Oil and Gas Sector

Assignment Brief

We need a detailed assignment for a (stationary) as a category to conduct the required analysis.

Taking into consideration that the category is in oil and gas sector. (stationary used in an oil and gas company)

A table of content is required.

3000 words

The table of contents, executive summary, models, tables, diagrams, graphs, references list and bibliography (are excluded from the word count)

You are advised to read carefully the complete Assignment Guidance document available from the My Learning section on the LMS (Learning Management System) before commencing your submission.

It is recommended that you base your assignment upon the business unit or organisation you work for, as it is likely you will be able to access appropriate information and data that you will require to underpin and support your final submission.

The assignment submission will be assessed according to the following assessment criteria:

• Application and insight (40%)
• Research (20%)
• Knowledge and approach (20%)
• Structure and presentation (20%)

Plan the assignment to ensure that you have addressed all elements of the assignment task and the assessment criteria, as well as the module learning outcomes. Think carefully about the structure, style and content of your assignment.

Your assignment can be up to 10% below the stated word count, or up to 10% higher than the stated word count. If your assignment exceeds the stated word count by more than 10%, marks may be deducted.

The following the required template:

1. (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY) – one page
2. Introduction
3. CATEGORY PLAN (Selected category is stationary)

Description of category and scope

Current situation (we are currently having an agreement

Spend Analysis (historic and forecast)

suppliers

stakeholder

PROBLEM STATEMENT

• current issues and problems
• required targets / deliverables

CATEGORY ANALYSIS (important section)

• Analysis of internal requirements (Business needs)
• Analysis of the external macro-environment (STEEPLE)
• Analysis of the market (Porter`s 5 Forces)
• Analysis of the market position of our category (KRALJIC)
• Analysis of our current and potential suppliers (supplier preferencing)

RECOMMENDED STRATEGY

• Strategic options
• Recommendation for short/medium/long term
• Summary of implementation
• Benefits

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

1. activities
2. Timescales (key milestones)
3. Resources
4. Challenges (Key risks and risk management plan)

SUMMARY

CONCLUSION

APPENDICES 

Sample Answer

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents a detailed category management plan for stationery procurement in an oil and gas organisation. While stationery might be considered a low-value commodity compared to core operational supplies, it plays a critical role in ensuring smooth administrative, operational, and safety functions. The report analyses current spending patterns, supplier relationships, stakeholder needs, and market trends.

Through structured models such as STEEPLE, Porter’s Five Forces, the Kraljic Matrix, and Supplier Preferencing, the study identifies both internal and external factors affecting the category. Key issues identified include cost inefficiencies, fragmented supplier relationships, environmental concerns, and supply chain risks.

The recommended strategy focuses on supplier consolidation, introducing environmentally friendly products, digitalisation to reduce consumption, and building strategic partnerships. Implementation includes defined activities, timescales, resource allocation, and risk management plans. Expected benefits include cost savings of 15% over three years, enhanced sustainability compliance, improved operational efficiency, and better supplier performance management.

INTRODUCTION

In the oil and gas sector, procurement management is a critical function to maintain cost control and operational continuity. While categories such as drilling equipment or pipeline materials are often prioritised, support categories like stationery are often overlooked. Yet, stationery supports day-to-day business processes, including documentation, safety reporting, operational logs, and compliance records.

Stationery in this context extends beyond pens and paper. It includes technical logbooks, safety signage materials, specialised forms, high-durability markers, printer supplies, and secure document storage materials. Effective management of this category can generate significant operational savings and contribute to sustainability goals.

This report develops a category management plan for stationery, drawing upon procurement best practices and structured analytical models.

CATEGORY PLAN – STATIONERY IN THE OIL & GAS SECTOR

2.1 Description of Category and Scope

The stationery category covers all office and operational stationery items used across upstream, midstream, and downstream business units. This includes:

• Administrative supplies (pens, pencils, paper, files, folders)

• Printing and imaging supplies (ink, toner, specialty paper)

• Operational record books (maintenance logs, safety registers)

• Branded materials (letterheads, business cards)

• Safety-related printed materials (warning tags, hazard labels)

The scope covers all company sites, including head office, offshore facilities, and remote operational stations.

Current Situation

The organisation currently procures stationery through a framework agreement with three approved suppliers. Orders are placed individually by departments, leading to inconsistent pricing and duplication of orders. The framework is approaching expiry in six months, creating an opportunity to reassess the strategy.

Spend Analysis – Historic and Forecast

Historic spend (past 3 years):

• Year 1: £420,000

• Year 2: £460,000

• Year 3: £490,000

Spend growth has been approximately 6–7% per year, driven by operational expansion and inflation in paper and printing costs.

Forecast (next 3 years without intervention):

• Year 4: £520,000

• Year 5: £550,000

• Year 6: £580,000

Continued...