Adoption and implementation potential of the lean concept in the petroleum industry: state-of-the-art

Abstract

Purpose A systematic literature review is performed to reveal the state-of-the-art in the implementation of lean principles in the petroleum industry. This paper aims to generate a conceptual framework and reveal research gaps with respect to lean concept application in the petroleum industry. Design/methodology/approach After formulating research questions, the search strategy is generated, followed by data extraction, literature review and synthesis of the results. The search covers any studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings in the period 1990-2017 that discuss the implementation of the lean concept in the petroleum industry. Findings The lean concept has been used to improve operational and technical aspects, contractor/supplier relationships, team organization and project management practice in the petroleum industry. Based on the literature review, a conceptual framework is generated comprising four main elements: leadership and commitment from management, employee involvement, cooperation and trust with contractors/suppliers and lean project management. These elements are the pillars that are founded on lean philosophy and principles to support technical/operational improvement in the organization. The types of literature identified indicate that the subject of the study is still immature. Research limitations/implications This study focuses only on the upstream sector of the petroleum industry, which restricts the generalizability of the results to midstream and downstream businesses. Practical implications This paper provides knowledge and information regarding the current state of lean implementation in the petroleum industry. The developed conceptual framework provides general guidance for practitioners regarding lean implementation in the petroleum industry, and is also expected to support research on theory building. Originality/value Few studies have discussed the application of the lean concept in the petroleum industry. This paper contributes a platform for researchers and practitioners to comprehend how the lean concept has been applied in the petroleum industry, and provides a foundation for further studies on lean implementation in the petroleum industry.

A Framework for Enhancing the Engineering Review Process in Oil and Gas EPC Projects

“…While it is well established that EPC performance can be improved by applying the lean construction model since it reveals the interdependencies of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction phases (Ballard 1993), the application of lean concepts and tools in the specialized EPC Oil and Gas industry is still immature and lacks thoroughness. For instance, a systematic literature review by Rachman et al (2018) on the state-of-the-art implementation of lean principles in the petroleum industry revealed that lean tools and techniques improved operational and technical aspects, contractor/supplier relationships, team organization and project management practice, and that the primary benefits included substantial cycle time reduction and cost savings. However, the authors found the subject to be still immature and lacking thoroughness in research methodologies as well as showing deficiency in the descriptions of the lean tools and techniques used.…”

“…EPC projects in the Oil and Gas industry are characterized by their large sizes, uniqueness, intricate complexities, severe risks, and involvement of numerous stakeholders i.e., clients, contractors, suppliers, etc. (Rachman et al, 2018). The Oil and Gas industry currently faces daunting challenges as schedules and budgets are becoming tighter due to oil price high volatility and market instability.…”

Segurança Em Plataformas De Perfuração E Produção De Petróleo Offshore: Aplicação Da Metodologia Lean Six Sigma

“…A metodologia Lean visa otimizar processos utilizando a menor quantidade de recursos possível (tempo, equipamento, força de trabalho e espaço), sempre mantendo a qualidade e melhoria da cadeia de produção, juntamente com suas questões técnicas e operacionais, organização dos trabalhadores e gerenciamento de processos (Rachman et al, 2018).…”

Future research methodologies of lean manufacturing: a systematic literature review

“…Belhadi et al (2018) determined trends in the research regarding Lean in SMEs, identified the gaps in the literature, and suggested future research areas for Lean in SMEs, based on studies published between 1986 and 2018. Rachman and Ratnayake (2019) formulated a conceptual framework and revealed research gaps with respect to Lean application in the petroleum industry, based on studies published between 1990 and 2017. Staedele et al (2019) built knowledge about performance evaluation in LP and made suggestions for future scientific research, based on studies published from 2000 to 2018.…”