Socio-Economic Research Techniques in Non-Industrial Forestry

This paper examines some of the techniques which are applicable in socio-economic research in forestry, with particular emphasis on non-industrial forestry in a developing country context. A variety of quantitative techniques is found to have relevance. The techniques may be grouped as data collection and analysis, physical and financial modeling, valuation and reporting methods, and policy analysis. In general, social cost-benefit analysis provides an appropriate framework within which these techniques can be viewed. In some applications, alternative techniques are available, and factors influencing the appropriate choice can be identified

Forestry Applications of Linear Programming

Linear programming (LP) is a highly versatile mathematical optimization technique which has found wide use in management and economics. It is used both as a research technique and as a planning tool, particularly at the individual firm and industry level. In general, LP is designed to maximize or minimize a linear objective function subject to a set of linear constraints. Linear programming is one of a group of techniques which may be referred to as mathematical programming

Simulation Philosophy and Methods

In general, to 'simulate' means to mimic or capture the essence of something, without attaining reality. For management-oriented applications, the something is an identified system under the control of management - for example of a bioeconomic system - and the essence is captured by way of a symbolic or algebraic model. Simulation consists of the steps of developing the model to represent a real system, and then performing experiments using this model to predict how the real system would behave under a range of management policies. The objective of simulation may be to increase understanding of the behaviour of the system, or to compare various policies for management of the system. While many quantitative techniques take a well-recognized form, simulation differs in its great flexibility, variety of applications and variations in form. These features, while highly valuable for modelling complex systems, make this a difficult methodology to explain and to comprehend. In fact, simulation has been described as 'more art than science'. Proficiency with this technique cannot be gained easily in the classroom, but rather requires considerable practical experience. This module presents the basic concepts of simulation and the steps fundamental to simulation studies. The module first defines the nature of simulation and the philosophy behind this technique. Modelling concepts and elements of models are then discussed. The typical steps when using simulation are next outlined. A simple example of developing and applying a model is presented to aid discussion. Some comments are made about validation of simulation models and about design of simulation experiments

Report Writing and Publication Strategy

In an academic world, it is critical to develop a research 'track record', a key indicator of which is the publications list. This can influence job satisfaction, promotion opportunities, and success in obtaining grants and consultancies. Publications are probably the single most important means by which researchers in universities, colleges and research institutions are evaluated. Publishing research results sends a signal to potential research funders and employers that the researcher is capable of bringing a research project to a conclusion and can produce a tangible outcome. Peer review provides a critical validation of the research methods and findings. Publications are also a major element in the transfer of technology - such as new processes and new understanding of system behaviour and management techniques - to potential users. Particularly when grant funding has been obtained, publication is expected, and is the requirement for further funding. Writing papers is a critical task for researchers. Many people do excellent conceptualisation, literature reviews, statistical analysis and other research activities, but fail to document their findings in a non-perishable and widely available form. Some people are 'writerholics' who write through compulsion; others are strongly disinclined to 'put pen to paper' and will always find something else pressing to do rather than write up their research. Writing is to some extent a matter of habit. However, some tips can be given to improve writing skills. While success in research is to a large extent a matter of commitment and perseverance, a number of strategies may be employed to increase effectiveness. Different strategies work best for different people, but a number of observations may be made as to how to be more effective in this endeavor. This module examines various aspects writing up and publishing research findings. The observations made here represent to some extent the personal views and experiences of the authors, and are designed to provoke interest and discussion on research publication strategies

Introduction to Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and Financial Functions in Excel

The financial and economic analysis of investment projects is typically carried out using the technique of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. This module introduces concepts of discounting and DCF analysis for the derivation of project performance criteria such as net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit to cost (B/C) ratios. These concepts and criteria are introduced with respect to a simple example, for which calculations using MicroSoft Excel are demonstrated

Team Building, Grant Seeking and Project Administration

The various research techniques introduced in earlier modules need to be viewed in the broader context of how they will be supported and applied. Doing research is a little like running a business. No matter how good the ideas are and how technically proficient one might be at doing the job, the success of the business depends largely on the structures that are put into place to get the job done. To draw an analogy, doing research in isolation is the business equivalent of running a small manufacturing business as a sole trader. To expand the business beyond this one needs to work with or employ other people (i.e. build or join a team) and capital is needed to do this (i.e. research grants), and this capital needs to be used efficiently and effectively and in accordance with the guidelines of those people (c.f. banks) that provided it (i.e. project management). The researcher then needs to produce a product and sell this product into the market place to generate a return to the business (i.e. completing research and publishing it). This module discusses the issues of research team building, obtaining funds and subsequent project management. In the following module, issues associated with documenting and disseminating the research findings are discussed

Potential Economic Impact of Improving Returns to Smallholder Tree-Farmers In Leyte: A Cost Benefit Analysis of ACIAR Project ASEM/2003/052

This paper presents the results of a cost benefit analysis of the likely impact of ASEM/2003/052 Improving financial returns to smallholder tree farmers in the Philippines. Three main categories of project benefits are identified which coincide with short, medium and long term outcomes, namely: (1) improved returns to existing tree farmers from increased volume and quality of merchantable timber combined with higher stumpage prices flowing from improved market access; calculated to have a net present value of AU$2.4million, (2) improved returns to existing tree farmers from subsequent rotations of tree farms from increased volume and quality of merchantable timber from better management and prices, calculated to have a net present value of AU$3.9million, and (3) expansion of the area of tree farms planted due to the higher returns available, and attributable to, project outputs

Financial Analysis of Smallholder Forestry in Leyte: Past Findings and Present Information Needs

The objective of this research is to develop financial models for a number of exotic and indigenous tree species in Leyte, and hence to predict financial performance for these species, in the context of smallholder forestry on registered tree farms. A further objective is to estimate the net increase in financial returns which can be obtained from improved silviculture

Tree Planting Progress at Four Community Forestry Sites In Leyte: Some Observations and Lessons Learned

This paper critically reviews tree farming and community forestry in four municipalities in Leyte. It examines problems and issues experienced by the local people in communities with respect to forestry, and makes observations about the progress of tree planting in both community and farm forestry. Field visits and discussions with local people, Local Government Unit (LGU) officials and Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel were undertaken in each of the four sites. Some lessons are drawn and problems identified with respect to the development of community and farm forestry. Planting progress has been relatively slow at the four sites, and a number of difficulties have been apparent in relation to physical stand performance and property rights of growers. The importance of organizational assistance, livelihood support and availability of seedlings of suitable species is apparent. Regardless of the difficulties, a high level of enthusiasm exists for forestry projects, and the potential community benefits are considerable

Project Planning Workshop Overview and Objectives

This paper presents an overview of the project planning workshop. The aims of the workshop were to update team members on the final project document approved by ACIAR and to present the broad outline of project activities; gain an appreciation of the potential for using existing tree farms as a core part of project activities (through site visits); present detailed plans for each project activity; and plan in detail the implementation of project activities including scheduling of data collection and identification of required resources. The workshop program consisted of a combination of field visits, formal presentations and formal and informal discussions about project implementation. Overall the project planning workshop was viewed as being an outstanding success