Economics in Pulp and Paper Making

At the end of this course the participants shall recognize the
main economic driving forces affecting different actors along the forest-based value chain. They should also have a good understanding about the economic mechanisms behind the change process in the sector. The students shall understand the different uses of central economic concepts, methods, models and key performance indicators or ratios - when and how to use which - and in a seminar task case apply some of these.

The course aims to show how technology, economics, and market dynamics interplay within business economic conditions in the sector. In a seminar task (1 - 3 persons jointly) demonstrate an ability to use the economic models and theories to analyze economic and management issues in the forest industry sector.

Emphasis will be on:
 The economic role of the forest sector in a bio economy and the biorefinery concept
 The economic and technological drivers influencing the long-term structural transformation of the pulp & paper and supplier industries - globally and at home.
 How forest industries act strategically to define their goals and to handle external and internal factors
 The economic significance of forest based supply chain management
 Innovation management and marketing in the forest industries

In a seminar task case they shall apply and assess the models used, to analyse a relevant and realistic issue in a case study. The assignment is presented in a written document and in a seminar.