Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Christopher Beehner

Abstract

AbstractInefficient operations strategies can negatively impact refinery operations output. Refinery senior leaders who struggle to achieve operations efficiency are at high risk of failure. Grounded in Ulrich’s model of competency, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore operations strategies leaders of oil and gas refineries in Nigeria used for business sustainability. The participants comprised five senior leaders in five refineries in Nigeria who demonstrated success in using operational strategies for business sustainability in oil and gas refineries. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and company documents consisting of the annual business plan, strategy document, and financial records. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Nine themes emerged: (a) cost cutting and scaling up from smaller projects, (b) enforcing adequate operations and maintenance contracts, (c) guaranteeing consistent raw material supply, (d) exploring industry localization, (e) people-centric strategy, (f) establishment of effective management structure, (g) providing security architecture to local staff and foreigners, (h) creation of new revenue models, and (i) purpose-driven leadership. A key recommendation is for senior refinery leaders to collaborate with colleges and universities in Nigeria to develop a curriculum of successful operational strategies for refineries. The implications for positive social change include the potential for improved refinery industry sustainability, resulting in job creation and improved community development where refineries are located.

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