Application of Modern Evaluation and Review Techniques in Forestry Part I - Methodology

Forestry Sector, in India, is in dire need of proper scientific evaluation techniques for planning and monitoring modern projects, howsoever complex they may be. The evaluation techniques employed presently are of statistical nature. They may spell out the progress of work done and the balance of work yet to be done, but they fail to determine the interdependence of different activities in terms of time at any fixed moment. The quality of evaluation of different parameters is, therefore, not upto the mark, and this could be one reason why higher investments are not attracted in the Sector. Network Analysis is one of the latest techniques used for planning and scheduling all non-repetitive projects. It is known by different names such as Programme Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Method (CPM). It is being extensively used in industrial and construction projects at the moment, and if used in Forestry Sector, is sure to better the planning and management practices. It will also enable greater attention being paid to the activities requiring emphasis in order to optimise resources as well as completion of targets. Network analysis is composed of three parts, the first dealing with graphic representation of events and activities, the second with activity duration time and other categories, of time, and the last with the scheduling. Use of this technique has been illustrated of this article through an example of a project for "Development of Virgin Forest Resources". The Scheduling part of the illustration has with been dealt through bar charts drawn to the predetermined time scale.