VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Quesada, Henry Jose"

Browsing by Author "Quesada, Henry Jose"

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The ABCs of Cost Allocation in the Wood Products Industry: Applications in the Furniture Industry
Quesada, Henry Jose (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2010-09-17)
Discusses the basics of cost accounting and explains the strengths and weaknesses of two cost accounting techniques - the direct method and the activity-based costing method - using simple examples and applications to the furniture industry.
Analysis of electricity consumption: a study in the wood products industry
Quesada, Henry Jose; Wiedenbeck, Janice K.; Bond, Brian H. (2016-10)
This paper evaluates the effect of industry segment, year, and US region on electricity consumption per employee, per dollar sales, and per square foot of plant area for wood products industries. Data was extracted from the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) database and imported into MS Excel. The extracted dataset was examined for outliers and abnormalities with outliers outside the quantile range 0.5-99.5 dropped from the analysis. A logarithmic transformation was applied to eliminate the skewness of the original data distributions. Correlation measurements indicated a moderate association between the response variables; therefore, a multivariate analysis of variance test was performed to measure the impact of the three factors: industry type, year, and region, simultaneously on all response variables. The results indicated some effect associated with all three factors on the three measures of electricity consumption. Subsequently, univariate ANOVA tests were conducted to determine the levels of the factors that were different. Most levels of industry type were associated with significantly different energy consumption, an expected result since some of the industries are more energy intensive than others. The industries in Standard Industry Code (SIC) 2493 (reconstituted wood products) are the groups with the highest electricity consumption with means of 38,096.28 kWh/employee, 0.86 kWh/sales, and 154.14 kWh/plant area while industries grouped in SIC 2451 (mobile homes) have the smallest consumption with means of 6811.01 kWh/employee, 0.05 kWh/sales, and 9.45 kWh/plant area. Interestingly, differences in regional consumption were found to be linked to the proportion of industry types by region. Data analysis also indicated differences in electricity consumption per employee for the factor year, but for the other response variables, no differences were found. These main results indicate that industries in the wood products sector have different electricity consumption rates depending on the type of manufacturing processes they use. Therefore, industries in this sector can use these comparisons and metrics to benchmark their electricity consumption as well to understand better how electricity costs might vary depending on the region they are located.
Analysis of Energy Recommendations in the U.S. Wood Products Industry
Bauman, Michael Justin (Virginia Tech, 2016-06-25)
As energy prices and demand are projected to increase globally and markets become more competitive nationally and internationally; the wood products industry must find ways to remain relevant. By: 1) analyzing energy-saving recommendations contained in the IAC database; 2) comparing those recommendations by criteria such as cost, savings, and payback period; 3) identifying recommendations that incorporate lean manufacturing principles; and 4) investigating the practices and perceptions of manufacturers at the facility level, this project provides information for identifying the greatest opportunities for energy management among U.S. wood product manufacturers. Results from the analysis of the IAC database show that wood product manufacturers had a low implementation rate of energy recommendations ranked purely by cost, savings, and payback period among wood product manufacturers suggesting they were not focused on implementing energy recommendations specifically based on those criteria. While some recommendations were found to be statistically different in at least one criteria: cost, savings, or payback period between wood and non-wood manufactures as well as primary and secondary wood manufacturers, only two recommendations had practical differences, large payback periods, between primary and secondary wood manufacturers. Twenty-four of 192 energy recommendations were classified as lean-based energy recommendations using the Kirby and Green (2003) methodology, however, there was no clear evidence to suggest the lean-based energy recommendations were superior in terms of cost, savings, or payback period when compared to simple energy recommendations. Interviews with primary and secondary manufacturers revealed a lack of commitment to energy performance improvement and the reported barriers of implementation among a small sample of wood products manufacturers suggests that the dissemination of energy management knowledge and benefits is a problem.
Analysis of Financial Statements Using Ratios
Quesada, Henry Jose (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-10)
Discusses financial statement analysis, accounting, examining cash flow, planning, and more.
An Application of Lean Thinking to the Furniture Engineering Process
Wang, Chao (Virginia Tech, 2011-03-21)
Efficient engineering processes are critically important for furniture manufacturers. Engineering impacts the production cost, design quality, product lead time, and customer satisfaction. This research presents a systematic approach to analyze a furniture engineering process through a case study. The research was conducted through a case study in a furniture plant located in China, producing American style furniture products. The first stage was to investigate the company's current engineering process, identify non value-added activities, and analyze the engineering performance based on selected Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as lead time, document error rate, and engineering throughput. A survey questionnaire was sent out to the engineering group to determine the current engineering efficiency. Results show that "product complexity" and "engineer competency" are the two most influential factors that impact engineering lead time and quality. In the second stage, value stream mapping was used to analyze an upholstery furniture engineering process. The approach encompasses an analysis of the current state of the engineering process and the proposal of a lean future state value stream map (VSM). Results from the current state VSM show, that the value-added ratio of the current engineering process is only 26%. Several engineering steps present deficiency such as the processes of creating drawings, compile mass production documents, check and sign-off engineering documents, create CNC programs, and generate packaging files. Based on current state VSM analysis, the researcher focused on transforming these processes to eliminate waste and to propose the best practices for the future state VSM. From this research, it shows that current processes include a large amount of non-value adding activities such as waiting, extra processing, rework, excess motion, transportation, underutilized people, and inefficient information. These non-value adding activities are interfering with engineers' ability to prepare engineering documents for downstream jobs and affecting the overall manufacturing process. The VSM is effective to provide the visual control over the engineering process for implementing lean transformations.
Assessing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Use in Marketing Applications: A Case of Study in the Wood Products Industry
Brenes Bastos, Melissa (Virginia Tech, 2014-07-29)
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a worldwide growing technology, however it is not yet completely accepted. Of all of the business processes in an organization, marketing is perhaps one of the natural fitting-processes to apply GIS. Even though there is recent research regarding applications of GIS in the wood products industry, those applications are mostly related to biomass mapping and logistics issues. Little research has been conducted on the utilization of GIS as part of the marketing strategic plan in this industry. Thus, the main goal of this project is to understand GIS uses on marketing application in the wood products industry, specifically in the marketing mix strategic plan. The approach of this project consisted of the collection and analysis of data from secondary wood products industries in the state of Virginia. In addition, a case of study on current users of GIS applications was conducted. Once the data from the survey and the case study were collected, validated, and analyzed; applications and guidelines for the use of GIS in marketing activities were developed. The first application was the creation of a relational database to organize the information and to create an industry directory for secondary wood products industries. Secondly, clustering techniques were used to test if wood products companies cluster around certain geographical regions. Confirmation of the clustering led to the construction of an online map. Finally, guidelines were developed to describe how to use GIS in the marketing process of wood products firms. By increasing the knowledge and developing guidelines on GIS uses on marketing mix applications this study will help the wood products industry, other practitioners and the academic community, by providing insight of the industry, possible uses to simplify the strategic process and gain understanding of the environment among other.
Assessing sustainability of the continuous improvement process through the identification of enabling and inhibiting factors
Madrigal, Johanna (Virginia Tech, 2012-08-09)
This research presents results of innovation management practices and sustainability of continuous improvement. Innovation is recognized as a growth tool for economies in general however not all economy sectors have innovation as a strategy. This research served as a case study to analyze how innovation is managed within innovative firms to help less innovative sectors, such as the wood products industry, to become profitable. Among the observed innovation management practices, this study was able to identify the use of continuous improvement to support incremental innovation. Although, continuous improvement is well known and accepted, there are still challenges to reach a sustainable state of continuous improvement. This research also addresses the difficulty in sustaining continuous improvement through a longitudinal case study. A literature review was conducted to identify factors influencing the sustainability of the continuous improvement. These factors were gathered within a research framework which functioned as the main source to establish the questionnaire used as the research tool. Utilizing this tool, the study evaluated the hypotheses relating to the effects of time, location and company type on the behavior of the enabling and inhibiting factors, and the relationships among them. Results demonstrated that time has no effect on factors affecting the sustainability of the continuous improvement, although changes affect how the factors are perceived as success factors in sustaining continuous improvement. The study also concluded that type of company and location impact how the inhibiting and enabling factors are perceived as supporters of the sustainability of the continuous improvement. Finally, the study revealed that these factors are correlated among them, thus sustainability is the result of a dynamic multifactor process rather that an unique factor. In addition to this new framework, the study also developed a self-assessment tool to be used for continuous improvement practitioners. With this tool, the new developed framework can be continuously monitored and proper and informed action can be taken by managers to address any observed gap in sustaining continuous improvement. Finally, the study also brings an example of interdisciplinary research which gathers quantitative methods from the statistics field, and qualitative methods from the business and social science fields.
Assessment of Cross Laminated Timber Markets for Hardwood Lumber
Adhikari, Sailesh (Virginia Tech, 2020-09-25)
The goal of this study was to assess the potential of using hardwood lumber in CLT manufacturing. The goal was achieved by addressing four specific objectives. The first objective was to collect CLT manufacturers' perspectives for using hardwood lumber in the current manufacturing setup. The second objective was to determine hardwood sawmills' current ability to produce structural grade lumber (SGHL) from low value logs as a product mix through a survey of hardwood lumber producers in the US. The third objective was to conduct a log yield study of SGHL production from yellow poplar (YP) logs to produce 6'' and 8'' width SGHL to match the PRG 320 requirements. The fourth objective was to determine CLTs' production cost using SGHL and compared it with the CLTs manufactured from southern yellow pine (SYP). The results suggest that all three CLT industries visited and interviewed had sufficient technology to produce hardwood CLTs. The production of hardwood CLTs was mainly limited by the quality and quantity of lumber available. The hardwood sawmill survey results indicated that, currently, less than 10% of the sawmills had all the resources required to produce SGHL. The current ability of the sawmills was measured based on the resources necessary to begin SGHL production. Forty percent of the sawmills would require an investment in sawing technology to saw SGHL, 70% would require employing a certified lumber grader, and 80% would require a planer to surface lumber. Another significant finding was the sawmills' willingness to collaborate with other sawmills and lumber manufacturers. More than 50% of sawmills were open to potential collaboration with other stakeholders if necessary, which is crucial to commercializing SGHL for a new market. The log yield study of yellow poplar helped demonstrate that the mixed grade lumber production method to convert lumber from lower quality zones as SGHL yields higher lumber volume for sawmills and at the same time reduces lower-grade lumber volume. On average, SGHL production increased lumber volume by more than 6% compared to only NHLA grade lumber production when 65% of the lumber was converted to SGHL. The volume of lower lumber grades from 2 common and below decreased from an average of 85% to less than 30% when producing SGHL as a product mix with NHLA grade lumber. This study observed more than 95% of SGHL as Number 3 and better lumber grades. At estimated lumber value, 2x6 and 2x8 SGHL and NHLA grade lumber production as product mix from a log generate higher revenue for all log groups except for the diameter 13" logs. A lower percentage of higher-grade lumber was observed for diameter 13’’ logs than other log groups from this experiment, which resulted in lower revenue. Production cost of CLTs was determined based on the lumber value to manufacture 40' x 10' plain panels with different combinations by lumber grade of yellow poplar and southern yellow pine lumber alone. Production cost was determined by assuming that lumber value contributes 40% of CLTs' total production cost. The 3- ply CLT panels were manufactured using S. Selects lumber in a major direction, and No 1-grade lumber in the minor direction from YP had a production cost of $662.56 per cubic meter, which cost only $643.10 when SYP lumber was used at referenced lumber value. This study concludes that CLT panels from YP cost 3-7 % more than SYP-CLTs at the referenced lumber values.
Assessment of U.S. manufactured system built wooden homes as an affordable housing alternative for low income households in developing countries
Kakkar, Gaurav (Virginia Tech, 2017-10-16)
Millions of people around the developing world struggle to obtain safe, decent and affordable housing. The United States of America has substantially improved the residential construction sector by engineering new materials and developing efficient systems in wood construction. The goal of this research was to assess the potential of introducing system built wood construction system manufactured in the United States in urban social housing markets of developing countries. Peru, Ecuador and Colombia were three countries chosen for this study. Stakeholders in social housing in these three countries were interviewed to assess key aspects of traditional construction, current social housing deficits, perception of wood use in construction, and policies associated with social housing in selected markets. Findings indicate developing custom housing products for urban social housing programs can provide access to this untapped markets. Awareness about wood construction was very limited in the studied region. System built wood construction manufacturers in the U.S. were assessed to identify barriers and incentives for internationalization. Manufacturers in the U.S. also identify the need to expand their existing customer base. Findings of the survey conducted among the manufacturers identified various barriers to export. This research contributes to opening of new markets for exports of prefabricated wooden buildings in new geographical regions.
Barriers Impacting United States Advanced Biofuel Projects
Withers, Jeremy W. (Virginia Tech, 2016-07-14)
Although the 2005 EPAct was enacted to help bolster the emerging biofuel industry, 52% of advanced biofuel projects were closed or shut down by 2015. However, there are no complete lists of barriers that impeded these projects. The goal of this study was to develop a framework of barriers impeding success of advanced biofuel projects by conducting a literature review of barriers, spatial analysis of status, survey of barriers, and determination of coproducts and byproducts and their marketing and distribution barriers from the industry stakeholders. The spatial analysis indicated 59 biofuel projects were attempted, and their Eastern and Western location by status was not a barrier. Using Grounded Theory, nine barriers were derived and aggregated in major categories, including product development, strategy, technology, competition, energy costs, funding, government, suppliers, and third-party relations. A contingency analysis was conducted relating their status to internal and external barriers, indicating no relationship between type of closing and type of barrier. Next, the number of barriers was expanded to 23, and a survey was conducted to gain knowledge on these barriers from industry stakeholders. When comparing the barriers by stakeholders, there were differences based on status, type, and technology of the projects. In addition, the survey and discussion identified 79 barriers different across years, type of industry (pilot, demonstration, or commercial), status (open, closed, or planning), and technology (thermochemical, biochemical, or hybrid). Forty-seven coproducts and byproducts and many unknown barriers to their marketability and distribution were determined and ranked by primary and secondary barriers. These extensive lists of barriers and coproducts will aid future biofuels projects in their planning, research, and development stages.
Breaking down barriers: Market opportunities for Appalachian forest products in Central America
Lyon, Scott (Virginia Tech, 2011-07-08)
The research purpose was to determine strengths and weaknesses of Appalachian wood products sales in Central America. In the future, there may be a greater need for international forest products in Central America due to increasing population size, tourism, and deforestation. Potential market opportunities for Appalachian forest product companies in Central America were evaluated and strategies were developed to increase exports from Appalachian wood product companies. Interviews of Central American wood products wholesalers and government and non-government officials were conducted to determine the current situation of the forest, the demand for local wood production, and potential for future production of wood products. A survey of wood products retailers and manufacturers was conducted to determine drivers and barriers of the sale of Appalachian wood products in Central America. Models were developed to describe relationships between company performance and suppliers and a series of independent variables (e.g, supplier promotion, product attributes). Results suggested that U.S. wood products companies have not put enough effort into marketing forest products in Central America. Central American wood products consumers lack knowledge of Appalachian wood products and their advantages over wood products currently used. Inconsistencies between Appalachian and Central American wood products industries (e.g., dimensions, species terminology) act as a barrier to efficient exchange of wood products. Models suggest that companies may need to focus on barriers to increase company performance. The best market strategies for Appalachian forest products companies to increase sales into Central America are: partner with local wholesalers, offer higher value-added products, maintain similar pricing with competition, and offer sales and product discounts.
A Case Study to Determine Drivers and Barriers of Appalachian Forest Products in Central America
Quesada, Henry Jose; Lyon, Scott; Smith, Robert (Instituto Tecnologico De Costa Rica, 2012-06-04)
The purpose of this research was to determine drivers and barriers of Appalachian wood product competitors in Central America. Potential market opportunities for Appalachian forest product companies in Central America were evaluated and strategies were developed to increase exports of Appalachian wood products to Central America. The findings support the claim that United States forest product companies have not put enough effort into marketing forest products to Central America. Forests in El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica are limiting harvests and the industry lacks support from the government, reducing the amount of raw material and production. Inconsistencies between Appalachian and Central American wood products industries (e.g., dimensions) act as a barrier to the efficient exchange of wood products. The best market strategies for Appalachian forest products companies to increase sales into Central America are: partner with local wholesalers, offer higher value-added products, and maintain similar pricing with competition. An outside source of wood is needed to meet the needs of growing regional infrastructure.
¿Cómo integrar la estrategia de una empresa con su sistema de gestión de calidad?
Quesada, Henry Jose; Aguilar Rodriguez, Silvia; Espinoza, Carlos (Instituto Tecnologico De Costa Rica, 2006-06-01)
Se realizó una investigación con el fin de contar con una guía que permita desarrollar sistemas de gestión de calidad integrados con la estrategia, que no solo evalúen la capacidad de la empresa de ofrecer productos / servicios con el nivel de calidad requerido, sino que también midan la eficacia del sistema de gestión de calidad en apoyar a la empresa a alcanzar su visión. Esto por cuanto lo que se pudo determinar de la situación actual es que se deja a la mera percepción de las gerencias el evaluar la eficacia del sistema de gestión de salidad. La principal conclusión de esta investigación es que los sistemas de gestión de calidad deben dejar de ser operativos y deben pasar a un plano más gerencial, para proveer información que permita tomar decisiones sobre la orientación estratégica de la empresa. Finalmente, se validó la metodología en una empresa y se logró comprobar que la metodología es aplicable, pues permite definir métricas que integren la estrategia de la empresa con su sistema de gestión de calidad y de este modo se facilita la evaluación de la eficacia de dicho sistema.
Comparison of the Economic Feasibility between Conventional and Vacuum Drying for 4/4 Red Oak
Brenes-Angulo, Oxana; Bond, Brian H.; Kline, D. Earl; Quesada, Henry Jose (Forest Products Society, 2017-01-01)
Vacuum drying of wood is a method to reduce drying time and inventory; however, there is limited information regarding the economic feasibility for vacuum drying 4/4 red oak compared with traditional drying methods. The benefits of this technology, mainly dramatically reduced drying times and higher flexibility, must be weighed against the higher initial capital investment. The goal of this project was to compare the economic feasibility, using capital budgeting techniques, of conventional drying and vacuum drying for 4/4 red oak lumber. The analysis was conducted for two actual flooring manufacturers. Conventional drying for this analysis was considered to be air-drying plus kiln drying, which is commonly done with red oak. The vacuum technology considered used hot platens for heating the wood. Species, thickness, drying methods, and lumber demand compared, both drying methods (conventional and vacuum drying) were determined to be economically feasible. However, vacuum drying had a slightly higher net present value, cost–benefit ratio, and sensitivity analysis than conventional drying, making it a slightly better investment for drying 4/4 red oak. The initial tied-up inventory and its respective cost in the conventional drying scenario represents an opportunity cost that can be recovered using vacuum drying. This recovered cost can result in freed capital that can be invested elsewhere to increase competitiveness.
Competitive Strategies for International Marketing of Hardwood Products Based on the Mining of Open Questionnaire Data
Arias, Edgar; Quesada, Henry Jose; Smith, Robert L. (2020-11)
International markets for U.S. forest products continue to make a significant contribution to the national economy; sustaining growth in production and job creation as demand from domestic markets is still yet to match that observed during the early 2000s. In this context, industry, government, and academia remain focused on procuring better market shares in foreign markets. The goal of this research is to help hardwood mills to improve their understanding of the needs of potential clients abroad and thus helping them to develop a competitive advantage. An exploratory study based on text mining of questionnaire data was conducted following a competitive criteria-based model on the major foreign markets for U.S. hardwood products. From a sample of buyers attending trade shows in Asia and Europe, this work has identified a series of factors for manufacturers to consider in future export ventures. It was determined that price and quality play multiple roles in developing a competitive advantage. Color-consistency and an adequate stock of the right mix of species are considered minimum requirements to compete in those markets. In contrast, certain time-compression dimensions are perceived as opportunities to add value and, therefore, to stay ahead of the competition.
Development of a Tool to Measure the Effectiveness of Kaizen Events within the Wood Products Industry
Erdogan, Sevtap (Virginia Tech, 2015-09-04)
Kaizen implementation and other continuous improvement practices can be used by companies to lower manufacturing costs and increase product value. Kaizen activities are one way that wood products companies can increase their competitiveness. Being able to measure the effectiveness of Kaizen events is important to factors that contribute to Kaizen effectiveness as well as identifying the success of Kaizen implementation. However, little research has focused on the implementation of Kaizen and other continuous improvement methods within the wood products industry or on the perceptions of employees within this industry regarding either the motivators for, barriers to, and effectiveness of perceptions of Kaizen, or the drivers affecting Kaizen implementation. The goal of this research is to develop a tool to measure the effectiveness of Kaizen and to apply this tool to companies within the wood products industry. To accomplish this research goal, a case study approach was used in examining how two U.S. wood products companies implemented Kaizen and other continuous improvement initiatives and how employees at these companies viewed such implementation. As part of this case study, interviews were conducted with staff in each company and surveys were administered to production and non-production employees at each company. A tool was developed to measure the perceived effectiveness of Kaizen events, and this tool was tested using the survey data were collected from each company. The results from these analyses show statistically significant differences in how production employees across companies viewed the following: motivators related to cost and quality outcomes, as well as the success of other companies, as motivators for Kaizen; and barriers related to middle management, time, money, technology, and poor past experiences. Poor past experience with Kaizen were also viewed significantly differently by production and non-production employees in one of the companies studied. The results also show that perceptions of productivity improvements were the most significant predictor of the perceived effectiveness of Kaizen implementation. These results and the development of a tool to measure Kaizen will help guide and improve future Kaizen and other continuous improvement efforts within the wood products industry and provide insights for future research.
Economic analysis of biofuel production from Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in the United States
Sanwal, Trisha (Virginia Tech, 2016-10-04)
Excessive use of fossil fuels to meet everyday energy demands has led to adverse environmental impacts like global warming and high dependence on foreign oil. Development of cellulosic feedstocks provides energy security and also reduces the burden on food crops like corn and sugarcane used for ethanol production. This thesis uses cost-benefit analysis to ascertain the profitability of producing cellulosic ethanol from Switchgrass and Sweet Sorghum Bagasse. First, breakeven price of producing Switchgrass and Sweet Sorghum is calculated to obtain a raw material (feedstock) cost for ethanol production. Next, net present value (NPV) and minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) for Switchgrass and Sweet sorghum are calculated. Lastly, risk analysis is performed and its impacts on NPV are calculated for two farmer categories. The results show that ethanol production from Switchgrass and Sweet Sorghum is commercially feasible and generates a Net Present Value (NPV) of $39.54 million for Switchgrass and $96.76 million for Sweet Sorghum at an ethanol selling price of $2.17 per gallon. At NPV zero the MESP for Switchgrass and Sweet Sorghum is estimated to be $2.10 and $1.96 per gallon respectively. The risk analysis results revealed that there is a 9.5 percent probability that the NPV for a risk-averse Switchgrass farmer will be less than zero. On the other hand, the probability of the NPV being less than zero is 67.4 percent. The overall analysis indicates that ethanol production from Switchgrass and Sweet Sorghum is a promising option. Reduction in feedstock prices, optimization of the conversion process and additional revenues from by-products can make cellulosic ethanol more competitive with current gasoline prices.
Encadenamientos Productivos y su relación con la inversión directa extranjera
Quesada, Henry Jose; Meneses-Guzman, Marcela; Gamboa, Oscar (2008-11-05)
Un estudio de competitividad publicado en 2003 por la Promotora de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER) revela que Costa Rica muestra bajos niveles en cuanto a sofisticación tecnológica, transferencia de tecnología a partir de la IED, incentivos para la investigación en tecnología y cooperación tecnológica entre empresas. Asimismo, PROCOMER (2003) señala que el desarrollo de clusters de suplidores se encuentra todavía en su etapa inicial. Estos clusters permiten a las empresas involucradas funcionar en forma conjunta y obtener ventajas a partir del encadenamiento de actividades productivas. Estos indicadores de desarrollo incluyen,principalmente, la calidad y cantidad de los proveedores locales. De acuerdo a estos indicadores, en Costa Rica no existe una cantidad adecuada de suplidores locales para las diferentes industrias, y la calidad de los mismos no es la adecuada. En el gráfico 1 se presenta una medida comparativa de índices de desarrollo de clusters de empresas en países que compiten con Costa Rica.
Evaluation of Methods to Control Mold on Hardwood Pallets
Blount, Thomas Richard (Virginia Tech, 2013-06-14)
The objectives of this project were:
1.ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½To compare the drying cost and drying time for oak and poplar pallets for the following mold mitigation strategies for hardwood pallets: air drying, forced air drying (fan shed), kiln drying to 25% moisture content and chemical treatment, and
2.ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½Develop and evaluate a procedure for preventing and controlling mold growth on heat treated hardwood pallets
Twenty red oak pallets and twenty yellow-poplar pallets were tested for each drying method to compare costs and to determine drying times. ï¿½Additional pallets were obtained to conduct a more thorough air drying procedure. ï¿½Drying data was extrapolated to allow estimates of the drying time from green (83% moisture content for poplar and 64% moisture content for oak) to 25%. ï¿½
After the pallets reached the desired 25% moisture content, they were placed in a 40ï¿½" enclosed trailer, inoculated with mold (Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, and Penicillium) and were left undisturbed for a period of 14 days. ï¿½After the 14 day incubation period, the pallets were inspected for mold using the ASTM D-4445 Standard Test Method for Fungicides for Controlling Sapstain and Mold on Unseasoned Lumber. ï¿½
A comparison of drying costs was then conducted to determine which method was the most cost efficient based on the data obtained in this study. ï¿½The cost to treat the pallets with each treatment was calculated including electrical cost, labor, and tax values. ï¿½In addition to the cost comparison, a Net Present Value (NPV) was calculated to determine which method produced the best outcome over a longer period of time.
Two heat treatment and drying schedules were then developed to meet both IPPC-ISPM #15 requirements and achieve the desired 25% moisture content with minimal degrade. ï¿½This was accomplished by testing several HT/drying schedules on green yellow-poplar and white oak pallets until the pallets met the criteria for being heat treated and had minimal degrade. ï¿½The schedules developed are a modified oak HT/KD schedule that required 30 hours to complete and a modified poplar HT/KD schedule that required 16 hours to complete.
The results demonstrated that that mold would not grow on the pallets stored in an enclosed container when the dew point is not reached. Air-drying pallets, chemical application in conjunction with air-drying pallets, fan shed drying pallets and kiln drying pallets to a 19-24% moisture content was demonstrated to prevent mold growth on oak and yellow poplar pallets. Estimates for the time required to dry yellow-poplar and oak pallets to 19% and 25% moisture content were developed for air-drying, forced air-drying and kiln drying for the conditions experienced in Blacksburg, VA between 7/30/2008 and 11/10/2008. Air-drying pallets was found to have the lowest daily operational cost but not the lowest total drying cost. ï¿½Fan shed drying had the lowest drying cost to achieve 25% moisture content. ï¿½Kiln drying was the most expensive daily and total cost, but yielded the fastest method of drying pallets to 25% moisture content. A NPV cost comparison showed that over a 3 year (36 month) time period, fan shed drying is the most cost effective method of drying pallets based on the values used in this study. Given the environmental conditions experienced between 7/30/2008 and 11/10/2008, no mold grew on the air-dried, fan shed, and kiln dried pallets during the drying process.
Evaluation of the Costa Rican Excellence Award for High Quality and Performance
Quesada, Henry Jose; Meneses-Guzman, Marcela; Monge-Fernández, Guido (Instituto Tecnologico De Costa Rica, 2010-01-06)
The use of international and national quality and competitive performance awards has long been recognized as an effective tool to measure outstanding industry performance of private and public organizations worldwide (Hendricks & Singhal, 2000). The importance of developing realistic evaluation models that fit the characteristics of an industry, region, or country, has also been a subject of research for practitioners and academicians for a long time.

Browsing by Author "Quesada, Henry Jose"

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