Servitization in oil and gas sector: outcomes of a case study research

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to respond to a call for research focusing on how and by how much new Product‐Service System (PSS) development methodologies and tools can help companies moving towards product‐oriented PSS, in the oil and gas equipment manufacturers industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been conducted using a single case study method. The single case study enabled the authors to analyze the implementation of PSS in a complex project environment, where the unit of analysis is an organization that designs, builds and delivers integrated product‐service offers. The selected case study is Nuovo Pignone S.p.a., a brand of the “GE Oil & Gas” company, that produce products and services for the oil and gas industry.

Findings

The case study research confirms most of the statement reported in the state of the art, i.e. the oil and gas industries do not use a methodology to develop new PSS. Moreover, a new methodology for this specific sector seems not to be necessary, while a correct approach in the new PSS development process definition and the application of some tools of the existing methods could improve the servitization process performances of such companies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on the product‐oriented PSS, where the ownership of the product is transferred to customer, and where manufacturer offers additional services directly related to the product through the use of contractual services.

Originality/value

This work adds a contribution in the use of a methodology for the development of a new PSS in the oil and gas industry servitization process.

Citation

Bandinelli, R. and Gamberi, V. (2012), "Servitization in oil and gas sector: outcomes of a case study research", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 87-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381211196302