GROUP DISCUSSION #7: FOR THE SCENARIO ON PAGE 113, DEVELOP THE PROBLEM STATEMENT AND THEORECTICAL FRAMEWORK. WHAT IS EM's ENVISAGED RESEARCH METHOD?

Question #5a. Page 113:

The problem statement is "How does Exxon Mobil function like a well-oiled machine and ensure its profitability?"

Question #5b Page 113:

Develop a theoretical framework

The case study explains that Exxon Mobil has been able to remain profitable by adopting cutting edge technology which allows it to explore for oil in very effecient ways and to get more oil out of existing deposits.

Its technology is driven by its research and development department which has 1,500 Ph. Ds. Its research and development helps Exxon Mobil remain profitable by helping it to develop the cutting edge technology.

Its research and development department is driven by its people. Without its people, Exxon Mobil would not be a profitable company.

The merger of Exxon and Mobil has helped drive the profitability of both companies as they are now a much more formiddable business after the merger.

Question 5c. Page 114:

The type of research method that Exxon Mobil envisages is applied research. This is because the management of Exxon Mobil expects each research undertaken to have direct measurable impact on the business and on its competitive advantage.