Determination of Learning Curves and Forgetting Factors of Two-man Crosscut Saw Operators during Tree Cutting Operations in a ‘Learn by Doing’ Experiment

Abstract

Integrating ecological concerns with the daily operations of logging crews has been an area of interest in ensuring for sustainable environmental management in forestry. Learning curves have been found to be a useful tool in scheduling harvesting operations for better performance in the sector. This study was conducted to establish learning curves and forgetting factors of two-man crosscut saw operators in tree harvesting operations in Tanzania. Experienced and inexperienced operators were studied before training, after training and after the break at an interval of three months during clear felling operations. The results for the learning rate were somewhat different between crew category and across experiments. For example, start-up operators had about 67% and 57% higher learning rate as compared to experience operator when studied for the first time and after training. Results on the forgetting function showed some levels of knowledge depreciation for both crews as could be reflected by their productivity levels. For example the experienced crew had a forgetting factor of 9.4% while the start-up crew had 19% forgetting factor. Therefore, training is imperative for the logging crews to realise high performance at reduced environmental damage such as forest soils disturbances and increased logging residues that may arise from improper logging practises.

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