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Forest Product Market

Course developer

Replaced course

MežZB013 [GMEZB013] Forest Product Market

Course abstract

Basics of marketing. Specifics of forest products markets and marketing. Marketing functions and communications. Marketing research and market information systems. Marketing strategies and market analysis. Marketing structures and channels. Designing a marketing plan. Forest products markets: situation, problems and possible solutions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After learning the course, we are able to recognize contemporary marketing elements in the context of global forest production markets – the 1st Test;
Collect and use market information (Practical Works), draw up market reports in the field of forest sector production market – 2nd Test;
Observe and analyse continuous changes in the global forest industry production market - Workshop.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Wood product markets and their characteristics. Demand and supply. External trade. (Lecture 2 h)
2. Market types, marketing channels and use in the forest sector, wood product markets. Practical work. Laboratory work. (Lecture 2h + Practical work 2h)
3. Market incentive mechanisms and communications. (Lecture 2 h)
4. Product characteristics, supply chains. The importance of logistics. Practical work. Laboratory work. (Lecture 2h + Practical work 2h)
5. Research and market information systems. (Lecture 2 h)
6. Sources of market sourcing information. Practical work. Laboratory work. (Lecture 2h + Practical work 2h)
7. Market valuation methods. SVID and other methods. Practical work. Laboratory work. (Lecture 2h + Practical work 2h)
1st Test
8. Market strategy and strategic planning. Practical work. Laboratory work. (Lecture 2 h)
9. Market analysis. (Lecture 2 h)
10. Market incentive mechanisms and new tools. Laboratory work. (Lecture 2 h)
11. Development of the market report. Practical work. Laboratory work. (Lecture 2 h)
12. International market for woodlands and timber. (Lecture 2h + Practical work 2h)
13. Latvian forest materials and timber markets. (Lecture 2h + Practical work 2h)
14. Communication role in the forest sector. Sector cluster. Laboratory work. (Lecture 2h + Practical work 2h)
2nd Test
15. Presenting the market report. (Workshop 4h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

To obtain offsets showing learning course learning:
• participate in the lessons;
• an overview of the market for the current problems of the external and internal markets of Latvia's forest sector should be independently written;
• tests and practical jobs must be successfully arranged.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Prepare for tests, practical work and workshop lessons independently.
For the workshop lessons must independently write a market overview of the current problems of the external and internal markets of the Latvian forest sector, and prepare a presentation that will be assessed following a previously established methodology.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of knowledge, skills and competence takes place on a 10-grade scale. An oral or written answer shall be successful if at least 50% of the questions has been answered correctly.
The course assessment consists of a cumulative assessment of 2 tests (each 30 %), practical work and workshop activities (total 40 %).

Compulsory reading

1. Jobber D. Principles and Practice of Marketing. London, UK: McGraw-Hill International, 1995.
2. Kotler P. Marketing Management. London, England: Prentice-Hall International, Inc., 2000.
3. Hansen E. J. H. Strategic Marketing in the Global Forest Products Industries. Corvallis, OR, USA: Academic Press. 2003.

Further reading

1. WWW websites of companies and organizations in the forest industry and wood processing sector (FAO, EFI, FFIF, TRADA, Ministry of Agriculture, CSB, Eurostat, etc.)

Periodicals and other sources

2. Timber Trade Journal. ISSN 1740-701X. Pieejams: http://www.ttjonline.com
3. Holz-Zentralblatt. ISSN: 0018-3792. Pieejams: http://www.holz-zentralblatt.com.

Notes

For academic bachelor study program “Sustainable forestry” students