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OPS1797 Mastering Upstream Operations in Oil and Gas

$199.00
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The Executive Diagnostic and Governance Toolkit

Mastering Upstream Operations in Oil and Gas

Score your own function red, amber or green, find out which part is weakest, and walk into the next budget round able to defend what you want to fix. Built for leaders reviewing Oil gas and pipeline operations.

$199 one-time
30-day money-back guarantee Verified against latest insights, updated access provided within 24h

Each order is checked and updated against the latest insights before delivery. That is why access takes up to 24 hours rather than being instant.

What you walk out with
A scored, ranked picture of your own function, and a defensible answer to what to fix first.
1 You stop guessing where you stand.
You finish with a score, not an opinion: every part of your function rated red, amber or green, with the weakest ranked first. Evidence: a Quick Scan for the shape of it, then seven domain assessments of 30 scored questions each, 210 in all, rolled into one scorecard, plus a maturity radar and a current-versus-target gap analysis.
2 You can defend the decision.
You walk into the budget round with the gap named, the owner named and done defined, instead of a case built on instinct. Evidence: project charter, scope statement, RACI, requirements traceability and work breakdown structure, pre-filled in your domain's language.
3 The work actually moves.
The month after the decision is already built, so nothing stalls waiting for someone to design a form. Evidence: more than 60 project templates across all five PMBOK process groups, plus runbooks, SOPs, a KPI framework, audit checklists and a risk matrix. 55 to 65 files in total.
4 You use it the day it lands.
No blank templates to interpret. Every workbook opens with what it is, who uses it, when, how, a 1 to 5 scoring guide, what good looks like, and a worked example you delete and type over.
The Quick Scan is one sitting. You will know your weakest area before the day is out.
Nothing in it is generic project management: the build rejects any file that could belong to another course. Updated after you enrol, so it reflects where the work stands now. The 144-chapter course is included behind it, for the parts you want to go deeper on.
You own upstream operations. But are they evolving—or just enduring?

The situation this is built for

The pressure to maintain output while reducing costs and meeting safety and environmental standards has never been higher. Legacy systems, fragmented data flows, and siloed decision-making slow response times and increase risk. New methods are emerging that expose inefficiencies once considered unavoidable. As the leader responsible for results, you face a critical question: is your function adapting or just absorbing stress? Without a clear way to assess its true state, you risk falling behind not because of effort, but because of structure.

Who this is for

Head of Upstream Operations in a mid- to large-cap energy organization. Responsible for drilling, production, reservoir management, pipeline integrity, and field operations across multiple assets. Operates in a high-stakes environment where reliability, compliance, and cost control are non-negotiable. Values practical frameworks over theory and leads teams under constant pressure to deliver.

Who this is not for

This course is not for consultants seeking generic models, junior staff looking for technical certifications, or those expecting software tools or vendor comparisons. It is not a technology primer or a financial valuation course.

What you walk away with

  • Diagnose the true health of your upstream operations function
  • Identify hidden dependencies that create operational fragility
  • Map decision pathways that impact drilling and production velocity
  • Reframe risk exposure in pipeline and well integrity management
  • Build a tailored action plan that strengthens operational control

How this maps to your situation

  • Current state assessment
  • Decision system analysis
  • Data foundation evaluation
  • Change execution planning

Before vs. after

Before
Operating under pressure with incomplete visibility into systemic weaknesses, reacting to failures, and relying on tribal knowledge to maintain continuity.
After
Leading with clarity, equipped with a precise diagnosis of your function's health and a customized roadmap to strengthen resilience, decision speed, and performance.

What's included with your purchase

  • 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
  • Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
  • Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Delivery and format

  • Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
  • Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access

Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.

Time investment: Approximately 3 to 4 hours per module, designed for completion over 12 weeks with time to reflect and apply concepts to your specific context.

If nothing changes
Continuing without a structured assessment means operating on assumptions that may no longer hold. Small inefficiencies compound into larger failures. Decision delays become embedded in culture. Risk accumulates invisibly until a single event exposes systemic fragility. The cost is not just financial—it’s operational credibility and long-term viability.

How this compares to the alternatives

Traditional consulting engagements offer external perspectives but leave you without ownership. Generic online courses provide theory but lack operational specificity. Internal audits focus on compliance, not adaptive design. This course gives you a structured, self-directed method to evaluate your function deeply and build a plan only you can create—because you know your operations best.

Also included: the full course, for when you want the reasoning behind a finding (12 modules, 144 chapters)

Depth reference. The diagnostic and the templates stand on their own; this is what to read when you want the reasoning behind a finding.

Module 1. Establishing Operational Baseline Integrity
Define the current state of your function by mapping core workflows, systems, and decision points with precision.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Defining the scope of upstream operational ownership
  2. Mapping physical assets against operational control zones
  3. Identifying critical workflows in daily production cycles
  4. Assessing data availability across drilling and completion
  5. Evaluating real-time monitoring coverage in active fields
  6. Documenting escalation paths for operational exceptions
  7. Benchmarking maintenance scheduling against failure rates
  8. Reviewing interface points between field and central teams
  9. Analyzing downtime logs for recurring failure patterns
  10. Validating reporting accuracy from remote operating sites
  11. Assessing integration of safety systems with operations
  12. Cataloging undocumented workarounds in field execution
Module 2. Diagnosing Decision Latency in Field Operations
Uncover delays in judgment and action that degrade performance and increase exposure.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Tracing the path from field observation to executive awareness
  2. Measuring time to decision in well intervention scenarios
  3. Identifying bottlenecks in cross-functional approval chains
  4. Analyzing delay causes in production shut-in events
  5. Mapping information flow during abnormal operating conditions
  6. Evaluating authority distribution across operational tiers
  7. Reviewing incident response timelines for speed gaps
  8. Assessing reliance on manual coordination in emergencies
  9. Quantifying decision delays due to data reconciliation
  10. Detecting hesitation in escalation due to role ambiguity
  11. Comparing actual vs. expected response windows
  12. Documenting cases where delayed action increased risk
Module 3. Evaluating Data Coherence Across Production Systems
Assess whether the data foundation supporting decisions is aligned, accurate, and actionable.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Inventorying data sources used in reservoir management
  2. Checking consistency of well performance metrics across tools
  3. Assessing data latency in production reporting systems
  4. Identifying manual adjustments in automated data streams
  5. Validating alignment between field instruments and databases
  6. Reviewing data ownership and stewardship responsibilities
  7. Evaluating integration of third-party service provider data
  8. Testing availability of historical data for trend analysis
  9. Auditing data lineage in executive performance dashboards
  10. Detecting contradictions in safety and operational records
  11. Assessing confidence levels in real-time decision inputs
  12. Documenting workarounds due to data trust issues
Module 4. Assessing Workforce Engagement and Expertise Flow
Understand how knowledge, experience, and accountability move—or stall—across your teams.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Mapping expertise distribution across operating regions
  2. Evaluating transfer of learnings after field incidents
  3. Assessing clarity of role expectations in shift handovers
  4. Reviewing frequency and depth of technical coaching sessions
  5. Identifying silos between engineering and field execution
  6. Measuring participation in operational improvement initiatives
  7. Auditing feedback mechanisms from frontline to leadership
  8. Evaluating use of lessons learned in new project planning
  9. Assessing retention risk in critical technical roles
  10. Reviewing consistency of operational standards enforcement
  11. Analyzing engagement in safety and reliability programs
  12. Documenting reliance on individual experts versus systems
Module 5. Uncovering Hidden Dependencies in Operational Design
Reveal structural weaknesses masked by routine and familiarity.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Identifying single points of failure in control systems
  2. Mapping reliance on non-redundant communication channels
  3. Assessing dependency on legacy software with no support
  4. Evaluating continuity risk in vendor-dependent operations
  5. Reviewing access controls for critical operational systems
  6. Identifying manual overrides in automated safety protocols
  7. Analyzing supply chain fragility for well intervention parts
  8. Assessing reliance on individual contractors for core tasks
  9. Mapping interdependencies between production and maintenance
  10. Evaluating backup options during control room outages
  11. Reviewing disaster recovery readiness for field networks
  12. Documenting workarounds that bypass formal procedures
Module 6. Reframing Risk Exposure in Pipeline Management
Move beyond compliance to understand how risk accumulates in invisible ways.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Assessing corrosion monitoring coverage across pipeline segments
  2. Evaluating frequency and effectiveness of inline inspections
  3. Reviewing anomaly resolution timelines after pig runs
  4. Analyzing leak detection system sensitivity and response
  5. Mapping third-party excavation risks along right-of-ways
  6. Assessing integrity management alignment with operational changes
  7. Evaluating emergency isolation valve functionality tests
  8. Reviewing public awareness program reach and impact
  9. Analyzing near-miss reporting trends in pipeline operations
  10. Assessing change management rigor for pipeline modifications
  11. Evaluating cyber-physical security of remote monitoring systems
  12. Documenting gaps in emergency response coordination
Module 7. Optimizing Drilling and Completions Execution
Pinpoint inefficiencies in execution that drain capital and delay first production.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Analyzing non-productive time drivers in recent wells
  2. Evaluating rig move efficiency between drilling locations
  3. Assessing forecasting accuracy for completion schedules
  4. Reviewing real-time decision impact on drilling performance
  5. Mapping stakeholder alignment during well planning
  6. Evaluating frac stage design versus actual execution
  7. Analyzing supply chain delays in proppant and fluid delivery
  8. Assessing post-completion performance versus expectations
  9. Reviewing deviation management process for drilling hazards
  10. Evaluating use of real-time data in bit selection and parameters
  11. Analyzing cost variance across similar well types
  12. Documenting lessons from underperforming completions
Module 8. Strengthening Reservoir Management Integration
Ensure subsurface insights are driving operational decisions, not sitting in reports.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Assessing frequency of reservoir model updates
  2. Evaluating integration of production data into forecasts
  3. Reviewing alignment between drilling plans and reservoir targets
  4. Analyzing response time to unexpected reservoir behavior
  5. Mapping communication pathways from geoscience to operations
  6. Evaluating use of uncertainty ranges in development decisions
  7. Assessing impact of infill drilling on depletion strategy
  8. Reviewing waterflood or injection performance monitoring
  9. Analyzing conformance issues in horizontal wellbores
  10. Evaluating gas cap or edge water movement detection
  11. Assessing reserve booking rigor and transparency
  12. Documenting cases where operational constraints overrode reservoir advice
Module 9. Improving Asset Lifecycle Coordination
Align planning and execution across the full life of an asset.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Assessing integration of development planning with operations
  2. Evaluating handover process from project to operations team
  3. Reviewing life extension planning for aging infrastructure
  4. Analyzing decommissioning readiness for mature fields
  5. Assessing alignment between capex planning and execution
  6. Evaluating workover prioritization against production impact
  7. Reviewing long-term integrity management for offshore platforms
  8. Analyzing economic threshold tracking for marginal wells
  9. Assessing abandonment cost forecasting accuracy
  10. Evaluating spare parts strategy for long-lived equipment
  11. Reviewing knowledge retention during asset transitions
  12. Documenting misalignment between short-term and long-term goals
Module 10. Aligning Operational Metrics with Business Outcomes
Ensure your KPIs reflect real performance, not just activity.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Reviewing current KPIs for alignment with business goals
  2. Evaluating leading vs. lagging indicators in operations
  3. Analyzing how bonuses align with operational priorities
  4. Assessing data sourcing for executive performance reports
  5. Reviewing frequency of KPI calibration and review
  6. Evaluating transparency in metric calculation methods
  7. Identifying metrics that incentivize short-term tradeoffs
  8. Assessing balance between safety, cost, and production metrics
  9. Reviewing external reporting impact on internal focus
  10. Analyzing trend visibility in operational dashboards
  11. Evaluating stakeholder interpretation of key metrics
  12. Documenting metric conflicts across functional teams
Module 11. Designing Adaptive Operational Governance
Create governance that enables speed, accountability, and learning.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Assessing meeting rhythms for operational decision forums
  2. Evaluating clarity of decision rights in crisis scenarios
  3. Reviewing change control process for operational updates
  4. Analyzing feedback loops in performance review cycles
  5. Assessing escalation protocols for technical deviations
  6. Evaluating inclusiveness of input in capital planning
  7. Reviewing audit findings implementation tracking
  8. Analyzing governance adaptability during major disruptions
  9. Assessing board-level understanding of operational risk
  10. Evaluating integration of ESG goals into operational reviews
  11. Reviewing pace of policy updates in response to incidents
  12. Documenting governance gaps exposed in recent events
Module 12. Building the Implementation Roadmap
Turn assessment insights into a prioritized, executable plan for change.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Synthesizing findings from all eleven previous modules
  2. Prioritizing issues based on risk and operational impact
  3. Defining clear outcomes for targeted improvements
  4. Mapping accountability for each recommended action
  5. Assessing organizational readiness for specific changes
  6. Evaluating resource requirements for implementation
  7. Designing phased execution approach with milestones
  8. Building feedback mechanisms for continuous adjustment
  9. Aligning roadmap with annual planning and budget cycles
  10. Creating communication plan for stakeholder engagement
  11. Establishing metrics to track transformation progress
  12. Finalizing your hand-built implementation playbook

Frequently asked

Who exactly is this course for?
This course is for Heads of Upstream Operations who own end-to-end performance across drilling, production, reservoir, and pipeline functions and seek to strengthen operational integrity from within.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Is this about implementing new software or technology?
No. This course focuses on operational design, decision pathways, and organizational behavior—not technology selection or vendor solutions.
What formats do the templates come in?
The implementation playbook downloads as PDF and editable XLSX. The course reads in your learning environment and exports to PDF for offline use. The files are yours to keep.
Can I share this with my team?
The licence is per person. Team pricing opens from three seats: reply to the order confirmation with TEAM and we will set it up.
How quickly can I start?
The diagnostic is one sitting and the templates work straight out of the kit. Account access takes up to 24 hours rather than being instant, because every order is checked and updated against the latest sources before it is delivered.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 to 4 hours per module, designed for completion over 12 weeks with time to reflect and apply concepts to your specific context..

Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.

30-day money-back guarantee·Know your weakest area today·210 scored questions·Course included· Account access within 24 hours
30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
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