Legal aspects of oil and gas industry

Coursework Assignment BriefSemester: C16 Summer 2016
Module Code: POG 220
Module Title: Legal Aspects of Oil & Gas Management
Programme BSc (Hons) Oil & Gas Management
Level: Level 5
Awarding Body: Plymouth University
Module Leader Vick Krishnan
Format: Essay
Presentation: No
Any special requirements:
? All work should be submitted on the Student Portal. ? Work to be submitted in a professional manner, and as directed by the Module Leader.
Word Limit: 2,000 words (with 10% plus or minus leeway)
Deadline date for submission:
TBC
Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment
? Demonstrate a good understanding of the substantive rules of international law applicable to the oil and gas industry
? Evaluate the key principles of contract formation in international commercial transactions and key international law principles and trends in the oil and gas sector
? Assess the effectiveness of international law in addressing the environmental impact of oil exploration and exploitation

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? Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of oil and gas law as a distinct subject, studied in a practical and commercial context.
Percentage of marks awarded for module:
This assignment is worth 50% of the total marks for the module
Assessment criteria
Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria
Maximum marks for each section
Knowledge and Research (content, relevance, and originality)
Clear demonstration of rigorous research from recognised authoritative sources. Audience focus. Meeting the deliverables.
55%
Writing and Presentation (format, references or bibliography, and style)
Rigorous use of the Harvard Methodology for citation and referencing; page numbering; correct display of direct quotations.
10%
Argument and Analysis (critical analysis, evaluation, and application)
Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion. Demonstration of a clear understanding of the issues. Use of academic models. Full articulation of ideas developed. Offering wellargued solutions and/or alternatives if and where appropriate.
35%

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Background
“Concerned of any future policy reversal measure that may put at risk the terms of investment agreements, investors in the oil sector often seek guarantee, contractual or otherwise. The need to address such fears thus saw the proliferation of stabilisation clauses in oil and gas contracts. These clauses are believed to maintain the stability of the terms that were originally agreed upon. In particular, the fiscal regime aspect of the agreement is at the heart of such clauses.”
Extracted from University of Dundee, Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law & Policy, 2009
Assignment Task
With respect to the quotation above, evaluate the function and aims of stabilisation clauses and comment on how they seek to achieve the stability that parties’ desire.
Total Marks for Assignment: 100

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Marking Criteria for Assessment at Level 5 – BSc (Hons) Programmes
Marks 0-25 (Fail) 26-39 (Fail) 40-49 (3rd) 50-59 (2.2) 60-69 (2.1) 70-85 (1st) 86-100 (1st) Assessment categories
Knowledge & Understanding of Subject
Major gaps in knowledge and understanding of material at this level. Significant inaccuracies.
Gaps in knowledge and only superficial understanding of the well-established principles of area(s) of study. Some inaccuracies.
Threshold level. Some knowledge and understanding of material, of well- established principles of area(s) of study, and of the way in which those principles have been developed.
Broad knowledge and understanding of material, of well- established principles of area(s) of study, and of the way in which those principles have been developed.
Very good knowledge and understanding of material, of well- established principles of area(s) of study, and of the way in which those principles have been developed.
Very good, detailed knowledge and understanding of material, main concepts/theories at this level. Awareness of the limitation of their knowledge, and how this influences any analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.
Exceptional knowledge and understanding of material, main concepts/theories at this level. Awareness of the limitation of their knowledge, and how this influences any analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge
Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills
(e.g. analysis and synthesis; logic and argument; analytical reflection; organisation and communication of ideas and evidence)
Unsubstantiated generalizations, made without use of any credible evidence. Lack of logic, leading to unsupportable conclusions or missing conclusions. Lack of analysis and relevance.
Views/ findings largely irrelevant, illogical or contradictory. Generalisations/ statements made with scant evidence. Conclusions lack relevance and/or validity.
Threshold level. Awareness of main issues. Structure of argument effective, but with some gaps or weaknesses. Some evidence provided to support findings, but not always consistent. Some relevant conclusions.
Issues identified and critically analysed within given areas. An awareness of different stances and ability to use evidence to support argument. Ability to apply concepts and principles outside context of study context. Generally sound conclusions.
Good level of analysis and synthesis. An awareness of different stances and ability to use evidence convincingly to support argument. Ability to apply concepts/ principles effectively beyond context of study. Valid conclusions.
Excellent analysis and synthesis. A range of perceptive points made within given area for this level of study. Arguments logically developed, supported by a range of relevant evidence. Explicit acknowledgement of other stances. Strong conclusions.
Exceptional analysis and synthesis are consistent features. Perceptive, logically connected points made throughout the work within an eloquent, balanced argument. Evidence selected judiciously and thoroughly analysed. Persuasive conclusions.
Use of Research- informed Literature (including referencing, appropriate academic conventions and academic honesty)
No evidence of reading. Views are unsupported and non- authoritative. Academic conventions largely ignored.
Evidence of little reading appropriate for this level and/or indiscriminate use of sources. Academic conventions used weakly.
Threshold level. Evidence of reading relevant sources, with some appropriate linking to given text(s). Academic conventions evident and largely consistent, with minor weaknesses.
Knowledge and analysis of a range of literature beyond core text(s). Literature used accurately and analytically. Academic skills generally sound.
Knowledge of the field of literature used consistently to support findings. Research-informed literature integrated into the work. Very good use of academic conventions.
Critical engagement with a range of reading. Knowledge of research-informed literature embedded in the work. Consistently accurate use of academic conventions.
Exceptionally wide range of relevant literature evaluated and used critically to inform argument, balance discussion and/or inform problem-solving. Consistently accurate and assured use of academic conventions.

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LEVEL 5 cont…
Graduate Skills for Life and Employment
(e.g. research- related skills; written, graphical and oral communication skills; group working; problem-solving; practical and professional skills)
Little or no evidence of the required skills in any of the areas identified for assessment at this level.
Limited evidence of skills in the range identified for assessment at this level. Significant weaknesses evident, which suggest that the candidate is not yet on course to gain skills necessary for graduate-level employment.
Research skills: Some evidence of ability to collect and interpret appropriate data/ information and undertake research tasks with limited external guidance. Can communicate in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate to the discipline(s), but with some weaknesses. Can work with others as a member of a group, meeting most obligations to others, modifying responses appropriately. Can identify key areas of problems and generally choose appropriate methods for their resolution. Able to recognise own strengths and weaknesses in relation to professional and practical skills, but with limited insight in some areas. .
Research skills: Can undertake research-like tasks, drawing on a range of sources, with limited external guidance. Can communicate effectively and confidently in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate to the discipline(s). Can work effectively with others as a member of a group, meeting obligations to others, modifying responses appropriately. Can identify key areas of problems and choose appropriate methods for their resolution in a considered manner. Able to evaluate own strengths and weaknesses in relation to professional and practical skills, and to develop own evaluation criteria.
Research skills: Can successfully complete research- like tasks, drawing on a range of sources, with limited external guidance. Can communicate well, confidently and consistently in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate to the discipline(s). Can work very effectively and confidently with others as a member of a group, meeting obligations to others, modifying responses appropriately. Can identify key areas of problems and choose, with autonomy, appropriate methods for their resolution in a considered manner. Able to take initiative in evaluating own strengths and weaknesses in relation to professional and practical skills identified by others and develop and effectively apply own evaluation criteria.
Research skills: Can successfully complete research- like tasks, drawing on a range of sources, with a significant degree of autonomy. Can communicate very effectively and confidently in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate to the discipline(s). Can work very effectively and confidently with others as a member of a group, showing leadership skills where appropriate, and meet all obligations to others. Can identify key areas of problems confidently and choose, with autonomy and notable effectiveness, appropriate methods for their resolution in a considered manner. Able to show insight and autonomy in evaluating own strengths and weaknesses re professional and practical skills, showing excellent judgement.
Research skills: Evidence of exceptional success in undertaking a range of research-like tasks with high degree of autonomy for the level. Can communicate highly effectively, with professionalism, in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate to the discipline(s). Can work exceptionally well with others as a key member of a group, showing leadership skills where appropriate, negotiating and meeting all obligations to others. Can identify key areas of problems confidently and choose, with autonomy and exceptional effectiveness, appropriate methods for their resolution in a considered manner. Able to show insight and autonomy in evaluating own strengths and weaknesses, showing outstanding judgement.
Marks for Level 5 0-25 (Fail) 26-39 (Fail) 40-49 (3rd) 50-59 (2.2) 60-69 (2.1) 70-85 (1st) 86-100 (1st)