Book excerpt: Data Room Management and Rapid Asset Evaluation - Theory and Case Studies in Oil and Gas, Volume 66 introduces frameworks and workflows that help streamline the data room process, highlight the essential data that must be assembled in the permitted time window, and accelerate the subsequent assessment of the opportunity. The book combines theory with case studies, some of which describe lessons learned directly by the author himself. Methodologies are presented that can be used immediately by those involved in the technical and commercial evaluation of oil and gas exploration and production ventures. The book is suitable for readers with a wide spectrum of experience, from those who are newcomers to the strange world of data rooms, to those diehards who may have spent too many hours in them. The purposes, strategies, and tactics of data rooms are explained, along with some suggestions on how to survive them, and how to get a fit-for-purpose evaluation in front of the decision makers in the shortest timeframe possible. - Demonstrates what makes a good data room, including how vendors attract potential buyers to attend and how the latter can decide whether they should go or not - Presents how to prepare for a data room, what needs to be done there, and how to evaluate the assets on offer as quickly as possible - Covers which essential data should be gathered and questions to ask - Suggests how to avoid common 'banana skins' when under pressure to provide a rapid but reasonable evaluation