Financial Sustainability and Technology Integration in Oil & Gas Cooperatives: Opportunities and Challenges (Published)
The oil and gas sector remains a critical component of the global economy, contributing significantly to energy supply, employment, and economic development. However, with growing environmental concerns, market volatility, and operational complexities, maintaining sustainable operations has become increasingly challenging for industry players. This paper delves into the role of financial sustainability and technology integration within oil and gas cooperatives, focusing on the opportunities and challenges that arise from this dual approach. The paper highlights the importance of cooperatives in addressing these challenges by ensuring operational efficiency, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable development. The integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) offers substantial benefits for cooperatives operating in the oil and gas sector. These technologies enable organizations to optimize resource allocation, streamline operational workflows, and implement predictive maintenance models to reduce downtime and equipment failure. Furthermore, IoT-based monitoring systems ensure real-time visibility of key operational metrics, allowing for proactive risk management. Financial sustainability, on the other hand, involves implementing robust financial models to manage cash flows effectively, forecast economic risks, and align business strategies with market demands. The interplay between financial sustainability and technology integration allows cooperatives to maximize profitability while reducing environmental impact, contributing to broader sustainability goals. A case study on Shell Nigeria’s Cooperative Society in Port Harcourt is presented to provide practical insights into the application of these principles. The study demonstrates how Shell’s cooperative has utilized IoT-based solutions and predictive financial models to ensure sustainable growth and efficient project execution. The cooperative plays a pivotal role in managing employees’ thrift and loan operations, generating significant value through real estate investments and technology-driven initiatives. By adopting innovative tools and sustainable practices, the cooperative not only ensures operational resilience but also contributes to socio-economic development in the communities it serves. Mathematical models, such as Net Present Value (NPV) analysis, are employed to illustrate the financial optimization strategies used by Shell Nigeria’s cooperative in evaluating project profitability. Diagrams depicting the integration of technology and financial systems further highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of this approach. Through these models, the paper demonstrates how financial decision-making is enhanced, ensuring that investments align with long-term sustainability goals. This study explores the broader implications of integrating technology with financial sustainability in oil and gas cooperatives. It emphasizes the importance of building public-private partnerships to attract investment and foster technological innovation. Additionally, the paper discusses the regulatory landscape and the need for cooperatives to align with global sustainability standards. The findings suggest that cooperatives in the oil and gas sector have a unique opportunity to drive economic resilience and environmental stewardship through effective financial management and advanced technology deployment. The paper provides actionable recommendations for cooperatives seeking to achieve financial sustainability and operational efficiency through technology integration. These recommendations include upskilling employees, enhancing data management capabilities, and establishing strategic partnerships to overcome challenges. The research underscores the importance of cooperatives in achieving sustainable development within the oil and gas sector, making a compelling case for aligning business strategies with emerging technologies and financial best practices. This approach ensures long-term resilience and contributes to broader national and global sustainability goals.
Keywords: Challenges, Cooperatives, Financial Sustainability, GAS, oil, opportunities, technology integration
International Public Sector Accounting Standards Adoption and Challenges of Implementation in Nigeria (Published)
This study examined International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) adoption and challenges of implementation in Nigeria. The study employed review of literature of prior studies using institutional theory as the anchor. The review of prior studies revealed that the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in Nigeria is faced with several challenges such as political-will towards full IPSAS implementation; statutory adjustment, inadequate funding and institutional commitment, poor IT infrastructure, change management issues amongst others. The study recommended amongst others that professional accountancy organisations such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) should consider what rolethey can play in growing consciousness of the need for transparent financial reporting in the public sector entities, including but going beyond providing training on accounting standards. Also governments should introduce plans for smooth and quick migration to full accrual-based IPSAS in all public sector entities in Nigeria so as to maximize the perceived benefits associated with accrual basis of IPSAS.
Keywords: Adoption, Challenges, Financial reports, IPSAS
Challenges and Obstacles That Small And Medium Enterprises Face In Terms Of Financing in Palestine (Published)
The purpose of the study attempts to analyze the obstacles and challenges that face small and medium enterprises in Palestine. This study seeks to look at the importance of small and medium enterprises, and to identify the most important constraints faced by small entrepreneurs in obtaining the required funding in Palestine, and what are the most important impediments toward financing of small projects. The investigation helped in identifying the major challenges of financing small and medium business and what to do in order to overcome these obstacles. It was also found that small enterprises are one of the most important key elements in achieving economic development in all countries of the world where it accounts for the highest percentage among all kinds of economic projects of all sizes. A qualitative closed-ended survey was carried out for collecting data from managers and owners of 35 businesses in Palestine. The responses of 28 statements were collected in five different categories. The findings showed that the Obstacles facing the growth of small enterprises in Palestine by respondents was “Weakness of representative organizations that defend the interests of small businesses, as well as Lack of legal frameworks and incentives for small businesses
Keywords: Challenges, Financing, Palestine, Small and Medium Enterprises