In the story,“The Wreck of the Kulluk” (2014) written by McKenzie Funk, Funk revealed that Shell was eager to pursue more oil in what are called proved reserves due to their Arctic leases nearing expiration date. These proved reserves are otherwise known as “a petroleum company’s most sacred promise about the future” (Funk, 2014, pg. 1). Oil companies have no hesitation when going to extreme limits to find this precious resource, and we can no longer continue to sustain the methods used for obtaining fuel due it affects all aspects of our society. Our selfishness and ignorance are destroying the very elements humans need to survive, and will only lead to the end of life on planet Earth. Had different decisions been made by fuels companies …show more content…
These unknowns should be embraced rather than feared, and discussed rather than ignored and belittled. In the Kulluk story, it is evident that the executives in charge were not utilizing the Futures Thinking strategy due to the many poor decisions made. For example, the chain shackles that were used to attach the Kulluk to the Aiviq, the tugboat pulling the Kulluk, were found in a storage shed- never to be tested, thoroughly inspected, or replaced by Shell administration to ensure its integrity and ability to pull the Kulluk across the Pacific Ocean. As Funk reported, the first surveyor company involved in the building of the Kulluk (MatthewsDaniel) “recommended a more robust connection between rig and tug for the rough Alaskan voyage ahead. But rather than ordering new replacements, workers located some apparently stronger shackles in a shipyard storage bin. The shackles they found had no certification or records — but appeared “as new,” investigators were told” (Funk, 2014, pg. 5). This lead to a huge issue when the Aiviq and Kulluk had attempted to return to Washington. A second surveyor hired to assist in returning the vessels home examined the shackles, but “did not consider it part of his job, he would tell Coast Guard investigators, to examine whether Shell’s overall plan to cross the Gulf of Alaska made any sense” (Funk, 2014, pg 10). Had Shell followed …show more content…
Strategic Thinking encourages individuals to remain engaged and responsible to achieve the best outcomes for living as sustainably as possible. Shells goals were clear: drill the oil found below their land in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, fulfill the increasing oil demand, and wait for their earnings. Their goals were to execute a massive project in an unrealistic timeframe, which lead to a plethora of disastrous situations to be created. They had thought that they were prepared to explore the Arctic, but the way in which they formulated their decisions clearly shows their only interest was to earn a prosperous yield once they find the proved reserves. I admire their efforts towards discovering possible sources of energy to sustain human life on Earth, however, their methods are harmful and unsustainable. Throughout the entire Kulluk project, individuals working on updating the vessel later stated that they were rushed on jobs, some that “ would normally take up to six months in just 10 weeks” (Frank, 2014, pg. 5). This later caused the Kulluk to be impounded by the U.S. Coast Guard, as it failed to pass inspection and was suffering from “multiple unreported engine failures and makeshift hose-and-barrel system for bilge water that discharged oily waste into the ocean” (Funk, 2014, pg. 8). The executives involved did
The oil company is essentially placing profit over cultural heritage and the lives of human beings.
The Collins class submarines used leading edge of technology and were specifically designed for Australia’s special requirements. Despite all the issues discussed, the Project has some significant project management, engineering and construction achievements which in many ways demonstrate the capacity of Australian Industry to manufacture world-class submarines. Meanwhile, many of the mechanical, technical and combat system problems of the Collins class submarines have now been resolved. The latest review indicates that the availability of the submarines for deployment has increased significantly (ABC, 2014). However, the actual procurement process was risky because it had unclear objectives, unrealistic expectations, adopted untried construction processes, and was dominated by inexperienced supervision and management.
By the second torpedo, all the men on The USS Indianapolis were wide awake. Things were starting to go wrong on the USS “Indy.” Flames were venting and all the power h...
This paper investigates why Donald McKay is the father of American clipper ships. He was born in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, September 4, 1810.2 When Donald was sixteen years old he had the desire to learn the trade of ship building, so he went to New York. In 1826 New York was the worlds best shipbuilder and shipbuilding was America’s leading industry. McKay decided that in order to learn the trade he must obtain an apprenticeship. So he became an apprentice to Isaac Web who has appropriately been called the “Father of Shipbuilders”. This is because more successful master shipbuilders came out of Web’s shipyard than from any other place in America.3 At the conclusion of his apprenticeship he went on to work for Brown & Bell. In 1832 packet building was the best and most readily available work in New York. The majority of these ships were built at Isaac Web’s, Brown & Bell’s, and Smith & Dimon’s. At this time McKay was what would be called a free lance ship wright. McKay then married Albenia Martha Boole the eldest daughter of John Boole.4 At this time McKay then went to Newburyport and formed a partnership with William Currier.
One of these factors was the logistical nightmare of redeveloping the infrastructure needed to transport oil to the refinery. As early as 1881, Standard oil operated approximately 3,000 miles of pipelines, eventually owning ninety percent of the nation’s pipelines. Although transcontinental railroads were an available alternative, pipelines were cheaper, reduced handling and storage fees, and were more efficient. The fact that modern oil companies invest hundreds of millions of dollars into speculating for sustainable natural oil deposits implies that such deposits are rare and hard to identify with a passing glance. If the spurts of oil proved to be isolated incidents, the capital invested in building pipelines and reestablishing a monopoly would have been squandered.
Pratt, Joseph A. “Exxon and the Control of Oil.” Journal of American History. 99.1 (2012): 145-154. Academic search elite. Web. 26. Jan. 2014.
From the beginning to end, the ships had to go through many changes in order to accommodate all of the cargo. The first ships used suffered greatly in the African water because they were wooden. As time passed the ships were modified for the journeys. For example, copper was added to help fight against shipworms. Rediker mentions in the book the details of how the ship is built and he even includes the measurements of the wood used and the supplies needed. Shortly after explaining this, he mentions the beatings some of the crew had to take if they were to mess up any part of the ship.
Karin and Trygve both have a thorough handle on the sequence of events, and costs required to design, construct and test the vessel, as well ...
Archaeology is a continuously evolving field where there is a constant stream of new branches and excavation methods. Due to the influx of new technologies and innovations in recent decades, archaeologists have been able to excavate previously inaccessible areas. For example, new diving equipment and tools such as proton magnetometers, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, and miniature submarines have allowed archaeologists to dive into the deep depths of the ocean. As a result, the branch of underwater archaeology was created to search for shipwrecks and other artifacts on the ocean floor. Underwater archaeology’s role has increased in recent years as it allows archaeologists to more accurately interpret the past by supplementing information gained through traditional land excavations.
The water temperature that night was below freezing. The wrought iron rivets that fastened the hull plates to the Titanic's main structure also failed because of brittle fracture during the collision with the iceberg. Low water temperatures contributed to this failure [Garzke and others, 1994].
" Oil is the life blood of our modern industrial society. It fuels the machines and lubricates the wheels of the world’s production. But when that vital resource is out of control, it can destroy marine life and devastate the environment and economy of an entire region…. The plain facts are that the technology of oil-- its extraction, its transport, its refinery and use-- has outpaced laws to control that technology and prevent oil from polluting the environment…" (Max, 1969). Oil in its many forms has become one of the necessities of modern industrial life. Under control, and serving its intended purpose, oil is efficient, versatile, and productive. On the other hand, when oil becomes out of control, it can be one of the most devastating substances in the environment. When spilled in water, it spreads for miles around leaving a black memory behind (Stanley, 1969).
The first portion of the novel is centered on understanding the essence of strategy. The understanding strategy, according to the author, is derived from truly comprehending what strategy
Shell’s strategy is strongly positioned to adapt to changes, their extensive scenario planning activity allowed them to constructively think of what operations to promote in order to face environmental changes (Cornelius, P. et al, 2005). They have extensively invested in new technology and renewable resources, adapting to the environmental and social-ethical variables (Shell website, 2016).
In conclusion, Blue Ocean Strategy is a book with promise that unfortunately does not follow through. Although the book is well-written in the aspect of professionalism, visuals, and evidence, Blue Ocean Strategy’s content is what makes it a poor book. After finishing the book, readers are left wondering what to take away, as the book was over filled with examples and repetition. More importantly, readers feel as if the content is self-evident and that nothing new or awe-inspiring was written. For these reasons, my colleague and I do not recommend reading the book Blue Ocean Strategy.
John G. S., 2008: Strategically thinking about the subject of Strategy [e-journal] 9(4) p.2 Available through: