The role of models in operative decision making processes in the subsurface domain – A pragmatic perspective

​This report discusses the roles that model based representations of an oil reservoir play and may play in operative interdisciplinary work processes.

Based on a selection of expert-interviews, we discuss how models are used in an operational context, and specifically try to understand the limitations of (existing) model based tools in supporting interdisciplinary decisions during drilling.

The report is based on a pragmatic understanding of scientific representation, and draws from different theoretic perspectives within science studies that focus on the usage of representation in actual work settings. Models are discussed as knowledge objects with close relationships to cognition, expertise and communication.

The report maintains that in the context of interdisciplinary operations like drilling, there is a great reliance on human interpretation, articulation work, and contextualization of data to make optimal decisions. The goal is not simply increased model accuracy, but rather modeling tools that support these processes in a fluid and ever changing context. ​