COMP40321: Analyzing Technology's Role in Oil Company Decisions

This report explores the role of technology in improving decision-making processes within oil companies, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula. It begins by highlighting the historical context of technological innovation in the oil industry, starting with Edwin L. Drake's early advancements. The report then discusses the increasing integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact on productivity, cost reduction, and efficiency. It addresses the problem of effectively adopting and adapting new technologies in the oil sector, especially in developing countries like those in the Arabian Peninsula, where technology transfer faces challenges such as a lack of skilled manpower. The research objectives include determining technology's role in decision-making, identifying current technologies in the oil sector, and understanding factors affecting technological adaptation. The literature review covers technology transfer, its phases (assessment, selection, adaptation, utilization, and expansion), and issues related to technology transfer, such as the need for skilled manpower and a focus beyond mere production. Finally, the report touches on the application of robotics in the oil sector, detailing the various components and functions of robots used in the industry. Desklib provides similar solved assignments and resources for students.

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 1
HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES
By (Name)
Course
Instructor’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
The City and State
The Date

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 2
HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES
Background
In the oil industry, technological innovation started in the year 1859 by one Edwin L.
Drake. Drake is remembered for having come up with a technology which would make it easier
for water and oil to be effectively separated from one another. Hence since the discovery of
Drake, in the oil industry innovations undertaken through science and force has been one of the
main forces (Larsen 2013, p.110). In the recent time, a lot of technological advancements have
been witnessed in the oil sector which has led to improved decision making, natural resource and
environmental conservation. A number of technological innovations are currently being
experienced in the oil and Gas industry which has eased the process of decision making
(Henderson Hepsø & Mydland 2013, p.10). In the early 1980's, a number of strategies and
tactics were adopted by oil companies aimed at enhancing the level of efficiency in operation,
health and safety, production potential and at the same understanding the resource reservoir.
There was a general wind of technological initiatives that were being experienced in the oil
industry during the period of the 1990's. In the recent time, Oil companies have exploited the
available technologies to effectively enhance their overall decision making capacities (Han 2017,
p.620).
Organizations and companies in a number of countries utilize various forms of
technology to effectively gain a competitive advantage in the industry of operations. Decision
making processes in the oil companies, are relatively complex and difficult and hence requires
unique technologies (Lochman 2012, p.240). Hence oil companies in the Arabian Peninsula have
invested a lot of capital to improve their overall technology capabilities which has resulted into a
number of opportunities and prudent decision making. Most economies of the Arab peninsular

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 3
depend on oil as their main source of revenue. These countries include Yemen, the United Arab
Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. For the case of countries like Saudi Arabia, oil
generates over thirty percent of the country's Gross domestic product (GDP). The oil industry is
mainly made up of three aspects which include the downstream, mid-stream and up stream.
Production and exploration activities are mainly carried out in the upstream. Pipelines and
tankers which carry crude oil to refineries are usually found in the midstream. Some of the
aspects under downstream include; retail distribution, refining, marketing through convenience
stores and gasoline stations.
Three quarters of the world's oil production is undertaken by state owned organizations
(Al 2011). Privately owned oil organizations appear in the list of the ten best corporations in the
entire Globe. The ever increasing levels of oil production has called for a need of new and
improved technology capable of promoting the efficiency use of oil resources in the
environment. A number of technologies have been developed to help in meeting energy needs at
a cost effective, safe and clean manner (Al 2010).
There has been development of new natural gas applications to ease the transportation of
liquids, Data visualization is also currently being used in the oil sector to increase efficiency and
effectiveness in the production processes, underwater hydro carbons are also being used,
inspection robotics, pipe liners, corrosion detection among others. The overall production and
manufacturing process requires an effective and efficient technology. As per the oxford
dictionary, technology is defined as scientific application of knowledge in an industry mainly for
practical needs or purposes. In the field of manufacturing, technology is defined as the utilization
of high levels of processes and technical tools in manufacturing and operations. The oil industry

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 4
involves a complex network of a number of integrated operations and production processes (Al
2010).
Internet of things
From the proceeding incite, we get to understand that there has been an increasing use of
technology which has been accompanied by increasing integration of internet. In other words,
the development in technology has taken place alongside the interconnectedness of the
appliances being invented. The invention of internet started way back in the early 20th century,
which implies that there existed the interconnection of machines and appliances. However, the
term Internet of Things got its official name in around 1999 and has since then, developed an
increasing popularity. From a lay man’s understanding, internet of things can therefore be
understood as the interconnection of electronic appliances which permits the transfer of data
(Gupta Smith & Shalley 2006, p.700).
The use of internet of things has played a substantial role in providing firms with various
opportunities for business which ultimately result into improved productivity, cost reduction and
efficiency. In the current environment, managers in the oil companies make decision
justifications regarding strategy and technology basing on the level of technology advancements.
Through the utilization of technology, oil companies are able to effectively asses and evaluate
the position of technology visa- vi their overall current situation and make rational decisions
(Aramco 2008).
Statement of the problem

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 5
Organizations and companies invest in strategies aimed at developing new technologies
in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness in there process and operations. Therefore in the
area of Arab peninsular, the oil companies have realized the importance of technological
innovation in the decision making process. Unlike other industries, the oil sector has unique
needs which have to be addressed through the employment and adaptation of new technologies
and strategies capable of improving the decision making process (Aramco 2007). Despite the
numerous risks involved in the adoption of new technology, high returns are usually yielded
when new and unique technology is employed in the oil industries in the area of Arab peninsular.
The adoption of new technology in the oil industry has paved way for the reduction exploration
risk and time wastage thus enhancing the decision making process in the oil industry.
Purpose of the research
In the current century it’s difficult for organizations to effectively operate without an
effective and efficient technology. Over the last decade a number of technologies in the oil sector
have played an important role in improving the overall decision making processes, performance
and other organizational operations. The overall management, business operations and behaviors
of oil companies and the process of production has drastically changed due to technology.
Basing on the current literature review there is evidence of the role the power of technology in
shaping the overall decision making process in the oil sector in the area of Arabian Peninsula
(Gokhale and Myers 2007). Therefore the main purpose of this research is to provide a clear
description of the role technology in improving the decision making process taking Saudi
Arabian peninsula as our case study (Grant 2013, p.120).
Research objectives

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 6
It is critically important to investigate the role of technology in improving decision
making in the oil industry in the area of Arab peninsular. Therefore in order to effectively
achieve the goals of the research, below will be the research objectives (Walker Waterfield &
Thompson 2014, p.730).
 To determine the role of technology in the decision making process
 To identify the current technologies in the oil sector
 To identify the factors which affect technological adaptations among some
companies in the area of Arab Peninsular?
Research questions
 What is the role of technological innovation in improving decision making in the
oil sector
 What are the current technologies in the oil sector of Arab Peninsular?
 What are the factors affecting technological adaptations in the oil sector of Arab
peninsular
Literature review
Technology transfer in the oil sector
From an economical point of view, there is an increased importance of oil among the
countries in the Arab peninsula. Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that has the highest number
of the oil deposits despite having less revenue, this is attributed to the poor technology used in
the oil sector for example in drilling of oil. In the Arab peninsula most countries are considered
as developing countries, in such countries there is high variation in technology and also transfer

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 7
of technology in unsuitable (Turek &Fred 2011). This is due to lack of a well-defined plan for
the transfer of technology which has greatly affected the development of this oil sector in these
countries. Systematic and scientific contact with supervision, management and technology
transfer create a base that is essential for technology development particularly in the oil sector
(Mau et al 2015).
This process of technology transfer in the oil sector takes place under a sequence of
stages which are very useful in decision making and these include the following;
Assessment and recognition phase; under this phase different technologies are gathered
from various countries and carefully evaluated depending on the conditions at the site and in the
country and then the ease of technology transfer is also studied. Secondly is the selection phase,
this is important in the selection of the right technology to be used. It also includes the methods
of transfer since technical methods could be employed transferring this technology. The internal
conditions where the technology is to be delivered is equally analyzed and the right and skilled
personnel is employed to carry out the task. The next phase is the adaption, this involves
adopting the technology to the local environment in line with the level of investment, raw
materials, production, skills and machinery. Imported technology will most likely be better than
the present technology and will therefore cut the costs involved in a long run. Utilization phase
will help in making sure that the technology in the sector is well used for the improvement of the
products being produced and the rate at which oil is drilled and all the other services related to
the imported technology. Lastly expansion as well as spreading of technology would be the last
phases, under these phases this technology is improved to provide better means of solving the oil
sector issues through incorporating internal skills with the technology.

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 8
Issues related to the transfer of technology in the oil sector
The two methods that are used for the development of technology in the oil sector include
endogenous development with the use of internal resources and then the use of external resources
from outside a given organization. In the process of the rapid change of technology in the world
today, it is impossible for any country or even organization to be with all these new technologies.
This means there is an increase in the transfer of technology with in the oil mining countries in
the Arab peninsula. Despite the limited technology in these areas, there is quick and steady
adoption to the new technologies and this adversely contributes to the stakeholder’s decision
making (Cox 2017).
This requires management attention and enough support for it to be effective. Technology
transfer in the oil sector involves the proper use of the transferred technology in the sector. The
biggest challenge in the transfer of technology in the Arabian Peninsula has been the lack of the
skilled manpower to give the required attention in terms of handling the technology. This has
been a bottleneck in many oil industries in the Arabian Peninsula. Another challenge in oil
sectors of the Arab peninsula is that they consider technology transfer solely for production of
goods instead of using such an opportunity to create new technologies.
Application of robotics in the oil sector
A robot is made up of different components each designed to perform a given function.
Some parts of the robot include end effector, actuators, sensor controller, software developments,
hardware developments, robot interlacing and the manipulator (Nome 2016). Robots are
becoming increasingly important in the oil sector since safety is paramount in this industry, the
undeveloped mining areas in the Arabian Peninsula deserts have limited their use in the industry

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 9
though they are slowly adopting to change. The ABB robotics have been the most common
suppliers for the robots used in the oil fields. These robots help to improve on productivity,
worker safety and the product quality. One of the commonly used robot in the oil sectors within
the Arabian Peninsula is the iron Roughneck. This robot automates the dangerous and continuous
task that involves connecting of pipes that transport the oil through the sea waters and the oil
bearing rocks (Koenig et al 2007). This kind of automation helps to improve on the efficiency as
well as the safety of the workers and the work itself. There are other robotic applications for
different purposes for example the robotic drills, these kind of robots substitute the manual labor
that could be used in drilling, these robotic drills are common in the Arabian Peninsula.
Remotely operated drones and automatic underwater vehicles are also used. These combined
together reduce the time spent while performing a given task which could have even required
more expenses. Robots therefore in this way boost productivity. (Bidgoil 2006) These
technologies are being incorporated together with new technologies such as video streaming
which has eased transfer of data between the subsea levels and the central data hubs. The
application of robots in the offshore oil industry is diverse and in the Arabian Peninsula it’s just
starting to boom up (kolokolova 2007) There is also raise of the use of remotely operated vehicle
that is put on the seabed. This helps in transmitting of signals on the water surface without the
need of a surface vessel (Warner & Cody 2016). These robots have helped the industries in the
oil sector produce standard quality products at an international level and have also helped in
making informed decisions since the industries are much aware of the costs involved in
producing quality products (petty 2015).
The oil and gas industry and how it works.

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 10
The most influential industry in the world is the oil and gas industry. In addition, all other
sectors that is to say, steel, automotive industry and defense, metal processing corporation and
fertilizers have all been influenced by the gas and oil industry. In the oil and gas industry, the
following are the most considered that is to say, mid stream, upstream and downstream and each
have different role they play and for manufacturing processes of gas and oil is concerned. In
explanation, the process in which the crude oil is converted into more useful product is referred
to as the downstream. For instance, petrol, diesel or gasoline is meant to be used in cars but they
can’t be used as crude oil but they have to first undergo the process of distillation which is also
known as upstream. Because crude oil is a mixture of high dense to very low dense volume
molecules, there is theoretically an infinite number of compounds which can be used to separate
the mixture. In the Arabian Peninsula, the direction and course of billion dollars every year are
determined by the decision in the oil and gas industry (Aramco 2008).
Technology decision making
In the oil and gas companies decisions can be made using the decision software analysis.
Using this technology, a decision can be made whether to elaborate, drill or not to drill.
However, decisions can be made to determine the timing of increased facilitating capacity, the
drilling priority of a company's exploration opportunities, the maximum bid for a lease and the
best development process for a given asset or if a long and short-term supply contract can be
signed around different Arabian Peninsula countries like the Saudi Arabia (Basole Et al 2006).
However, reaching more tough or complex decisions can take quite a long period of time that is
to say a year or months in terms of preparation while few and quick calculations can analyze
simple problems. For instance, developing a deep water prospects is one of the dilemmas
challenging the oil and gas company in the recent error. It should be noted that, before selecting

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 11
a production system, oil companies spend twelve to eighteen months in the decision making
cycle for example in gathering information, modeling risks and uncertainty and selecting
production system in the oil and gas industry. Profit therefore may be increased by shortening the
time to first production by streamlining the process. Decision making in the oil and gas industry
using advanced technologies helps the firm or industry with variety of business opportunities and
different ways in which the firm can improve its productivity, lower costs and increase on its
efficiency (Rao and Rodriguez2005). Decision makers have to justify their decisions regarding
technology investment and strategy in the current competitive business environment. Technology
in an oil and gas industry help in decision making by bridging the future and recent gaps so as
the needs and objectives of a business are met. In addition, for many reasons, technology
investment decisions are very complicated and hard to make for example, organizational
influence, supplier forces, competitive pressures, customer requirements and organizational
influences. Making the technology investment decision can be hard and difficult if the benefits
and values of the technology cannot be identified most importantly. Many different factors which
can be hard to control can influence investment technology (Rao 2005).
Factors in decision making
The following factors are noted to be the environmental effects on decision making as
far as technology investment is concerned. The first factor identified was the internal factor and
external factors that is to environment. The organization’s capability in dealing with the current
market trend, competition, customer's requirements and globalization are part of the
environmental factors. In addition, the work instructions that the firm is using and the working
condition and the overall working conditions of the organization’s infrastructure are some of the
factors with significant impact. In the same manner, impact on technology investment could be

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 12
made because of some external factors. Another factor is the organizational factor and they play
an important part as far as technology investment decisions are concerned. One of the most
significant factors as far as the organizational factor is concerned is the employees' knowledge
and qualifications according to Warren. To ensure a successful adoption and implementation of
technology the oil and gas company will need qualifications which include knowledge, skills and
confidence. However, the following technologies have been used by the Arabs in United Arab
emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Arabic countries to help in the decision making as far as the
processing and drilling of oil and gas is concerned that is complex geological structure, super
computer based calculations, 3D views of the surface and many other technologies (Rao 2005).
Drake’s more important contribution was developing the technology to separate the oil
and water although the discovery of the technology was important to the Arabian Peninsula. The
major force in the oil and gas industry since the first breaking through was innovation through
technology and science (Lawson 2006). Primarily, oil have been used by the native people for
almost thousands of years hence it was not discovered by Drake as noted in the books but he
developed a method which could help the oil processors to produce large quantity of oil with a
technology called the complex geologic structures (Weatherford 2005). What Drake developed
was a method for producing large quantities of oil. It should be noted that, horizontally and
vertically, drilling technology has progressed from 71 feet to many miles below the surface. In
the past error, technology like rudimentary geology was used in the gas and oil but recently
things changed from the rudimentary way more advanced technology like use of 3D views of
surface, and super computer based calculations. It should be noted that innovation and
technology are the major running factors in the gas and oil industry of the twenty first century.
The manner in which oil and gas reserves are developed, identified and produced have been

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 13
dramatically altered by the use of advanced technology. Environmental protection and
conservation of natural resources have also been improved due to advancement in technology
(Frank 2005).
Research Methodology
This section describes the different tasks undertaken when carrying out the project.A
task is defined as an activity to be completed in a specified period time or within a given
deadline with a reason of achieving the project goals and objectives. A task is further broken
down into smaller assignments defined from the start to end date for completion. The section
further identifies the different research methods, research strategies, data collection procedures in
detail used in researching the different data, adequate technologies which were useful in the
completion of the project. The different tasks undertaken when carrying out the project on the
importance of technology when making decisions by decision makers while in oil companies in
the Arabian Peninsula are described in details.
Research Design
When analyzing the use of technology to decision makers in the oil companies in the
Arabian Penesuila, the research was based on the data relevant to these companies, this data was
searched using existing databases and search engines so as to give relevant articles to provide the
information. The research also applied the ontology and epistemology approaches to information
research. The Ontology approach was very helpful in giving the relationship between the
different concepts while carrying out the project (Virine & Trumper2017). This relationship was
very necessary when answering the existing research questions and meeting the aim as well as
the project objectives. The epistemology approach was useful in the describing the scientific

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 14
ways with their fundamental choices as they were used when carrying out the project. Like the
ontology approach, epistemology was also useful in making the project a success.
Sampling
When carrying out the research, sampling is very useful. Sampling in research refers to
method of making a selection of a given set of population from the whole existing population.
Therefore a small sample may represent the overall population in relation to characteristics. In
our project of determining the importance of technology to oil companies, the sampling
technique applied was stratified sampling because there was a need of selecting the right group
of people from the population. This sampling methodology involves dividing the existing
population into stratum and from each, different individuals is selected according to the needed
characteristics. While making a selection, demographic factors were not considered (Saggi
2003).A stratified sampling technique was used because of a need of obtaining quality results
and also avoid errors.
Data collection techniques
The different data collection methodologies applied when carrying out the research on the
project were; reviewing the existing literature about the application of technology in the oil
industries by using the search databases and search engines. The second data collection method
applied was carrying out the survey, this survey was online based (Bethlehem 2012). Using
surveys as data collection method is classified as qualitative data collection technique, it was
chosen because it was time saving, applicable, real time, and convenient. This survey was online,
it generated a lot of useful information to the researcher on how the project was to be conducted
(Vehovar &Lozar2008).

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 15
Measures in the project
While carrying out the planning of the project, different planning tasks together with
assignments where undertaken so as to make it a success, Some of these tasks include; defining
the goals of the project, coming up with the project deliverables, defining the needs of the
different stakeholders involved within the project, coming up with the project work plan
describing the different plans such as human resource plan, and closure of the project. These
tasks were useful since their success would make the all research project cycle useful to the
researcher.
Data analysis methods
In the research, while carrying out analysis and representation of collected data, two data
analysis methodologies are always considered, these methodologies are either qualitative data
analysis or quantitative data analysis and sometimes both are applied. This study considered the
two forms of analyzing data. The qualitative analysis of data was very useful in analyzing data
from qualitative data collection or non-statistical data. The quantitative data analysis involved
the analysis of mathematical data. These forms of data analysis were very useful because both
were used for checking the validity of the data collected. In our research, qualitative data
analysis methodology was applied more than quantitative.
Ethical considerations
During the carryout of the project, safeguard and respect to the rights of privacy, free
will, well-being of the different research participants and as well as their confidentiality was put
into consideration. The burden of study to the participants was minimized to the lowest extent
possible while adhering to the different legal and ethical obligations towards them. An informed

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 16
consent was obtained from each research participant. Ethically, protocol for project members and
interviewers were developed in order to protect the participants' or respondents' survey data and
identified details. During the research, voluntary consent for additional activities for data
collection was obtained as well as different procedure were developed.
Data Validation
Different strategies were applied in validating the data, the best strategy which was
applied is Triangulation. Several moderators from different locations, and multiple individuals
analyzing the same data collected where used. The other validity methodology used was
respondent validation where the initial results from the respondents or participants were analyzed
together with them to see whether there is a correlation. But using these results, care was taken
for them to remain authentic.
Description of the different tasks undertaken during project planning
The most important task in project planning is initialization of the project and its plan.
This involved the carrying out of all research procedures about the different technologies that are
applied within the oil companies within the Arabian Peninsula. In this stage, different
assignments were undertaken, some of these are; defining the scope and purpose of the research
project, defining the necessary functional and non-functional requirements for the research
project.
A function requirement is defined as the specific behavior of the system while meeting
the certain needed condition. Functional requirements were used in defining what specifically the
technologies would do and the same time the applicability of the project (Fleming 2005). One of
the example of function requirement as applied to the project is sending new emails in case of oil

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 17
theft. The different analyzed functional requirements of the required hardware and software
systems as applied in the oil companies are; adjacency to the business rules within the
companies, proper authentication and authorization levels so as to overcome security threats,
proper audit tracking, ability to report the different the needed business requirements. The
project was useful in coming up with a system that should be meeting the regulatory and legal
requirements within the countries of application.
The non-function requirements as analyzed within the project specifically denoted the
requirements that specified the performance of the different software within the oil companies so
as to attain certain functions (Filicetti 2009). In conducting projects, non-functional requirements
are very useful in giving descriptions on how systems should behave. Technology as applied in
the oil companies should be characterized with the following non-functional requirements; it
should be reliable, maintainable, recoverable, usable by the different stakeholders, and at the
same time secure. This technology should also support interoperability as well as updates. While
executing this phase or stage, the researcher was able to undertake a feasibility study so as to
give a firm foundation for planning of the full project.
The different tasks undertaken during project planning
The planning phase in managing is very essential when planning the project and it should
be among the first steps undertaken when carrying out the project management (Harold 2003).
There are number of tasks which are undertaken when carrying out project planning, some of
tasks which are undertaken when carrying out project planning include;
Defining the goals of the project, the goal of this project is to describe the importance of
technology within the oil companies specifically in the Arab Peninsula, under this task the

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 18
different stake holders were defined as well as the beneficiaries. The different beneficiaries and
stake holders in this project are the customers who receive the services provided by the oil
companies, the managers and workers within the industry are also considered because they are to
benefit from the research project. Once the different stakeholders are recognized within the
establishment of the project, there needs would automatically be met (Richard & Edward2000).
Meeting the needs of the customers would make the project planning procedure successful.
The second task which was undertaken is creating the work plan for attaining goals and at
the same time addressing the existing technological problems facing the different oil companies.
Together with the work plan and identification of the stake holders of the project, the different
deliverables were also established which were very helpful in carrying out project schedule. The
project schedule was very useful in defining the different tasks carried out in meeting the stated
deliverables, the schedule consists of the schedule allocated time for the implementation of each
assignment as well as the different individuals who are involved in the fulfillment of the tasks.
When making the schedule, it is also very useful to allocate the resources that are be used in
completion of the project. One of the needed resources for the project is the information about
the existence of different data about the technologies, both software and hardware, that could be
applied by the oil companies. The project schedule was developed using a Microsoft project. The
possible challenges that were noted as to possibly occur when carrying out this task include;
delays, over estimations, and working outside the project scope.
The other task undertaken during the planning of the project was creating the different
sub-plans under the work plan. These sub plans are also supported so as to make the planning
process acceptable. The different sub plans which were included directly into the work plan
included; the communication plan which was useful in the establishment of effective

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 19
communication during the carrying out of the project. This plan also consisted of different stake
holders and researchers who were to be kept informed during the progress and implementation of
project as well as how as the information would be received. The other plan which was drafted
was the risk management plan, this was very important plan. It showed the different risks that
would occur during the carrying out our research project. Some of the possible risks involved in
this plan were; Optimistic when estimating cost and time, unclear responsibilities and roles,
research reviews being slow as well the unexpected cuts in budgets, poor communications,
failure to understand the needs of the stakeholders, and other risks. These risks were tracked
simply through the use of the risk log. The other plan drawn was the human resource plan which
consisted of the different organizations and individuals by their names together with their roles
during the process of carrying out the project study (Made et al 2013).
Gantt diagram illustrating tasks
Selection of the research topic
03-
Jun-18
9-Jun-
18 6
Collection of data from books
and journals
6/10/2
018
6/23/2
018 13
Formulation of the research
design
6/24/2
018
7/6/20
18 12
Conducting of the literature
review
7/7/20
18
7/13/2
018 6
Creation of the research
methodology 7/14/2
018
7/31/2
018 17
Selecting the appropriate
research techniques
8/1/20
18
8/8/20
18 7
Collection of the primary
data
8/9/20
18
8/16/2
018
Analysis of data as well as
data interpretation
8/17/2
018
8/23/2
018 6
Analysis of the findings 8/24/2 8/26/2 2

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 20
018 018
Conclusions as well as
recommendation
8/27/2
018
8/28/2
018 1
Formation of the rough
research report
8/29/2
018
9/1/20
18 3
Submission of the final report
9/2/20
18
9/3/20
18 1
Selection of the research topic
Collection of data from books and journals
Formulation of the research design
Conducting of the literature review
Creation of the research methodology
Selecting the appropriate research techniques
Collection of the primary data
Analysis of data as well as data interpretation
Analysis of the findings
Conclusions as well as recommendation
Formation of the rough research report
Submission of the final report
10-Apr-18 30-May-18 19-Jul-18 07-Sep-18 27-Oct-18
6
13
12
6
17
7
6
2
1
3
1
Series1 Duration
Results and discussions
Basing on the research conducted in the area of Arab peninsular, it was found out that
technology adaptation is critically important to most management and company boards. Further
the importance of investment in technology to aid the process of decision making in most oil
companies was emphasized. Most of the oil companies investigated by the research provided
there justification of investing in technology as a way of aiding the decision making process by
using the internal rate of return and the net present value. In addition external and internal
difficulties and factors such as lack of understanding of government rules and regulations, lack
of information about technology, forecasting market trend difficulties were also identified as
some of the factors affecting technological adaptations

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 21
More over the planning for the adaption of unique and relevant technologies was one of
the key areas that most oil companies in the Arab peninsular emphasized. Technological
consideration is affected by a number of factors like management style and strategy of the
organization
In addition, apart from enhancing the effective of decision making process, technology
in the oil sector has resulted into huge benefit to the economies of Arab peninsular through
enhancing oil discovery, exploration and natural resource conservation there technologies
(Castrilon and Cartona 2005). Therefore technology is a critical aspect in enhancing the overall
level of productivity in the oil sector not only in the area of Arab peninsular but also in other
parts of the world. Oil companies in the area of Arab peninsular has of recent attained a high
level of efficiency and effectiveness in there processes as a result of technological advancements
which has in one way or the other improved decision making. The fact that most of new
technologies call for huge investments does not rule out the fact that technological is an
important aspect in improving the level of decision making in the oil industry. It should be noted
that innovative technology had made it easy and cost effective to effectively undertake a number
of oil programs like natural gas extraction. Government of the countries in Arabian Peninsula
have played a fundamental role in enhancing the level of technological innovation most oil
companies through social pressures and policy (Gokhale and Myers 2007).
Conclusion
Conclusively, the research paper aimed at providing a deeper analysis of the
technological developments in the oil and gas sector and their impact in the decision making
process. A number of developments have taken place in the oil industry which has brought about

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS DECISION MAKERS IN OIL COMPANIES 22
a number of significant improvements in the overall decision making process in the oil sector
thus encouraging efficiency and effectiveness in the production process. The Arabian Peninsula
is known globally for its innovative oil industry which has been enhanced by the good policy on
technological development and other innovations undertaken by oil companies as
comprehensively discussed above
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