Strengthening Critical Thinking in Oil & Gas Workflows
Across the oil and gas sector, many companies have recognised a growing need for staff to adopt a more integrated, questioning approach to data interpretation. The challenge is not just technical—it’s cultural and organisational.
Common concerns included:
- Staff not questioning data critically or integrating information from other sources
- Limited understanding of cost-effective methods to improve data quality
- A siloed working environment, especially between Exploration and Production teams, leading to reduced cross-disciplinary collaboration
These silos, driven by the increasing technical complexity of subsurface disciplines, often result in miscommunication and missed opportunities for effective problem solving.
EnergyEdge’s Role
To address these issues, EnergyEdge collaborated with expert consultants to design a specialised training programme focused on critical thinking for technical oil and gas professionals. The course was structured to improve the way participants evaluate, communicate, and act on data throughout the upstream workflow.
Key Learning Outcomes
Participants of the course gained the following capabilities:
- Mechanisms to overcome communication barriers and foster collaboration across technical disciplines
- Tools to critically evaluate different data sources, from basin-scale to field-scale, using case studies and real-world examples
- A structured approach to decision-tree analysis, enabling cost-effective choices in complex interpretive workflows
- Practice in evaluating data uncertainty and risk, reinforced through an interactive exploration game designed to simulate real-time decision making
- A deeper appreciation of the value and limitations of various data types in an upstream context
Outcomes
- Improved cross-disciplinary communication and shared understanding of data interpretation challenges
- More informed, cost-conscious decision-making based on structured critical thinking approaches
- Enhanced ability to assess uncertainty and prioritise data needs during exploration and development projects
Conclusion
This training initiative empowered technical staff across multiple oil and gas companies to challenge assumptions, collaborate more effectively, and apply structured thinking to subsurface data interpretation and decision making.
We deliver practical, hands-on training to help oil and gas professionals strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Contact us to learn more about upcoming sessions or custom in-house options for your team.
