RIASSUNTO
ABSTRACT
Iraq is undergoing a period of transition after the overthrow of former regime. This created a vacuum of authority throughout the entire country which has lead to a dangerous security situation, posing serious risks to a range of targets, delaying reconstruction and making it very difficult to provide any services for developing the country.
Therefore, the lack of utilities, security and basic services has forced a significant portion of the skilled workforce to leave the country. Furthermore, oil and gas industry infrastructure was in a very poor state and required tremendous support of equipment and experienced manpower.
All the above factors prevented many major oil companies from operating and introducing their technology in Iraq. On the other hand, Weatherford was firmly committed to establishing their business inside Iraq but decided to control and manage their operations remotely rather than inside Iraq. More specifically, the management team was based in Dubai to plan, manage and support operations and an established team in Iraq to follow directions from management office.
Coordination of operations was done using state-of-the-art communication systems, effective information reporting procedures and experienced technical support on the ground. Field personnel were extensively trained through class-room and interactive sessions, as well as QHSE training to comply with Weatherford standards. Finally, an integrated project management system was created to provide clients with experienced project management, well engineering expertise and the optimum technology for integrated projects to jointly create greater value in an environmentally responsible manner. The positive outcomes are better access to technology, teamwork and an alliance spirit with mutually agreed objectives.
The many successes achieved through this remote management system demonstrate the effectiveness of Weatherford's approach in tackling the challenges of operating in a volatile security environment such as Iraq.
INTRODUCTION
To highlight the relationship between project management methodology and project success, one must look to the hidden efforts by the key personnel who started the first step in finding the strong staff (selective personnel) who will be capable of executing the project according to a clear instruction and proper plan from the main office in Dubai. Indeed, the task was not easy in the beginning, due to psychological and political issues relating to the concept of encouraging people working with a US company to support the Iraqi economy. However, having personal involvement was behind encouraging most of the current staff to be involved in this project.
WHY MANAGING REMOTELY?
The dissolution of the former Iraqi government after the collapse of the previous regime created a vacuum of authority throughout the entire country, which led to a volatile security environment everywhere; thus causing great difficulties in providing any services to develop the country. Also, the lack of utilities and limited life support obligated many experts and educated people to leave the country. Consequently, no infrastructure was available to establish businesses in Iraq, particularly in the oil and gas industry which requires massive support of equipment and qualified experienced people to build such a vital industry.