Title: A system thinking conceptual model for oil and gas complex systems

Authors: Yolanda Obaze; Victor R. Prybutok; Daniel A. Peak

Addresses: Schroeder School of Business, University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47722, USA ' University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, #305459, Denton, TX 76203-5017, USA ' Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences, College of Business, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, #311160, Denton, Texas 76203, USA

Abstract: This qualitative review develops a visual model to describe global logistics problems involved in the oil and gas (O&G) systems. The conceptual model provides a systems perspective on the complex logistical decisions within the petroleum industry, especially in situations where the gas producers face problems when meeting increasing demand. This research characterises the organisational learning method to understand the scenario that anticipates O&G demand. Using systems thinking, causal loop diagram (CLD), the qualitative study presents an innovative way of viewing the interrelationships between complex variables in the petroleum industry. The CLD models the strategic supply chain and logistics decisions as key factors in the business to business environments that enable companies to sustain a competitive advantage. Practitioners and researchers can anticipate and consistently gain new knowledge by using systems thinking to model the logistics processes and complexities in the petroleum industry.

Keywords: systems thinking; system dynamics; logistics; strategic alliances; transportation; causal loop diagram; CLD.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2022.122963

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2022 Vol.41 No.3, pp.311 - 331

Received: 18 Jun 2019
Accepted: 09 Nov 2019
Published online: 19 May 2022 *

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