1. 7S
Learning Curves

2. Learning Objectives Explain the concept of learning curves
Make time estimates based on learning curves
List and briefly describe some of the main applications of learning curves
Outline some of the cautions and criticisms of learning curves
Estimate learning rates from data on job times

3. Learning Curves
Learning curves: the time required to perform a task decreases with increasing repetitions

4. Learning Effect
Figure 7S.1
Time per repetition
Number of repetitions

5. Learning with Improvements
Figure 7S.2
Time per unit
Time
Average
Improvements may create a
scallop effect in the curve.

6. Applications of Learning Curves
Manpower planning and scheduling
Negotiated purchasing
Pricing new products
Budgeting, purchasing, and inventory planning
Capacity Planning

7. Worker Learning Curves
Figure 7S.4
A (underqualified)
B (average)
C (overqualified)
Time/cycles
One week
Standard time
Training time

8. Cautions and Criticisms
Learning rates may differ from organization to organization
Projections based on learning curves should be viewed as approximations
Estimates based the first unit should be checked for valid times
At some point the curve might level off or even tip upward

9. Cautions and Criticisms
Some improvements may be more apparent than real
For the most part, the concept does not apply to mass production
Learning curves sometimes fail to include carryover effects
Life cycles, flex manufacturing can affect application of learning curves