Question 1

The learning curve coefficient approach may be simpler to use than the logarithmic approach,but it requires the presence of a table of learning coefficients.

Accepted Answer

The statement is correct, as the learning curve coefficient approach involves using a table of learning coefficients for different levels of experience or production, whereas the logarithmic approach calculates a single coefficient based on the percentage reduction in time or cost with each doubling of production or experience.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The logarithmic approach to learning curve calculations involves using a formula that allows us to determine the hours required for any unit. So, the statement is true.

Question 3

An 80% learning curve means that with each unit increase in production,labour requirements fall by 20%.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

A project manager bases his time and labour estimates on a learning curve of 86%.The actual learning curve turns out to be 89%.The manager,because of the decreased learning,will complete his project in more time and with more labour use.

Accepted Answer

The project will take more time and require more labour due to the increased learning curve, not decreased. The higher the learning curve, the less time and labour required for each subsequent task. Therefore, if the actual curve is higher than what was estimated, it will take more time and labour to complete the project.

Question 5

Reevaluation of learning curves is inappropriate.

Accepted Answer

Reevaluation of learning curves is appropriate as learning is a continuous process and methods of teaching and learning may need to be adjusted or improved over time. Evaluation of learning curves helps to identify areas where students may need additional support or instructional changes to improve their understanding and mastery of a concept.

Question 6

The earliest application of learning curves appears in the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Accepted Answer

The earliest application of learning curves was actually during World War II by the U.S. Air Force in order to improve production efficiency in the manufacturing of airplanes. Frank Lloyd Wright did not use or apply learning curves in his work.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Learning curves can be used to establish budgets.

Accepted Answer

Learning curves can help businesses determine budgets by providing insight into how long tasks will take and how much resources will be required to complete them, allowing for more accurate cost estimates.

Question 9

Experience curves are the opposite of learning curves-as one rises,the other falls.

Accepted Answer

Experience curves and learning curves both describe how costs decrease as experience and production increase, but they are not opposites. Both suggest that as more units are produced, the cost per unit decreases due to increased efficiency and learning.

Question 10

On an ordinary graph,unit times decrease at a decreasing rate,but on a log-log graph,the learning "curve" appears as a straight line.

Accepted Answer

On a log-log graph, the learning "curve" appears as a straight line because both the time and the learning are plotted on a logarithmic scale, which can make a nonlinear relationship appear as a linear one. Therefore, unit times decrease at a constant rate on a log-log graph, resulting in a straight line.

Question 11

A firm that successfully pursues a steeper-than-industry-average learning curve and manages costs down may still fail if,by underestimating a strong competitor,it fails to gain the added volume necessary for the learning curve to exist.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Even if a firm is able to achieve a steeper learning curve and effectively manage costs, if they underestimate a strong competitor and fail to gain the necessary volume to sustain their competitive advantage, they may still fail. Success in the market depends not only on internal factors but also on external competition and market dynamics.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Experience curves can also be applicable in services such as health care procedures, as repetitive practice and improvements in processes can lead to increased efficiency and cost reduction over time.

Question 13

If the first unit in a series of units takes 200 days to complete,and the learning curve is 80%,then the second unit will take 160 days.

Accepted Answer

This is true according to the learning curve formula: Tn = a(n)^b, where Tn is the time for the nth unit, a is the time for the first unit, n is the unit number, and b is the learning curve percentage as a decimal (0.8 in this case). Plugging in the values, we get T2 = 200(2^(-0.3219)) = 160 days (rounded to nearest day).

Question 14

Learning curves are based on the premise that people and organizations become better at their tasks as the tasks are repeated.

Accepted Answer

This is the basis of learning curves, as repetition often leads to improved performance through increased efficiency and skill development.

Question 15

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.

Accepted Answer

A 90% learning curve means that each time the production volume is doubled, the direct time per unit will decrease by 10%. Therefore, the direct time per unit becomes 90% of its previous value.

Question 16

In the logarithmic approach formula to compute the time for the Nth unit,TN = T1Nb,the exponent b is the learning curve rate L,expressed as a decimal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the logarithmic approach formula to compute...

Question 17

The arithmetic approach (or successive doubling approach)to learning curve calculations allows us to determine the hours required for any unit.

Accepted Answer

The arithmetic approach (or successive doubling approach) is not used for learning curve calculations, which typically involve a percentage reduction in time or cost for each doubling of units produced, indicating a geometric or exponential decrease, not an arithmetic or linear one.

Question 18

Learning curves can only be applied to labour.

Accepted Answer

Learning curves can be applied to a variety of tasks, including both manual and cognitive tasks, and can also be applied to equipment and technology as well as labour.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

When the learning curve for a process is 100%, the labor requirements for each unit decrease at a constant percentage rate. This means that each unit will have the same labor requirements as the previous unit.

Question 20

The learning curve may not be permanent;it can be disrupted by changes in process,personnel,or product.

Accepted Answer

The learning curve is not a fixed or permanent phenomenon. It can be disrupted by various factors such as changes in process, personnel, or product. Therefore, the answer is true.

Quiz 25: Learning Curves