Solve Decision Analysis: SPWA Drill with/without Seismic Survey

In summary, the decision tree shows that it is recommended for SPWA to acquire a seismic survey and drill a site, which has an expected profit of $9,317,600 with a probability of 0.45. The most likely outcome is to acquire the survey and drill a site with a maximum possible profit of $11.4 million and a maximum possible loss of $2 million. Without the survey, the maximum possible profit is $2,187,500 and the maximum possible loss is $590,000.
  • #1
aspirare21
7
1
Hello guys! Can you help me check whether the decision tree is right? And also how to compute for letters b, c, and d. :?

Homework Statement


SHEEHAN PETROLEUN WILDCATTER ASSOCIATES
Pat Sheehan came to Texas - Oklahoma area from his native Ireland 20 years ago. He quickly went to work for a company drilling wells for oil and gas. After gaining considerable working experience, he and several co-workers formed their own company. Sheehan Petroleum Wildcatter Associates (SPWA).
SPWA combines the drilling skills and capabilities of its partners with the expertise of consultant geologists and the financial backing of private investors. Although the company owns much of its own drilling equipment, it frequently leases additional equipment. Their method of operation is to locate possible drilling sites, obtain drilling leases on the land, and carry out drilling operations. They then sell off the rights to produce gas or oil from any wells that are “brought in.”
Sheehan and his associates are now in the process of deciding what to do about a promising area in southern Oklahoma, on which they have obtained a lease. The cost to drill a well on this site is $1.75 million. This amount would be lost if the well turned out to be dry, and there is no way to establish with 100% certainty whether that would happen. On the other hand, the well might turn out to be a producer of either gas or oil. A gas well would typically return a profit of about $4 million above drilling and lease costs, and an oil well would return to average profit of about $15million above drilling and lease costs.
Additional information on the likelihood of success can be gained by making a seismic survey of the site. Such a survey would cost $250,000 and would indicate whether the underlying rock formation was likely to contain a geologic dome that would form a reservoir for collecting a gas or oil. Although successful gas or oil wells are sometimes drilled in areas that have no underlying dome, the chance of finding either gas or oil is substantially better if a dome is present. Sheehan and his associates think there’s about a 40% probability that the drilling tract has a dome.
Seismic surveys are not 100% accurate. Based on past results from making seismic surveys, the chances that such a survey would be right or wrong are shown in the table.
Existence of Dome in
Underlying Formation Indication from
Seismic Survey Probability of
Getting Indication

Dome actually exists.
Dome exists. 0.89
Dome does not exist. 0.11

No dome exists.
Dome exists. 0.16
Dome does not exist. 0.84
If the underlying rock formation actually contains a dome, the probabilities for the outcomes of drilling are as follows:
Outcome Probability
Dry hole 0.55
Gas well 0.35
Oil well 0.10
On the other hand, if the underlying rock formation does not contain a dome, the probabilities for the outcomes of drilling are as follows:
Outcome Probability
Dry hole 0.88
Gas well 0.10
Oil well 0.02
SPWA is faced with two decisions - whether or not to spend $250,000 to make a seismic survey and, regardless of whether the seismic survey is made or not, whether or not they should drill a site.
a. What course of action do you recommend, and what is its expected profit or loss? Justify your recommendation by showing your analysis and the results of any calculations in a well-labeled format that can be easily understood.
b. What’s most likely to happen if SPWA follows your recommended course of action? How likely is it?
c. What’s the maximum possible profit if SPWA follows your recommended course of action? How likely is it?
d. What’s the maximum possible loss if SPWA follows your recommended course of action? How likely is it?
e. What’s the maximum possible profit if SPWA drills without making a seismic survey? How likely is it?
f. What’s the maximum possible loss if SPWA drills without making a seismic survey? How likely is it?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


a. Acquire Seismic survey=$9,317,600=$11.4M×$0.452+$7.6M×0.548
Don^' t acquire=$2M=$1.75M+$250,000
Decision: Acquire Seismic Survey
Drill a site whether the survey is made or not

b.
c.
d.
e. $ 2,187,500 is the maximum possible profit if SPWA drills w/o making a seismic survey.
f. $ 590,000 is the maximum possible loss if SPWA drills w/o making a seismic survey.

[PLAIN]http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1292/decana.jpg
 
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  • #2
The decision tree is correct. To compute for letters b, c, and d: b. The most likely outcome if SPWA follows the recommended course of action is to acquire the seismic survey and drill a site, which has an expected profit of $9,317,600 with a probability of 0.45. c. The maximum possible profit if SPWA follows the recommended course of action is $11.4 million with a probability of 0.45. d. The maximum possible loss if SPWA follows the recommended course of action is $2 million with a probability of 0.45.
 

1. What is decision analysis in the context of SPWA drilling?

Decision analysis is a systematic approach to making decisions in complex situations, such as the planning and execution of SPWA (shallow water oil and gas) drilling projects. It involves identifying and evaluating alternative courses of action, considering the potential risks and rewards of each option, and using data and analysis to inform the decision-making process.

2. What is the role of seismic survey in decision analysis for SPWA drilling?

Seismic survey is a crucial step in the decision analysis process for SPWA drilling. It involves using specialized equipment to gather data on the geological structure and potential hydrocarbon reserves in the drilling area. This data is then used to assess the viability and potential risks of drilling in that location, helping to inform the decision-making process.

3. How does decision analysis help in mitigating risks in SPWA drilling?

Decision analysis helps mitigate risks in SPWA drilling by providing a structured and data-driven approach to decision-making. It allows decision-makers to thoroughly evaluate the potential risks and rewards of different drilling options, and to identify and plan for potential challenges and uncertainties. This can help minimize the likelihood of costly mistakes and maximize the chances of success.

4. What are the key factors to consider in decision analysis for SPWA drilling?

Some key factors to consider in decision analysis for SPWA drilling include the geological characteristics of the drilling site, the potential hydrocarbon reserves in the area, the availability and cost of equipment and personnel, and the potential risks and rewards of each drilling option. It is also important to consider any legal or regulatory requirements and environmental impacts.

5. How can decision analysis be applied to improve the success of SPWA drilling projects?

Decision analysis can be applied to improve the success of SPWA drilling projects by providing a structured and systematic approach to decision-making. By considering all relevant factors and evaluating different options, decision analysis can help identify the most feasible and profitable drilling strategies, and reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes or failures. It can also help project managers anticipate and plan for potential challenges and uncertainties, improving the overall success rate of SPWA drilling projects.

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