Sustainable operations: Well selection in oil and gas projects
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Seyed Ashkan Hosseini Shekarabi: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5020-6734
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to enhance decision-making in the selection of oil and gas (OG) wells for stimulation operations by integrating sustainability into project management practices. By proposing an innovative multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework, the research seeks to improve production efficiency while considering economic and environmental factors. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed framework employs an interval-valued spherical fuzzy (IVSF) entropy method to determine the weights of 14 critical criteria from both engineering and managerial perspectives. Four fuzzy ranking methods are then applied to evaluate well selection strategies, with the results aggregated using the Borda method. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the robustness of the approach, particularly in mitigating risks associated with economic forecasts for carbonate reservoirs. Findings – The study demonstrates that the proposed MCDM-based framework enhances decision-making by providing a structured and transparent evaluation of OG well selection. The integration of sustainability-focused criteria ensures alignment with project objectives while improving economic viability. The sensitivity analysis confirms the reliability of the method, indicating its effectiveness in addressing uncertainties in economic forecasts and operational risks. Originality/value – This research presents a novel approach that bridges project management innovation with sustainable well selection in the OG industry. By leveraging IVSF entropy and multiple fuzzy ranking techniques, the study introduces a more comprehensive and resilient decision-making model. The findings offer practical implications for both technical and managerial stakeholders, supporting more informed, efficient and sustainable OG reservoir management.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2025
Publication Title
Management Decision
Publisher
Emerald
School
School of Business and Law
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Barak, S., Moghdani, R., Mohammadi, D., & Shekarabi, S. a. H. (2025). Sustainable operations: Well selection in oil and gas projects. Management Decision. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-05-2024-1152