A learning curve demonstrates the realistic correlation between the used time for the production of units and the real number of units which can be produced during this time. Learning curves are also necessary to plan the effective corporate strategy in relation to the adequate prices set, capitals and investments used, and costs determined.
Three assumptions are necessary to develop the learning curve. These assumptions are the time which is necessary to produce the definite unit or complete the task. This amount of time should decrease as a result of progressing in completing the task. Thus, the next condition is the obvious decreeing rate of time in production. It is also important to note that this reduction in time can be predicted according to the definite formula used to develop the most appropriate strategy.
The main formula to determine the necessary effort per unit (y) is based on the constant, which is the effort to product the first unit (a), the definite unit discussed (x), and on the slope constant for the unit discussed which determines the decreasing rate.
Thus, the number of labor hours necessary to produce the 50th unit in relation to the learning curve of 90% and standard time for a job of 90 minutes is approximately 49.7 minutes. According to the principle of the decreasing rate the 100th unit can be produced during the time which is approximately 44.78 minutes.
To develop the plan in relation to the manpower loading for the production of 3000 units during the first four weeks, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that all the workers are experienced, all the equipment is available, and workers can work during 7 hours and 5 days.
Thus, the working week for one worker is 35 hours. The 90% learning curve is used to complete the task. It is important to remember that to produce the 50th unit, it is necessary to orient to the time of approximately 50 minutes. Moreover, to produce the 100th unit, it is necessary to pay attention to the 45-minute work.
In order to produce the 3000th unit, it is necessary to have 27 minutes. This time can be discussed as the final possible measure. From this point, during the first week, a person who works 35 hours a week can provide the maximum of 23 units.
During the next two weeks, the maximum can be 42 units, if the staff is experienced and all the equipment is available for the work. That is why, the most appropriate plan should be developed with references to the number of employers used to produce units because an experienced worker can produce 46 units to the end of the final week of the work. From this point, the effective plan should be oriented to the definite number of workers involved in the process.
The discussed numbers are the maximum, it is necessary to pay attention to the daily schedule of the workers. Thus, it is possible to state that during the first two weeks the workers should perform intensively, and 40-45 workers should produce units according to the plan. During the next two weeks, the number of the workers involved in the process of production can be decreased without decreasing the rate of the production.