Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main characteristic of the work environment where learning curve theory is most applicable?
What is the main characteristic of the work environment where learning curve theory is most applicable?
What happens to the cumulative average time per unit as output doubles on an 80% learning curve?
What happens to the cumulative average time per unit as output doubles on an 80% learning curve?
Under which condition would learning curve effects be less significant?
Under which condition would learning curve effects be less significant?
What is the incremental time required for the second unit produced when the first unit requires 100 hours on an 80% learning curve?
What is the incremental time required for the second unit produced when the first unit requires 100 hours on an 80% learning curve?
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Which of the following features would NOT typically apply to a situation where learning curve theory is relevant?
Which of the following features would NOT typically apply to a situation where learning curve theory is relevant?
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If the cumulative average time for the first four units produced is 64 hours each, what would be the total time required for those four units?
If the cumulative average time for the first four units produced is 64 hours each, what would be the total time required for those four units?
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What is the concept termed when speed and efficiency improve through repeated performance?
What is the concept termed when speed and efficiency improve through repeated performance?
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Why is the doubling of output significant in learning curve measurements?
Why is the doubling of output significant in learning curve measurements?
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What is the total direct material cost for producing two boats?
What is the total direct material cost for producing two boats?
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How much is the labor cost for the second boat?
How much is the labor cost for the second boat?
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What will the total cost for the first four boats be?
What will the total cost for the first four boats be?
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Which of the following costs is influenced by the learning curve?
Which of the following costs is influenced by the learning curve?
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What is the profit mark-up applied to the cost of the first boat?
What is the profit mark-up applied to the cost of the first boat?
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If the first eight boats are ordered together, what will the price per boat be?
If the first eight boats are ordered together, what will the price per boat be?
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What is the expected cumulative average time per boat when producing the fourth boat?
What is the expected cumulative average time per boat when producing the fourth boat?
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Which of the following factors does not affect the learning curve?
Which of the following factors does not affect the learning curve?
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How is the total cost for the third and fourth boats calculated?
How is the total cost for the third and fourth boats calculated?
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What is the incremental time added when moving from the second boat to the third boat?
What is the incremental time added when moving from the second boat to the third boat?
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Study Notes
Learning Curve Theory
- Individuals working on repetitive tasks become more efficient and faster with experience.
- The learning curve effect describes how faster work can be achieved by experiencing a job more times.
- Learning curve theory applies to situations where work processes can be optimized by experience.
- It is applicable for products:
- Primarily made by labor effort, not automated
- New or recent products, the learning process is expected to have an end
- Complex products made in smaller quantities for specific orders.
- The learning rate, or cumulative average time is the expected reduction in effort per unit produced.
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The cumulative average time per unit reduces by a constant percentage with each doubling of production.
- For example, an 80% learning rate means a 20% reduction in average time required per unit when production output doubles.
- Learning curve theory can be used to calculate the marginal cost of extra units produced.
- Learning curve theory plays a role in bidding on contracts.
- The learning curve can help with preparing production budgets and setting standard costs.
- The learning curve phenomenon does not always apply.
Limitations of Learning Curve Theory
- The learning curve assumes stable work conditions and motivation among employees.
- Learning curve theory could be inaccurate due to labor turnover or changes in production techniques.
- Accurate data may be difficult to collect and workers may not agree to the reduction in production times.
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Description
Explore the principles of Learning Curve Theory and its application in optimizing work processes through experience. This quiz delves into the effects of repetitive tasks on efficiency, the concept of learning rates, and how production output can influence costs. Perfect for understanding how experience shapes productivity in labor-intensive settings.