Business Insights

University of Houston professor W. John Lee discusses the economics, regulations, and politics surrounding shale development.

We provide here a brief introduction to game theory, which might better be called the theory of conflict and cooperation. Classical decision analysis is more applicable when one party is making the decision; when multiple parties are involved, use of game theory is more appropriate.

The differences between IOCs and NOCs are not black and white but filled with ambiguities. Curtis Whitson discusses some of the ways that they differ and are alike.

This article focuses on the different scenarios for world energy demand and supply, along with their implications on energy-related CO2 emissions.

The dramatic fall of oil and gas prices in the second half of 2008 only exacerbated the problems of declining production in Russia. The needed investment in the hydrocarbon sector is huge. This article takes a look at the future of Russian production and exports.

It may not matter whether the IOCs or the NOCs are in charge. The work to be done is the same and the same people will likely be doing it. Unconventional resources already comprise 40% of production in North America and they are expected to grow globally.

Unconventional fossil fuels are the most important drivers of resource growth. These are sources of oil or gas for which production technology is immature. Economic and geopolitical factors encourage the technology innovations that convert unconventional resources to conventional reserves.

Until the credit crunch hit in late 2007, the world had witnessed high and rising oil prices with no observable slowdown in growth. So what role has the oil price played in the world economy?

Ruben Caligari discusses the long-term outlook for energy demand, the growth of environmental concern, and the career opportunities that will continue to exist.

Abdurahman Benyezza, North Africa Regional Director for Eni, presents an overview on the oil and gas industry in Tunisia, which is emerging again with a new focus on gas field development.