News | October 31, 2007

The Oxford Princeton Programme Announces 2008 Instructor-Led Training Schedule For The European Energy Sector

Princeton, NJ – The Oxford Princeton Programme, the world's leading provider of training solutions to the energy, commodities and derivatives industries, has over thirty courses slated in Europe for the first half of 2008 as it looks to address professionals' most immediate commercial mid-to-downstream training requirements.

"We are pleased to offer our most comprehensive curriculum with both bestseller and brand new courses to address the diverse needs of the European energy sector," says Jobert Abueva, Global Marketing Director. "Europe remains a priority market for The Oxford Princeton Programme."

All courses are led by expert educators exclusive to The Oxford Princeton Programme who bring a wealth of knowledge into each seminar. Courses consist of a mix of lectures and unique simulation exercises. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of each course. All courses are to be held in convenient city venues.

Overview of Physical Crude Oil Trading and Operations (CT)
22 - 23 January 2008 – London, UK

In this introductory workshop, delegates will gain an in-depth understanding of how the physical crude oil trading market works. Besides an invaluable exposure to terminology, each delegate will experience all the steps in typical domestic and foreign crude oil transactions. The linkage between new well production, marketing, transportation and storage, and refining to physical trading (both speculatively and as a hedge vehicle) will be explored.

Fundamentals of Petroleum Refining – A Non-Technical Introduction (FPR)
24 - 25 January 2008 – London, UK

You don't need an engineering degree to understand the fundamentals of petroleum refining! This exciting programme is designed to introduce non-technical oil industry members to the fascinating field of petroleum refining. Learn how a refinery works and how refinery operations affect global oil and product prices.

International Oil Supply, Transportation, Refining and Trading (SP1)
25 - 29 February 2008 – Oxford, UK
23 - 27 June 2008 – Oxford, UK

This course provides an overview of the oil supply chain from upstream economics, transporting crude oil from source to the refinery, through processing, trading and finally, the retailing of oil products. Designed for new entrants to the oil industry, this course is ideal for use as part of an induction programme or for bringing those transferring disciplines up to speed with the area. Those without prior knowledge of the oil industry may wish to familiarize themselves through our "Introduction to the Oil Industry" course. Through the medium of continuous case study, delegates will address day-to-day problems in order to understand the relevant commercial driving forces in this area.

Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Technology (GDT1)
4 - 6 March 2008 – Oxford, UK

This course provides an introduction to gasoline and diesel fuel technology. Its teachings include refining, blending, specifications, performance, environmental aspects and the use of additives. Current and future challenges faced by the motor manufacturers, oil and additive industries will also be addressed.

Overview of the European Natural Gas Industry (ENG)
10 March 2008 – London, UK

This introductory course gives an overview of the natural gas industry globally. Those who attend will learn how companies search for natural gas and oil, how gas is produced and processed, physical characteristics of natural gas and why gas is preferred for environmental reasons. In addition, attendees will learn the basics of gas transportation and storage, including an introduction to the LNG industry. The course addresses both the European gas market and discusses global trends and issues. Major gas producing and consuming regions are discussed, including emerging markets. Uses of natural gas are explained and global differences in gas consumption patterns analyzed. Participants are also given an introduction into characteristics and participation in liberalized gas markets.

The Synergies of Refining, Trading and Supply (TRR)
10 - 14 March 2008 – Oxford, UK

This advanced course is designed to provide delegates with a thorough understanding of the latest business techniques and refining technologies available to the oil supply, trading and refining industries. In addition, this course highlights how the activities of these sectors may be optimised and synergised to maximise overall profitability. Through a variety of case studies, delegates will learn the principles of refinery planning and economics along with basic principles and techniques involved in trading and supply. Delegates will focus on the synergies between these sectors to maximise corporate profitability. Short term operations, medium term planning using linear programming and long term investment decisions are addressed. It is recommended that delegates should have attended SP1 or have working knowledge of the subjects covered in that course.

Exploring European Natural Gas Markets (EEGM)
11 - 12 March 2008 – London, UK

Now that you have a satisfactory understanding of the gas industry in Europe, find out more about the supply and demand for gas in Europe and about how and where gas is traded. This two-day workshop will give you a comprehensive understanding of the developing European natural gas market. Discussion is focused on how European gas markets are responding to the EU's market liberalisation programme and on the nature of the wholesale gas trading that now occurs in the UK and Europe. Participants will have an opportunity to consider how and where natural gas is currently traded in Europe and opportunities for new trading hubs. Topics covered include the types of instrument traded and the formal and informal market arrangements for trading gas in Europe. Case studies provide practical application of concepts being taught. We look in more detail at the operation of the UK gas market currently the most highly developed trading market in Europe. Issues affecting the ability of new market entrants to effectively participate in the European gas markets, and proposed solutions to these problems are discussed.

International Oil Trading and Pricing (TR1)
31 March - 4 April 2008 – Oxford, UK

This course covers the basic principles of oil trading and the markets. Through a variety of case studies, delegates will learn the techniques involved in trading and how to address day-to-day problems. During the week, in a continuous theme case study, syndicate groups will manage their own company positions of production, refinery supply, product purchase/disposal and speculative trading, reacting to new positions generated and changing market prices which simulate a live situation. Delegates will have the opportunity to trade both structured and live markets. It is recommended that delegates should have attended SP1 or have working knowledge of the subjects covered in that course.

Understanding the International Petrochemicals Business – Technology, Markets and Economics (CH0)
7 - 9 April 2008 – Oxford, UK

The organic chemical industry centres on the relationships between raw materials, intermediates, end products and applications. Basic to these relationships are chemical reactions, and fundamental to the total business is economics. To be able to work successfully within this complex industry requires a combination of practical experience with an understanding of chemistry, markets and economics. The course offers an organised overview of the industry that is essential for the successful operations within it.

Fundamentals of Energy Futures (FOEF)
7 April 2008 – London, UK

In the fast-paced world of futures, mistakes can be costly. This course allows delegates to experience this fascinating field first hand. This highly interactive workshop is a great introduction to exchange traded futures contracts. Delegates will leave with an in-depth knowledge of futures contracts and markets - specifically those related to energy.

Options I – Fundamentals of Energy Options (FOEO)
8 April 2008 – London, UK

This course allows delegates to experience this fascinating and complex field first hand. Long thought a difficult topic, this course makes options easy! This full day workshop covers everything from premium valuation to advanced trading strategies on exchange traded options, specifically those related to energy commodities, including oil, gas and electricity. You will gain even more valuable insights through our unique trading simulation and comprehensive review at the end of the day.

Energy Risk Management (ERM)
9 - 10 April 2008 – London, UK

Understanding and identifying how to limit price risk exposure is a complex task. This two-day course will provide attendees with a forum to maximize hedging efficiencies and limit price risk exposure. Delegates will build a portfolio of industry techniques for managing price risk in today's volatile energy markets.

Petrochemical Terminology – A Non-Technical Overview (PTC1)
9 April 2008 – London, UK
7 May 2008 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The petrochemical industry has more jargon and technical language than most businesses and yet it is actually quite simple - once you have the key! This course is designed to give you that key, explaining in simple terms what the industry is about and what the jargon means.

Options III – Option Strategies (OS)
9 April 2008 – London, UK

One of the most powerful tools available to hedgers, options are also the most difficult to master. Once you've learned how to "make options easy" with the Options I - Fundamentals of Energy Options course, you can learn how to get the most out of these fascinating instruments with this advanced course. Delegates learn how to apply complex combinations of calls and puts in order to hedge specific risks and take advantage of market expectations. With our unique trading simulation you will master directional and market-neutral trading strategies, as well as the application of complex strategies. You will also learn to match specific risk exposures and market expectations with complex strategies.

The Olefins Business – Markets and Economics (CH6)
14 - 16 April 2008 – Oxford, UK

The course is designed to cover the technology, economics and markets for the olefins business. It will explore the economics of different feedstocks, balance of supply and demand. There will be a full discussion about the importance of integration downstream to derivatives.

Fundamentals of Technical Analysis (TA)
21 - 22 April 2008 – London, UK

Take the mystery out of common technical indicators! Delegates will learn what's behind this analysis technique and how to make it work every time they trade. Understanding and using technical analysis is important to hedgers as well as speculators. Delegates will learn what many of the common indicators are and how the experts use them.

The Changing Geopolitics of Oil and Gas: Identifying and Managing Political Risk (GEOP)
21 - 22 April 2008 – London, UK

This two-day workshop explores geopolitical context within which oil and gas companies operate and how it affects daily business practices. This will be done,with a view toward understanding particular geographical locales and associated political risks. Regions to be covered include: United States, Africa, Latin America, and Middle East and Asia. Special emphasis will be placed on the rise of resource nationalism, as evidenced by the more than 100 national oil companies that currently exist. Moreover, political risk tools and strategies will be presented so that delegates learn concrete skills that they can use in their work.

Aviation Fuels: Supply, Economics and Trading (AV1)
21 - 23 April 2008 – Oxford, UK

This three-day workshop provides an overview of the economics of the aviation fuels market. The course covers the key building blocks of knowledge for anyone needing to understand the jet fuel and aviation gasoline markets. Topics explored include the basics of aviation fuel production and refining processes, aviation fuels quality and specifications, supply and logistics, market fundamentals of supply and demand, jet fuel trading, pricing mechanisms, contracts and the management of price risk. Delegates will get the chance to participate in industry case studies and trading/pricing simulations.

Front to Back Office: Trading Controls and Best Practices (FTBO)
23 April 2008 – London, UK

This fascinating and interactive workshop will give delegates a thorough understanding of best practice controls to be applied in commodity trading activities. Delegates are encouraged to think about the controls processes applied in their own operations, through interactive group case studies, in order to minimize the chances of similar expensive trading mistakes. Recent trading "failures" will be analyzed.

Value-at-Risk: The Basics and Beyond (VAR)
24 April 2008 – London, UK

Value-at-Risk is the new benchmark for measuring and controlling market risk. Premier trading and marketing companies around the world use Value-at-Risk to maximize profit opportunities and minimize costly positioning mistakes. This one day programme teaches the important aspects of this risk management tool.

Petrochemical Markets and Economics – The Impact of Feedstocks and Costs on Competitiveness and Business Strategy (CH1)
12 - 16 May 2008 – Oxford, UK

This course is an introduction to the petrochemical industry. It covers the main product families, how they are linked, key aspects of processes and their underlying economics that feed the markets and drive the industry. The unifying theme of the course is competitiveness: the feedstock relationships, cost structures, profitability and pricing. This extends to international trade and selected environmental issues. There are case studies to enable attendees to explore the application of the material. This course is not aimed at existing experts.

Global LNG – The Complete Supply Chain (LNG1)
12 - 16 May 2008 – Oxford, UK

This newly updated, premier "master-class" course is delivered by an established team of top professionals in the international LNG scene. Delegates attending "Global LNG - the Complete Supply Chain" gain comprehensive awareness and understanding of the complete LNG chain from commercial, technical and market perspectives, and of proposed future global developments.

Tanker Ownership, Chartering and Operations (TD2)
19 - 23 May 2008 – Oxford, UK

Making sound business decisions concerning tanker ownership, chartering, operations and coverage strategies demands a good understanding of the key issues and their potential impact. This basic course covers the crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals and gas transportation sectors, this course also examines the important economic, financial, contractual, environmental and legislative issues when evaluating contract options, chartering and investment strategies, logistics and operating tactics.

The Gas Chain Concept – Industry Structure, Economics and Pricing (NG3)
19 - 23 May 2008 – Oxford, UK

This highly popular five-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of the 'gas chain,' a thorough understanding of which is essential for anyone associated with the natural gas business. The result is an understanding of the interdependence of each phase of the gas business and the implications of this for the commercial organisation, finance, operation and structure to commercialise gas reserves.

International Gas Contracts – Commercial Factors and Negotiations (NG5)
2 - 6 June 2008 – Oxford, UK

The outcome of negotiation can be spectacular. This five-day course will show you that there are few areas in which time and effort can yield immediate and profitable returns. Using the Bolonia© case study, participants practice different negotiation strategies, whilst learning the key elements of natural gas sale and purchase contracts and the legal framework which underpins them.

Oil Trading Orientation (OTO)
3 - 5 June 2008 – Stavanger, Norway

This three-day workshop familiarises delegates with the key building blocks of knowledge for crude oil and petroleum product trading. Topics explored include crude oil quality, product blending and specifications, market fundamentals, technical analysis, key trading strategies, pricing mechanisms and the mechanics of trading and operations. Delegates will learn trading terminology, as well as get the chance to participate in industry case studies and trading simulations.

Gas Pipeline Economics and Engineering – Crucial Factors to Successful Pipeline Projects (NG6)
9 - 13 June 2008 – Oxford, UK

The gas industry, a "chain business", uses pipelines to form the main link of the gas chain. These pipelines are major engineering projects. The pipeline's economics are crucial to the viability of gas development projects. This course brings together key engineering and economic factors essential to the success of pipeline projects and provides a detailed analysis of the cost structure of pipelines and the inter-relations between all the factors.

Understanding A Liberalised Gas Business – Markets, Open Access and Regulatory Impacts (NG7)
16 - 20 June 2008 – Oxford, UK

Increasing exploitation of the world's natural gas reserves means that more and more countries are faced with the problem of developing and organising gas supply businesses. This five-day course examines regulation, transportation and markets from the points of view of the regulator, the transporter and the shipper. A number of case studies will be used from different countries to illustrate the issues involved when introducing privatisation/competition/regulation into gas industries in various stages of development.

Natural Gas Sales and Marketing in a Competitive Environment (NG15)
23 - 27 June 2008 – Oxford, UK

Competitive pressures increase the need to market effectively. This is particularly true in liberal gas markets. This five-day course charts the shift from a monopoly-controlled market, to the liberalised and highly competitive model. The role of alternative fuels in this change will also be reviewed. Using the Bolonia© case study, the course analyses the key gas market sectors, considering the viewpoint of the producer, transmission company, gas marketer and consumer in a recently privatised gas supply system.

The Use of Advanced Instruments in International Oil Price Risk Management (TR3)
30 June - 4 July 2008 – Oxford, UK

This course addresses the risks associated with oil trading focused on price. Building on material taught in TR1, this course covers the more advanced aspects of price risk management. Case studies will address each technique used in the management of risk. A case study with continuous theme will also allow each group to manage a portfolio of their own group positions. Delegates will have the opportunity to trade both structured and live markets.

Seats are limited to ensure proper in-depth coverage. For organizations with widespread interest, most courses may also be scheduled as on-site presentations.

Full course summaries as well as a complete 2008 course listing are available at www.oxfordprinceton.com.

For all inquires on these courses or The Oxford Princeton Programme's wide array of training options, please contact Kristi Ruskuski at +1 (609) 524-1122 or via email kruskuski@oxfordprinceton.com.

About The Oxford Princeton Programme, Inc.
The Oxford Princeton Programme, Inc is the world's leading provider of education and training solutions to the energy, commodity and derivatives industries. In addition to PrincetonLive.com, which offers more than 20 energy and commodity web-based training modules, The Oxford Princeton Programme provides more than 200 instructor-led training courses annually worldwide. Designed for all levels of expertise, courses include views of oil, power, natural gas and a variety of other energy, commodity and derivatives topics. For a complete list of courses and for other information, visit http://www.oxfordprinceton.com.

SOURCE: The Oxford Princeton Programme