Oil and Gas – What is your research question? (What is the problem that you identify in the oil and gas industry/firms?

As you know, UTPB is in an oil and town. The oil and gas industry plays an important role in our life. It gives us jobs and brings people around the world to Odessa.

Many of you work for the oil industry and have developed industry knowledge. In fact, one of my research interests is the oil and gas reserve disclosure and petroleum accounting. Here is a summary of my short paper:

“Abstract

In this study, I investigate the excess flaring phenomenon in the Permian Basin area.  First, I identify the causes of the problem and its impact on the environment, health, and economy. I then survey existing solutions and propose alternative solutions to the problem. Finally, I provide economic analysis related to flaring. This study contributes to our understanding of the flaring problem in the Permian Basin area and Texas in general, creates awareness around the issue, and reviews possible solutions to the problem. ”

Grading will follow the following criteria:

1. (Paragraph 1) clearly answer: What is your research question? (What is the problem that you identify in the oil and gas industry/firms?)
2. (Paragraph 2) clearly answer:  Why is the research question/ problem you identify interesting? Why do you want to know more about it?
3. (Paragraph 3) clearly answer:  Who is interested in this topic as well? Summarize some news from major newspapers and provide links
4. Where to find the data to answer your research question?

(Let‘s say your research question is what the relationship between oil price and housing price is. Then where to download oil price and housing price in Midland/Odessa). You do not need to analyze the data.

5. (Paragraph 4) clearly answer:  Relate what you learn from this class (accounting, finance, stock trading) to your problem. E.g.  Declining oil prices cause oil and gas stock crash. Declining oil prices cause oil and gas firms credit rating decrease. Declining oil prices cause unemployment. Declining oil prices cause the housing prices to crash in the Permian Basin. Declining oil prices reduce oil and gas firms’ ability to issue more debt and equity.
6. (Paragraph 5) clearly answer:  What new things people will learn after reading your essay? Why will it change people’s minds?
7. Paragraph 1-5 is a must. You can have more paragraphs beyond the five paragraphs. Your essay needs to be at least four pages (single-spaced) and with  APA references.
8. Topics should be related to oil, gas, water, etc.