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Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1189 New

Data Governance & Master Data: Vendor & Well Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
12 Oct 2026
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Overview

Data Governance & Master Data in Upstream Operations is a specialist course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training focused on controlling the data structures that support vendors, wells, wellbores, materials, finance, procurement and operational reporting across upstream organisations. The course addresses the practical requirements of Data Governance & Master Data in Upstream Operations by establishing disciplined ownership, standards, validation, approval and audit practices across critical master data domains.

Upstream oil and gas organisations depend on consistent master data to connect operational activity with procurement, finance, asset management, production reporting and commercial decision-making. Vendor records support procurement and payment processes. Well and wellbore identifiers connect technical information to assets and operating activities. Material master records support procurement, inventory and maintenance. Cost object hierarchy and chart of accounts governance establish the financial structure used to record, analyse and report expenditure. When these data domains are managed independently, inconsistencies develop between systems and business functions.

The resulting issues extend beyond data quality. Duplicate vendor records create fragmented supplier histories and complicate spend analysis. Inconsistent well and wellbore identifiers interrupt the connection between technical and financial information. Poorly controlled material master records create inconsistent descriptions, units and classifications. Unclear system of record designation creates uncertainty over which application holds the authoritative version of a critical record. Weak change controls allow unauthorised or poorly documented modifications to enter operational systems.

This course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training provides a structured approach to establishing ownership and maintaining controlled master data throughout the upstream operating environment. It examines data governance principles alongside practical master data processes, giving professionals a clear framework for managing data from creation and validation through approval, use, amendment and retirement.

The programme focuses on the relationship between data ownership and operational accountability. Participants examine how data owners, data stewards, process owners, finance teams, procurement functions, engineering personnel, drilling teams and information technology teams contribute to reliable master data management. The emphasis remains on business processes and operational controls rather than theoretical data management concepts.

Vendor master data maintenance receives specific attention because supplier records frequently cross procurement, finance, contracts, compliance and payment processes. The course addresses duplicate record prevention, controlled creation of new records, standardised naming conventions, ownership responsibilities and review procedures. Participants also examine how vendor data quality influences procurement visibility, supplier analysis and financial reporting.

Well and wellbore identifiers represent another critical data domain. Upstream organisations operate across exploration, drilling, development, production and asset management activities, making consistent identifiers essential for connecting technical and commercial information. The course explores identifier structures, naming consistency, parent-child relationships, status management and the governance controls required to maintain reliable well and wellbore information.

Financial master data is addressed through cost object hierarchy and chart of accounts governance. Participants examine how financial structures interact with operational assets, projects, fields, wells, expenditure categories and reporting requirements. The course shows how controlled structures improve consistency between operational transactions and financial analysis while supporting clear accountability for data ownership.

The programme also covers material master records and their role in procurement, inventory, maintenance and operational planning. Standardised descriptions, classifications, units of measure and material attributes provide a foundation for reliable downstream processing. Participants examine how uncontrolled material creation generates fragmentation and how governance procedures support consistent records.

A central component of the course is the change request and approval workflow. Master data requires controlled change throughout its lifecycle. The programme examines request initiation, validation, approval authority, segregation of responsibilities, documentation, implementation and audit evidence. This creates a practical framework for organisations seeking stronger control over changes to critical master data.

Master data audit practices are also addressed. Participants examine how organisations identify incomplete records, conflicting values, duplicate records, obsolete records and unauthorised changes. The course connects audit activity with ownership, remediation and continuous improvement rather than treating data review as an isolated exercise.

The concept of system of record designation provides another important governance foundation. Organisations often operate multiple enterprise and specialist applications, each containing overlapping information. Establishing which system serves as the authoritative source for a specific data domain reduces ambiguity and improves integration discipline. The course examines how organisations define authority, establish data flows and manage downstream consumption.

Institute For Oil & Gas Training positions this course for professionals responsible for improving data quality, governance and operational consistency across upstream environments. The programme connects business processes with data controls so that participants can apply the concepts to procurement, finance, engineering, drilling, production, maintenance and enterprise systems.

The overall focus is practical and operational. Participants work through realistic upstream scenarios involving vendor records, wells, wellbores, materials, financial structures and controlled data changes. They develop an understanding of how master data decisions affect transaction processing, reporting, analysis and operational coordination across the organisation.

Objectives

  • Establish practical principles for Data Governance & Master Data in Upstream Operations

  • Define ownership and stewardship responsibilities for critical upstream data domains

  • Improve vendor master data maintenance through controlled creation and modification processes

  • Apply duplicate record prevention techniques to vendor and material master environments

  • Establish consistent approaches to well and wellbore identifiers

  • Strengthen governance of material master records across procurement and operational processes

  • Develop controlled cost object hierarchy structures for upstream financial management

  • Improve chart of accounts governance and financial master data consistency

  • Design effective change request and approval workflow controls

  • Establish clear system of record designation for critical master data

  • Conduct structured master data audit activities

  • Identify data quality issues and establish appropriate remediation actions

  • Improve collaboration between business data owners and technical data stewards

  • Strengthen data traceability across operational and financial systems

  • Support consistent reporting through reliable and controlled master data structures

  • Establish lifecycle controls for creation, amendment, review and retirement of master data

Training methodology

Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers the course through an applied corporate methodology designed around upstream business situations. The approach combines expert-led discussion with case studies, structured exercises, process simulations and realistic master data scenarios.

Case studies examine common data governance challenges across upstream organisations. Participants analyse examples involving duplicate suppliers, inconsistent well identifiers, fragmented material records, conflicting financial structures and unclear data ownership. Each case focuses on identifying the control weakness, defining accountability and establishing an appropriate governance response.

Group exercises provide practical experience in assigning data ownership and stewardship responsibilities. Participants examine different master data domains and establish responsibilities for creation, validation, approval, maintenance and retirement.

Data quality exercises focus on identifying duplicate, incomplete, inconsistent and obsolete records. Participants assess sample master data structures and determine appropriate remediation priorities based on operational and financial relevance.

Workflow simulations address the complete lifecycle of a master data change. Participants work through request submission, validation, business approval, technical implementation and audit documentation. This reinforces the importance of controlled processes for maintaining data integrity.

Real-world upstream scenarios connect technical and corporate data. Participants examine how well and wellbore identifiers interact with financial structures, procurement records and operational reporting. They also explore how vendor and material data move across enterprise processes.

The methodology encourages cross-functional thinking because master data rarely belongs to one department. Finance, procurement, engineering, drilling, production, maintenance and information technology functions often depend on the same underlying records. The exercises therefore emphasise ownership, communication, control and accountability across organisational boundaries.

Organisational impact

Effective master data governance strengthens the connection between operational activity and corporate information. Organisations gain a clearer framework for controlling the data structures that underpin procurement, finance, engineering, production, maintenance and reporting.

Improved vendor master data maintenance supports more consistent supplier information across business processes. Standardised controls reduce unnecessary record proliferation and strengthen visibility of supplier-related transactions.

Duplicate record prevention improves the integrity of procurement and finance information. Organisations gain clearer supplier histories, more consistent transaction analysis and stronger control over the creation of new vendor records.

Consistent well and wellbore identifiers improve the connection between technical and business information. This supports more reliable reporting across exploration, drilling, development, production and asset management activities.

Controlled material master records improve consistency across procurement, inventory and maintenance processes. Standardised data structures support clearer material identification and reduce fragmentation caused by inconsistent records.

Stronger cost object hierarchy governance creates clearer relationships between expenditure, projects, assets, fields, wells and organisational responsibilities. This supports more consistent financial analysis and management reporting.

Improved chart of accounts governance strengthens financial master data control. Finance teams gain a clearer basis for managing account structures, reporting classifications and relationships with operational data.

A defined change request and approval workflow creates traceability around master data modifications. Organisations gain clearer accountability for who requested, reviewed, approved and implemented changes.

System of record designation reduces uncertainty where several applications contain related information. Clear authority definitions support better integration practices and reduce conflicting versions of critical records.

A structured master data audit process provides management with a repeatable method for identifying quality weaknesses. Audit activity can focus on completeness, consistency, duplication, ownership, status and unauthorised change.

The course also supports stronger cross-functional governance. By establishing shared terminology and responsibilities, organisations improve coordination between business users, data owners, data stewards, finance professionals, procurement teams and technology functions.

Personal impact

Participants develop practical capability in managing master data within complex upstream environments. They gain a structured understanding of how data ownership, standards, controls and workflows interact with day-to-day business processes.

Professionals responsible for vendor data gain stronger capability in vendor master data maintenance, duplicate record prevention and controlled supplier record creation.

Finance professionals strengthen their understanding of cost object hierarchy and chart of accounts governance and learn how financial master data connects with operational structures.

Procurement professionals gain a clearer framework for managing vendor and material information throughout the master data lifecycle.

Technical and engineering professionals develop stronger awareness of well and wellbore identifiers and the importance of consistent technical reference data.

Data stewards gain practical methods for assessing data quality, coordinating remediation and maintaining ownership responsibilities across business functions.

Information technology professionals gain greater insight into system of record designation, data ownership and the business requirements behind master data controls.

Managers and team leaders gain a clearer basis for establishing accountability, reviewing governance effectiveness and supporting cross-functional data management initiatives.

Participants also strengthen their ability to document data processes, identify control gaps, support master data audits and participate effectively in change approval processes.

These capabilities support broader professional responsibilities in data governance, digital finance, enterprise systems, procurement, finance transformation, operational data management and upstream business process improvement.

Who should attend

  • Finance Managers and Controllers — To strengthen governance of financial master data, cost structures and chart of accounts relationships.

  • Procurement Managers and Specialists — To improve vendor master data maintenance, supplier records and material information.

  • Data Governance Managers — To establish ownership, stewardship, standards and control frameworks for critical upstream data.

  • Master Data Managers and Specialists — To strengthen practical management of vendor, material, well and financial master records.

  • Data Stewards — To manage data quality, validation, remediation and lifecycle controls within assigned domains.

  • Finance Transformation Professionals — To connect financial master data structures with digital systems and operational processes.

  • ERP and Enterprise Systems Professionals — To improve master data structures, system integration and system of record designation.

  • Digital Transformation Managers — To strengthen data foundations supporting upstream automation and digital initiatives.

  • Procurement and Supply Chain Professionals — To improve supplier and material data consistency across procurement processes.

  • Drilling and Well Operations Professionals — To understand governance requirements for well and wellbore identifiers and related operational information.

  • Asset and Production Management Professionals — To improve the consistency of asset-related master data used in operational and financial processes.

  • Information Management Professionals — To establish stronger controls for data standards, ownership, quality and lifecycle management.

  • Internal Audit and Controls Professionals — To strengthen master data audit practices and evidence-based review of data controls.

  • IT Managers and Business Systems Leaders — To align technology controls with business ownership and master data governance requirements.

  • Department Heads and Senior Managers — To establish accountability for master data quality across finance, procurement, technical and operational functions.

Course outline

This module establishes the governance foundation for master data across upstream operations. It examines how organisations define data ownership, stewardship, accountability, standards and lifecycle controls across business and technical domains.

  1. ISO 8000 Data Quality

    • Provides internationally recognised principles for data quality and master data management.

    • Supports consistent approaches to data characteristics, quality and exchange.

    • Provides a useful reference for establishing controlled data processes.

    • Supports organisational efforts to improve data consistency and reliability.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Define ownership responsibilities for critical master data domains

    • Establish practical data stewardship structures

    • Identify critical data elements within upstream processes

    • Apply data quality principles to operational and financial information

    • Establish clear system of record designation

    • Develop governance controls for master data lifecycle management

This module focuses on the master data supporting procurement, supplier management, inventory and operational expenditure. It examines how organisations control vendor and material records from creation through maintenance and retirement.

  1. ISO 55001 Asset Management

    • Establishes requirements for asset management systems.

    • Supports structured management of information associated with assets.

    • Reinforces the importance of controlled information within asset-related processes.

    • Provides a recognised management system framework relevant to asset-intensive industries.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Apply structured vendor master data maintenance practices

    • Identify common causes of duplicate vendor records

    • Establish duplicate record prevention controls

    • Improve the quality of material master records

    • Define ownership for vendor and material data

    • Establish controlled processes for record creation and retirement

This module addresses the governance of well and wellbore information across upstream activities. It focuses on identifier consistency, relationships between records and the controlled use of technical reference data across enterprise processes.

  1. Energistics WITSML Standard

    • Provides an industry standard for exchanging well information between systems.

    • Supports structured digital exchange of drilling and well-related information.

    • Promotes consistency in the representation and transfer of well data.

    • Provides a recognised reference for upstream technical data integration.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Establish consistent governance for well and wellbore identifiers

    • Identify relationships between wells, wellbores, fields and assets

    • Apply validation principles to well master data

    • Identify inconsistencies between technical and enterprise systems

    • Support controlled integration of well information

    • Establish appropriate ownership for well and wellbore master data

This module examines the financial structures that connect operational activity with accounting, budgeting, cost analysis and management reporting. It focuses on cost object hierarchy and chart of accounts governance within upstream environments.

  1. IFRS Accounting Standards

    • Provide recognised accounting requirements for financial reporting.

    • Establish principles that influence financial classification and reporting structures.

    • Provide an important reference for maintaining consistent financial information.

    • Support the governance of accounting data used in financial reporting.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Establish controlled cost object hierarchy structures

    • Strengthen chart of accounts governance

    • Identify ownership responsibilities for financial master data

    • Improve alignment between operational and financial data

    • Apply validation controls to financial master records

    • Support consistent management reporting through controlled financial structures

This module brings together the governance controls required to maintain master data throughout its lifecycle. It focuses on change request and approval workflow, master data audit, evidence, accountability and continuous data quality improvement.

  1. ISO 27001 Information Security

    • Establishes requirements for an information security management system.

    • Provides recognised principles for controlling information access and protection.

    • Supports governance of information-related responsibilities and controls.

    • Provides a relevant reference for protecting master data and controlling access to critical information.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Design effective change request and approval workflow processes

    • Establish traceability for master data changes

    • Conduct structured master data audit activities

    • Identify data quality exceptions and remediation requirements

    • Strengthen accountability for data modifications

    • Integrate access and change controls into master data governance

    • Establish continuous improvement practices for master data quality

Certificate

Attendees who successfully complete the course receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate is issued upon completion of the full course and satisfaction of the attendance requirement. Participants are expected to attend the complete programme to qualify for the Certificate of Completion.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,200

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,200

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,200

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,200

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is Data Governance & Master Data in Upstream Operations?

Data Governance & Master Data in Upstream Operations is the structured management of critical data domains including vendors, materials, wells, wellbores and financial structures. The course focuses on ownership, standards, quality, approval and audit controls.

Who should attend this course?

The course is designed for finance, procurement, data governance, master data, information management, enterprise systems, drilling, production, asset management, audit and digital transformation professionals working within or supporting oil and gas operations.

How is the course delivered?

Institute For Oil & Gas Training uses a corporate delivery approach combining expert-led sessions, upstream case studies, practical exercises, workflow simulations, group activities and realistic master data scenarios.

What master data areas does the course cover?

The programme covers vendor master data maintenance, duplicate record prevention, well and wellbore identifiers, material master records, cost object hierarchy, chart of accounts governance, system of record designation, change request and approval workflow and master data audit.

What certificate is provided after completing the course?

Attendees who complete the full programme and satisfy the attendance requirement receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

Next: 12 Oct 2026

4 dates available

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