Joint Meeting Pacific Section, AAPG & Cordilleran Section GSA April 29–May 1, 2005, San José, California

Increasing Success Through Collaborative Environments

Stephen E. Smart
Subsurface Modelling Concepts, Inc, 715 B St, Taft, CA 93268, [email protected]

In an increasingly digital world, scientists, professionals, and managers are continuously challenged to make quicker decisions while decreasing the outcome risk. Many changes have been made recently which have culminated into group work structures where multidiscipline staff members have common goals. Effective Collaboration within these groups requires new strategies and a shift in organization. The big change is from working in a “series of smaller collaborations” to “structured group collaborative sessions.” These group sessions can be highly efficient when participants are equipped with their data and with work tools. The proper environment and process structure will allow the discussion to involve real facts and the ability to explore new ideas “on the fly”.

The center of this effective collaborative environment requires a high definition, integrated, earth centric model. The visual representation provides a necessary sounding board for discussion which will lead to the improvement of business decisions and facilitate an ownership by the entire group. This presentation will elaborate on these concepts and highlight particular issues necessary for success.

Posted with permission of The Geological Society of America; abstract also online (http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005CD/finalprogram/abstract_85215.htm). © Copyright 2005 The Geological Society of America (GSA).