Structured Analytic Techniques Propel SOC to New Heights

Sirte Oil Company (SOC) operates a vast and complex portfolio of oil and gas infrastructure, including an LNG plant, oil refinery, pipeline, and over 20 concessions. The company recognises the importance of implementing robust methods to ensure that critical decisions are made based on clear, transparent, and systematically structured analysis. To achieve this, SOC engaged Qabas to train a selected group of employees on Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) with a focus on enhancing problem analysis and decision-making processes.

The Situation

Given the complexity and scale of SOC’s operations, effective decision-making is paramount. In an environment where critical decisions impact not only operations but also long-term strategic goals, SOC identified the need for a structured approach to analytical thinking. The challenge was to equip employees with the skills to externalise internal thought processes in a systematic manner that fosters collaboration, critique, and refinement. By enhancing transparency and structure in their analysis, the company aimed to improve the quality and reliability of decisions made across different departments.

SOC’s goal was to instil a culture of structured reasoning, where problem-solving and decision-making are guided by rigorous analytic techniques that allow for deeper insights, reduced biases, and better outcomes. This initiative was particularly focused on enabling employees to tackle complex problems and make informed decisions that align with the company’s strategic objectives.

Our Approach

Qabas developed and delivered a targeted training programme centred on Structured Analytic Techniques. The programme was designed to provide participants with practical tools and methodologies that could be applied immediately in their roles. The training emphasised the use of SATs to enhance analytical rigour and ensure that decision-making processes are both transparent and replicable.

Key focus areas included:

1. Introduction to Structured Analytic Techniques: Provided an overview of key SATs, including methods like Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH), Key Assumptions Check, Premortem Analysis, and Structured Brainstorming. These techniques introduce systematic thinking frameworks that can be applied across a variety of decision-making scenarios, ensuring that analysis is rigorous and transparent.
2. Mitigating Cognitive Bias and Promoting Objectivity: Emphasised techniques aimed at countering common cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, availability bias, and anchoring. The training included exercises in techniques like Devil’s Advocacy, Red Team Analysis, and Alternative Futures Analysis, which help participants surface hidden assumptions, challenge conventional thinking, and develop more balanced perspectives.
3. Structured Problem Decomposition and Scenario Analysis: Focused on approaches to breaking down complex issues into manageable parts using methods like Indicators Analysis, Structured What-If Analysis, and Force Field Analysis. Participants learned how to develop robust decision options and anticipate potential outcomes through scenario generation and comparative analysis, leading to more strategic choices.
4. Collaborative Analysis and Transparent Reasoning: Addressed the importance of clearly documenting and sharing thought processes, using techniques like Argument Mapping, Key Assumptions Check, and Structured Brainstorming. These methods foster a culture of open critique and iterative refinement, enabling teams to work together more effectively and arrive at well-supported conclusions.
5. Application to SOC’s Operational Context: Integrated real-world case studies and scenario-based exercises directly related to SOC’s operational challenges. Participants applied SATs to critical issues such as risk assessment in new ventures, evaluating the feasibility of investment decisions, and optimising resource allocation strategies. This hands-on approach ensured that the techniques were immediately relevant and practical for their roles within SOC.

Implementation

The training was delivered over a series of workshops that combined theoretical instruction with hands-on application. Participants engaged in group exercises designed to simulate the types of complex decision-making challenges they face in their roles. The programme also included peer review sessions where employees could critique and refine each other’s analyses, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative learning.

Results

The training programme significantly enhanced SOC’s decision-making capabilities by equipping employees with structured tools for problem analysis and critical thinking. Participants are now better able to externalise their thought processes, enabling more transparent, consistent, and collaborative decision-making. The adoption of Structured Analytic Techniques has led to more robust problem-solving frameworks, improved communication across departments, and greater alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.

SOC’s investment in this capacity-building initiative has not only strengthened its internal decision-making processes but also positioned the company to navigate complex challenges more effectively, driving growth and operational excellence across its diverse operations.