A QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF A WEIBULL BASED GROWTH PROJECTION SYSTEM

Different error budgets were approximated for a Weibull based growth p rojection system used to develop short- and long-term management plans for even-aged loblolly pine plantations. These budgets were developed as part of a 'total quality' program for a medium sized forest produc ts corporation in the United States. The purpose of the assessment was to learn in a systematic and comprehensive fashion about the strength s and weaknesses of the overall system, as well as its components. Mor e than twenty sources of error were considered in the development of t he budgets through time. It was found in general that the predictions made with the projection system did not meet the precision standards r equired by the corporation.