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CURRENT PROJECTS RESEARCH NOW UNDER WAY Factors Affecting Fuel Consumption and Harvesting Cost (Dr. Tom Gallagher & Dr. Mathew Smidt, Auburn University School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences). Project Objectives: This project will include collecting data to document machine productivity and fuel consumption across a range of conditions and types of equipment and what variables impact the level of fuel consumption. The primary focus of concern for the analysis will be the machine use and fuel consumption per unit volume and value. Project Deliverables: A report that will outline the variables that impact fuel consumption and the subsequent impact on harvesting cost. Recommendations will be made to help industry to consider methods to minimize the impact of practices that increase fuel consumption. The final report is due on March 31, 2014. An Analysis of Price Volatility for Wood Products Sold Under Supply Agreement Versus Wood Products Sold on the Open Market (Pete Stewart & Suzanne Hearn, Forest2Market). Project Objectives: Evaluate price volatility (as a proxy to risk) of supply agreement versus open market supply. Evaluate the differences in pricing between the two transaction types. Evaluate risk-to-price exposure if a statistically valid price different exists. Project Deliverables (expected late 2011):
Supplier-Consumer Relations Study (Don Taylor, Sustainable Resource Systems LLC) Project Objectives: During the summer and fall of 2011, the project will collect data through personal and confidential face-to-face interviews with both wood supply contractors and wood procurement personnel participants, to identify factors that cause relationships to break down, including underlying causes. The study will identify some best practices that materially improve these business relationships. These interviews will also collect and tabulate “critical factors for success” that experienced logging and trucking professionals and contract business owners identify. Project Deliverables (expected 2012): The report will summarize findings and conclusions by region, ranking “areas for improvement” according to their operational impact. The report will develop specific recommendations to improve business relationships between suppliers and consumers.
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