Friday 26 February 2010

Are you ready? – Bob Dylan (1980)

Succeeding in the energy derivatives and physical markets can be daunting. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the industry or find yourself beginning a new career path the importance of proper training cannot be quantified. Physical and paper transactions along with regulated exchange-traded and over the counter (OTC) products present their own strategies and challenges. At times it’s important to hedge when dealing with energy derivatives. However, don’t hedge success by passing up world-class energy derivatives training.


Energy Derivatives Markets, Instruments and Hedging


For a complete course outline click here.

26-27 April 2010 in Houston, TX

10-11 May 2010 in Calgary, AB

7-8 June 2010 in London, UK

14-15 June 2010 in Anaheim, CA


Energy Derivatives Pricing, Hedging and Risk Management


For a complete course outline click here.

28-29 April 2010 in Houston, TX

12-13 May 2010 in Calgary, AB

9-10 June 2010 in London, UK


Advanced Energy Derivatives Pricing, Hedging and Risk Management


For a complete course outline click here.

22-23 April 2010 in Calgary, AB

26-27 May 2010 in Houston, TX

16-17 June 2010 in Anaheim, CA

16-17 August in Singapore

6-7 December 2010 in London, UK


Certificate in Derivatives Pricing, Hedging and Risk Management

For a complete programme outline click here.


As the motivational speaker Harry Hartman once said, “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.”

The opportunity will come in your career but will you be ready for it?

Friday 19 February 2010

As Safe As Yesterday – Humble Pie (1969)


There were many buzzwords that have haunted the energy industry in the past year but none more disconcerting than terrorism. Countering threats both onshore and offshore has further complicated the logistics of every operation. With the rise in attacks it is essential that all parties involved understand potential threats, prevention, legal issues and risk management to ensure the safety of infrastructure and staff.

One can only gain this acumen by working with the issue’s foremost experts and hearing their experiences and recommendations. This unique opportunity will only be afforded at one upcoming conference:

Energy Terrorism: Countering Threats to Physical Assets and Human Capital
29-30 June 2010 at the CBI Centre – London, UK

The Oxford Princeton Programme is pleased to present a conference on this timely and relevant subject. Over twenty plenary speakers from essential advisory, risk management, insurance, protection, kidnap negotiation and anti-piracy services will engage in a discussion forum on the issues and risks as well as strategies and tactics using in-depth case studies taken directly from news headlines and first-hand encounters. This conference is highly-interactive and includes Q&A sessions, networking coffee breaks/luncheon and an exhibition.

For complete conference agenda, registration information or sponsorship/exhibition opportunities please visit http://energyterrorism.com/.

Quote of the week-
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Who's Zoomin' Who - Aretha Franklin (1985)

Whether energy traders, and to be more specific, speculators, had a hand in the oil price spikes of 2008, as well as the collapse of the banking system, is a debate that rages on as Paul Vocker is looking to propose restrictions on banks engaging in such activities. It might be misguided as banks have enabled access to capital for smaller energy companies.

As Loren Steffy's blog at Chron.com indicates, the Federal Government might want to consider with care who exactly is being affected by any regulations coming down the pike.

Where do you stand on this?

Friday 12 February 2010

Expecting to Fly – Neil Young (1968)

After more than a two year delay the Boeing 787 Dreamliner successfully completed its maiden flight. A new engine combined with a more aerodynamic design and light weight composite materials allow this Boeing to boast fuel efficiency. In fact, the 787 Dreamliner uses 20% less fuel per passenger when compared to planes of similar size. Currently 840 Dreamliners already have been ordered with an expected delivery date in the fourth quarter of 2010. To read this complete story CLICK HERE.

With many airlines moving in the direction of fuel efficient planes how will it affect aviation fuels trading? How will you refine your trading tactics to ensure continued success?

In order to respond to this and any future shifts in the aviation fuels market it is important to fully understand the industry. If you are active in the aviation fuels market or wish to enter it I encourage proper training.

Introduction to the Aviation Fuels Market (IAFM)
This two hour web-based training course provides an overview of the aviation fuels market, covering quality, supply, demand and trading.
You’ll learn the basics of producing aviation fuels in the refinery. We’ll review the different types and quality of jet fuel and aviation gasoline. We’ll also cover the key factors affecting supply, demand and trade flows. You’ll understand how aviation fuels are traded and priced, and how they are distributed to airports.
Finally this course will provide an overview of the outlook for the aviation fuels market. For more information and a complete course outline CLICK HERE.

Quote of the week-
“Technology does not drive change -- it enables change.” - Unknown

Thursday 11 February 2010

Holiday - Madonna (1983)

There is a -- sorry to fellow Northeasterners in the US who just got walloped by two Nor'easters in five days -- "perfect storm" of holidays this weekend.

We, here, at The Oxford Princeton Programme, would like to wish the best to all who celebrate or observe the following:

Lunar Chinese New Year -- Gong Xi Fa Cai -- Sunday, February 14th (please note that our Singapore office is closed both Monday, the 15th and Tuesday, the 16th);

St. Valentine's Day - Sunday, February 14th;

Family Day (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario)- Monday, February 15th;

President's Day (USA) - Monday, February 15th.

Sunday 7 February 2010

London Calling - Clash (1979)

(From this month's International Edition of The Oxford Princeton Programme Pipeline e-newsletter)

SAVE THE DATE. I am asking you to do so and it is not just for any event.

The Oxford Princeton Programme is pleased to announce our first ever Energy Terrorism Conference: Countering Threats to Physical Assets and Human Capital to take place at the CBI Centre in Central London on 29 - 30 June 2010.

You have come to rely on us to provide world-class energy education and training. We would like you to do the same as we embark on this new, critical and relevant venture that matters to professionals like yourself.

Read more about what's in store when you join the world's leading experts and professionals on the forefront of fighting today's threats to secure onshore and offshore exploration, production, transportation and storage of oil, gas and other commodities as well as the staffs responsible for them.

Registration details can be found here and exhibition and sponsorship packages are also available. Inquire for more details: info@oxfordprinceton.com.

That is 29 - 30 June 2010.

See you in London.

Friday 5 February 2010

Come Together - Beatles (1969)




We are pleased to be a return exhibitor at E-World Energy & Water 2010 to take place February 9th through the 11th in Messe Essen, Germany.

Visit us at Hall 1.0 Stand 120 and see what's new in energy education and training whether it be instructor-led, in-house or web-based. Take a copy of our 2010 Global Course Offerings Catalogue and try your luck at our Energy Wheel of Fortune.

Mr. Jim Crosskey, Deputy Sales Manager (bottom photo) and Mr. Oliver Wells, Principal Sales Executive (top photo) will be available to discuss details on any of our training offerings.

To set up an appointment ahead of time, e-mail either of them at info@oxfordprinceton.com.

See you there.

Thursday 4 February 2010

Great Expectations – Jurassic 5 (2000)

Grant Thornton’s eighth annual Survey of Upstream U.S. Energy Companies finds optimism coming from industry senior executives. Sharon Hong of The Houston Chronicle writes a wonderful piece, “Many senior energy executives optimistic about 2010,” detailing this which you can find at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/biz/6839199.html.

Do you think the expectations of the industry will be met in 2010?

There are many promising findings in this article like 67% anticipate increases in domestic expenditures. However, the highlight of the article for me is that half the companies expect to add jobs in 2010. This is surely welcome news for everyone in the energy industry but especially for those trying to enter it. Building a strong skill set on your resume is as important as ever with the competition in the job market.

To build or sharpen your skills in the energy industry I recommend visiting https://www.princetonlive.com/. Here you will find a library of 30 web-based courses covering topics such as: trading, derivatives, hedging, risk management, oil, aviation fuels, natural gas, power, coal, ethanol and much more.

What are your expectations for your career in 2010 and how will you meet them?

Monday 1 February 2010

I've Got News For You - Straight Lines (1982)

Now that I am receiving The Wall Street Journal at home, I am guaranteed at least one, usually more news stories directly related to the energy sector each day.

Not to worry -- I won't rehash everything I read. But be rest assured I'll share items of interest, starting with a Commodities Report in the Janaury 27th issue on "Traders Bet on an Oil Breakout."

The CBOE Crude Oil Volatility Index has been "bouncing off the bottom" despite the closing prices that are currntly hovering below $75 a barrel. There seems to be increased options trading and the volatility is encouraging the hedging.

To read more, click here.

To gain an advantage on oil trading in 2010, check out some of these courses coming to an energy capital near you.