Examining the Relationship between Energy Management Practices and Energy Efficiency at Hydraulic Fracturing Sites
Abstract
The topic of this research is examining the relationship between management practices and energy efficiency in hydraulic fracturing sites in the Unites States. The research problem of the study is that hydraulic fracturing, a process used in the extraction of natural oil and gas, may increase energy inefficiency contributing to an energy management gap and peripheral loss revenue for stake holders. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study is to address the problem related to the existing management gap with hydraulic fracturing during exploration of oil and natural gas within the petroleum industry. The research questions are "what relationship, if any, exists between management practices (management) and energy efficiency (target) in the fracking industry?" and "to what extent does management practices, (management) predict energy efficiency (target), at fracking sites?". The population of interest for this study includes managers and engineers of hydraulic fracturing firms within the United States oil and gas extraction industry. This research proved to reject the null hypotheses that the Pearson's correlation coefficient results show that management practices (management) were significantly correlated to energy efficiency (target). The results of this research supported the studies completed by Bloom and Van Reenen (2007) by concluding that management practices have a positive correlated influence on energy efficiency measures within the United States oil and gas extraction (hydraulic fracturing) industry. Despite few limitations, in the research, the purpose and problem of the research were addressed, illustrated enough evidence of the generalization of the theory of energy efficiency gap, provided empirical evidence to support the theory and added to the growing body of scholarly literature. These findings also contribute to the field of management science and lay a foundation for future research.
- Publication:
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Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018PhDT........56G
- Keywords:
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- Management;Energy;Alternative Energy