A manager wants to analyze the learning curve associated with producing one of his company's products. Accordingly, he has gathered the following data: $$\begin{array} { | l | l | }
\hline \text { UNIT PRODUCED } & { \text { TIME REQUIRED } } \
\hline \text { Second } & 5 \text { hours } \
\hline \text { Fourth } & 4 \text { hours } \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Approximately how long did it take to produce the first four units?
A) 15 hours
B) 16 hours
C) 18 hours
D) 20 hours
E) 21 hours

Question

A manager wants to analyze the learning curve associated with producing one of his company's products. Accordingly, he has gathered the following data: $$\begin{array} { | l | l | } 
\hline \text { UNIT PRODUCED } &  { \text { TIME REQUIRED } } \
\hline \text { Second } & 5 \text { hours } \
\hline \text { Fourth } & 4 \text { hours } \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Approximately how long did it take to produce the first four units?
A) 15 hours
B) 16 hours
C) 18 hours
D) 20 hours
E) 21 hours

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The learning curve suggests that each time production doubles, the time per unit decreases by a consistent percentage. The second unit took 5 hours, and the fourth took 4 hours. Assuming a consistent learning rate, the first unit would take more than 5 hours, and the third unit would take between 4 and 5 hours. Estimating the times as 6, 5, 4.5, and 4 hours respectively, the total is approximately 20 hours.

A Manager Wants to Analyze the Learning Curve Associated with Producing