--> Computer Modelling in a Business Context, by R. Desmarais, W. Evans, B. Warren, and B. Wells; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Computer Modelling in a Business Context

Ralph Desmarais, Ward Evans, Bob Warren, Barrie Wells

Modelling means making a representation of the most important characteristics of an entity. Geological models help us to visualise, understand and communicate about aspects of the complex real world. A good model can also be predictive. Models are increasingly synonymous with computing.

As computer systems have become more complex, the need to model the computer system itself has become evident. The value of data modelling is now well established. Data are, however, only the "tail". The whole "dog" is the business--E and P. Having taken the first step, and modelled the data, to be effective we must model the data in the context of what it is used for--the business process.

Business Process Re-engineering and Enterprise Modelling are not merely the stuff of Boardrooms and Corporate Executive Strategic Planning Committees. The work of POSC, for example, has heightened appreciation of the issues raised; there are limits of applicability of data modelling, beyond which there are business decisions. Data modelling and business modelling at least share a boundary.

Mobil has seen further than simply a common boundary.

POSC seeks to level the playing field for data modelling and beyond, into all aspects of information technology in geology. POSC is just one realization of a wider movement, which is characterized by open systems and is recognition of the maturing of computer technologies. Competitive advantage is returning to the real scientists--geologists, geophysicists, engineers--and the business environment in which they operate.

Mobil is positioning itself for this next swing. In order to reap maximum benefit from POSC, and open systems in general, Mobil has undertaken a corporate-wide re-examination of the way it does business: the processes involved, the data on which these processes depend, why it does what it does at each stage--in fact, the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and WHY of its E and P business.

Some aspects of this work are proprietary, some are worthy but deadly boring to all but hardened bean counters, and some are essential for a sound understanding of data usage in E and P for the next few years. This paper describes the principal methods and results relating to data and knowledge within E and P.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994