Dag Fjeld

Single-tree and Group Selection in Montane Norway Spruce Stands: Factors Influencing Operational Efficiency

The operational efficiency of single-tree and group selection with a single-grip harvester was studied in uneven-aged spruce forests at high altitudes in southern Norway. Three harvest intensities of single-tree selection and two group sizes were examined in group selection. Single-tree selection included harvest intensities of 25, 45 and 65% of basal area. Group sizes for group selection were 0.063 and 0.250 ha. Normally, single-tree selection is considered less efficient than group selection or clear-cutting. In this study, because time consumption per cubic metre was primarily dependent upon average harvested tree volume, the large harvested tree size for single-tree selection allowed this treatment to be more efficient than group selection. The two blocks in this study were part of a larger design of five blocks with identical treatments under varying stand conditions. The relative operational efficiency of single-tree selection compared with group selection was greatest in stands of low stocking. Other studies have also shown that mechanical damage to the residual stand is lowest under these conditions.

The Economic Potential For Optimal Destination of Roundwood in North Sweden – Effects of Planning Horizon and Delivery Precision

Abstract This study quantifies the economic effect of optimizing roundwood destinations in North Sweden. The effect of planning horizon and delivery precision on costs and revenues are also quantified. The results show that the effect of optimizing roundwood destination varies with the specific application. When minimizing transport costs for a forest company, the transport output (t-km) was reduced by 8–9%. The reductions of transport costs in this case were often in the range of 4–5% (two-week planning horizons). Longer planning periods gave slightly greater cost reductions. Increased net revenues of roundwood sales by an independent forest owner organization were in the area of 1–4% (two-week planning horizons). In this case, however, transport output was often increased by the optimization. Reduced demands to delivery precision made it possible to achieve greater increases in net revenue. Shorter planning horizons had fewer active supply nodes. This situation requires greater spatial variation in procurement areas in order to fill the demand restrictions per period. Only 15–20% of the annual procurement volume per sawmill came from supply nodes where the mill acted as monopsonist.

Developing training for industrial wood supply management

An understanding of supply chain management is a prerequisite for efficient supply operations. This paper presents the structure of training currently used in Sweden to prepare master’s-level foresters for managing wood supply operations. Based on a basic framework of professional tasks, eight key learning outcomes are targeted; one focuses on raw material requirements, three on securing supply, three on enabling delivery, and one on control and coordination. Sixteen exercises are used to meet the eight learning outcomes. An overview of the exercises is presented as well as the pedagogical approach used. Current training is focused on developing student understanding of the industrial context as well as competences and skills required to solve typical professional tasks. The paper concludes with a discussion of further development opportunities including a coupling of tasks and learning outcomes with applicable operations research methodology.

Spatial Patterns of Round Wood Transport Associated with Mobile Data Systems in Sweden

Abstract The use of mobile data systems (MDS) in round wood transport is increasing. The most common functions for MDS include: distribution of transport plans and orders, navigation to the forest site (GPS, GIS) and reporting of transport volumes. This paper examines the transport patterns for trucks with and without the support of MDS in central Sweden. The variables are based on data from 13 trucks with MDS and 13 without MDS. All trucks were operating within the same planning organization however the selection of trucks to be equipped with MDS support was done independent of this study. Data was collected using a random sample of 5 days per month over one year of operations. While the number of operating days per month was similar for the two groups, other differences were observed. The daily number of separate forest destinations was 4.13 for trucks with MDS and 3.70 for those without. The daily number of separate mill destinations visited was 2.66 for trucks with MDS and 2.17 for those without. The size of the total annual operating area was 29,050 km2 for those with MDS and 18,656 km2 for those without. The main operating area constituted 35.3 % and 28.2 % of the total annual operating areas for trucks with and without MDS, respectively.

Simulating Effects of Supply Chain Configuration on Industrial Dynamics in the Forest Sector

Abstract Two wood games are developed based on the structure and dynamics of the Beer Game. By introducing divergent and convergent flows in the supply chain, the relevance to the forest sector is increased. Using eight players in each run, the game is, in essence, a simulation tool that includes the human aspect in decision-making. The wood game is used to simulate the challenges that may be met when introducing a greater degree of customer orientation in the forest sector. Performance is measured using total system costs, amplification of demand variation and basic statistics of order rates. Results from pilot experiments indicate that performance and predictability of the system are negatively affected by increasing the complexity of the supply chain. The level of demand distortion varies considerably between different games. Distorted demand signals may complicate the planning and execution of upstream operations.

Measuring quality perception and satisfaction for wood harvesting services with a triad perspective

ABSTRACT The performance of harvesting operations strongly influences profitability and service satisfaction for both industries and wood suppliers. To assess different perspectives of satisfaction, this study explores quality perceptions of harvesting services using a multi-dimension approach, and suggests a tool for measuring satisfaction from a triad perspective. Values associated with services were identified by interviewing actors involved in triads linked to two forest owners associations (FOAs). FOA managers’ and private forest owners’ expectations and perceptions of performances by a sample of contractors in relation to these values were then separately measured using an adapted version of the Servqual questionnaire. Similarly, contractors’ views of associated planning conditions were evaluated. Quality perceptions varied widely among respondents. The surveyed forest owners commonly determined performance in a subjective manner: many solely by visual impressions. Consequently, many contractors not performing well from a manager perspective still met forest owners’ service expectations well, and thus were considered valuable assets by the FOAs from a wood sourcing perspective. The results also revealed differences in valued factors between thinning and final felling operations. The paper concludes with a suggested model to rank relationship success.

Impacts of service buyer management on contractor profitability and satisfaction – a Swedish case study

ABSTRACT Successful harvesting contractors are crucial for competitive wood supply. This study builds on the assumption that contractor motivation to stay in the forest sector depends not only on success in terms of profitability, but also on satisfaction with the conditions provided by their service buyers. The key characteristics of service buying companies associated with success from both perspectives were identified for a questionnaire sample of 30 contractors working for two Swedish forest owners associations (FOAs). PLS regression was used to analyze responses and to set VIP rankings of relative factor importance for explaining variation in achieved success. The characteristics most important for contractor satisfaction differed from those most important for achieving high operating margins, but a group of common key factors was identified. A framework was developed for sorting factors into three levels of importance when integrating the two perspectives. In general, respondents’ perceptions of FOA performance best explained variation in success for both perspectives, however the contractors’ expectations were also linked to this variation. The two most important factors for contractor success were (a) the FOA provision of a consistent level of year-round capacity utilization, and (b) FOA managers’ helpfulness in solving the problems which typically arise in wood supply operations. The study concludes with identifying important managerial implications based on the results.

The Transport Game - A Tool for Teaching the Basics of Transport Decision Proficiency

Abstract This paper presents the transport game; a pedagogical tool developed to provide a competition-driven introduction to important issues in transport planning. The competitive element of the game concerns minimizing transportaton. The game is played between three two- player teams. Each team has wood supply responsibility for a pulp mill and a saw mill. Given a varying weekly demand for each mill, the teams procure round wood from the 64 supply nodes in the region. The planning decisions in the game are aimed at minimizing the total transport distance (loaded+unloaded) for the weekly demand. Planning decisions have the following priority: 1) filling the mill demand, 2) minimizing the loaded transport distance by purchasing wood close to the mill 3) minimizing the unloaded transport distance by identifying backhauls flows. The game forces the players to manually handle a high number of decision alternatives without any form of decision support. It is used to give the students a practical understanding of basic issues to accompany their theoretical lessons. It can also be used as an experimental laboratory to examine the effect of different restrictions on proficiency. The paper presents results from student exercises where development of player proficiency is examined.

Service Divergence In Swedish Round Wood Transport

Abstract Structural changes in the Swedish forest products sector have resulted in increased round wood consumption per mill. Increased consumption volumes result in increased round wood transport distances and transport output (m3·km). At the same time, the coordination of transport services is being taken over by transport organizations of increasing size. New technological developments combined with organizational innovations have made linking between transport service providers easier. This has lead to the opportunity to offer different services through networking and diversify service levels for different customers (service divergence). This study examines the service divergence potential of round wood transport in Sweden. The goal of the study is to develop a better understanding of customer demands and service complexity. This study is based on the interview results of 20 transport service providers and buyers in the Swedish forest sector. The results presented concern three main themes: transport service goals, decisions and decision support processes. The study reports the rankings of responses as well as their correlations in order to group them into a goal-decision-decision support hierarchy. The rankings and correlations are used to suggest a customer service matrix for round wood transport. The interview also included a fourth theme describing current problems with planning and control. The responses of this final theme are related to the different parts of the hierarchy in order to identify impediments to service divergence.

The impact of road geometry, surface roughness and truck weight on operating speed of logging trucks

ABSTRACT Improved transport planning and pricing is dependent on correct cycle times. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of road curvature, surface roughness, gradient and truck weight on the operating speed of a conventional 60-tonne gross vehicle weight logging truck. The study used a 320-km test track consisting of both public and forest roads. The track was driven with various gross vehicle weights. Speed data was retrieved from the truck’s CAN-bus system and road data was measured with a profilograph. The key factors for operating speed were curvature and surface roughness, both of which were correlated to each other as well as partially captured by functional road class. Regression analysis quantified the individual effects of these factors as well as gradient, undulation and interactions with truck weight. A regression model is presented which explained 80% of the variation in operating speed. The results were consistent with previous studies, and the proposed models can be used to improve transport planning, cost estimation, operative route path selection and road investments.