Today we got to sleep in a bit, not meeting up until 10:00. It definitely felt good to get some much needed rest. After meeting we got on a train to Leatherhead, which is the location of the KBR headquarters here in the UK. There, we were treated to a series of presentations. The presentations included a general overview of KBR, a lecture on their computer system IPMS, a case study about BP ACG, and a final presentation on Impact, an organization within KBR.
Our first presentation gave us a look into KBR as a company. We learned about the history of the company, starting with the formation of M.W. Kellogg and Brown and Root. These two companies later merged to form KBR which was a part part of Halliburton. Later, the company broke off and became independently traded on the New York Stock Exchange. After learning about the history of KBR we began to look into some of their recent notable projects. Among these projects were Palm Island in Dubai, the BP ACG project in Azerbaijan, and Kashagan, a floating barge to be deployed in the northern Caspian Sea. Many of these projects are notable as being the first or largest of their kind. For instance, one project was the largest floating off-shore oil rig in the world. Also, BP ACG and Kashagan are both being deployed in the Caspian Sea, which is estimated to be one of the largest remaining oil reserves on earth.
Next, we heard a presentation by Mike Mitchell, who is heavily involved in the computer program used by KBR for procurement and project management. The program is called Integrated Project Management System (IPMS). This program helps deal with the challenges that arise from dealing with purchasing and managing supplies that will not be installed until 3 or more years into the future. Using IPMS, KBR can know what they will need to do to get everything in order so that no materials arrive too late. If something arrives behind schedule, it could cost KBR and their clients millions of dollars. When these materials do arrive onsite, IPMS has a system in place to read radio signals off of the materials so that one can instantly know what comes on the trucks with out even having to unload them. A final aspect of IPMS is that it enables data to be posted on the web up to date so that it can be viewed by the parties involved in the projects. In fact this program is so complete, that business consultants Perot actually considers it better than any comparable program on the market. We were certainly impressed!
After this, Geoff Tate, a manager on the BP ACG project spoke about different aspects of the project. BP ACG is an offshore oil project in the Caspian Sea being constructed for a group of oil companies headed by British Petroleum. This presentation gave us a general idea on how offshore oil rigs are constructed. Basically the jackets, or legs of the platform, are constructed on land then taken to the site by barge and tipped into the water. Next, piles are driven through the jackets to secure them in place. Last, the topsides, or platforms, are constructed on land then taken by barge to be rested and fastened onto the jackets.
Our last presentation covered the Impact group within KBR. This is a group for people new to the company to have extracurricular activities. It also promotes networking, management training, and community service. A final job for this organization is the organization of major events such as the company Christmas party.
Many thanks to Francisco and everyone else who made this such an interesting and educational day for us! The work KBR does is very fascinating and impressive.
After KBR, we went to eat dinner at Sitaray, an Indian food restaurant. It was delicious and a lot of food. I had especially been craving Indian food since we got on this trip so this was definitely a welcome treat for me. After dinner we all went our separate ways for the rest of the evening.
Brad Rutledge
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