Sample Research Proposal on Libya Hydrogen

As a person with knowledge of the Hydrogen Economy for Libya, the author has always brought up to his superiors the viability of strategy formation regarding the analysis of this issue and at times fails to understand the reasons or logic behind certain strategic implementations imposed on it. By delving into this project paper, the author intends to have better insights into how the Hydrogen Economy of Libya is thought up, formulated and then imparted down into the subsidiaries of the country. The author hopes to have an in-depth understanding as to how the Hydrogen Economy of Libya enables the country to compete effectively and profitably in this era of internationalization where competition is extremely intense. In order to reinforce the learning objectives, two key focal issues were focused upon i.e. innovation and diversity. Innovation was discussed with regard to the Hydrogen Economy of Libya where it was renowned for its developmental capabilities to constantly innovate. Diversity came under strategic thinking and formation as the author considered the diverse culture, political climate, economic surroundings, social environment, technological settings, government policies and legal systems in order to better understand the issues being discussed.     EXECUTIVE BRIEF This essay utilized the country of Libya as the model country where the proposed secure and renewable hydrogen economy would be implemented. This essay reviewed the country's present operations management as far as its oil production was concerned and how it dealt with critical situations. From the analysis, key trends in the oil production (petroleum and natural gas) were then identified, how they worked and their possible effectiveness in dealing with critical situations upon the implementation of the hydrogen economy was ascertained. The paper then moved on to assess these oil production strategies with regard to their suitability to critical situations, during which the internal capabilities of these oil production strategies in relation to the strategy for the implementation of the hydrogen economy being followed was determined also. An overall analysis of the performance and effectiveness of the oil production strategies in relation to the implementation of the hydrogen economy was also conducted to assess and compare the capabilities of these strategies with those of others. Gaps in the capabilities and oil production strategies in Libya were then identified. Finally, several choices of strategies to improve the oil production strategies of Libya as effective means in the possible implementation of the hydrogen economy were recommended and evaluated in terms of appropriateness to the issues reviewed, feasibility in carrying out the options and acceptability within the key stakeholders and decision makers. INTRODUCTION Hydrogen economies pertain to a planned environmental setting where the daily consumption of energy would solely come from hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe rather than from pollution-causing hydrocarbon fuels. Some proponent scientists and environmental experts believe that the implementation of hydrogen economies would lead to the efficient and effective implementation of the policies and tasks necessary towards the improvement of not only the worsening environmental situation of the world, but also of every society's well-being as well energy (Graedel et al. 1995). Proponents of hydrogen economies focus on the careful management of the processes involved in the production and distribution of hydrogen products for proper conversion into useful. More often than not, small and relatively underdeveloped countries don't really have the capabilities to implement hydrogen economies. Instead, these countries engage in activities that various schools of environmental management typically associate with conservation of energy fuels. These activities include the manufacturing of non-toxic and environment-friendly products, product development, production and distribution. However, the implementation of hydrogen economies deals with all operations done within countries and organizations concerned. A great deal of emphasis lies on the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Therefore, the implementation of hydrogen economies includes the analysis and management of internal processes. OVERVIEW OF LIBYA   Libya aims for sustainable growth as a broad market leader in the oil industry as well as for segment leadership. In both cases, the oil products of Libya will play a crucial part. Libya is able to establish its broad leadership usually by acquiring other strong oil companies and their products, which are then combined into a new, larger company. Offering training and employment opportunities to its citizens, improving the country's operations, and the introduction of new technologies then reinforces the positions of the various oil products of Libya. This practically results in economies of scale that is able to create a distribution network for both the local and international oil products. If a market is already in the control of other oil companies, Libya devotes its attention towards the development of a premium segment with its various oil products.             The mission of Libya is to secure the growth of the oil industry in a sustainable manner, while at the same time constantly improving the country's profitability. The strategy to achieve this involves four elements: Striving in order to reach a leading position in attractive markets Focusing on securing a competitive share of the oil industry market segments. Working in order to improve the country's efficiency and cut costs in operations. Continuous growth through selective acquisitions for as long as they are able to create shareholder value.  Libya's Petroleum and Natural Gas   As one of Africa's largest oil producing countries, Libya's dedication to quality for almost three generations now has led to the satisfaction of millions and millions of its oil consumers worldwide. Libya's oil industry was created by a group of people who pursued the best quality and craftsmanship in terms of petroleum and natural gas production. The country's petroleum and natural gas that its consumers use today are still being produced using nothing but the original and unparalleled techniques discovered three generations ago. The oil's black, dark brown or greenish color and clarity are obtained by using only the best drilling techniques and technologies (Frosch, 1995). The technologies used in the production of oil in Libya are able to meet the high quality standards and specifications. The packaging materials where oil is sold are also being subjected to strict quality standards. In line to Libya's policies in product safety, appropriate measures are taken in the production process of its petroleum and natural gas to prevent the possible contamination of the products. Oil refineries in Libya implement the principles of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system as a testament to their dedication to quality. Oil Pricing Strategies Libya bases its oil pricing strategies on several key trends that continuously shape the global marketplace of the oil industry. One particular trend is labeled as "premium-tization" (Booms, 1981). This phenomenon causes the polarization of different oil markets. This would then trigger the consumers to demand and pay much higher prices for perceived oil quality. However, discounting in oil prices is also simultaneously taking place, therefore squeezing out the middle range. More often than not, oil producing countries like Libya undergo internationalization which leads to a tighter squeeze for shelf space. This will in turn leave Libya as a winner. It is for this reason why Libya values the "premise sector" so much because this would allow consumers can to try their oil products at low risk and price. In terms of market segments, petroleum and natural gas of Libya have disproportionate share of volume growth at an estimated 4-5% per year, as against the 2-3% overall growth rate. These rates come up as a result of both the rise in GDP among developing markets and consumer demands for higher value propositions, which is obviously dominated by international brands. Therefore, Libya has to increase its portfolio and operate globally to overcome the home market. Libya practically operates on a relatively fragmented market, with the top four oil producing countries accounting for 22% of global oil volume five years ago and only about 28% today.   Hydrogen Economy is Possible in Libya In lieu of the present developments in the worsening global environmental situation, there have been significant visions of learning that evolved. A majority of these learning visions are based on the idea that the establishment of hydrogen economies involves a social process where knowledge is denied instead of being acquired passively. The establishment of hydrogen economies, then, transforms into an interactive process. The interaction is being verified through the help of the participants in the establishment process such as the government of Libya and its citizens. In this framework, high quality of hydrogen economy would mean the continued guidance and support of the active learning process of the public. Obviously, this would call for an intensive and phased guiding strategy (Lowe et al. 1995). When in the active pursuit of the establishment of a hydrogen economy, the interaction of the Libyan government with the public forms an integral part towards its success. Collaborative learning as a method of teaching is gradually being used by Libya nowadays. Through this approach, the general public can learn from the Libyan government regarding the impending benefits of a hydrogen economy through the imitation of their techniques in the socialization processes (O'Rourke et al. 1996). In the process, the general public is able to obtain the chance to see their own ideas in a different aspect and therefore be able to take alternatives into consideration. The relative effectiveness of this approach is determined with the capability of the public to continuously challenge their pre-acquired knowledge by trying to adapt to the interpretations of the Libyan government. Aside from the public and the Libyan government, the different resources of learning regarding hydrogen economies belong to a third category of factors of a learning environment. Moreover, hydrogen economies have shown signs of significant growth over the past years. Consequently, obtaining knowledge becomes more complicated. This is because the transformation of all this information into knowledge requires the public to possess the appropriate reference frameworks. But the Libyan government can certainly help the public transform information into valuable knowledge. Possible Competitive Advantages Among the competitive advantages that can be enjoyed by Libya upon the implementation of a hydrogen economy include: ·        Economies of Scale and Scope in manufacturing and oil research and development arising from its numerous oil reserves. ·        Unique Quality Technology owing to heavy emphasis on research Libya's commitment to research & development activities has always been one of its top strategies to remain competitive in the market.            ·        Differentiated Oil Products Through the production and marketing of differentiated oil products originating from their research and development activities, Libya is able to create its own firm-specific advantages. The continuous pursuit of research and development processes enables Libya to produce a steady stream of originally differentiated petroleum and natural gas products which makes it difficult for competitors to find substitutes. Because of this differentiated approach, Libya is able to market their oil products worldwide, which enables them in turn to maximize the returns on research and development expenditures (Socolow, 1994).   CONCLUSION The results of the analysis carried out on the proposed implementation of a hydrogen economy in Libya indicated very significant effects, even amidst the threats of unrest. Therefore, we could conclude that the implementation of a hydrogen economy in Libya could still be expected to improve faster than average. The review of Libya's oil management capabilities and resources revealed very little inconsistencies regarding the proposed implementation of a hydrogen economy. This is coherent with their traditional inside-out approach. However, the need to reconcile both the inside-out and outside-in approaches becomes imperative now for Libya. The analysis among the environment as well as the oil management and capabilities of Libya revealed certain gaps, most of which are biased towards the environment. However, these gaps paved the way towards determining a number of recommended strategic options to secure the competitiveness of Libya and its oil industry. Also, the Libyan government has to find a balance between adherence to internal forces within the management and to the changing forces of the environment in order to implement a hydrogen economy.