Sharrone L. Caldwell
Business Enterprise 508
Strayer University – Online Campus
Dr. Victor H.P. Villarreal, Ph.D.
March 7, 2011
Abstract This paper will focus on a possible option that Marathon could take to reduce the time involved in the production process. There will be a discussion on the relationship between the retail price of gasoline and the price of crude oil. Another discussion will explain what Marathon could do to keep the price at the pump the same without losing profits if the price of crude increased 10%. Finally, a discussion will take place on prohibiting deep water drilling off the US coast, and how US companies remain competitive lead to the adjustment of tax legislation so that it allows American companies to operate in other countries without being taxed twice – by the hosting country and at home.
Introduction Marathon is definitely among the world’s leaders when it comes to integrated energy. The company is well known for its ability to apply innovative technology to discover and develop valuable energy resources. The primary exploration activities are in the United States, Canada, Norway, Indonesia, UK, and Equatorial Guinea. Marathon Oil is keeping up a steady pace when it comes to competition for profits in the oil and gas industry. Marathon reported reserves of 1.7 billion barrels of oil in 2009, including 600 million barrels of synthetic oil from oil sands (Hoovers, 2011). In addition, Marathon Petroleum supplies approximately 4,600 Marathon brand US gas stations and 1,600 Speedway gas stations with fuel (Hoover, 2011). The gas stations are independently owned and operated. In addition to gasoline, Marathon locations offer a wide variety of services, such as convenience stores, car washes, fast food restaurants, and repair services (Marathon, 2008).
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