Online Workshop in Laos on February 16-17, 2021

Applied Statistical Analysis with “R” Software for Forestry Studies 2021

On February 16 and 17, 2021, the “Applied Statistical Analysis with “R” Software for Forestry Studies 2021” was held online using Zoom meeting platform, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This time participants in Laos were able to gather in a large meeting room on the campus of the National University of Lao, while instructors from Japan were able to remotely join the workshop from their respective institutions. This workshop was co-sponsored and organized by Risk Analysis Research Center, ISM and the Faculty of Forest Science, National University of Laos. This workshop was aimed at building capacity for forest resource management in Laos. It was designed to enable participants to use statistical software, "R", and to conduct a hands-on approach to dealing with various statistical analyses on data. The participants learned about basics of the R software using their own computers. On the first day, the participants learned about the basic commands for statistical analysis, data handling and graphics in R. On the second day, after the participants went through the remaining topics of graphics in R, they learned about a single regression model, multiple regression model and model selection based on AIC. Although it seemed that there was a gap in proficiency among the participant, they were able to help each other by sharing their thought, ideas and commands. All participants expressed interest looking forward to a similar event next year. The workshop ended successfully with a total of 25 participants. The workshop was run mainly by Dr. Somvang Phimmavong from the Faculty of Forest Science, National University of Laos.