The Learning Curve Deskbook

Learning curves are now recognized throughout the business community as valuable aids to improving productivity in the workplace. This volume is a clear and concise handbook intended to provide both the technical and the non-technical reader with a basic understanding of the underlying theory of learning curves, as well as ready access to commonly used learning curve models, formulas, and tables.

Since the book itself is meant to be a handy reference guide, it is organized to make needed information easily available. After a review of basic learning curve theory and a comparison of the most frequently used models, an extensive list of equations is accompanied by everyday examples that illustrate the correct application of learning curve theory as well as solutions to problems that may arise. Tables, graphs, and charts, easily located in the appendixes, can facilitate computations, and a bibliography lists articles, pamphlets, and books that describe learning curve theory and its various uses over the past fifty years. Learning curve analysis, simplified and presented here in a convenient manual, will enable accounting, financial, and purchasing specialists to improve not only employee proficiency forecasting, but also the efficiency of their own productivity.

Foreword by John G. Carlson
Preface
Learning Curve Defined
Log-Linear Learning Curve Models
Determining the Appropriate Learning Rate or Slope
Estimating Requirements
Other Common Learning Curve Models
Limitations and Caveats to Learning Curve Usage
Appendixes: Formula Summary
Slope/Rate Conversion Table
Wright Tables
Crawford Tables
Bibliography
Index