Knowing the Drill: Virtual Teamwork at BP

Management Information Systems

14.01.2013

Outline
1. What pilot system did BP implement? Why was it important

for BP?
2. What are BPs benefits? What other branches could profit

from this kind of KM?

3. How VT has changed operational processes at BP? 4. The possible use of KM solutions described in the case in the educational field.

BPs activities

source: http://www.bp.com

Pilot project
Reorganization -> 42 business assets -> communication is essential

Pilot project Virtual Teamwork

Project design: o independent group (from diverse parts of the company) o objective: behavior and work pattern change (not just technology) o start: December 1994

Pilot project
Client Package: o videoconferencing equipment o multimedia e-mail o application sharing and so on Connection: ISDN, satellite link Goals: o improved decision-making o cost reduction o compliance to schedules o creative problem-solving

BPs benefits
Guidance and Support Collaboration across time, distance, organizational structure barriers Efficiency in achievement of business goals and decision making Creativity Synergies in a federation of assets

BPs benefits (cont.)

Reducing time for problem identification and solution Less miscommunication

Lower expenses: reduction of travelling,

number of meetings More trust and valuable commitments Compressed time frames Meeting target dates

Other benefiting branches

Within BP: o Across organizational barriers o Especially connecting finished projects with new ones (oil platforms) to use gained knowledge better learning curve o Work in new ways: every asset (of 42) o Operational workers and management Other organizations/companies:

o Companies operating globally with big knowledge base

o E.g. car manufacturer with production sites in different countries or health care industry searching for new drugs

Changes in operational processes

Operational process = standardized approach

to all performed activities

Virtual Teamwork: Continuous learning and knowledge sharing as company norm

Away from plain standardization and

outdated procedures Due to training and coaching: creative approach on completing work and tasks Better level of communication and higher commitment

KM solutions in the educational field

Videoconferencing & video clips: video lectures (recorded and online) Multimedia e-mail: convenient work on projects Application and boards sharing: effective discussions and problem-solving Web based information portals: Moodle, Hisportal, web site (consistency is needed) Other ways of sharing files and information: dropbox, social networking, wikis, crowdsourcing

Thank you for attention!