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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

The Portfolio Planning and Ranking (PPR) project

C. Thompson
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Origin Energy.

The APPEA Journal 52(2) 677-677 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ11091
Published: 2012

Abstract

Origin’s upstream business started the Portfolio Planning and Ranking (PPR) project in late 2010 to align individual petroleum business unit plans with organisational strategic goals. The solution generated by the PPR Project provided Origin’s upstream business with a consistent platform for absolute and relative assessment of petroleum development opportunity across the organisation.

The rapid growth of Origin’s upstream business resulted in several different methods for calculating project economics and assessing the merits of potential opportunities. The use of these varied methods saw the need for a consistent and streamlined approach. Through the PPR project, Origin’s upstream business has improved its ability to objectively and effectively assess its assets and development opportunities.

The solution provides a transparent and scalable platform for continuous integration of critical business information at the operational level. It also provides the capability to report at a commercially relevant level. The project’s key to the success was a holistic approach that included people, process, and systems technology.

Also important was effective executive sponsorship and project management, ongoing change management and communication and the active participation of managers, subject matter experts and people affected by the project (targeted stakeholders). The project has effectively provided a bridge between technical and commercial disciplines, enabling Origin’s upstream business units to make timely and informed decisions, maintain alignment with and support Origin’s strategic goals and maximise resource use. Most importantly, an organisational capability gap has been filled with a system that facilitates efficiency and augments governance systems, yet remains flexible enough to effectively manage Origin’s diverse petroleum portfolio.

After graduating with a BSc in geology from QUT, Chris joined Oil Company of Australia in 1992 before relocating to the UK and completing a PGDip in reservoir evaluation and management at Heriot Watt University in 1994.

After returning to Australia, Chris worked as a reservoir/petroleum engineer for Schlumberger, Oil Search, and Novus Petroleum with increasing responsibility for production, reserves, field development planning, joint venture relations, and business development.

Novus relocated Chris to the USA in 2003 and he subsequently joined Leed Petroleum as business development Manager in 2006.

In 2010, Chris joined Origin Energy to develop the Portfolio Planning and Ranking capability—he is presently principal petroleum engineer.