Knowledge Management Initiatives at British Petroleum (Page 2)

Abstract

The case discusses the various knowledge management (KM) initiatives undertaken by the UK- based oil and gas exploration major British Petroleum Plc. (BP) in the 1990s. It describes in detail the Virtual Teamwork project started in late 1994; the Knowledge Management team established in 1997; and the application of KM tools for reducing the emission of harmful gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the late 1990s. The case also describes the various KM tools used by BP including Peer Assist, BP Connect, After Action Review and Retrospect. The benefits reaped by BP through the above KM initiatives and the challenges faced during the implementation process are discussed.

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THE VIRTUAL TEAM WORK PROJECT

Headquartered at London, UK, BP also operated in other parts of Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australasia and Africa. One of its subsidiaries, BP Exploration and Production (BPX), was engaged in oil production and exploration activities. In 1993, BPX was reorganized into 42 separate units, termed the "federation of assets." The units aimed at accomplishing the overall strategy of BP, but enjoyed complete autonomy in their operations.

To achieve this objective, proper communication infrastructure was required to facilitate frequent interactions between the units. Consequently, in 1994, John Browne, the then CEO of BPX, initiated the Virtual Teamwork Project (VTP).

This was an 18-month, $13 million pilot project to connect the units with communication equipment and test the communication infrastructure in terms of its problem-solving and cost saving capabilities. The VTP was designed to enable employees to share task-specific information and develop a cordial working relationship with the employees of other units. The aim of VTP was to encourage the sharing of knowledge and to motivate the business units to utilize IT tools to improve their business....

        Case Code   ITSY026
   Case Length    11 Pages
              Period    1994 – 2002
 Organization     British Petroleum
        Pub Date     2003
Teaching Note    Not Available
     Countries    UK
      Industry    Petroleum

Issues

• To understand the KM tools and techniques adopted by a company successful in its KM initiatives.

Knowledge management, KM, UK, based, oil and gas, exploration, British Petroleum Plc., BP, 1990, Virtual Teamwork, 1994, 1997, KM tools, emission, carbon dioxide, methane, 1990, Peer Assist, BP Connect, After Action Review, Retrospect.

Please note:

This case study was compiled from published sources, and is intended to be used as a basis for class discussion. It is not intended to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. Nor is it a primary information source.