Peter R. Rose¹, Jerrold R. Lohr², Robert K. Merrill³
(1) Rose, Edwards & Associates, L.L.P, Austin, TX
(2) Unocal Corp, Sugar Land, TX
(3) Unocal Corporation, Sugarland, TX

Abstract: "Surgical theater" training model for effective in-house implementation of new technologies in exploration organizations

For a new technology to be assimilated and implemented routinely throughout exploration organizations, geotechnical staff must be educated with respect to the foundational concepts and principles underpinning the new technology. But a second essential aspect of such technology transfer is training (vs. education), which focuses on procedures, sequences, and often software, by which the new concepts may be systematically applied. Chief Geologists and Geophysicists express increasing concern that new concepts taught in continuing education courses often aren't implemented upon return to the office because they may conflict with established routines or demanding work schedules, or because effective mentors may be absent.

A practical remedy to this problem may be drawn from medical education -- the Surgical Theater, in which medical students watch while teaching physicians demonstrate and discuss key concepts and steps involved in the actual conduct of surgical procedures.

We have found this to be a novel, effective, and motivational way to demonstrate to groups of 10 to 30 explorationists, how concepts and procedures of prospect risk analysis may be applied to real exploration prospects, through expert de-briefing of exploration teams, using their own maps, cross-sections, and data. LCD projection of large-scale software panels allows students to witness the iterative processes involved in developing responsible estimates of geotechnical prospect parameters, using "reality checks" and non-biasing interview techniques. Observing class members can thereafter carry out risk analyses of their own prospects more effectively. We suggest that this method may be applied usefully to transfer of other exploration technologies.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana