Hrčak Portal of scientific journals of Croatia (University Computing Centre), Jun 24, 2013
Processing of wood and manufacture of wood and cork products, excluding furniture, manufacture of... more Processing of wood and manufacture of wood and cork products, excluding furniture, manufacture of straw and plaiting goods (C16) and manufacture of furniture (C31) were the most competitive activities of the Republic of Croatia in the European market in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Those activities began losing their market share at the end of 1994, and no signifi cant positive change in market competitiveness has been recorded since then. The question is how to achieve and maintain competitiveness, which is the condition of survival in an increasingly demanding environment. Preliminary and previous research on investments points to the assumption that the problem of competitiveness in the observed economic branch essentially boils down to a problem in the quality and effi ciency of the investments of associated business entities. This paper tries to give answers to the following questions: What is the investment policy, is there an internal factor for lagging behind in competitiveness, what the other reasons are and how competitiveness can be achieved. By analyzing the investment in key factors of competitiveness in the period 2007 to 2010, consistently established by this paper, the existing data on investment of wood processing and furniture manufacturing entities will be identifi ed, and an AHP investment model will be proposed that takes into account the simultaneous infl uence of all of the key factors of competitiveness and is the best indicator of the direction to be taken, with the fi nal aim of achieving competitiveness.
Processing of wood and manufacture of wood and cork products, excluding furniture, manufacture of... more Processing of wood and manufacture of wood and cork products, excluding furniture, manufacture of straw and plaiting goods (C16) and manufacture of furniture (C31) were the most competitive activities of the Republic of Croatia in the European market in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Those activities began losing their market share at the end of 1994, and no signifi cant positive change in market competitiveness has been recorded since then. The question is how to achieve and maintain competitiveness, which is the condition of survival in an increasingly demanding environment. Preliminary and previous research on investments points to the assumption that the problem of competitiveness in the observed economic branch essentially boils down to a problem in the quality and effi ciency of the investments of associated business entities. This paper tries to give answers to the following questions: What is the investment policy, is there an internal factor for lagging behind in competitiveness, what the other reasons are and how competitiveness can be achieved. By analyzing the investment in key factors of competitiveness in the period 2007 to 2010, consistently established by this paper, the existing data on investment of wood processing and furniture manufacturing entities will be identifi ed, and an AHP investment model will be proposed that takes into account the simultaneous infl uence of all of the key factors of competitiveness and is the best indicator of the direction to be taken, with the fi nal aim of achieving competitiveness.
Decisions for environment-friendly production and environmentally acceptable products are becomin... more Decisions for environment-friendly production and environmentally acceptable products are becoming a necessity and one of very important objectives of timber companies next to already existing economic criteria. Individual products and their manufacture have different infl uences on the pollution of the environment. Therefore it is necessary to determine the ecological quality of individual products, which means analyzing their ecological suitability during their life cycle. In our research we developed the methodology for establishing the ecological quality of furniture, based on three scientifi c methods: the method of life cycle analysis, ABC analysis, modifi ed for our case, and the multi-criteria decision-making method. We analyzed the ecological quality of three kitchens of a well-known manufacturer. The results of the research are the basis for developing an optimal business strategy from the viewpoint of determining a production assortment. The used methodology is also suitable for studying other furniture products and for accepting optimal environmentally acceptable decisions in wood companies.
Drvna industrija : Znanstveni časopis za pitanja drvne tehnologije, Jul 13, 2007
SA@ETAK • Razvoj suvremenih tehnologija i uvo|enje visokog stupnja automatizacije proizvodne opre... more SA@ETAK • Razvoj suvremenih tehnologija i uvo|enje visokog stupnja automatizacije proizvodne opreme, od nu-meri~ki upravljanih strojeva preko obradnih centara do fleksibilnih tehnolo{kih linija, s ve} realiziranim rje{enjima automatiziranih tvornica, pridonio je porastu zna~enja funkcije upravljanja proizvodnjom. S obzirom na to da se dio dosada{njih, isklju~ivo proizvodnih funkcija (davanje naloga za po~etak rada, provjera mjere i odabir po~etnih prametara, uklju~ivanje i izbor glavnih i pomo}nih zahvata, a time i re`ima obrade i sl.) prenosi i rje{ava u funkciji upravljanja proizvodnjom i poslovanjem, sve je ve}e zna~enje upravljanja proizvodnjom i njezin utjecaj na djelotvornost proizvodnje i poslovanja tvrtke za preradu drva i proizvodnju namje{taja. Sve to poti~e na nov pristup u upravljanju proizvodnjom i poslovanjem s drvom: sustavni pristup, sustavna potpora odlu~ivanju, ekspertni sustavi, heuristika, neuralne mre`e, logisti~ko progmiranje, modeliranje za u~enje, simuliranje, teorija kaosa te informacijski sustavi podr`ani softverskim paketima za pove}anje djelotvornosti pojedinih funkcija ra~unalom integrirane proizvodnje. Upotrebljivi zajedni~ki imenitelj je umjetna inteligencija. Koncepcijama je zajedni~ko da se na temelju sposobnosti razumijevanja, zaklju~ivanja, u~enja, primjene znanja i informacijskih tehnologija, opa`anja i prepoznavanja doga|aja i objekata mogu koristiti u smislu savjetodavne inteligentne potpore procesima odlu~ivanja i upravljanja. Te se koncepcije me|usobno dopunjuju i ~ine op}u logisti~ku koncepciju, koja u preradi drva i proizvodnji namje{taja mo`e poprimiti razli~ite oblike, od tzv. smisao-znanje tehnologije do informacijske tehnologije, bez obzira na to o kakvoj je koncepciji rije~. Ona mora davati suvisle odgovore te rje{avati situacije u opsegu u kojemu smo je opskrbili znanjem o proizvodnji i poslovanju tvrtke za preradu drva i proizvodnju nam-je{taja. Takvo savjetodavno svojstvo prikazanih koncepcija ~vrst je oslonac u okolini koja zbunjuje. Klju~ne rije~i: prerada drva i proizvodnja namje{taja, umjetna inteligencija, ekspertni sustavi, sustavi za potporu odlu~ivanju, inteligentni proizvodni sustavi ABSTRACT • The development of modern technologies with high-tech automated equipment, such as numerically controlled machines, processing centres, or flexible technological lines, with already realised solutions of automated factories, has contributed to increased significance of the production management function. Considering that DRVNA INDUSTRIJA 58 (2) 77-87 (2007) 77
This paper deals with the operational efficiency of companies engaged in the production of wooden... more This paper deals with the operational efficiency of companies engaged in the production of wooden chairs using selected statistical and DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) methods. Indicators that typically characterise the supply chain in the production of selected companies were taken as input and output variables for the DEA method. They included three input variables: inventories, material costs and production services costs and one output variable: company’s net profit. The obtained coefficients of correlation pointed to a high degree of correlation between the variables, which justified the performance of an efficiency analysis using the DEA method. The study included 12 companies engaged in the production of wooden chairs. The results of the conducted analyses show that only one company had a relatively satisfactory operational efficiency (efficiency coefficient of 0.83) for the nine-year period. All other companies, especially micro and small enterprises, had unsatisfactorily lo...
Selected South-Eastern European countries (SEEC - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Monte... more Selected South-Eastern European countries (SEEC - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia) represent significant producers and exporters of wood flooring in Europe. In 2018, 9.4 % of Europe’s wood flooring production originated from this region. The region is a net exporter of wood flooring since it exports over 50 % of total production. The most important market for the export of wood flooring is the European Union with a share of over 60 % in total exports. Trends in this market are important for manufacturers and exporters from the region. Therefore, the analysis of the impact of the European Union imports on wood flooring production in the SEEC was conducted by application of econometric modelling. The parameters of the obtained model show that the increase of approximately 0.75 % could be expected in the production of wood flooring in selected South-Eastern European countries for each precentral increase in the European Union i...
Companies that cannot predict business forecasts for their sales always fi nd themselves in ambig... more Companies that cannot predict business forecasts for their sales always fi nd themselves in ambiguity. In this research we analyzed two quantitative methods that gave the best results for forecasting the sales: Holt-Winters method of exponent smoothing of higher orders and linear regression of the 1st order. The data for the implementation of these two methods were obtained in a wood company that deals with parquet sales. The data were gathered for parquet sales by month in the years 2000 to 2009. The calculations of sales forecasts enabled to compare both methods. On the basis of smaller deviations from data obtained, we determined the most appropriate method. We received the best result with the use of Holt-Winters multiplicative model of exponent smoothing of higher orders. Thus, according to this research, this method should be used for further forecasting of parquet sales in the analyzed wood company.
The aim of our research was to analyze the cooperation of furniture industry and designers in pro... more The aim of our research was to analyze the cooperation of furniture industry and designers in product development process. The results indicate the diffi culties of and impediments to such cooperation. SWOT analysis was used for analyzing the strengths and opportunities as well threats and weaknesses of cooperation of furniture industry with designers in product development process. The leading management of furniture companies and designers indentifi ed greater creativity (more innovative solutions), better design and more fresh ideas as the highest strength and opportunity of cooperation.
Energy from renewable sources is globally a very important issue. In order to reduce pollution an... more Energy from renewable sources is globally a very important issue. In order to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, many countries enact laws for enhancing the consumption of renewable energy sources. Sooner or later traditional non-renewable energy sources would have to be replaced with alternative energy sources that are already used in developed countries. According to the European Commission (2018), the EU is already a global leader in the sustainable use of natural resources within an efficient bio-economy. The wood pellet industry is becoming more important and the use of wood pellets is increasing as one of the most important contributors to the renewable energy goals of the EU. Wood pellet is an environmentally acceptable product and its production contributes to desirable rural development and sustainable approach to the management of timber resources. This paper focuses on the market of wood pellets used for heating, pinpointing differences in consumers point of v...
In the last decade, the Slovenian furniture industry market has experienced a number of changes, ... more In the last decade, the Slovenian furniture industry market has experienced a number of changes, especially with the arrival of new retailers on the market. The situation is such that furniture manufacturers and retailers are still trying to determine the best ways to adjust to new customer demands. A well known thing is that customer satisfaction is the key component for the success of the business. In order for companies to be more successful, it is important to get better insight into customers’ needs and wants. In line with this, the purpose of this study, which compare the surveys conducted in 2010 and 2019, was to observe and analyse changes in the preferences of customers for furniture: materials, attributes, and styles when deciding on new furniture in Slovenia. The results of this research showed that customers’ preferences for furniture materials have changed in the last decade. Similarly, the factors that influence their purchase decisions when buying interior and exterio...
In a market environment where changes are constant, understanding customer buying behaviour is cr... more In a market environment where changes are constant, understanding customer buying behaviour is crucial for companies in order to operate both successfully and effectively. We analysed how different age groups and net monthly incomes per household influence consumer decisions in Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia in the case of furniture purchases, when the three main factors are material, price and service. Each factor was further divided into three levels. In the case of material, the respondents could choose between solid wood, chipboard and fibreboard or other materials. In the case of price, they could choose between a low, middle or high price range, and in the case of services, they could choose between pre-sales, sales and after-sales services. With conjoint analysis, we analysed the markets in Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia. The important differences in consumer buying behaviour in these three countries were discovered. The results of the research will serve as a useful basis for wo...
identify difficulties in existing certified wood product supply chains. Results indicate that res... more identify difficulties in existing certified wood product supply chains. Results indicate that respondents demonstrated a high level of understanding of the chain of custody certification concept. Respondents also link forest certification mainly to the issues of legality, tracing the origin source of supply and prevention from illegal logging. The main expected benefits are linked to the improvement of external company image followed by business performance factors such as penetrating new markets, increase of sales volume, expanded market share and the increase of profit margin. The key problems connected to certified supply chains relate to the overpricing of certified material inputs, while respondents reported none or minimum price premiums for their certified products over non-certified alternatives.
There are not many wooden products that consumers would buy on pure impulse. Their decision regar... more There are not many wooden products that consumers would buy on pure impulse. Their decision regarding the purchase of a product normally undergoes a process of consideration -the more expensive the product, the more thorough the consideration. The consumer buying decision process consists of fi ve stages: need recognition, search for information, alternatives evaluation, purchase decision and post-purchase behaviour. A company must establish what is important for consumers in each stage of this process. On the basis of these fi ndings, the company must defi ne the measures to infl uence consumers in individual phases. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process was used to analyse the buying behaviour of potential furniture buyers. Slovenian and Croatian marketing experts were asked about the habits, requests and needs of furniture buyers. The results of the research can serve as useful information for companies producing wooden products in the formulation of successful marketing strategies.
The paper shows research results for the consumption of all types of wood fuels in the households... more The paper shows research results for the consumption of all types of wood fuels in the households in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its entities in 2015. The research was conducted in the period from March 15th to August 26th, 2016 in 109 cities/municipalities in the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina. Complex methodological approach was used for conducting the research, which required field research on the sample of 8,602 households on the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as adequate statistical processing of the obtained data pursuant to the high statistical standards. Research results show that in 2015, 5.4 million m3 of firewood, 81,656 tones of wood pellets, and 6,780 tones of wood briquettes were consumed in the households in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Total expenses of households necessary for the supply of wood fuels in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2015 were 239.8 M?, with the largest share of firewood (226.8 M?), followed by wood pellets (11.6 M?), and wood briquettes (7...
When timber companies make decisions about advertising, many of them choose radio advertising ins... more When timber companies make decisions about advertising, many of them choose radio advertising instead of television advertising, because it is less expensive. Companies should prepare advertisements that consumers will fi nd attractive and appealing. To achieve this, they must take into account a number of criteria, as well as the fact that some of them are more important than the others. In this paper, the AHP analysis was used to determine the opinion of market professionals about the importance of criteria in radio advertising of timber products. Based on the results, a model for evaluating radio advertisements was developed and tested with random respondents, who evaluated a sample radio advertisement of timber companies.
Structural glued laminated timber (glulam) is an engineered, stress-rated product that consists o... more Structural glued laminated timber (glulam) is an engineered, stress-rated product that consists of two or more layers of lumber (i.e., laminations) glued together with the grain running lengthwise. This article discusses typical shapes and sizes of glulam construction elements and static systems. This paper presents special stress conditions in the apex area of double-tapered beams with varying cross-section, curved and pitched-cambered beams. The results (tensile stresses perpendicular to the grain) obtained by the SAP2000 computer program are shown. In many cases these stresses are the crucial parameter that determines the size of the beam in the apex area. The article discusses the most typical application of glulam elements and analyses its production and use in Slovenia and other EU member states. The study seeks to identify opportunities for increased use of glulam construction in Slovenia.
The strength of joints with a wooden ring, which are protected by international patent was compar... more The strength of joints with a wooden ring, which are protected by international patent was compared with the strength of tenon and dowel joints, and consequently the applicability and suitability for producing such window frames was established. The strength of different implementations of angular joints of window profiles was tested on a tensile-testing machine. It was established that the average ultimate strength of joints with a wooden ring was higher than the ultimate strength of tenon joints, which was chosen as an upper reference limit.
This paper is the continuation of the presentation of results obtained in comprehensive researche... more This paper is the continuation of the presentation of results obtained in comprehensive researches of woody biomass consumption in Serbia conducted as a part of the TCP/FAO project ?Wood energy for sustainable rural development?. The previous paper (No. 3, 2011) showed results of wood fuels consumption for households heating and this paper shows their consumption for the needs of industry, commercial and public facilities. Research results show that total consumption of woody biomass in Serbia in 2010 was 7.41 million m3, out of which 7.03 million m3 was in the form of roundwood and 0.38 million m3 was in the form of wood residue from industry. The biggest consumers of woody biomass (roundwood, chips, residues) are households with the participation of 86.54%, followed by the production of wood-based panels with 4.47% and energy production for own purposes of wood processing companies with 2.96%. Compared to the officially registered consumption in energy balance in the amount of 0.2...
Hrčak Portal of scientific journals of Croatia (University Computing Centre), Jun 24, 2013
Processing of wood and manufacture of wood and cork products, excluding furniture, manufacture of... more Processing of wood and manufacture of wood and cork products, excluding furniture, manufacture of straw and plaiting goods (C16) and manufacture of furniture (C31) were the most competitive activities of the Republic of Croatia in the European market in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Those activities began losing their market share at the end of 1994, and no signifi cant positive change in market competitiveness has been recorded since then. The question is how to achieve and maintain competitiveness, which is the condition of survival in an increasingly demanding environment. Preliminary and previous research on investments points to the assumption that the problem of competitiveness in the observed economic branch essentially boils down to a problem in the quality and effi ciency of the investments of associated business entities. This paper tries to give answers to the following questions: What is the investment policy, is there an internal factor for lagging behind in competitiveness, what the other reasons are and how competitiveness can be achieved. By analyzing the investment in key factors of competitiveness in the period 2007 to 2010, consistently established by this paper, the existing data on investment of wood processing and furniture manufacturing entities will be identifi ed, and an AHP investment model will be proposed that takes into account the simultaneous infl uence of all of the key factors of competitiveness and is the best indicator of the direction to be taken, with the fi nal aim of achieving competitiveness.
Processing of wood and manufacture of wood and cork products, excluding furniture, manufacture of... more Processing of wood and manufacture of wood and cork products, excluding furniture, manufacture of straw and plaiting goods (C16) and manufacture of furniture (C31) were the most competitive activities of the Republic of Croatia in the European market in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Those activities began losing their market share at the end of 1994, and no signifi cant positive change in market competitiveness has been recorded since then. The question is how to achieve and maintain competitiveness, which is the condition of survival in an increasingly demanding environment. Preliminary and previous research on investments points to the assumption that the problem of competitiveness in the observed economic branch essentially boils down to a problem in the quality and effi ciency of the investments of associated business entities. This paper tries to give answers to the following questions: What is the investment policy, is there an internal factor for lagging behind in competitiveness, what the other reasons are and how competitiveness can be achieved. By analyzing the investment in key factors of competitiveness in the period 2007 to 2010, consistently established by this paper, the existing data on investment of wood processing and furniture manufacturing entities will be identifi ed, and an AHP investment model will be proposed that takes into account the simultaneous infl uence of all of the key factors of competitiveness and is the best indicator of the direction to be taken, with the fi nal aim of achieving competitiveness.
Decisions for environment-friendly production and environmentally acceptable products are becomin... more Decisions for environment-friendly production and environmentally acceptable products are becoming a necessity and one of very important objectives of timber companies next to already existing economic criteria. Individual products and their manufacture have different infl uences on the pollution of the environment. Therefore it is necessary to determine the ecological quality of individual products, which means analyzing their ecological suitability during their life cycle. In our research we developed the methodology for establishing the ecological quality of furniture, based on three scientifi c methods: the method of life cycle analysis, ABC analysis, modifi ed for our case, and the multi-criteria decision-making method. We analyzed the ecological quality of three kitchens of a well-known manufacturer. The results of the research are the basis for developing an optimal business strategy from the viewpoint of determining a production assortment. The used methodology is also suitable for studying other furniture products and for accepting optimal environmentally acceptable decisions in wood companies.
Drvna industrija : Znanstveni časopis za pitanja drvne tehnologije, Jul 13, 2007
SA@ETAK • Razvoj suvremenih tehnologija i uvo|enje visokog stupnja automatizacije proizvodne opre... more SA@ETAK • Razvoj suvremenih tehnologija i uvo|enje visokog stupnja automatizacije proizvodne opreme, od nu-meri~ki upravljanih strojeva preko obradnih centara do fleksibilnih tehnolo{kih linija, s ve} realiziranim rje{enjima automatiziranih tvornica, pridonio je porastu zna~enja funkcije upravljanja proizvodnjom. S obzirom na to da se dio dosada{njih, isklju~ivo proizvodnih funkcija (davanje naloga za po~etak rada, provjera mjere i odabir po~etnih prametara, uklju~ivanje i izbor glavnih i pomo}nih zahvata, a time i re`ima obrade i sl.) prenosi i rje{ava u funkciji upravljanja proizvodnjom i poslovanjem, sve je ve}e zna~enje upravljanja proizvodnjom i njezin utjecaj na djelotvornost proizvodnje i poslovanja tvrtke za preradu drva i proizvodnju namje{taja. Sve to poti~e na nov pristup u upravljanju proizvodnjom i poslovanjem s drvom: sustavni pristup, sustavna potpora odlu~ivanju, ekspertni sustavi, heuristika, neuralne mre`e, logisti~ko progmiranje, modeliranje za u~enje, simuliranje, teorija kaosa te informacijski sustavi podr`ani softverskim paketima za pove}anje djelotvornosti pojedinih funkcija ra~unalom integrirane proizvodnje. Upotrebljivi zajedni~ki imenitelj je umjetna inteligencija. Koncepcijama je zajedni~ko da se na temelju sposobnosti razumijevanja, zaklju~ivanja, u~enja, primjene znanja i informacijskih tehnologija, opa`anja i prepoznavanja doga|aja i objekata mogu koristiti u smislu savjetodavne inteligentne potpore procesima odlu~ivanja i upravljanja. Te se koncepcije me|usobno dopunjuju i ~ine op}u logisti~ku koncepciju, koja u preradi drva i proizvodnji namje{taja mo`e poprimiti razli~ite oblike, od tzv. smisao-znanje tehnologije do informacijske tehnologije, bez obzira na to o kakvoj je koncepciji rije~. Ona mora davati suvisle odgovore te rje{avati situacije u opsegu u kojemu smo je opskrbili znanjem o proizvodnji i poslovanju tvrtke za preradu drva i proizvodnju nam-je{taja. Takvo savjetodavno svojstvo prikazanih koncepcija ~vrst je oslonac u okolini koja zbunjuje. Klju~ne rije~i: prerada drva i proizvodnja namje{taja, umjetna inteligencija, ekspertni sustavi, sustavi za potporu odlu~ivanju, inteligentni proizvodni sustavi ABSTRACT • The development of modern technologies with high-tech automated equipment, such as numerically controlled machines, processing centres, or flexible technological lines, with already realised solutions of automated factories, has contributed to increased significance of the production management function. Considering that DRVNA INDUSTRIJA 58 (2) 77-87 (2007) 77
This paper deals with the operational efficiency of companies engaged in the production of wooden... more This paper deals with the operational efficiency of companies engaged in the production of wooden chairs using selected statistical and DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) methods. Indicators that typically characterise the supply chain in the production of selected companies were taken as input and output variables for the DEA method. They included three input variables: inventories, material costs and production services costs and one output variable: company’s net profit. The obtained coefficients of correlation pointed to a high degree of correlation between the variables, which justified the performance of an efficiency analysis using the DEA method. The study included 12 companies engaged in the production of wooden chairs. The results of the conducted analyses show that only one company had a relatively satisfactory operational efficiency (efficiency coefficient of 0.83) for the nine-year period. All other companies, especially micro and small enterprises, had unsatisfactorily lo...
Selected South-Eastern European countries (SEEC - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Monte... more Selected South-Eastern European countries (SEEC - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia) represent significant producers and exporters of wood flooring in Europe. In 2018, 9.4 % of Europe’s wood flooring production originated from this region. The region is a net exporter of wood flooring since it exports over 50 % of total production. The most important market for the export of wood flooring is the European Union with a share of over 60 % in total exports. Trends in this market are important for manufacturers and exporters from the region. Therefore, the analysis of the impact of the European Union imports on wood flooring production in the SEEC was conducted by application of econometric modelling. The parameters of the obtained model show that the increase of approximately 0.75 % could be expected in the production of wood flooring in selected South-Eastern European countries for each precentral increase in the European Union i...
Companies that cannot predict business forecasts for their sales always fi nd themselves in ambig... more Companies that cannot predict business forecasts for their sales always fi nd themselves in ambiguity. In this research we analyzed two quantitative methods that gave the best results for forecasting the sales: Holt-Winters method of exponent smoothing of higher orders and linear regression of the 1st order. The data for the implementation of these two methods were obtained in a wood company that deals with parquet sales. The data were gathered for parquet sales by month in the years 2000 to 2009. The calculations of sales forecasts enabled to compare both methods. On the basis of smaller deviations from data obtained, we determined the most appropriate method. We received the best result with the use of Holt-Winters multiplicative model of exponent smoothing of higher orders. Thus, according to this research, this method should be used for further forecasting of parquet sales in the analyzed wood company.
The aim of our research was to analyze the cooperation of furniture industry and designers in pro... more The aim of our research was to analyze the cooperation of furniture industry and designers in product development process. The results indicate the diffi culties of and impediments to such cooperation. SWOT analysis was used for analyzing the strengths and opportunities as well threats and weaknesses of cooperation of furniture industry with designers in product development process. The leading management of furniture companies and designers indentifi ed greater creativity (more innovative solutions), better design and more fresh ideas as the highest strength and opportunity of cooperation.
Energy from renewable sources is globally a very important issue. In order to reduce pollution an... more Energy from renewable sources is globally a very important issue. In order to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, many countries enact laws for enhancing the consumption of renewable energy sources. Sooner or later traditional non-renewable energy sources would have to be replaced with alternative energy sources that are already used in developed countries. According to the European Commission (2018), the EU is already a global leader in the sustainable use of natural resources within an efficient bio-economy. The wood pellet industry is becoming more important and the use of wood pellets is increasing as one of the most important contributors to the renewable energy goals of the EU. Wood pellet is an environmentally acceptable product and its production contributes to desirable rural development and sustainable approach to the management of timber resources. This paper focuses on the market of wood pellets used for heating, pinpointing differences in consumers point of v...
In the last decade, the Slovenian furniture industry market has experienced a number of changes, ... more In the last decade, the Slovenian furniture industry market has experienced a number of changes, especially with the arrival of new retailers on the market. The situation is such that furniture manufacturers and retailers are still trying to determine the best ways to adjust to new customer demands. A well known thing is that customer satisfaction is the key component for the success of the business. In order for companies to be more successful, it is important to get better insight into customers’ needs and wants. In line with this, the purpose of this study, which compare the surveys conducted in 2010 and 2019, was to observe and analyse changes in the preferences of customers for furniture: materials, attributes, and styles when deciding on new furniture in Slovenia. The results of this research showed that customers’ preferences for furniture materials have changed in the last decade. Similarly, the factors that influence their purchase decisions when buying interior and exterio...
In a market environment where changes are constant, understanding customer buying behaviour is cr... more In a market environment where changes are constant, understanding customer buying behaviour is crucial for companies in order to operate both successfully and effectively. We analysed how different age groups and net monthly incomes per household influence consumer decisions in Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia in the case of furniture purchases, when the three main factors are material, price and service. Each factor was further divided into three levels. In the case of material, the respondents could choose between solid wood, chipboard and fibreboard or other materials. In the case of price, they could choose between a low, middle or high price range, and in the case of services, they could choose between pre-sales, sales and after-sales services. With conjoint analysis, we analysed the markets in Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia. The important differences in consumer buying behaviour in these three countries were discovered. The results of the research will serve as a useful basis for wo...
identify difficulties in existing certified wood product supply chains. Results indicate that res... more identify difficulties in existing certified wood product supply chains. Results indicate that respondents demonstrated a high level of understanding of the chain of custody certification concept. Respondents also link forest certification mainly to the issues of legality, tracing the origin source of supply and prevention from illegal logging. The main expected benefits are linked to the improvement of external company image followed by business performance factors such as penetrating new markets, increase of sales volume, expanded market share and the increase of profit margin. The key problems connected to certified supply chains relate to the overpricing of certified material inputs, while respondents reported none or minimum price premiums for their certified products over non-certified alternatives.
There are not many wooden products that consumers would buy on pure impulse. Their decision regar... more There are not many wooden products that consumers would buy on pure impulse. Their decision regarding the purchase of a product normally undergoes a process of consideration -the more expensive the product, the more thorough the consideration. The consumer buying decision process consists of fi ve stages: need recognition, search for information, alternatives evaluation, purchase decision and post-purchase behaviour. A company must establish what is important for consumers in each stage of this process. On the basis of these fi ndings, the company must defi ne the measures to infl uence consumers in individual phases. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process was used to analyse the buying behaviour of potential furniture buyers. Slovenian and Croatian marketing experts were asked about the habits, requests and needs of furniture buyers. The results of the research can serve as useful information for companies producing wooden products in the formulation of successful marketing strategies.
The paper shows research results for the consumption of all types of wood fuels in the households... more The paper shows research results for the consumption of all types of wood fuels in the households in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its entities in 2015. The research was conducted in the period from March 15th to August 26th, 2016 in 109 cities/municipalities in the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina. Complex methodological approach was used for conducting the research, which required field research on the sample of 8,602 households on the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as adequate statistical processing of the obtained data pursuant to the high statistical standards. Research results show that in 2015, 5.4 million m3 of firewood, 81,656 tones of wood pellets, and 6,780 tones of wood briquettes were consumed in the households in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Total expenses of households necessary for the supply of wood fuels in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2015 were 239.8 M?, with the largest share of firewood (226.8 M?), followed by wood pellets (11.6 M?), and wood briquettes (7...
When timber companies make decisions about advertising, many of them choose radio advertising ins... more When timber companies make decisions about advertising, many of them choose radio advertising instead of television advertising, because it is less expensive. Companies should prepare advertisements that consumers will fi nd attractive and appealing. To achieve this, they must take into account a number of criteria, as well as the fact that some of them are more important than the others. In this paper, the AHP analysis was used to determine the opinion of market professionals about the importance of criteria in radio advertising of timber products. Based on the results, a model for evaluating radio advertisements was developed and tested with random respondents, who evaluated a sample radio advertisement of timber companies.
Structural glued laminated timber (glulam) is an engineered, stress-rated product that consists o... more Structural glued laminated timber (glulam) is an engineered, stress-rated product that consists of two or more layers of lumber (i.e., laminations) glued together with the grain running lengthwise. This article discusses typical shapes and sizes of glulam construction elements and static systems. This paper presents special stress conditions in the apex area of double-tapered beams with varying cross-section, curved and pitched-cambered beams. The results (tensile stresses perpendicular to the grain) obtained by the SAP2000 computer program are shown. In many cases these stresses are the crucial parameter that determines the size of the beam in the apex area. The article discusses the most typical application of glulam elements and analyses its production and use in Slovenia and other EU member states. The study seeks to identify opportunities for increased use of glulam construction in Slovenia.
The strength of joints with a wooden ring, which are protected by international patent was compar... more The strength of joints with a wooden ring, which are protected by international patent was compared with the strength of tenon and dowel joints, and consequently the applicability and suitability for producing such window frames was established. The strength of different implementations of angular joints of window profiles was tested on a tensile-testing machine. It was established that the average ultimate strength of joints with a wooden ring was higher than the ultimate strength of tenon joints, which was chosen as an upper reference limit.
This paper is the continuation of the presentation of results obtained in comprehensive researche... more This paper is the continuation of the presentation of results obtained in comprehensive researches of woody biomass consumption in Serbia conducted as a part of the TCP/FAO project ?Wood energy for sustainable rural development?. The previous paper (No. 3, 2011) showed results of wood fuels consumption for households heating and this paper shows their consumption for the needs of industry, commercial and public facilities. Research results show that total consumption of woody biomass in Serbia in 2010 was 7.41 million m3, out of which 7.03 million m3 was in the form of roundwood and 0.38 million m3 was in the form of wood residue from industry. The biggest consumers of woody biomass (roundwood, chips, residues) are households with the participation of 86.54%, followed by the production of wood-based panels with 4.47% and energy production for own purposes of wood processing companies with 2.96%. Compared to the officially registered consumption in energy balance in the amount of 0.2...
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Papers by Leon Oblak