Management and Coordination of Complex Operations
Authors: Ghole Jagannath 
Published: October 2008

This paper outlines a system and a methodology for planning, problem-solving and managing complex operations, spanning the life cycle of an oil and gas field. It is based on PERT concept, network architecture and effective utilization of human resources in problem solving. This technique can be used in new product or technology development or in managing complex operations, encompassing regional geology, geophysical and geochemical evaluation, drilling, development, facilities construction, workover, pipe line construction, decommissioning or abandonment and coordinating the logistics in offshore or onshore oil and gas fields. It also provides a framework for solving complex problems by tapping relevant know-how and experience. The author has used this technique successfully in operations of different sizes, including seismic and geochemical evaluations of prospects, drilling, completion, facilities design and construction and workovers; all phases contained outsourced services. Throughout the life cycle of an oil and gas field, offshore or onshore, many operations are carried out involving omplex logistics, challenges of problem-solving, improving on past experience and meeting a time schedule. The technique outlined in this paper provides a systematic means to meet those challenges.

Introduction

Complex operations abound in history of human affairs. But why is it so difficult and complex to accomplish significant results? One of the most profound laws of Thermodynamics is the Second Law. It states that in a closed system, the entropy tends to increase. Its implication is that anything new that we are setting out to accomplish has close to zero initial probability of materializing. In other words, left to her own devices, Nature is not going to hand us the results we are seeking on a silver platter. We have to put energy into the system. A group of people dedicated to reaching a common goal invests its energy into a project. For best results, these efforts of the group will have to be managed with intelligence, perception and perseverance. This challenge necessitates that you know clearly where you are going, what resources will be required to get there and a road map toward the goal, so you can monitor the progress and make any necessary mid-course adjustment. This paper presents a means to do that. It also provides you with a way to evaluate what your chances of success are.

Analytical Framework

Major projects involve many people and tasks. In order to fully comprehend and manage the challenge, linkages between tasks and their interdependencies will have to be captured in a bird's eye view. A network representation of the big picture provides such a view, defines the course of action and provides a means to coordinate and monitor progress. In this section, we will describe how to generate a representative network Theory. A system is predisposed to uniform probability distribution function, with the project objective being one of infinite number of possible outcomes. So it carries essentially zero probability of happening naturally. The antidote to the situation is infusion of external energy. This energy may take the form of specialized knowledge for problem solving or perhaps fabrication energy.