impediments in the adoption of a more open culture of learning. Firstly, Internet access is improving rapidly, but is still generally too weak and inconsistent to allow any reliance on net-based learning solutions. Secondly, the academic culture is resistant to the recognition of the value of open-learning degrees, with subsequent difficulties in re-designing course materials for a more educationally flexible, student-centred learning environment. Some current pilot initiatives in distributed learning are described. Methods for addressing these two impediments are discussed.
The Current Status of E-learning and Strategies to Enhance Educational Competitiveness in Korean Higher Education
Authors: Leem Junghoon , Lim Byungro
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the current status of e-Learning in Korean higher education and find ways to encourage the further use and development of e-Learning systems that aim to enhance Korea's academic competitiveness. A total of 201 universities in Korea (27 national and public, 163 private, and 11 national universities of education) were examined in this study. At the time of the study, 85 percent of the universities and colleges had investigated implemented e-Learning. There were special e-Learning teams in most national and public universities, as well as private universities and colleges. Findings from this study found that both teachers and learners alike, lacked meaningful support systems and opportunities to actively participate in e-Learning programs. Although such lack of support was found to be endemic, such lack of support and opportunity was found to be more accute in private universities, private colleges, universities of education, than mid-sized, small-sized, and provincial universities and colleges. Except for a few mid- and small-sized universities and colleges, most large universities and colleges were equipped with technical support such as infrastructure and operational platforms. These same schools, however, did not provide institutional support, nor did they employ appropriate policies needed to further the quality and enhancement of e-Learning offerings. Also, there was no meaningful link found between schools and industry, nor was there adequate financial support in place for the implementation of e-Learning systems, simply because many universities failed to allocate sufficient funding for e-Learning.
Instant Messaging for Creating Interactive and Collaborative m-Learning Environments
Authors: Kadirire James
Published: September 2016

'Instant Messaging' (IM) and 'Presence,' which is essentially the ability of being able to detect if other users are logged in on the network and send them messages in real time, has become one of the most popular applications of the Internet, causing people to want to stay connected to the Internet for inordinate amounts of time, a phenomena that also fosters a sense of "online community," that perhaps no other application has done previously (Alvestrand, 2002). This research looks at the use of mobile devices to send instant messages that can carry much more information than the short message service (SMS) messages, but would be free to use, notwithstanding the price of getting online. We present a prototype IM system that can be used as a viable means of communicating and learning in higher education establishments. There is some evidence to show that learning using mobile devices reduces the formality of the learning experience, and helps engage reluctant learners and raise their self-confidence. In order for the learning process to be successful in online distance learning, unlike in the traditional face-to-face learning, attention must be paid to developing the participants' sense of community within their particular group. Instant messaging – or IM – is a natural medium for online community building and asynchronous/ synchronous peer discussions.
m-Learning: Positioning educators for a mobile, connected future
Authors: Peters Kristine
Published: September 2016

Mobile learning is variously viewed as a fad, a threat, and an answer to the learning needs of time-poor mobile workers, so does it have a place in delivering ‘mainstream’ learning? Based on a 2005 comparative research project, commissioned by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, the paper reports on research into web-based information about the use of mobile technologies for commerce and learning, which was then tested through 29 interviews with manufacturers of mobile devices, businesses and education providers. The research found that mobile technologies were in common use in some commercial sectors but use purely for learning was rare. However m-learning lends itself to new methods of delivery that are highly suited to the ‘just enough, just in time, and just for me’ demands of twenty-first century learners.
Re-organizing Universities for the Information Age
Authors: Annand David
Published: September 2016

University education is still generally conducted within pre-Industrial Age organizational structures. As a result of their inability to evolve the predominant cohort-based classroom structure to more cost-effectively meet the aspirations of burgeoning worldwide populations for higher education, universities may see substantial organizational changes imposed on them over the next decades by external forces. Emergent forms of university organizational structures are examined that may affect this needed transformation.
Meta-Analysis: The preferred method of choice for the assessment of distance learning quality factors
Authors: Shachar Mickey
Published: September 2016

Current comparative research literature, although abundant in scope, is inconclusive in its findings, as to the quality and effectiveness of distance education versus face-to-face methods of delivery. Educational research produces contradictory results due to differences among studies in treatments, settings, measurement instruments, and research methods. The purpose of this paper is to advocate the use of a meta-analytic approach by researchers, in which they synthesize the singular results of these comparative studies, by introducing the reader to the concept, procedures, and issues underlying this method. This meta-analytic approach may be the best method appropriate for our ever-expanding and globalizing educational systems – in general, crossing over geographical boundaries with their multiple languages, and educational systems in particular. Furthermore, researchers are called to contribute to a common database of distance learning factors and variables, from which future researchers can share, glean, and extract data for their respective studies.
Connectivism: Learning theory of the future or vestige of the past?
Authors: Kop Rita , Hill Adrian
Published: September 2016

Siemens and Downes initially received increasing attention in the blogosphere in 2005 when they discussed their ideas concerning distributed knowledge. An extended discourse has ensued in and around the status of ‘connectivism’ as a learning theory for the digital age. This has led to a number of questions in relation to existing learning theories. Do they still meet the needs of today’s learners, and anticipate the needs of learners of the future? Would a new theory that encompasses new developments in digital technology be more appropriate, and would it be suitable for other aspects of learning, including in the traditional class room, in distance education and e-learning? This paper will highlight current theories of learning and critically analyse connectivism within the context of its predecessors, to establish if it has anything new to offer as a learning theory or as an approach to teaching for the 21st Century.
Predictors of Learning Satisfaction in Japanese Online Distance Learners
Authors: Bray Eric , Aoki Kumiko , Dlugosh Larry
Published: September 2016

Japanese distance education has been slow to utilize the Internet, and mainly depends on the mail system and to a lesser extent TV broadcasting as its mode of delivery. However, since 2001 regulations have been relaxed to allow students to complete all course requirements for a university degree via online distance learning. This paper reports the results of a questionnaire study administered to the students (N=424) enrolled in one of Japan’s few online distance universities. Satisfaction with learning was explored by examining student opinions and learning preferences in regard to five aspects of distance learning identified as important: 1) teacher interaction, 2) content interaction, 3) student interaction, 4) computer interaction and 5) student autonomy. In addition, student responses to three open-ended questions were included in the analysis. The results indicated students were generally satisfied with their learning, and that specifically, learning satisfaction was higher for students who: 1) could persevere in the face of distance learning challenges, 2) found computers easy to use, 3) found it easy to interact with instructors, and 4) did not prefer social interaction with others when learning.
Beyond the Theoretical Impasse: Extending the applications of Transactional Distance Education Theory
Authors: Gokool-Ramdoo Sushita
Published: September 2016

The development of theory in distance education is seen as crucial for its sustainability. Since the 1960s, there have been attempts to theorise distance education activities, to explain underlying initiatives and endeavours. Attempts at theorisation were started in the 1950s (Black, 2007). Wedemeyer (1961, cited in Garrison, 2000) introduced the concept of independent study or learning as opposed to correspondence education. Ever since, theory has been in ebullition, with various emerging tendencies. It has long been argued (for example Moore, 1993; Amundsen, 1993; Moore and Kearsley, 1996; Garrison, 2000; Saba, 2003) that there needs to be a global, comprehensive theory that can explicate all activities pertaining to distance education. While Moore has long claimed that the Transactional Distance Theory (TDT) is one such theory (Moore and Kearsley, 1996), there appears to be hesitance over accepting it as such, despite the fact that a transactional approach seems to be consciously or unconsciously adopted by theorists and practitioners alike. This apparent reluctance to hail the Transactional Distance Theory as a global theory has plunged distance education into a theoretical impasse from whence there was no much development. The emergence of two theoretical synergies has been noted (Saba, 2003, p.4) as has the need to develop a third and more comprehensive synergy. This research paper adopts the view that the theoretical impasse can be crossed with the recognition of Moore’s Transactional Distance Theory as the global theory that can explicate and ensure the sustainability of distance education in a technology-driven world. It further analyses its possible applications beyond simply the educational experience to encompass more general concerns like quality assurance and policy development. It is thus proposed that the Transactional Distance Theory be accepted as a global theory.
Online Learning in Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Ghanaian University students' experiences and perceptions
Authors: Asunka Stephen
Published: September 2016

This study adopted a qualitative case-study approach to examine the attitudes, experiences, and perceptions of undergraduate students who were enrolled in an online, collaborative learning course at a Ghanaian private university. Data sources included surveys, student and instructor journal entries, email records, individual interviews, and Web-server logs. The study found that the students did not respond favorably to online constructivist teaching approaches such as asynchronous discussions and ill-structured project-based learning activities, and perceived collaborative online learning within their context as a complex, more demanding and time-consuming experience.
Etude de nouveaux cepages V. vinifera L. en Allemagne Fédérale
Authors: Schöffling Harald , Faas Karl-Heinz , Faber W. , Duplessis H.
Published: September 2016

Un programme de recherches a été entrepris pour comparer vingt-deux nouveaux cépages et trois anciennes variétés sur quatre zones viticoles de la Haute-Moselle. La première phase de ce programme s'est étendue sur cinq ans (1975-1980). L'examen de vingt caractéristiques portant sur les raisins, les moûts et les tests sensoriels des vins obtenus montre Ia supériorité des nouveaux cépages sur le cépage témoin « Elbling blanc ».

Sur les vingt-deux cépages testés, au cours de la première phase des recherches, les résultats obtenus ont permis aux auteurs de sélectionner pour la deuxième phase de l'étude les huit cépages suivants : Faberrebe, Kerner, Gutenborner,  Ortega, Reichensteiner, Forta, Rabaner et Regner.

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A comparative study has been made between twenty-two new and three traditional varieties. They are located in four different sites in the Upper-Moselle wine-growing area. The date presented is based on a five-year (1975-1980) programme, which is one of three phases. Twenty characteristics has been taken into account. Experiments in vinification and sensoric wine tests showed great improvements when compared with the variety « white Elbling » which has been taken as control.

After having got the results of the first part of the study, we selected to continue the experiments with eight varieties instead of twenty-two, namely : Faberrebe, Kerner, Gutenborner, Ortega, Reichensteiner, Forts, Rabaner and Regner.
Observations sur l'évolution des acides gras cellulaires pendant la fermentation et la refermentation
Authors: Cavazza Agostino , Giudici Paolo , Conte L. , Elisabetta Guerzoni Maria
Published: September 2016

On a suivi, pendant un processus de fermentation et de refermentation, l'évolution des acides gras cellulaires les plus importants pour 16 souches caractérisées par des capacités fermentaires différentes. Exception faite pour deux d'entre elles, on a observé une augmentation du niveau des acides gras.

On a mis en évidence le rôle différent joué par l'acide oléique, selon qu'il s'agit d'un processus de fermentation ou de refermentation et selon l'importance de l'inoculum.

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During the process of a first and a second fermentation, the course of the main cellular fatty acids has been studied for 16 strains distinguished by their fermentation ability. Except for two of them, an increase of the fatty acids and level was noticed.

The role of oleic acid was clearly different dependind on whether it was a first or a second fermentation process, and according to the level of inoculation.
Using Sucker Rod Pump Repair Data to Optimize Rod Lift Design
Authors: Dove J.. , Smith Z. D.
Published: September 2016

Sucker rod pump repair data can provide valuable insights into failure causation for the rod lift system. Tracking trends on metrics, such as well pull causes and pump parts replacement, enable operators to understand both individual well performance issues as well as overall field performance. Comparing historical performance to current performance can provide operators with a better understanding of which rod lift techniques are effective for their area and which techniques need adjustment and further evaluation.

The method for tracking pump repair data begins with a standardized approach to data collection by systematically disassembling and repairing a pump using software as a reliable means to collect the information. Pumps are disassembled, inspected, and assembled following specific guidelines that are included in a pump repairman's training program. The standardization of pump repair ensures that the data collected on metrics, including part wear, corrosion, and foreign material, will be accurate for analysis. The level of detail in the pump repair record, along with user-tracked well history, provides the end user the information needed to identify the root cause for specific failures, as well as visibility on prior failures to track design changes and performance over time.

Tracking pump repair data provides the operator the visibility needed to evaluate well and field performance. As the database grows over time, a more precise picture on performance versus design will emerge. Run times can now be investigated at the field level, and variations in downhole conditions, wellbore geometries, design considerations, and well maintenance practices can be optimized. Using the data obtained from the pump repairs helps the operator to identify root causes for failures and modify the rod lift design to improve system efficiency.

Throughout the life of the well, especially during periods that involve high capital investment, there is an appreciation in the industry for data collection to aid in decision making. Rod lift is an ideal artificial lift method for most wells, and typical data collection focuses mainly on dynamometer data for system monitoring. Understanding the changes that are occurring downhole, and optimizing the downhole design to suit those changes, are largely influenced by the experience of the operator's teams than by data specific to the system. Using pump repair data analysis to supplement the failure team's experience can improve the rod lift failure analysis and optimization process. By providing the team with information on the hardware that has been exposed to the downhole environment, the team can understand the suitability of the pump and bottomhole assembly design to the well and make the appropriate changes to improve performance.
Real-Time Decision Making for ESP Management and Optimization
Authors: Hackworth Matt , Williams Sandy
Published: September 2016

It is estimated that 95% of oil wells globally use Artificial Lift and 2014 statistics show that Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) represents 43% of the global annual artificial lift spend[0]. Occidental Petroleum is a large user of ESPs, with over 2,200 in West Texas alone, and while ESPs can produce at high rate, they are also high cost. In today's low oil price environment, it is imperative that ESPs are operated efficiently to produce at the lowest cost per barrel.

When applying ESPs to unconventional wells, efficient production is even more important with the added operational complications of producing frac sand, high gas/oil ratio (GOR) reservoirs, and rapidly changing flow rates. These three factors can dramatically shorten ESP run lives if not properly managed. Providing surveillance, monitoring, and optimization to Occidental's more than 400 unconventional wells required improved field data delivery systems, surveillance practices, and optimization techniques to meet this challenge.

To achieve this, Occidental internally-developed a system for real-time ESP decision making that combines real-time data transmission, a data analytics tool, and an ESP analysis engine, all supported by trained staff and engineering workflows. By pulling all of these components together in one platform called "OxyLIFT," production engineers have a tool to enable rapid problem detection and diagnosis.

The OxyLIFT system represents a major step forward in real-time decision making. By performing an automated analysis process on thousands of ESPs, Occidental can take proactive action on production losses at any point in the ESP's operational phase, as well as enabling semi-predictive failure analysis. Most importantly, the system highlights proactive ESP replacement opportunities which minimizes both production downtime and equipment losses. This system can be applied to any type of ESP well however the challenges associated with an unconventional well will be specifically investigated and explained with multiple case studies.
CFD and FEA-Based, 3D Metal Printing Hybrid Stage Prototype on Electric Submersible Pump ESP System for High-Gas Wells
Authors: Ye Zheng , Rutter Risa , Martinez Ignacio , Marsis Emanuel
Published: September 2016

Advanced computer simulations for pump stage design enable an efficient way to design and evaluate pump performance. Simulations also provide detailed structural behavior (e.g., stress, modal analysis), temperature analysis and performance at various flow regimens (multiphase flow). Finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be coupled with multi-disciplinary design optimization (MDO) in pump stage design practice, becoming a more helpful tool than traditional trial-and-error approaches. These tools are used to accelerate the design process of new pump stages for electric submersible pumps (ESP).

A simulation-based design was used to develop a hybrid gas-handling stage. It has been demonstrated that a hybrid stage manages a higher gas volume fraction (GVF) through production tubing as well as achieves a rising head across the operating range. The hybrid comprises an axial-flow stage and a mixed-flow stage as a set. An axial-flow stage is designed at high flow rates to push the liquid and gas phases together. The two-phase fluids then enter a mixed-flow stage, which generates a head with a reduced gas lock. One of the challenges is achieving a rising head curve across the operating range. The head curve of an axial-flow pump often constantly rises, leading to a wide operating range. Combining an axial-flow stage with a mixed-flow stage achieves a rising head and a wider flow range. Computer-based, two-phase flow modeling was used to accelerate and optimize the design of hybrid stages. As a result, this hybrid stage exhibits a high-efficiency rising head across the operating range and high gas-handling capabilities.

The prototype of this new hybrid stage was manufactured by 3D metal printing. Additive manufacturing technology has a shorter processing time, a lower scrap rate and is more affordable in the prototype phase. Material selection was considered to meet the design requirements for the testing system.

In this study, a new 4-in. hybrid concept was developed to meet the need of high-GVF wells. Pump performance testing and two-phase flow testing with the prototype pump was performed, and the results were compared with simulation models. Simulation models, well authenticated by thorough tests, provide reliable and effective stage-design tools, which provide a validation of a project's viability. The prototype has demonstrated capabilities to pump above 75% GVF without gas locking. Currently, the hybrid stage pump is under the product development phase based on the encouraging results on handling high percentage of gas.
Production Optimization in Highly Deviated Unconventional Wells
Authors: Bridges Jeffrey , Fougerdi Morteza , Clour Eric , Sappington Eric
Published: September 2016

This paper describes an artificial lift case study where ten horizontal Mississippian Lime wells exhibiting high dogleg severity above the tangent section were tested on an electrical submersible pump (ESP) to maximize fluid production. The three main objectives of the test were: (1) to reduce pressure on perforations to an acceptable level; (2) to implement flangeless connections on the equipment string; and, (3) to monitor the economic impact of the installations of the ESP units to the wells.

The challenges for the ESP systems for this specific test included: (i) mechanical damage passing through high dogleg severity (up to 25°/100ft); (ii) quickly declining production; (iii) high gas/liquid ratio (>800 SCF/BBL); (iv) low liquid inflow during gas slugging. These challenges eliminated the possibility of using traditional ESP equipment. Gas-avoidance and gas-separation technology was used to enhance reservoir drawdown, along with flangeless ESP connections, to maneuver the string through the typically equipment-destroying dogleg severity.

This paper describes uncommon techniques to effectively install and operate an ESP unit in highly deviated wells and the application of ESP systems in gassy and gas-slugging wells. Historical design challenges, system-specific design/operation, and production results of the tested wells are also presented. Comparisons to other traditional artificial lift methods, including ESPs with flanged connections, help support the conclusion that it is possible to successfully and economically improve production in a highly deviated unconventional well by using a properly designed ESP. The economic impacts are viewed as positive when the test well results are compared to conventional alternatives that are not adequately equipped to handle all of these challenges.

These results are used to make inferences on potential changes to future wellbore planning and drilling that will impact drilling and completion costs, as well as improved recovery.
Hydraulic Tubing Anchor Results from Uinta Basin Oil Wells
Authors: McDaniels Anthony D. , Sakakura Scott
Published: September 2016

Mechanical tubing anchors are a widely used technology in rod pump production. One alternative method of anchoring tubing is the hydraulic anchor, a technology which is gaining acceptance in the industry. The method of actuation and overall geometry give the hydraulic tubing anchor appealing technical advantages, while also offering long term solutions to known mechanical tubing anchor problems. In the Uinta Basin, mechanical tubing anchors have made production and work-over operations complicated and lengthy. This study discusses and reviews the use of hydraulic tubing anchors vs. mechanical tubing anchors in Bundage Canyon and Lake Canyon of the Uinta Basin Wells. The Senior Production & Completions Engineer for these wells collected and monitored the data presented. Data covers decisions to install and installations of hydraulic anchors from April 2013 to October 2014. Beginning with a trial period, the hydraulic anchors had proven to operate as intended and minimize (in some cases eliminate) problems prevalent with running mechanical anchors. Although hydraulic anchors presented a greater initial cost than mechanical anchors, the benefits in reliability, reduction in install time, and reduction in retrieval time amounted to an estimated 46% savings over the course of the study.
Pump Stroke Optimization: Case Study of Twenty Well Pilot
Authors: Elmer William G. , Elmer John B.
Published: September 2016

"Pump Stroke Optimization" or PSO was invented to address problems encountered when rod pumping in rapidly changing flow regimes observed with oil production from horizontal wellbores. Current RPC ("Rod Pump Controller") technology was developed for vertical wells. The application of RPCs to horizontal wells often results in frequent full spectrum speed changes and excessive low pump fillage events, both which are undesirable.

The common method operators employ to mitigate this problem is to manually reduce the maximum working speed setpoint to a value slightly above that required to handle all the daily production. This intervention must be done routinely, and is counterproductive should the well see increased deliverability due to events such as downtime or offset fracs. Pump Stroke Optimization (PSO) replaces human intervention by regularly adjusting the maximum working speed based on analysis of several hours of observed pumping speeds and low pump fillage events.

Some RPC's allow for the downstroke to operate at a slower speed than the upstroke. For RPC's with this feature, the PSO device decreases the downstroke pumping speed preferentially, leaving the upstroke pumping speed unchanged until an operator set differential is reached. This practice results in less pump slippage, as well as additional time for evolving gas to exit the rod pump's gas anchor. This results in less strokes per day for the same production, which results in less downhole wear and less power consumption.

Field trials began in two Eagle Ford wells in March of 2015, with initial very successful results presented at an industry workshop in September 2015. An expanded twenty well Eagle Ford pilot test was begun December 3 of 2015. Rather than handpicking wells that were similar to the initial two well pilot, a wide range of production rates were chosen. After 45 days of operation, the following indicators were reviewed by the operator to determine overall success or failure: Algorithm Convergence (Indicating successful PSO device supplied pumping speeds)Greater average pump fillage (earlier load transfer better for downhole equipment)Less Strokes per day without production loss (provided by greater fillage and less slippage)Higher Bottom Minimum Stress in final rod taper (indicating less buckling tendency)Less electrical power consumption

The data was obtained using standard industry SCADA and data analysis software, as well as manually reading power meters. In summary, the operator deemed ten wells highly successful, five marginally successful, and five were not successful. The reasons contributing to success and failure will be expounded upon to obtain higher success rates in future applications.