Abstract
This paper takes an in-depth look at the history and factors that influence and impact the price of North Sea oil. The paper examines how taxation, new technology and extraction costs effect prices of North Sea crude. It also explores the global situation and the impact of dwindling North Sea supplies on global oil prices.

Outline:
General
Global Historical Price Trends
How Oil is Sold
Taxes and North Sea Oil
Tax Situation and New legislation in the UK
Technology Innovations and Tax Incentives
Extraction Costs
Global Competition and North Sea Oil
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The European market will not be able to achieve stability as long as there are no mechanisms in place to control supply and price. Many experts feel that the current situation means the end to low prices for consumers (Appert, 2005). The Brent price started at $40 a barrel in the beginning of 2005, but had risen to $70 a barrel after Hurricane Katrina took out many refineries along the Gulf Coast (Appert, 2005). Oil production has changed since the 1970s. During the 1970s companies worked on building a surplus. However, demand rose quicker than their ability to produce. Now companies work on a just-in-time basis (Appert, 2005). There is no reserve to level supply when it is needed. Changes due to shocks are seen rapidly on the consumer end. Consumers got used to stability in pricing during the 1970s. If supply was low companies had enough in reserve to meet the demand. "

Tags:middle, east, war, US, Gulf, Coast, petroleum, fuel, royalties, tax, scheme, Co2

Abstract
This paper analyzes and outlines all the activities required to manage the North Sea Oil infrastructure project within the set time frame and budget. The author describes the initiation, project planning and design, project execution and projection, monitoring and control and completion stages of this project. The author also presents that key processes as integration management, scope management, time and cost management, quality management, human resources management, communication management and risk management. The author underscores that the selected project manager will need to have excellent interpersonal skills and prior experience in the oil and gas industry with projects of this nature.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Project Stages
Project Initiation Stage
Project Planning or Design Stage
Project Execution or Projection Stage
Project Monitoring and Controlling Systems
Project Completion Stage
Project Management Processes
Integration Management
Scope Management
Time and Cost Management
Quality Management
Human Resources Management
Communication Management
Risk Management
Conclusion

From the Paper
"This is also known as the closing stage of the project. However, though the project has been completed it doesn't mean that everything comes to an end at this point. While the execution of the project ends and the end product has been completed it is at this point that the maintenance and post completion support for the users begins along with health and safety audits etc to ensure that all the necessary safety measures are in place."

Tags:infrastructure, suppliers, stakeholder, timelines, audits

Abstract
This paper explains that the extremely competitive contemporary business environment forces entrepreneurs to develop and implement the best strategy to increase profitability thus ensuring survival. Next, the author reviews the case of the North Sea Oil organization, which must choose between two investment projects based on which best supports the organization's goals. To make this decision, the paper relates detailed use of the financial tools of weighted average costs of capital, net present value and internal rate of return alongside capital rationing constraint. Tables, and formulas and calculations for each situation are included in the paper.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Situation
Analysis of Investment Projects
Weighted Average Cost of Capital
Net Present Value
Internal Rate of Return
The Selected Investment Project
Summary

From the Paper
"The Weighted Average Cost of Capital is a crucial element in the analysis of North Sea Oil's investment alternatives for the simple reason that the organization relies heavily on both debt and equity to finance either of the projects. In this order of ideas, the WACC is used to identify the actual costs of the capital used in order to reveal if it is profitable to engage in a given investment project. Investopedia (2009) defines the weighted average cost of capital as the "calculation of a firm's cost of capital in which each category of capital is proportionately weighted. All capital sources - common stock, preferred stock, bonds and any other long-term debt - are included in a WACC calculation. All else help equal, the WACC of a firm increases as the beta and rate of return on equity increases, as an increase in WACC notes a decrease in valuation and a higher risk."
Below is the formula at the basis of the WACC calculation:
"Where:
E = market value of organizational equity
V = E + D
Re = cost of equity
D = market value of organizational debt
Rd = cost of debt
Tc = corporate tax rate
Considering a corporate tax of 15 percent, the Weighted Average Cost of Capital for North Sea Oil's two investment alternatives can be calculated as follows:"

Tags:revenue, investment projects, target capital structure, cash inflows, modifications

Abstract
In this article, the writer presents a detailed examination of the topic of suspected price gouging by oil companies. Using concrete recent examples of well known companies, including Exxon Mobile, the writer explores allegations of price gouging and argues that it is unfair for oil companies to take advantage of consumers when consumers have supported them for years. According to the writer, social responsibility should supercede corporate responsibility. The writer concludes that the time has come for the oil companies to recognize their social responsibilities and protect the consumers who have kept them in business since their inception. Further, the writer claims that the oil companies need to lower their prices so that the consumer can again trust the prices are fair to everyone involved. The writer includes in this paper approximately 30 pages of source copies.

Outline:
Introduction
The Problem
Current Gas Prices and Price History
Conclusion
References
Source Copies

From the Paper
"According to studies conducted with regards to gasoline refiners are getting more of a profit out of each gallon now than they were at this time a year ago. Crude producers are getting an additional 47 cents a gallon. After Katrina and the price of oil company products began to increase rapidly, Congress held a special session in which many experts and oil company representatives testified regarding the accusation of price gouging. The companies maintained their belief that it was not their work that was price gouging but it was the retailers who sold the gasoline that were participating in price gouging. Retail representatives responded that it was nonsense, pointing out that their customers would not remain loyal if they suddenly began upping the price of gasoline compared to the retailer across the street."

Tags:consumers, gasoline, heating, costs

Abstract
This paper offers a detailed overview on the price of light, sweet crude oil on NYMEX in 2005, noting its highs, lows and its relative cost to previous months and years. It continues to discuss the reasons for the price surges namely, the war in Iraq and hurricane Ivan. The paper highlights that the movement of gas and oil is similar to that of the business cycle. In conclusion, the author of the paper offers an opinion as to why the gas and oil hike will not cause a recession as in 1973.

From the Paper
"Drilling for crude oil generally moves with oil prices. A closer relationship is more evident prior to 1998. As OPEC pushed prices upward by restricting production in 1999, however, the relationship weakened. The overhang of excess capacity in OPEC created the possibility that oil prices might fall. The result was a muted and delayed response in oil drilling. Oil drilling did not pick up until growing demand pushed OPEC closer to full capacity. The story is similar today. Political uncertainty and OPEC production restraint have pushed world oil prices upward, although excess capacity is nearly 10 percent of world oil consumption at 6 million barrels per day. The overhang of capacity creates the possibility of a sharp oil price decline and adds considerable risk to future oil prices, which discourages exploration and development activities."

Tags:cost, fuel, production, recession, increase

From the Paper
"NATIONAL REPRESENTATION IN THE AZERBAIJAN INTERNATIONAL OPERATING CONSORTIUM
Introduction
This research analyzes the national representation in the Azerbaijan International Operating Consortium (AIOC). The AIOC is one of two consortia involved in the development of the petroleum resources in the Caspian Sea region (Gorst, 1997, pp. 33-34). The other consortium is the older Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). The CPC is engaged primarily in the development of a pipeline system to transport Caspian Sea petroleum to the Mediterranean area, while the AIOC is involved primarily in the extraction of the petroleum.

Competition is fierce for participation shares in the AIOC. Petroleum companies "either state-owned or private sector" from the.."

Abstract
This paper discusses the current trends pertaining to global supply and demand for oil. It explains why changes occur in the supply, demand and pricing of gasoline which is a derivative of crude oil. The paper specifically examines two articles - Ibrahim Oweis' "Supply, Demand and Oil" and "Demand for Oil Outstripping Supply," written by Richard Gwyn.

Table of Contents:
Article Summaries
First Article Summary
Second Article Summary
Why These Changes Occur

From the Paper
"In conclusion, the United States is understood to be one of the world's largest consumers of natural fuels and that our demand for oil indeed outstrips the supply, which might lead to negative pressure on the economy of the United States. China, on the other hand, is considered as the world's second-largest demand-driving country. The article speaks about some possible ways to limit the growing demand for oil and comments on taxation and legal procedures to reduce this demand. The article concludes with a warning that the world must react quickly, now, to position itself for perhaps on of the greatest forthcoming economical declines and violent dislocations of society ever."

Tags:crude oil, economy fuel resources

Abstract
This well-researched paper examines the oil industry, which currently produces and supplies the world's number one energy source. This paper delves into the high swings in terms of price when there are shortages or excesses in supply, which are determined by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). This paper details the 7 companies that control the oil market throughout the world which include 5 U.S. companies. This paper analyzes the importance of OPEC and its negotiation tactics with the various oil companies regarding petroleum production, prices and future rights of concession of the oil companies in the different countries. The writer of this paper details the history of the oil industry by discussing various events such as the 1973 oil embargo and the events that took place in the 1960s in which the U.S. and Europe restricted the import of oil from Russia. This paper details how world events, primarily those in the middle east, affect the price of oil. The writer explores China and India's demand for oil and how it affects global inflation in general. The government of India is now trying to reduce the prices of oil based items over the immediate future so that inflation can be reduced from the current 8% a year. This in-depth paper also analyzes the effects of America's economy on the world's oil prices.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
International Oil Regime
Major Producers
OPEC
Wars and Inflation
Oil Embargo
1973 October War
Inflation
Economic Growth
Asian Giants: India and China
Increased Demand for Oil by Both Nations
Increased Prices Equal Less Economic Growth
Stagflation
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"It is seen that China is one of the fastest growing nations in economic terms and that has taken up the consumption of oil by the country from 2 million tons a year to over 10 million tons now. Even in last year, the growth is over 35 percent and according to analysis of ban credits, it is estimated that Chin will account for over 40 percent of the growth in oil demand. There is also a large increase in demand for oil in United States and this is boosting oil demand internationally. The demand for imports has now reached the limit of supply at about 80 million barrels a day, as already mentioned earlier. At the same time, there are doubts as to whether the massive imports by China are real annual demand or are for building up strategic stocks. According to JP Morgan, the stocks with china are now about 285 million barrels, and even as per statements from China, there is a stockpile being built which will be completed by the end of this year."

Tags:economy, asia, europe, middle, east, industry, inflation, staglfation

Abstract
This paper reflects on the relationships between oil prices and the stock market. The relationship between oil prices and increases in costs to transportation, heating, and production are reviewed, and the role of spiking oil prices on market uncertainty is discussed. Overall, higher oil prices are historically linked to declining stock market prices, and it seems reasonable to suggest that future stock market decreases will come from current increases in oil prices.

Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Oil Prices and the Stock Market
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The relationship between rising oil prices and falling stocks has been seen repeatedly throughout the past thirty years. Form 1973 to 1982 when oil prices rose from $5 to $30 USD a barrel also saw double digit inflation, and two recessions. The same pattern was seen in 1987, when rising oil prices saw stocks tumble by more than 30 percent on the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Stocks fell again when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, and oil prices rose close to 50 percent over several weeks. From 1991 to 2000, stocks remained strong as oil prices held steady (Leeb and Leeb, 2004)."

Tags:transportation, production, dow, jones