International Timber Trade

Transcription

1 1 International Timber Trade (Semester 5 to 8) University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein Major International Timber Trade Description and organisation of the Major International Timber Trade

2 1. Introduction 2 Wood is a unique material with unique properties. Not only is it much in demand for its usefulness and its beauty, it is also the ultimately renewable resource no small advantage in a world whose population is still growing fast. Wood also represents a trade of enormous international scope and complexity. In fact, the flow of wood products is so great that it represents the world s second largest flow of goods one that involves long and complicated processes of transport, processing and manufacturing. Taken together, these factors represent a wealth of exciting international career opportunities in a sector that is in urgent need of skilled young people. This document describes the job opportunities and in brief the modules of the two-year international Bachelor course which is integrated within a four-year programme in Forest and Nature Management taught to Dutch students. It can also be attended as a top-up programme, or as part of another European Bachelor course. The objectives and topics of every course component and also information about the study material is given. In 2001, this education programme was initiated by University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein and the forest- and timber industry of the Netherlands. Recent developments concerning the globalisation of the world markets and the age distribution of the professionals with in the Dutch timber and forestry sector, (a high percentage of workers on management level are above 45 years of age) results in a need of well oriented international professionals. 2. Job profile description General characteristics of the profession Students who have successfully completed the programme International Timber Trade are working in the fields of purchasing/ selling and production of wood or wood based materials and the consultancy in certified wood products. Characterisation of companies for graduates: Large and semi large timber trade companies focused on the international market. Multinationals trading worldwide in timber products National and international timber producing companies Research and consultancy company in the field of certified timber Possible job-positions In the table shown below you can see the professional groups with the starting position: Professional group Starting position Purchasing Assistant purchaser Quality control Quality controller Product Product developer manufacturing Sales Salesman, assistant sales manager account manager Certification Assistant project manager

3 3 After a number of years graduates can develop in different ways to become specialists or generalists. Job opportunities are sales managers, purchasers, account managers or head of departments or companies. Recent developments At this moment there are a number of developments going on. A few of them are: Globalisation of markets of timber and timber products; Growing competition and cost-consciousness, decrease of margins (profit); Focus on efficiency in logistics, stock management, just in time (JIT) delivery; Increase in scale of companies; Continuing developments in ICT Certification of forests and chains because of growing awareness of the public. These developments ask for graduates who can develop themselves in a rapid way and have the skills to learn quickly. This means that graduates have to educate themselves also after graduation. The study International Timber Trade has been constructed in such a way that it tries to familiarize students with the most recent developments and provide them with skills to be able to handel the tasks they have to fulfil after graduation. Typical characteristics of the graduate General Graduates in International Timber Trade are going to work in the field of purchasing, selling, marketing and consultation of wood and wood based products. International Timber Traders have a broad background and distinguishes themselves in a thorough knowledge of timber and trade. He or she: has the skills to work in multi disciplinary teams. is able to manage a project and give support. works cost-consciously and is able to control costs. works pro-active and is able to seize opportunities. Overview of roles: Purchaser Seller Communication adviser Account manager Project manager Controller/Inspector Adviser Entrepreneur

4 Overview of professional tasks 4 Level of occupation: Graduates have to fulfil a number of tasks. They are expected to fulfil the below mentioned tasks within a period of one or two years after graduation. Logistics/ organisation: Purchasing of wood products Order management Stock control Management of flow of incoming goods Financial: Budget control Development of price lists and offers Administration of contracts Marketing/sales: Sales of wood products Advice and feasibility study of client requests Maintenance of client relations and searching for destinations for products within client groups Acquisition of new clients and projects. Placing orders of clients to strategic deliverers Informing clients on price and market developments Market study on prices of wood products Searching for new deliverers, products and sources Gathering information, analysing and ordering the information to set up a business plan or marketing plan Quality control and product development: Product development Quality control Policies and certification: Communicating environmental policies to employees and clients Bringing together supply and demand of certified wood products Counselling and offering guidance to companies who want to have COC certification Guidance of forest owners to FSC certification Informing and advising clients on the use of certified timber in orders

5 5 3. Overview of themes and credits (ECTS) The competencies of the profession that graduates are going to work in are translated into competencies of education. These competencies which consist of knowledge, skills and attitudes have been the foundation of the two-year study programme. Each part of the study-programme is necessary to prepare students for their future jobs. The third year comprises one term of lectures and practicals at the University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) at Skinnskatteberg in Sweden and a term of lectures and practicals at Larenstein s premises in Velp. After completing the first two terms the students will have a basic understanding of different aspects of trade (especially softwood production and trade) and a basic knowledge of wood science. The third term, which is spent doing an internship in the timber industry, represents the student s first opportunity to experience real working conditions within the sector. The Fourth term will also be spend on an internship for another company. The fourth year begins with a theme called the Businessman. This theme is split up in two parts. The 8 th semester is spent on preparing a thesis on a professional, industry-based subject. Below you see a schedule of the study programme. Year 3: Period Theme Credits Semester 5 International course marketing 25 of wood products (Sweden) Semester 5 Wood science and technology+ 5 Introduction in Dutch timber industry Semester 6 Internship 1 15 Semester 6 Internship Year 4: Period Theme Credits Semester 7 Business man 1 15 Semester 7 Business man 2 15 Semester 8 Final thesis 30 60

6 4. Course description 6 Semester 5 Marketing of woodproducts term 1 and 2 Module Code : ITT31MWP-M version: 1 25 credits Module coordinator : John Raggers, tel.: 95707, kamer A111, john.raggers@wur.nl. Entry requirements : At least 45 credits in the second year. Instructional formats: Instructions, consultations, coaching, excursions en guest lectures, formal lectures and seminars, teamwork. Competency : Entrepreneurship, level 3. The theme Marketing of wood products part 1 and 2 gives basic theoretical knowledge regarding wood material and wood products, marketing and selling of wood products in different stages of trade, as well as regarding laws and agreements in wood trade. Exercises in cooperation with enterprises are included. After the course the students shall have good knowledge about the relation between market demands and the different stages of production: forestindustry-market. After the course the students have knowledge of: marketing of wood and wood products in a domestic and international perspective; the connection between market requirements and the different stages of the production process: forestry industry market; legislation and agreements in trade of wood (incl. arbitration, contracts,negotiations and cultural aspects); wood properties of importance for the processing industry and the final wood usage (including technical and esthetical characteristics in comparison with alternative materials); Swedish wood from an ecological and environmental perspective; certification of forest management and wood processing; sustainable forest management and environmentally adapted silviculture and harvesting. Other information : The course will be given in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden. Evaluation scale : Modulegrades (whole grades) The timber branche, its science and technology term 1 and 2 major ITT Module Code : ITT31ST-M version: 1 5 credits Module coordinator : John Raggers, tel.: 95707, kamer A111, john.raggers@wur.nl. Entry requirements : At least 45 credits in the second year. Instructional formats: Classroom lectures. Guest lectures and discussions. Self-study and assignments (reading identifying wood samples presentation of selected publications individually or in groups). Excursion. Competency : Entrepreneurship, level 3. The course is divided into a theoretical and a practical part. The theoretical part consists of lectures and covers the study of the structure and chemical characteristics of wood, and their impact on wood processing and utilisation. Special attention is given to the effect of silviculture on wood quality, and to the study of biotic and abiotic factors which alter wood properties. Attention will also be paid to drying, gluing and painting of wood. During the course the student will get acquainted with physical and mechanical properties like density, swelling, moisture content, durability, toughness and breaking strength. After this theoretical part the students have knowledge of the physical and chemical

7 7 characteristics of wood and it s relation to different end-uses. The relationship between tree growth and the end-uses of wood is an important aspect of the course. The practical part consists of determining and identifying wood samples and a two days trip along several Dutch companies in the wood and timber sector. Evaluation scale : Modulegrades (whole grades) Semester 6 Practical Placement term 3 and 4 major ITT Module Code : BN32ST-M version 1 30 credits Module coordinator : Dick Timmerman, tel.: 95674, room B104, dick.timmerman@wur.nl Entry requirements : At least 60 credits in the second year Instructional formats: The practical period is split up in two parts, 12 and 11 weeks at two different timber trade companies of which at least one has to be in a country other the country of origin weeks duration. While abroad, the student is coached by a local supervisor. Communication with the Larenstein coach is maintained via . Competencies : Self-development. Social functioning in intercultural setting. Communicating in a foreign language. Conducting practical research. Designing and drafting plans. Assessed at level 3. Evaluation scale : Modulegrades (whole grades) Semester 7 Business man 1 term 1 major ITT Module Code : ITT41BM1-M version: 1 15 credits Module coordinator : John Raggers, tel.: 95707, room A111, john.raggers@wur.nl. Entry requirements : 60 credits in the third year. Instructional formats: Classroom lectures. Self-study and assignments (business plan, purchase assignments). Guest lectures and discussions. Excursions. Competency : Entrepreneurship, level 3. You have reached the final year of your Bachelor study. Many students start working in a purchasing or sales function within a timber trading company after their graduation. In the six months before your graduation you will be prepared for your first career. This means that after the six months, using the knowledge and skills you obtained in previous years, you will be ready to fulfil an operational management function within a timber trading company. This can be a purchase, sales, marketing, logistics or stock management function. You have gained sufficient competencies to work in any timber-related managing function. To examine if you are ready for your career, you have to set up a new timber trading company in The Netherlands which purchases its raw materials from abroad and sells its end-products on the European market. In this way you will be facing every aspect of the timber trade, from the trees in the forest to the final product for the customer. During the first term the focus lies more on the purchasing and importing activities of your

8 company. You will also receive thorough knowledge on the business aspects of financing your company and the utilisation of timber. Evaluation scale : Modulegrades (whole grades) 8 Business man 2 term 2 major ITT Module Code : ITT41BM2-M version: 1 15 credits Module coordinator : John Raggers, tel.: 95707, room A111, john.raggers@wur.nl. Entry requirements : 60 credits in the third year, Businessman part 1 Instructional formats: Classroom lectures. Self-study and assignments (business plan, debates in current important issues). Guest lectures and discussions. Excursion. Competency : Entrepreneurship, level 3. You have reached the last theoretical part of your Bachelor study. To examine if you are ready for your career, you have to set up a new timber trading company in The Netherlands which purchases its raw materials from abroad and sells its end-products on the European market. In this way you will be facing every aspect of the timber trade, from the trees in the forest to the final product for the customer. During the second term the focus lies more on the sales and marketing of your product. You have to complete your business plan and sales communication will be trained. Current important issues like illegal logging, sustainable forest management and risk management will be debated. Evaluation scale : Module grades (whole grades) Semester 8 Final thesis term 3 and 4 major ITT Module Code : ITT42FT-M version: 1 30 credits Module coordinator : John Raggers, tel.: 95707, room A111, john.raggers@wur.nl. Entry requirements : Instructional formats: Competencies : Whole study has to be completed before starting. The thesis research is planned and conducted within a continuous period of five months duration. The student plans and implements his research to a large degree independently. The thesis research can only be concluded successfully if the student proves to have obtained all seven core competencies. Self development (level 3). Social functioning, also in a different cultural setting (level 3). Communication, also in a foreign language (level 3). Entrepreneurship (level 3). Conduct practical research (level 2). Design forest nature management plans (level 2). Manage forest nature (level 2). The thesis research and graduation are the final elements of the major International Timber Trade and is one of the requirements to obtain the Bachelor degree. By planning and implementing their thesis research successfully, the students demonstrate that they are able to function at HBO-level in the professional domain for which they have been educated. The students show that they are able to analyse a complex problem, to formulate relevant research questions, to select and apply appropriate methods to conduct research, to

9 collect, order, analyse and interpret data, to draw conclusions and to formulate recommendations relevant to the problem(s) investigated. The thesis research is planned and conducted within a continuous period of five months duration and is concluded with a written thesis in English that is presented in a colloquium. In the colloquium the students present and defend their report, its contents, the activities carried out and the conclusions and recommendations arrived at. The thesis research project is subdivided in the following phases. Preliminaries selection of project and subject. Preparation and approval of proposal. Implementation and thesis writing. Approval of (draft) thesis. Colloquium assessment. Evaluation scale : Module grades (whole grades) 9