Reference no: EM133621234 , Length: 6000 words
Assessment guidelines:
Task: You will prepare a report outlining further details of your chosen research that will form the basis of your Dissertation/Applied Business Project.
Topic: ENERGY TRANSITION STRATEGIES FOR OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA.
Format: You should use the following structure for your Individual Applied Report - Research Proposal. You should present your applied report/proposal in a single document with an appropriate front page, contents page, headings and a correctly formatted reference list (University of East London Harvard style).
The applied report/proposal should include the following:
Section 1: Research topic, aim and objectives
? Identify your proposed research topic and offer a clear rationale, along with aim and objectives
- In this section you should present your research topic and explain the topic area. The section should include appropriate background information and it should explain the rationale for selecting this research topic and what is the potential contribution of the proposed research. Also, the section should clearly present the aim and objectives of the proposed research.
Section 2: Literature review
? The literature review should analyse and synthesise relevant academic literature,
critically engaging with the field of scholarship. In the literature review, you should discuss how your research topic will fit within existing published work. You should find at least 12-15 sources of literature (mainly academic) connected to your proposed research and analyse them to show how your research will attempt to contribute to existing knowledge. You should aim to compare and contrast the sources and make appropriate links with your proposed research. Keep in mind that you should paraphrase the sources in your own words (and cite and reference the sources appropriately) and you should synthesise the potential contribution of these sources to your research. Your literature review should not be presented as a ‘list' of articles.
Section 3: Methodology, methods and ethical considerations
o ? Identify and justify a research methodology appropriate to your proposed research
o ? Identify and justify research methods and data appropriate to your proposed research
o ? Identify key ethical considerations relevant to your proposed research
- In this section you should discuss your research methodology. You should consider your epistemological approach and how this impacts your research design. Also, you should discuss your data collection methods as well as the types of data that you will collect for your research and the sources of this data. You should be able to justify your choice of methodology and methods b y referring to your research aim and objectives. Also, you should comment on the feasibility of your research and your ability to access the required data. Finally, this section should outline the ethical considerations related to your research.
- You are advised to include a secondary data collection for your proposal, and not primary. This is because for the final module of this programme (Dissertation) you are not allowed to proceed with primary data collection, but only with secondary.
Section 4: Research schedule/plan
Induce a provisional project schedule/plan for your proposed research
In this section you should outline the key milestones for the completion of your research project and propose the length of time that each milestone will require to complete. You should try to be as realistic as you can and you should consider things like work schedule and busy periods at work as well as holidays and other breaks. It will be useful to present your schedule/plan on a table listing the milestones, the duration of each milestone as well as a brief note for each milestone that will offer a description of the role of the milestone in the process and a justification for the assigned duration, including any concerns, contingency plans, or limitations to completing the milestone.
Proposed Research Topic Outline: Energy Transition Strategies for Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria
1. Introduction
1.1 Background/Context
The increasing focus on sustainability and renewable energy is transforming the global energy landscape. This transformation holds particular significance for oil and gas-dependent nations such as Nigeria. The oil and gas industry is a significant part of Nigeria's economy and faces the challenge of balancing international energy transition aspirations with adapting to economic impacts.
This research aims to explore the strategies that oil and gas companies in Nigeria are adopting to manage their energy transition. The study will focus on the difficulties associated with this change and some of its opportunities.
2. Research Aim
The primary aim of this study is to examine the energy transition strategies implemented by oil and gas companies in Nigeria, considering all the factors that impact their decision-making. The research is designed to provide valuable insights into the complexities of Nigeria's energy transition.
3. Research Objectives
3.1 Investigate Current Policies and Regulations Regarding Energy Transition in Nigeria
- Identify current policies and laws in Nigeria that impact oil companies concerning energy transition.
- Assess the extent to which oil and gas firms are adhering to or adjusting to current energy transition policies.
3.2 Evaluate Investment in Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies
- Analyze the level of investment made by Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria in renewable energy sources or technologies.
3.3 Explore Stakeholder Influence and Collaboration
- Analyze how external factors, such as government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities, have influenced transition strategies.
- Examine the collaboration between Oil and Gas companies and external partners in implementing energy transition projects.
4. Rationale for the Research Topic
The research interest lies in exploring solutions to the pressing issues that Nigeria, a mineral-rich state and one of the world's largest oil producers, faces in light of the economic and environmental risks posed by climate change. With this in mind, we have chosen the topic "Energy Transition Strategies for Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria".The aim is to investigate these companies' transition process towards sustainable energy models while considering the socio-economic environment and stakeholders involved.
The potential benefits of this research include:
This research holds immense potential for generating a multitude of benefits, including the ability to inform decision-making for oil and gas companies, policymakers, and stakeholders regarding various energy transition strategies. This, in turn, will facilitate the alignment of business practices with environmentally sustainable goals. The findings may also serve as a guide for developing impartial and effective energy transition policies in Nigeria, promoting industry growth. Furthermore, the research may have global relevance and offer valuable insights for others undergoing similar transitions. Ultimately, if these proposed strategies prove successful, they may inspire oil and gas firms to become more innovative in their quest to operate in cleaner, more sustainable ways.
5. literature and Evidence for the research topic
Energy transition studies from various regions have emphasized the need for sustainable practices in the global oil and gas industry. Authors like Michael E. Porter and Mark R. Kramer (2011) advocate that businesses can create economic value while also fulfilling societal needs and solving environmental issues, known as creating shared value. Organizations like the International Energy Agency (IEA) publish studies on energy transition trends worldwide, emphasizing the importance of aligning our energy systems with environmental goals.
Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan (2022) initially aimed for a 2050 net-zero target. However, due to significant financial, social, and technological requirements, the nation concluded that a more practical pathway to deep decarbonization would be achieved by 2060. Nevertheless, there still needs to be a gap in understanding how these policies translate into strategies for Nigerian-based Oil and Gas companies.
This research aims to delve into the unique characteristics of Nigeria's oil and gas industry, to aid companies in their transition efforts. The results of this study will have both practical and academic significance, providing sustainable solutions and informing strategic decision-making. Additionally, this research has the potential to stimulate innovation and make a meaningful impact on the energy transition not only in Nigeria but also beyond its borders.