RESEARCH CENTRE FOR OIL & GAS

BUSINESS (COGB)

Dr. HELENA THOMAS

Research Centre for Oil & Gas Business (COGB) is a newly established unit (March, 2015) at the UDBS under the department of accounting - however, the centre is expected to carry our its key activities by involving different individuals interested in oil & gas business research from different departments at the UDBS.

The centre was established in response to emerging development in oil and gas industry linked with huge discovery of gas & oil reserve in the country, which is expected to support higher economic growth and contribute positively in addressing poverty and unemployment problems.

BACKGROUND & RATIONALE

However, due to its newness, the country is experiencing different challenges to enable the sector be managed in a way that would benefit the entire Tanzanian society (TZ Local Content Policy, 2014). Low capacities, both institutional and the right human skills and knowledge for Tanzanian to participate fully in oil & gas businesses have been identified (Kahyoza, 2013; Simbakalia, 2013).

Therefore, active involvement by key actors at local levels, including us at UDBS, is important to facilitate development of knowledge and skills for our people. Conducting and facilitating different types of training and business related research as well as having important avenues for knowledge sharing with different stakeholders at local and international levels are important to achieve identified goals.

BACKGROUND & RATIONALE

To coordinate efforts to conduct business related research, consultancy and training within the value chain of oil and gas industry.

Develop, conduct and disseminate research findings by organizing periodical research seminars, symposiums and conferences.

Sensitize and encourage staff at UDBS to develop and conduct oil and gas business research (to be research-active) via formal education process e.g. PhD, Masters and normal individual based initiatives.

Locate and pursue external funding to support research and other related activities.

Develop and sustain useful research links and collaboration with different stakeholders, being individuals or institutions at local and international levels.

OBJECTIVES THE CENTRE/RESEARCH GROUP

Attract and provide the necessary support for visiting scholars (e.g. post–doctoral researchers and other researchers) to pursue business related research in oil and gas industry in the country.

To attract externally supported students to pursue their studies (research works) in oil and gas business at UDBS.

To develop database and information centre for easy tracking and monitoring the developments taking place in oil and gas industry.

OBJECTIVES …..

We are in the process of developing research project that will assess issues of implementation of local content policy, effective management of gas revenue by LGAs and financing strategies for alternative sources of energy use to support green economy in Tanzania. This efforts follows closely the DANIDA, 2016 Request For Proposal (RFP).

In the same vein a different proposal is being developed to act as major instrument for negotiating with different stakeholders at local and international levels to secure funds for different activities of the centre/research group.

The research group members in collaboration with IFM are expected to conduct conference on natural resources business & management issues, in October, 2015.

OPERATIONAL PLANS

As advised by Research Centre and Research Centre of Excellence (UDSM, 2014), to a large extent the centre/research group is expected to mobilise funds from different stakeholders [external stakeholders] to support its key activities.

The centre/research group has set its key activities and expected expenses/costs, which to give tentatively estimated amounts to be mobilized/negotiated with different stakeholders. We have set a three years financial plan/budget for the centre/research group.

For example the centre/research group is expected to spend a total of TZS 263,040,000 [to be presented in different excel worksheet.

This amount is expected to be raised by writing research project proposals and negotiations with different stakeholders of different caliber forming important networks & collaborating institutions.

FINANCIAL PLANS & SOURCES

Local and international partner institutions have been identified e.g. Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), the World Bank (WB) and oil companies like Statoil and BG.Some have already worked with the department, in

facilitating previous conference – organized in collaboration with IFM, in which different themes about natural resource management were discussed.

The centre/research group is in the process of looking for partner institution in Denmark to facilitate securing of big projects, as normally requested with sponsoring agencies.

Close linkage with key actors at the Ministry of Energy & Minerals (MEM) is being pursued.

NETWORKS & COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS

Trained PhDs academic staff, at least 4, in natural resources, primarily focusing in oil and gas business & management related issues.

30 students completing accounting & finance master’s degree program.

A number of seminars/workshops & conferences with different stakeholders.

Three (3) major baseline research reports & numerous policy briefs.

At least 15 scientific research articles published in local and international peer reviewed journals.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS WITHIN 3 YEARS WORKING PLAN

As a parent institutional player UDBS is expected to provide different types of backing/support to enable the research centre/group to work as expected.Already the UDBS has provided a working space for the

centre (Office).UDBS can still provide some working facilities,

currently lacking e.g. office equipment – 2 desktop PCs, 1 laptop & printer, secretary for office management – important, especially at this early stages of centre/research group’s development to support basic activities for establishment and enhancing the institutional profile of the centre/research group - as advised by UDSM’s Guidelines for Research Centre and Research Centre of Excellence (UDSM, 2014).

EXPECTED SUPPORT FROM UDBS