Exam 25: Learning Curves

If the learning curve for a process is 100%,then each unit in a series of units will have the same labour requirements.

Reevaluation of learning curves is inappropriate.

Which of the following statements regarding the usefulness of learning curves is false?

The logarithmic approach to learning curve calculations allows us to determine the hours required for any unit.

To use the table of learning curve coefficients,you must specify ________ and ________.

The learning curve in the steel industry and the learning curve in heart transplant operations have both been estimated at 79%.

Why do different organizations have different learning curves?

The fourth unit of production took 80 minutes while the ninth unit of production took 50 minutes.How long did the first unit take?

Explain how learning curves might be applied in a bid preparation application.

The ________ is the simplest approach to learning curve problems.

Your firm has expertise with a special type of hand-finished furniture.The learning rate is known to be 82%.If the first piece of furniture took 6 hours,use the logarithmic approach to determine how long it will take to do the third unit.

Describe the earliest application of learning curve concepts to industry.

In addition to labour,to which other variables have learning curves been applied?

A metal works fabricator is about to release a new model of his firm's copper sculpture and fountain.The operations manager estimates that this product is subject to a 90% learning rate on labour only-the material bill is not affected by experience.The firm prices its work based on cost-the sum of materials plus 30% and labour plus 50%.(This allows the firm to practice a little "demand management" for its very popular works. )The first item has already been finished;the material bill was $800 and labour totalled 40 hours.The firm pays its metalworking artisans an average of $18 per hour.What should be the asking price of the first unit? The second?

When comparing a 70% learning curve versus a 90% learning curve,which one results in a more rapid reduction in labour requirements? Why?

Experience curves may be valid for industrial applications,but have no role in services such as health care procedures.

A manager is trying to estimate the appropriate learning curve for a certain job.The manager notes that the first four units had a total time of 30 minutes.Which learning curve would yield approximately this result if the first unit took 9 minutes? (Use Table E.3 cumulative coefficient. )

The first unit of a product took 1,000 hours to build and the learning curve is 85%.How long will it take to make the first 5 units? (Use Table E.3)

The first unit of a product took 50 hours to build,and the learning curve is 80%.How long will it take to make the third unit? (Use at least three decimals in the exponent if you use the logarithmic approach. )

A 90% learning curve implies that each time the production volume is doubled the direct time per unit is reduced to 90% of its previous value.