J. W. Gibson

Landmark Graphics Corporation, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Knowledge Management and New IT Architecture Will Maximize Upstream Value-Creation

Despite today’s oil prices, rebounding energy stocks and a general atmosphere of optimism, our industry faces some serious challenges in the coming years.

Our workforce is rapidly aging and the enrollments in petroleum-related university programs are at record lows. The industry is facing an impending shortage of intellectual capital that will impact out ability to make wise decisions. Knowledge management, therefore, must become a way of life, not just another buzzword.

Energy companies are still not as consistently profitable as are other investment alternatives in the marketplace. As a result, the oil and gas industry must leave no stone unturned in its quest for greater efficiency and productivity. New Internet-based IT architectures will be necessary to enable our industry to sustain and grow profitability, not just at $25 - $30/barrel or $10/Mcf, but also at any price.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado