Learning Curve

Question 1

What is the Learning Curve in general?

Answer 1

A graphical representation of performance improvement. The term learning curve is used in two main
ways: where the same task is repeated in a series of trials (decrease in labor hour vs unit production), or
where a body of knowledge is learned over time (increase of learning vs experience).

Question 2

What is the general form of the Learning Curve equation?

Answer 2

Y_x = kX^L

Y_x = labor hours required to produce Xth cumulative unit of output
k = labor hours required to produce first unit of output (initial productivity)
L = index of learning
X = production unit number

Note: If log of the equation is taken, a straight line should develop.