VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Smith, Robert L."

Browsing by Author "Smith, Robert L."

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Activity-based product costing in a hardwood sawmill through the use of discrete-event simulation
Rappold, Patrick M. (Virginia Tech, 2006-06-02)
The purpose of this research was to quantify the impact of the log variables: length, grade, and scaling diameter, on the cost of producing hardwood lumber, using the activity-based costing technique. The usual technique of calculating hardwood lumber product costs is based upon traditional cost accounting, where manufacturing costs are allocated to the products based upon the volume of each product that is produced. With the traditional cost accounting procedure, the variation in the resources used to process the logs is not taken into consideration. As a result, when the cost to manufacture the products is subtracted from the market value of the products, the resulting profit levels of the products may not be truly representative of the actual resources consumed in manufacturing the product. Using discrete-event simulation, two hardwood sawmills were modeled and a series of experiments were conducted which would not have been feasible to conduct on the mill floors. Results from the simulation experiments illustrated that the activity-based and traditional cost accounting techniques allocated different amounts of manufacturing costs to the products. The largest difference between the two cost accounting techniques was found to be the amount of raw material costs allocated to the products. For one of the sawmills modeled, log grade was identified as having the greatest influence on determining product costs and total manufacturing costs. Results from the model of the second sawmill however demonstrated that log diameter had a greater impact on determining product costs and total manufacturing costs. The commonality of the results from the two simulation models was that the differences in the volume of lumber produced, between the logs that were studied, was a critical component in determining which log parameter had the most effect on changing the dynamics of the sawmill system. To enable hardwood managers a more precise method of allocating raw material costs to the lumber products, a methodology was developed that uses the principles of activity-based costing to allocate raw material costs. The proposed methodology, termed the lumber yield method, uses lumber yield values from logs with similar characteristics to allocate raw material costs to the lumber products. Analysis of the output from the simulation models illustrated that with the lumber yield method, the amount of raw material costs allocated to the products was not significantly different than the amount allocated by the activity-based costing method. The calculated raw material costs of the products were however, found to be significantly different between the lumber yield method and the traditional volume costing method.
Adoption of Scanning Technology in the Secondary Wood Products Industry
Cumbo II, Danny Wayne (Virginia Tech, 1999-10-04)
A mail survey of wood cabinet, furniture, dimension, and flooring manufacturers was undertaken across the US to assess the market potential for automated lumber grading technology in the secondary wood products industry. Two hundred and nine usable responses were received providing information related to the identification of adopters of scanning technology, the optimum benefit bundle to increase the marketable success of automated lumber grading technology, and the best methods of promotion to this industry. The results indicate that potential adopters of automated lumber grading technology will most likely be larger companies both in terms of annual sales and number of employees. In addition, adopter companies will be more likely to market their products in international markets. Results show that dimension and flooring manufacturers perceive this technology as more beneficial to their industries than cabinet and furniture manufacturers. Analysis showed that significant differences existed between the four industry sectors on various machine attributes. In addition, dimension and flooring manufacturers rated machine attributes higher than cabinet and furniture manufacturers where significant differences were detected. This indicates that dimension and flooring manufacturers place more importance on various machine attributes than cabinet and furniture manufacturers when considering the adoption of automated lumber grading technology. Optimal benefit bundles were characterized for each industry sector. While these benefit bundles differed among sectors, the differences where slight. Machine accuracy, simplicity of operation, technical support, and reduction in labor costs were important attributes to most sectors. The best methods of promotion to the secondary wood products industry included trade shows, peer discussions, and plant visits. In addition, these three methods were most effective in promotion for the individual industry sectors as well. Advertisements, meetings and symposiums, scientific journals, and unsolicited sales literature were not rated as highly effective methods of promotion to the cabinet, furniture, dimension, and flooring industries.
Anticipated Impact of a Vibrant Wood-to-Energy Market on the U.S. South's Wood Supply Chain
Conrad, Joseph Locke IV (Virginia Tech, 2011-08-11)
Recent emphasis on producing energy from woody biomass has raised questions about the impact of a vibrant wood-to-energy market on the southern wood supply chain, which consists of forest landowners, forest industry mills, and harvesting contractors. This study utilized two surveys of southern wood supply chain participants and a designed operational study of an energywood harvest to investigate the impact of an expanded wood-to-energy market on each member of the southern wood supply chain. First, a survey of consulting foresters was conducted to examine how harvest tract size, forest ownership, and forest industry structure have changed within the U.S. South and how foresters expect the wood-to-energy market to impact the wood supply chain in the future. Second, this study employed a mail survey of forest landowners, forest industry mills, and wood-to-energy facilities from the thirteen southern states in order to investigate expected competition for resources, wood supply chain profitability, and landowner willingness to sell timber to energy facilities. Third, this study conducted a designed operational study on a southern pine clearcut in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, with three replications of three harvest prescriptions to measure harvesting productivity and costs when harvesting woody biomass for energy. The three treatments were: a Conventional roundwood only harvest (control), an Integrated harvest in which roundwood was delivered to traditional mills and residuals were chipped for energy, and a Chip harvest in which all stems were chipped for energy use. Results from the two surveys suggest that timber markets are inadequate in many areas of the South as a result of expanded timber supply and reduced forest products industry capacity. Only 12% of responding landowners and foresters had sold wood to an energy facility, indicating that wood-to-energy markets are non-existent in many areas of the South. Nonetheless, 98% of consulting foresters and 90% of landowners reported a willingness to sell timber to an energy facility if the right price were offered. Consulting foresters expected wood-to-energy facilities to provide an additional market for wood, and not displace forest products industry capacity. However, two-thirds of consulting foresters, wood-to-energy facilities, and private landowners expected competition between mills and energy facilities while 95% of fibermills (pulp/paper and composite mills) expected competition. Fibermills were much more concerned about competition for resources and increases in wood costs than any other member of the southern wood supply chain. The operational study documented the challenges facing some harvesting contractors in economically producing energywood. Onboard truck roundwood costs increased from $9.35 green t-1 in the Conventional treatment to $10.98 green t-1 in the Integrated treatment as a result of reduced felling and skidding productivity. Energy chips were produced for $19.19 green t-1 onboard truck in the Integrated treatment and $17.93 green t-1 in the Chip treatment. Energywood harvesting costs were higher in this study than in previous research that employed loggers with less expensive, more fuel efficient equipment. This suggests that high capacity, wet-site capable loggers may not be able to economically harvest and transport energywood without a substantial increase in energywood prices. This study suggests that the southern wood supply chain is in position to benefit from a vibrant wood-to-energy market. Landowners should benefit from an additional market for small-diameter stems. This study shows that high production, wet-site capable loggers should not harvest energywood until prices for this material appreciate considerably. Wet-site loggers have very expensive equipment with high hourly fuel consumption rates and this study documented that energywood production was not sufficiently high to offset the high hourly cost of owning and operating this equipment. Nevertheless, a wood-to-energy market should benefit harvesting contractors in general because unless the forest products industry contracts further, loggers can continue to harvest and deliver roundwood to mills as they do at present and those properly equipped for energywood harvesting at low cost may be able to profit from a new market. The forest products industry has the largest potential downside of any member of the southern wood supply chain. This study documents widespread anticipation of competition between the forest products and wood-to-energy industries. However, to date there has been minimal wide-scale competition between the forest products and wood-to-energy industries. It is possible that the wood-to-energy industry will complement, rather than compete with the forest products industry, and thereby benefit each member of the southern wood supply chain.
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 the Availability of Wood Residues and Residue Markets in Virginia
Alderman, Delton R. Jr. (Virginia Tech, 1998-03-22)
A statewide mail survey of primary and secondary wood product manufacturers was undertaken to quantify the production and consumption of wood residues in Virginia. Two hundred and sixty-six wood product manufacturers responded to the study and they provided information on the production, consumption, markets, income or disposal costs, and disposal methods of wood residues. Hardwood and pine sawmills produce approximately 66 percent of Virginia's wood residues. Virginia's wood product manufacturers produce three primary residues: chips, bark, and sawdust. These three residues comprised nearly 83 percent of Virginia's total residue production in 1996. Approximately 200,000 tons or 6 percent of Virginia's wood residues appear not to have adequate markets. A second survey was directed to all municipal waste, construction and demolition, and "other" waste facilities in Virginia. The focus of this survey was to quantify the volume of solid wood residues received at the facilities. In addition, the study was conducted to ascertain tipping fees, did the landfill(s) actively market wood residues, were wood residues recycled, were wood residues restricted from being landfilled, and disposal methods for wood residues. Additionally, the survey was conducted to determine the type of waste facility operated, the quantity of all wastes directed to each landfill, and tipping fees. Seventy-five respondents provided information on the total and solid wood waste volumes received at their respective facilities, recycling efforts, and disposal practices. Approximately 689,000 tons of solid wood, or 8 percent of all wastes, was received at Virginia's landfills in 1996. Virginia's waste facilities reported processing or recycling approximately 406,000 tons or 59 percent of the solid wood received in 1996.
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.
Benchmarking Performance Measurement and the Implementation of Lean Manufacturing in the Secondary Wood Processing Rough Mill
Cumbo, Dan; Kline, D. Earl; Van Aken, Eileen M.; Smith, Robert L. (Virginia Tech, 2004-09)
It is hypothesized that, while other components of the secondary wood products value stream; e.g., moulding, turning, sanding, etc, are being integrated and “leaned up” so to speak, the rough mill represents a real or perceived barrier to full implementation of lean manufacturing tools, techniques and concepts. This study investigated the implementation of lean manufacturing in the rough mill as well as performance measurement and metrics at both the rough mill and overall business level. Data were collected from a nationwide survey of secondary wood processing facilities.
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.
Business Management Practices for Small to Medium Sized Forest Products Firms
Espinoza, Omar A.; Smith, Robert L. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Printing Services, 2015-11-04)
Provides the information required to start a small forest products company by discussing the U.S. forest products industry, business management, strategic planning, business plans, and management of human resources, marketing, operations, and finances.
Case Study: The effect of pallet design on the performance of semi-automatic and fully-automatic warehouses
Mejias Rojas, Alina (Virginia Tech, 2020-06-05)
Pallets form the base of the unit load, which is the basis for global trade transportation. In order to achieve better performance, improve efficiency, and compete in much more versatile markets, industrial activities and pallet management service firms are becoming more automated than ever; they are adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and flexible manufacturing systems. This study focuses on the investigation of the most common compatibility issues between pallets and material handling systems in semi-automated and fully-automated warehouses. At the same time, it establishes an understanding of the downtime and frequency of problems caused by pallets in these types of facilities. This research was conducted in two phases. The primary phase was a mix mode questionnaire (phone interview and hard copy questionnaire) that was used to survey members of different industries, such as pallet manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and pallet users. The secondary phase surveyed multiple general warehouses and storage facilities around the U.S., and surveyed warehouse professionals from manufacturing companies in the pharmaceutical, petroleum, dairy, beverage, chemical, and tobacco industries, to name a few. Results showed that 3% of the respondent warehouses are fully automated, and 20-30 % are semi-automated. Additionally, block class wooden pool pallets were identified as the most common pallet class used in semi/fully automated warehouses, followed closely by the use of stringer class recycled wooden pallets. Despite this, stringer class recycled wooden pallets were identified as the main pallet class involved in pallet related downtime in semi/ fully automated warehouses/ DC facilities. Further results present a guideline for improving automated warehouse performance, determine the pallet characteristics needed for this type of application, and expands the knowledge around downtime frequency cause by pallet related issues in these types of systems.
Character-marked Furniture: Perceptions, Critical Issues, and Barriers to Acceptance Among Manufacturers and Retailers
Bumgardner, Matthew Scott Jr. (Virginia Tech, 1998-08-05)
An important issue in the furniture industry is more widespread use of character-marks. The purpose of this research was to gain an in-depth understanding of the critical issues associated with acceptance of character-marked hardwood furniture. This information was beneficial for developing strategies to increase character-mark use by large furniture manufacturers. Although much has been said about the benefits of including more character in hardwood furniture, few large manufacturers have implemented such changes in their products. Personal interviews were conducted with product development personnel to develop case studies for large furniture manufacturers. The case studies centered on the companies' experiences with character-marked furniture. A follow-up mail survey was conducted to validate the case studies. It was found that decisions concerning character-mark use occur throughout the product development process, and involve the design, marketing, and production functions within the company. Companies that were able to fit character-marks within acceptable product concepts, considering such factors as style, finish, and hardware, appeared to have the most success with character-marked furniture in the marketplace. Conjoint analysis was employed to provide quantitative measures of retailers' perceptions of character-marked furniture products. This information was useful for determining the potential for push-type promotion. The dependent measure stimuli were full product profiles (actual wood samples and pictures), presented to respondents during on-site interviews. Retailers preferred furniture with no knots when evaluations were based on buying consideration and relative price. However, there was a linear relationship between preference and knot size, suggesting that opportunities for use of small knots may exist. It was found that character-marks were quite important to the product evaluations, suggesting that character-marks are a salient product feature. In addition to generating preference measures for tangible furniture product attributes, an investigation of the intangible product attributes associated with character-marks was conducted. Rustic, casual, and antique looks were most associated with character-marked furniture. Promotion of character-marked furniture based on environmental and natural material themes did not appear to hold much potential in the minds of manufacturers and retailers. It appears that promotion of character-marked furniture aimed at retailers will have to be based on what character-marks add to the look of wood household furniture.
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 An Effective Marketing Communications Network for the Successful Transfer of Technology An Empirical Study Based on the Diffusion of Portable Timber Bridge Technology
Shiau, Ren-Jye (Virginia Tech, 1999-06-18)
The ability to use scientific or engineering advances (new technologies) to meet market needs has become a primary business success factor. New technology is also a major factor influencing growth and productivity within a firm. However, the forces that lead to technological innovation are not always from inside the firm. Often a company receives technology (technology push) from outside sources. However, the transfer process is not always smooth. Public sector research represents an important source of technology. In the major Western industrialized countries, government and university research organizations account for over 40 percent of the national research and development (R&D) expenditures. However, many technology transfer efforts between public (federal government) and private sectors have been disappointing. Like all businesses, government organizations buy, sell, provide, and deliver ideas, services, and goods. Government organizations today face limited funding and personnel, but they must grapple with growing needs for their services. Public organizations often find it necessary to seek help from other organizations and individuals to achieve their objectives. In the case of diffusion of government-sponsored innovations, it is challenging to find parties who can facilitate them, and once the parties are identified, elicit the necessary assistance from them. Numerous research efforts have been conducted on technology transfer efforts between government-sponsored innovation and private sectors. However, when researchers attempt to gain an understanding of the efforts, they primarily look for end results and tend to neglect the information flow and communication process which lead to positive results. The Wood in Transportation Program (WIT), USDA Forest Service, has exerted considerable effort in transferring timber bridge technology to private industry. However, much of this effort has focused upon permanent bridge structures for highway or pedestrian use. Little research has been conducted on how to facilitate technology transfer via an information flow system to the target users. Another potentially large market may exist for portable timber bridges for use in forestry and logging operations. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the information flow through the entire logging system and identify intermediaries who can help the WIT Program, USDA Forest Service facilitate technology transfer. This study utilized a unique backward trace method to gain an understanding of how innovations are diffused. The research consisted of the following steps to attain the final goal of developing strategies to successfully diffuse portable timber bridge technology from public research sectors to private sectors. First, the research evaluated how the final users (loggers) receive information, why they prefer certain channel(s) over others, and how they make decisions to use or not use technology from developers (WIT). Second, intermediaries in the technology transfer process were identified by loggers and they were evaluated on how they receive information from technology developers; how they evaluate the information; how they currently promote and diffuse ideas or innovations. Finally, technology developers were evaluated on how they currently promote and diffuse ideas or innovations. Upon analysis of the network of information flow, a strategic marketing plan for successful transfer of portable timber bridge technology was developed.
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.
Evaluating Consumer Response to Environmental Labels on Packaging Using Eye-Tracking
Smith, Stephanie A. (Virginia Tech, 2015-07-21)
Labeling is one way consumers evaluate products for purchase. Environmental labeling is used to provide environmental information to the consumer. If a person is familiar with a particular labeling process they may be more inclined to consume such product. This study used the Tobii© T60 eye-tracking system to determine differences in gaze durations and time to first fixation between the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label and an unsubstantiated label. Labels were placed on two different products (toilet paper and paper plates) and four locations (top-right corner, bottom-right corner, top-left corner, and bottom-left corner). Additionally, after the participants viewed the images they were asked to complete the six-question GREEN Consumer Values scale and then asked to sort eighteen different images based on label type and price. Participants did not differentiate between the two labels. Labels placed in the bottom-right corner received the least amount of attention (as measured by fixation duration) when compared to labels placed in the other three corners. Eye-tracking data was then split at the median and two groups were created: low label fixators versus high label fixators. High label fixators scored overall higher on the GREEN Consumer Values scale than low label fixators. Participants sorted the 18 products based on price, putting the lowest-labeled product first 84% of the time. Future studies could include looking at other environmental labels and broader populations.
Evaluating Markets for Small Diameter Timber: A Case Analysis in Northern Mississippi
Perkins, Brian; Smith, Robert L.; Jackson, Jerry (Virginia Tech, 2005-04)
Small diameter timber (SDT) has emerged as a national problem in the forest products industry due to catastrophic forest fires in the West, increases in imported pulp in the South and high grading in the Central and Eastern U.S. This research evaluated the potential markets for small diameter hardwood and softwood timber resources in Northern Mississippi. Traditionally, SDT has been used primarily as pulpwood in the production of pulp and paper products. However, demand for pulpwood has decreased due to the increase of imported pulp. Exports of paper products from Mississippi decreased 18% between 1999 and 2003, while exports of wood products increased 82% during the same time period¹. Stumpage prices of softwood pulpwood in the southern region have declined during this period from approximately $10/ton to $6.35/ton currently. Stumpage prices of hardwood pulpwood in the southern region have increased slightly to $5.43/ton². Due to the low prices of small diameter timber, value added products need to be explored so that SDT harvesting is economically feasible. The combination of weak pulpwood markets and the lack of alternative markets for SDT have led to an increased supply of SDT. In Northern Mississippi it is estimated that timber growth in non-industrial private forests exceeds removals by 750,000 cords per year³. Currently there are few value added markets that can utilize the SDT resource (< 9-11” DBH). The objectives of this research were: 1) to explore existing products that can utilize SDT, 2) identify markets in Northern Mississippi that can utilize SDT and 3) identify the viable markets for SDT.
An Examination of Appalachian Forest Products Exports
Parsons, Brigitte A. (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-17)
The primary goal of this study was to identify value added export opportunities for the hardwood products manufacturing industry. By studying current industry practices and trends, we can better understand the opportunities hardwood lumber businesses have exploited in the past and could do so today. The study found that opportunities exist for businesses with the right initial mindset preparing them for exporting, the proper equipment, and the appropriate educational experience. Surveys of hardwood lumber manufacturers in 1989 and 2002 addressed similar objectives and helped better understand export participation of hardwood lumber manufacturers in the Appalachian Region. The objectives of this research project included determining current export experience, access and use of export development programs, key export markets, and mill production, marketing, equipment, personnel and other attributes of the region's hardwood lumber industry. Other objectives included determining if any significant changes in the region's hardwood industry had occurred, and in particular, what was mill export market experience in the past 15 years. The key was to identify key factors that lead to export marketing participation. This study showed that export market participation is growing as forest sector businesses consolidated during this period. Businesses were found to seek assistance from multiple government agencies, trade associations, and most importantly from their customers. While the largest export market continues to be Canada, little information is available on other businesses purchasing Appalachian hardwood lumber, indicating the need for more research on markets and their size. Important species for exporting are red oak, yellow-poplar, white oak, and maple, and higher grades of hardwood lumber continue to be the top three. Owning a kiln is essential to exporting, and having an above average size marketing staff was found to be helpful. The most important attribute of exporters is an open-minded management that sees the benefits of exporting.
Exports of U.S. Hardwood Products: Increasing Performance in Asia and Europe
Arias Blanco, Edgar (Virginia Tech, 2014-07-29)
The U.S. hardwood industry has traditionally depended on the domestic demand to sustain levels of production above 14 billion board feet per year. Because of the collapse of the U.S. housing market in 2009 and the economic recession that followed, the industry moved its sight to the international markets, as an opportunity to replace some lost demand, and pursue long term growth. Previous research on international marketing of hardwood products indicates that, there is a growing concern among U.S. companies to understand the main competitiveness factors in key markets such as Asia and Europe. Finding opportunities to add value to U.S. hardwood exports has been the goal of this research project. A case study and survey research were carried out among importers and exporters, whereby it was found that aspects related to price, quality and service, are critical in achieving competitive advantage. This motivated a study in demand and pricing management, which found that these tasks may be subject to innovation through optimization approaches.
Factors Behind Construction Companies' Purchasing Decisions of Wood Products and Insight into how Local (In-State) Wood Product Suppliers can have a Bigger Market Impact
Pomponi, Joseph Philip (Virginia Tech, 2021-01-12)
Companies in the construction industry have a wide range of choices of suppliers for the company's needs in building materials. Local (in-state) suppliers within key southern states have issues gaining market share within the construction sectors. Construction companies often outsource their purchase of wood products from a different state or country, which adversely affects the local economy due to not purchasing from in-state or local wood product suppliers. Construction companies are often not aware of local suppliers due to lack of resources or general lack of knowledge. The primary research question of this thesis is: can construction company procurement decisions and supplier selection methods help local wood product suppliers gain more market share within the construction industry? Companies within the states of Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia were interviewed over the phone and in person to determine how the companies choose the wood product suppliers and what factors impact the purchasing decisions. Key factors included: cost, quality, delivery, flexibility, location, relationship, and payment options. A survey of construction companies was created and conducted after the interviews were concluded. Important factors highlighted by the survey responses included: cost, quality, relationship, and lead time in choosing a supplier. Suppliers were asked to differentiate their products using information the construction companies highlighted as factors they emphasized. Construction companies offered insight into how they purchase wood products, the factors they desire in their suppliers, and how often they purchase in-state. In-state wood product suppliers have an opportunity to gain market share within the construction industry using the factors those construction companies favored in interviews and survey results.

Browsing by Author "Smith, Robert L."

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