Analysis of Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Websites - Research Proposal Example

My is Mazen Alqethamy. I am from Saudi Arabia. I have 4 years service experience with the Saudi French Bank, where I was responsiblefor handling various customer issues and providing suitable solutions. I worked with Toyota in Saudi Arabia managing customer accounts, which has given me a very strong background in helping the customer individual specific requests. With my experience, I would make a great fit for complete Bachelors of Art in Organizational Communications major at the University of Findlay. I choose Organizational Communication for several reasons. First, it equips me with the foundation for understanding almost every human process within the Organization. Second, through it I will be aware of the necessary communication skills I need to have so that I can attain organizational expectation. Finally, it will guide me down the path to a career as a communication expert in an organization. Abstract The purpose of this paper is to compare the websites of Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Both sites are familiar in terms of content. This is because they aim to perform the same function. This paper will start by discussing similarities present in both websites and thereafter conclude by looking at their differences. I used observation of the official websites of Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The paper started with the general analysis of the two websites. Some of the factors that the analysis used included choice of color; text font used; and type of images used. Thereafter, the paper narrowed down to focus on the presentation of the career section. It looked at how the companies were presenting their vacant positions; if the benefits of being an employee of the company were available among many more factors. The finding of the study was that despite the two companies being in different geographical locations, the similarities of their websites greatly outweighed the differences. Saudi Aramco The Saudi Aramco is an oil company owned by Saudi Arabia. It started more than eight decades ago (1993). This was after Saudi Arabia went into an agreement with a Californian oil company granting them permission to start exploring for oil on the east coast of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco Company takes the first position amongst the oil companies globally. This is in relation to exports of crude oil and natural gas liquids. Similarly, it is a fully functional company with operations ranging from exploration to refining and selling. Furthermore, it is one among the top producers of the natural gas. Afterwards, from 1973 to 1980 the Government of Saudi Arabia came to possess 100 percent shares of the company. Finally, this led to the eventual establishment of Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabian Oil Company) (International, 2011). In 1952, the company headquarters alongside various offices relocated to Dhahran. The beginning of the year 1994 led to the renaming of the Saudi-based company to Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco). In addition, ExxonMobil that comprises of the Socony-Vaccum and the Standard oil (New Jersey); alongside Texaco and Standard Oil from California came together as owners at that time (International, 2011). Saudi Aramco and its previous partners played a significant role to the existence of the present day oil company. This included numerous findings for instance, the first discovery of profitable oil at Dhahran and Ghawar. Presently, the company is the chief production play. This is because of the expansion of the pipeline system by close to 20,000 kilometers, and enlarging of the urban development adjacent to main pipeline corridors; these among many more shifted the company’s repairs to a conditional-based one. Consequently, it resulted to the formation of the risk-oriented pipeline integrity system that provided a continuous management; and evaluation of risks (International, 2011). Saudi Aramco generates five types of crude oil. They include Arabian: Super light; Extra Light; Light; Medium; and heavy. This makes the company to be reliable since they can meet different demands of their customers and global partners. Moreover, the company has become more successful through further discovery of more oil fields. The oil company is dedicated to supplying the global community with steady and dependable energy. With the need of maintaining oil production capability, the company has invested further to maintain its reliability. Through this, the company has been able to raise the likelihood of achieving their objectives; that is being the suppliers of the global communitys energy to a level of 10 percent (About Saudi Aramco: A World Leader in Oil and Gas, 2006). In terms of production ability, Saudi Aramco has the capability of producing 9 billion standard cubic foot on a daily basis of natural gas. Similarly, they can deliver 7 billion standard cubic foot per day to their industrial clients globally. Furthermore, it manages 0.260 trillion barrels of oil (About Saudi Aramco: A World Leader in Oil and Gas, 2006). Apart from exporting and marketing of crude oil, natural gas, sulfur and petroleum products, they also do shipment of crude oil; through Vela International; that is an affiliate company of Saudi Aramco. These affiliates are available both locally and internationally. They play numerous roles for instance, marketing and refining of crude oil (About Saudi Aramco: A World Leader in Oil and Gas, 2006). Globally, Saudi Aramco has an extensive joint business enterprise and investment in refinement and marketing. This is in United States of America, Korea, and China among many more. Their main market services and support agencies are in main cities in both Far East and North America. Three units usually handle the marketing and selling of Saudi’s Aramco products. They include crude, logistics and products. They are responsible for conducting global export of natural gas, crude products, among many more. Similarly, they also do imports of refined commodities to meet up shortfalls within the domestic markets. Furthermore, it has further branches with offices all over the world for marketing purposes. As an illustration, some of these branches include Saudi Petroleum International (New York); Saudi Petroleum Limited (Tokyo); and Saudi Petroleum Oversees Limited (London) (About Saudi Aramco: A World Leader in Oil and Gas, 2006). Saudi Aramco provides a wide range of employment opportunities. This usually ranges from the field of engineering; geology; business; information technology; health, among many more. Qualification for an employment opportunity is bases on availability of bachelors or a higher degree of the required field. In addition to that, one must have had a performance above average. On the other hand, performance of bellow average requires work experience that is not less than five years (Explore Careers , 2006). There are numerous benefits associated with one being an employee of Saudi Aramco. To begin with, one stands a chance to benefit from the retirement plan. Second, the company supports your saving habit. Third, one may benefit from the home ownership mortgage. Fourth, is the access to medical and social insurance. Fifth, receive awards from the company. Finally, one stands a chance of benefiting from family protection program in the event of sudden death (Benefits, 2006). Marathon Petroleum Corporation Marathon Oil Company is an American based natural gas and oil manufacturing and exploration corporation. The main exploration activities happen in Angola, Norway, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, and the United States. On the hand, major development actions are in Gabon, Norway, United States, and Equatorial Guinea. The head offices of Marathon are located in Texas. (History, 2010) The corporation began in 1887. Thereafter, in 1889 Standard Oil Company bought it. For more than two decades, the company’s ownership was to Standard Oil. However, 1911 marked the end of the trust. Thereafter, Transcontinental Oil Corporation purchased the company. The corporation later branded it Marathon Oil Company in 1962. Nineteen years afterwards, Mobil expressed interest in the purchase of the company. However, they were unsuccessful because residents feared losing their jobs to outsiders. Later on America Steel Company purchased the oil company. In 2002, the major shareholder of both America Steel and Marathon Oil Company spun-off its business of steel. Later on, they renamed the oil company Marathon Oil Corporation. The beginning of 2011 resulted to Marathon Petroleum Corporation being an independent refining, advertising, and transportation company. This was after it separated from Marathon Oil Corporation. (History, 2010) The corporation is inclined in the field of exploration and manufacturing of natural gas and crude oil. In addition, it is involved in the following operations, namely refining and marketing, speedways, and transportation through the pipelines. Some of the products the corporation deals with are as follows: gasoline; propane; heavy oil; asphalt; petrochemicals; wholesale light goods, among many more. MPC operational activity include refinery network with an approximate capacity of 1.7 million barrels per calendar day of crude oil. All its refineries are in an integrated platform. This boosts flexibility within the market sector of Southwest and Midwest. (Operations , 2010) There has been numerous development plans aimed at maximizing performance of the company. To begin with, there has been numerous construction of the pipeline to meet transportation need of fuel. A notable example is the Cardinal Pipeline, which was on a 150-mile stretch. It was to meet the transport requirement in Central Ohio. (Operations , 2010) Marathon Petroleum Corporation offers a wide range of careers opportunity. However, employment is grouped into two levels experienced positions and college graduates and interns. Current graduates and interns are always required to create accounts and specify their degree programs. Thereafter, they are required to log in for updates regarding various vacancies. Similarly, Marathon Petroleum Corporation officials visit Universities at different dates in order to recruit and retain best staff. The experienced posts are to individuals who possess experience and knowledge in all sectors of the company. (Career , 2010) There are various benefits associated with one being an employee of MPC. First, a staff alongside his/her family gains from a remarkable health care health care insurance package. This consists of the wellness reimbursement program and employee assistance plan. Second, The Company has great support for career development. Reason being, they support educational reimbursement projects that enhances performance and growth. Third, the company enhances lasting security for their employees through Thrift Plan. Whereby, Fidelity Investment and the pension plan manage contributions. Fourth, in a need to facilitate a balance between personal life and work employees have access to flexible work plans. In addition, both employees in contract and full-time can go on leave of up to twelve weeks. Finally, MPC pays its staff whether on vacation and holidays like Good Friday, Labor Day, and many more. (Careers: 2014 Benefits At a Glance , 2010) Website Comparison between Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Corporation Website refers to a collection of web pages, having images, multimedia files and texts. The World Wide Web supports all the websites. There are diverse functions of websites namely personal websites, non-governmental organizational, business websites, and the government websites. Similarly, websites are classified depending on how they perform. This can be either static or dynamic. Static websites performs a similar role as the page of a book. Reason being, information contained on them remains the same and is presented in a similar manner to all the viewers. Furthermore, the information presented on the static website usually undergoes no changes for some extended period. On the other hand, dynamic undergoes changes routinely as per the established condition. A dynamic website consists of dynamic content and code. A dynamic website is easy to maintain and reflect information. Websites form a crucial part of the business. There are three main functions of a website. They include displaying ones business; make it easy for clients to contact businesses; and increasing popularity of your business. Various business websites have different features. They play a significant role in ensuring that they are more their business is widely advertised. Some of these features consist of vital business information; mobile version; contact details; clear navigation; a reliable hosting; and FAQ. Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Corporation are businesses within the oil sector. Saudi Aramco is located in South Arabia (Saudi Aramco: Home ) whereas Marathon Petroleum Corporation is American based (Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Home ). Both companies are involved in exploration, refining and marketing of petroleum products globally. Despite having some minor differences, the similarity between Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Corporation websites are remarkable. To begin with, availability of relevant business information presented on the website. Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) has reflected detailed information about its business on their website. The website has of detailed information about the products the MPC offers. For illustration, these products include gasoline, petrochemicals, and distillates among many more. In addition, it has reflected all the major operations the company does ranging from refining and marketing; pipeline transportation; to speedway operations. Within the website, there is a provision of news. This section gives information about recent activities that the corporation has conducted. This includes changes in the prices of petroleum products, financial results and many more (Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Home ). Similarly, Saudi Aramco’s website also offers in depth information about the company. Within the website, various sub-sections give information about all sectors of the business. On the about section, it talks about what the company is about; their vision; their values; and it talks more of how the company came into existence. Furthermore, it contains information about the stories of growth of the company on different quarters. For illustration, they include improved efforts aimed at meeting the global demand of energy; recovery of natural gas; recycling solar energy; manufacturing chemical products; and increasing the downstream size through the Chinese JV. In addition, there is the news and media section. It provides up to date information about the current activities the company is undertaking. Moreover, it briefs the users of the website about upcoming events and offers multimedia library. Lastly, it provides access to various publications for example the corporate reports and the journals (Saudi Aramco: Home ). Second, the homepage of a website acts as a central point of a business. It is a section that gives an impression to the customers; investors among many more. For businesses to successfully sell at a first impression they need to have quality websites. In addition, the content available on a website is very significant to search engine positioning. A website is of great quality if it possesses contact details; has images of high definition; if it has searchable content; if navigating is easy; among many others. On opening both the websites, the first thing one confronts a series of catchy, high definition images (Logan, 2011). These images are representative of operations conducted in Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Corporation. There is also the provision of contact details. In addition, on the homepage both websites possess a horizontal ribbon containing titles such as news; careers; and others. This titles contain drop down options that really makes navigation quit easy. Third, different businesses normally use high quality images on the websites to inform at the first sight, which kind of business the company is doing. The use of high quality images on the websites is of great advantage. Reason being, it makes updates more attractive; it enhances clarity of text; it encourages shares through the social media; it facilitates a break during reading content on the website; and it gives a website a professional look (Advantages of Using High Quality Images for Website Content , 2013). Marathon Petroleum Corporation has used high definition pictures of different sectors of their company. For illustration, some of the sectors include refining, transportation, speedway, and marathon brand. Beside this, images are pictures of the employees of the corporation. The images keep changing after approximately eight seconds (Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Home ). Correspondingly, Saudi Aramco’s website is made of images of high definition of the various departments of the company. For illustration, some of the departments represented include, the refinery; career; innovation; and our business. The high definition pictures used have goals of the company written on them. When one places a mouse icon on one of the image, it magnifies consequently making the wordings clearer (Saudi Aramco: Home ). Fourth, the websites have utilized java-programming language. Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Saudi Aramco have utilized this technology on their website for two major purposes. They comprise marketing and to enhance contact with the public who may intend to either apply for jobs or inquire. They have also been used it to enhance presentation of the website. This has been through enabling event handling whereby different images of the company’s operations appear. They have also utilized this technology to facilitate online applications for different vaccines and signing up for accounts. This is because the programming language supports input of data from end users. Lastly through multithreading the language has enabled more than one activity to happen on the websites at the same time; finally, this language makes operations of the end users to be speedy. (Elloit, 2014) Fifth, the websites normally vital business information, this plays an important role of advertising the business vision; values; contact information among many more. Saudi Aramco’s website offers more information about the business. Some of the information offered includes the contact details (fax, telephone number, postal and email address). This has made the company to appear more presentable. Consequently, this makes it easy for people to contact the Saudi Aramco through emails and calls (Saudi Aramco: Home ). Correspondingly, Marathon Petroleum Corporation also contains the contact information section. This segment provides contact information for the following sectors investors; business development; careers; exploration and marketing; and customer care. This has made it possible for customers to contact various departments. In addition, the websites reflect values of the businesses. Values play a significant role in ensuring the success of both Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Corporation. For illustration, values of Saudi Aramco comprises of excellence, integrity, safety, and accountability (Saudi Aramco: Home ). Furthermore, this section provides information about the leadership team in charge of the two companies; it also educates customers about the goals of these oil companies. For instance, one of the goal of Saudi Aramco reflected on their website is that by 2020, they will be a globally leading integrated chemical and energy corporation; and they will be focused on increasing their income levels that will go a long way to improving the economy of the Kingdom (Saudi Aramco: Home ). Sixth, clear navigation on the websites. This has made it possible to the customers and jobseekers to navigate with ease. With reference to Marathon Petroleum Company, it has titles referring to different sectors of the company. Some of them are as follows, news, operations, careers, and the investor center (Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Home ). All the above contain more sub-titles making the title complete. Likewise, the website of Saudi Aramco has the same capabilities. Some of the aspects entitled on their website include opportunities, careers, business, news and media. Just as those of Marathon Petroleum Company, they possess sub-branches that make the title a whole. In addition, the website of the two companies is accessible through a mobile platform. This has significantly made their website more accessible to their clientele and employees (Saudi Aramco: Home ). Seventh, integration of social media to the Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Saudi Aramic websites; have played an important role in advertising the businesses. Social sharing has enabled the increase of referral traffic of the websites. Consequently, this has facilitated an improvement of the websites ranking in the search engine outcomes. The two websites have an account in the following major social media: facebook; twitter; and YouTube. Eighth, career section of the website is on the far right. This section with regard to Saudi Aramco is the last sub-title on the web page. It possesses a dropdown list of options that makes it easy for an aspiring employee to navigate. Some of the options provided on the list include the provision for Saudi applicants and international applicants. In both, there are options for applicants to explore their career choices and also find more about the benefits associated with working for this Oil company (Career). Likewise, Marathon Petroleum Corporation has this section placed as the second last sub-title of the web page. Just like Saudi Aramco it is made of more title that play an important role of simplifying things for possible applicants. For illustration, it offers a section for experienced applicants; recent graduates and interns; and the why one should work with Marathon Petroleum Corporation (Career, 2006). Ninth, although they are oil companies but they provide a wider base of jobs. Saudi Aramco offers various job opportunities to both the citizens of Saudi Arabia and applicants from the global community. Some of the jobs offered relate to the following fields, business management; engineering; geology; nursing and medicine; among many more. Important to note is that employment is always based on merit. It is a requirement of the company that an applicants with a degree or higher must have had a General Performance Average (GPA) that is above average. Applicants of lower academic levels for instance those having a performance that is below average or those with diplomas; are also allowed to apply only if they have a relevant work experience that is not less than two years (Career). At the same time, Marathon Petroleum Corporation provides employment prospects to individuals with academic qualifications that relate to oil refining; advertising and transportation; among many more corporate and operation related functions. The corporate and operation sector offers a wide range of operational; administrative; and professional disciplines. Employment opportunities within these sectors include business administration; engineering; geology; and others. Some of the employment opportunity within the transport sector consists of drivers and transport mechanics. The requirement to attaining an employment opportunity is always a bachelor’s degree of the related field and a work experience that is not less than five years. For both websites, they displays there vaccines on their websites. This usually makes it more accessible to applicants (Career, 2006). Tenth, within the career section there is a provision for the interns. In the Website of Marathon Petroleum Corporation, there exists additional provision for recent graduates. In this section, the company clearly stipulates that they greatly value their employees. They further, emphasize their interest to recruit and hold on to the best work force. Within this section, there is link that gives detailed information about what MPC offers to recent graduates and interns. This link leads to web page that assures interns and recent graduate that they will support them in departments they will be working in. It further gives more information about recruitment schedules in different campuses. Some of the job that recent graduates and interns get recruited for include accounting; electronic services technician; financial analyst, engineering (chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical), legal, pipeline operation, transport scheduling analyst and marketing (Career, 2006). Similarly, within the career section of Saudi Aramco’s website there is a program meant for college and university students of all gender. It goes ahead to inform them that the interns will be introduced to the company’s work environment to gain skills and knowledge for their future with Saudi Aramco. Furthermore, it stipulates the expected duration of the program as being twelve weeks. Before application, applicants are advised to register with the employment system. The requirements for a continuing college student to join are provided within the career section. Some of these requirements include one should have completed at least sixty semester credits; possess a GPA that is above average; and one should have undertaken Saudi Aramco’s required major. In addition, the website gives more information about the college summer training. The web page has an image representing the training. It further, provides instructions on who are eligible applicants of the training. Some of these requirements are one should be a bachelor’s student and above; applicant must be a college student who has completed two academic years; the online applicants must properly complete the required fields and attach relevant documents. Moreover, this webpage contains hints that are necessary in making one a successful applicant (Career). Finally, when one is an employee of any company there are benefits they stand to get. This could be in terms of retirement plan or health insurance plan. Marathon Petroleum Company offers numerous benefits to their employees. These benefits are located under the career section of their website. Some of these benefits consist of a health insurance that a worker alongside his/her family is to enjoy. The retirement plan facilitates the provision of fuel and interest credits resulting from monthly compounding. They also benefit from dental and vision health care in specific medical centers at subsidized prices (Career, 2006). Similarly, employees benefit from the accident benefit plan whereby in the event of death resulting from an accident, they get reimbursements. Further, they also benefit from payments during vocations, holidays and leave. Correspondingly, Saudi Aramco also has a set of benefits meant to assistance their employees. . Information about the benefits offered by Saudi Aramco is found on the career section of their website. After retirement, the employees stand to benefit from the following: first, retirement plan. This was to act as a supplementary to the earnings from the government. Second, through the thrift plan the company contributes to the savings of their workers. Third, the company offers a loan to their workers to enable them build their houses. Fourth, the employees are always provided with a health insurance that is always set to benefit their family and them. Finally, after every five years employees are always entitled to rewards (Career). The difference between Saudi Aramco website and Marathon Petroleum Corporation are minimal. To begin with, the Saudi based company does not always expose their vacancies. Either an intern or a graduate is usually required to sign up in order to access the list of vacant positions. However, when it comes to advertising vacant positions within the career section of Marathon Petroleum Corporation things are different. It usually lists all its vacancies. These are accessible from a webpage named job listing. These vacancies are given with unique position identifications. In addition, Marathon Petroleum Corporation also provides the location of the vacancy. Applicants who are interested in the advertized jobs can apply only if they meet the required qualification. The website possesses a tab that ensures easy sharing of the vacancy to friends through the email address. Next, although Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum (MPC) have the same text type which Calibri (Body), their font differs to a great extend. MPC has used font size eleven whereas Saudi Aramco has used more than two font sizes. This can evidently, be seen on the image constantly appearing on the using the event handling technology. In addition, with regard to the text color Saudi Aramco has utilized black and white (Saudi Aramco: Home ). On the other hand, Marathon Petroleum Corporation has picked blue and black as their back text colors (Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Home ). Finally, different websites use different colors. Marathon Petroleum Corporation has used color blue and white on its background. From a psychological point of view, blue color means trustworthiness whereas the white one means simplicity and cleanliness. On the other hand, Saudi Aramco has used grey and white color. Grey color means refined therefore suits it. (Website Colors) In conclusion, the paper looked at the comparison between Saudi Aramco and Marathon Petroleum Company. The two websites are same in the use of text type; use of high definition images; availability of information about the business; presentation of their vacancies and benefits associated with being an employee; presentation of programs for recent graduates and interns. On the other hand, there existed differences between the websites. First, Saudi Aramco’s website limited applicants from accessing vacant positions unless one had sign up. This was different from Marathon Petroleum Corporation where the access was not restricted. Second, there was difference in the use of font size. Finally, there was difference in the choice of color in the presentation of different sections of the websites. References Advantages of Using High Quality Images for Website Content . (2013). Retrieved September Friday , 2014, from Naldz Graphics : http://naldzgraphics.net/design-2/advantages-high-quality-photos-website/ About Saudi Aramco: A World Leader in Oil and Gas. (2006). Retrieved September Monday, 2014, from Aramco Overseas: http://aramcooverseas.com/en/about-us/about-saudi-aramco/ Benefits. (2006). Retrieved September Monday , 2014, from Saudi Aramco: http://www.saudiaramco.com/en/home/careers/saudi-applicants/benefits.html Career. (n.d.). Retrieved September Friday, 2014, from Saudi Aramco: http://www.saudiaramco.com/en/home/careers.html Career. (2006). Retrieved September Friday, 2014, from Marathon Petroleum Corporation : http://www.marathonpetroleum.com Career . (2010). 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Retrieved September Monday , 2014, from Piplines International : http://pipelinesinternational.com/news/saudi_aramco_in_the_spotlight/055350/ Logan, E. M. (2011). Quality Home Page. In E. M. Logan, Dentistrys Business Secrets (pp. 334-337). New York: Author House . Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Home . (n.d.). Retrieved September Friday, 2014, from Marathon Petroleum Corporation : http://www.marathonpetroleum.com/ Operations . (2010). Retrieved September Friday, 2014, from Marathon Petroleum Corporation : www.marathonpetroleum.com/Operations/Refining_and_Marketing/Refining/ Saudi Aramco: Home . (n.d.). Retrieved Seoptember Friday , 2014, from Saudi Aramco : http://www.saudiaramco.com/en/home.html Website Colors. (n.d.). Retrieved September Friday, 2014, from Empower Yourself With Color Psychology : http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/website-colors.html Read More