...Running head: APPLY THE LEARNING CURVE THEORY Apply the Learning Curve Theory Thomas E. Sawyer University of Phoenix CONCEPT OF THE LEARNING CURVE A popular focus of many small businesses, and those looking to start a business, is the bottom line: profitability. The road to profitability involves finding the correct business formula, for the specific business, that will minimize losses and increase sales. The Pizza Store layout simulation, the focus of this paper, requires the user to take a management position and make decisions that impact profitability. As to be expected, making business decisions like this involve a learning curve consisting of repeatedly analyzing decisions. This paper will cover the learning curve theory, the decisions made during the Pizza Store layout simulation, and the best conclusion reached as a result of those decisions. LEARNING CURVE THEORY According to Operations Management for Competitive Advantage, a learning curve is a line displaying the relationship between unit production time and the cumulative number of units produced. Learning curves can be applied to individuals or organizations, but in the Pizza Store layout simulation the learning curve applies to an organization. Additionally, learning curve theory is based on three assumptions: 1. The amount of time required to complete a given task or unit of a product will be less each time the task is undertaken. 2. The unit time will decrease...
Words: 1199 - Pages: 5
...APPLYING THE LEARNING CURVE THEORY Applying the Learning Curve Theory The development of any organization is hinged on components such as technology, structure, documents, procedures and human resources. Viable competitive advantage on any given organization is acquired through organizational learning processes. The processes of attending to clients and preparing orders in Mario¶s pizzeria may be evaluated under the learning curve theory. Mario has the task of improving the service to its clients by reducing the waiting time and queue length while maximizing the benefits of the operation. As a conventional individual, Mario wants to improve the operation while maintaining the business. In the food service industry, the crux of the business is portrayed by customer service, the waiters, the cooks and chefs, the kitchen workers, and the quality food itself. During the first phase of the process modification, only the arrangement of tables was changed, ending with 10 tables for four and 8 tables for two. This modification reduced the waiting time from 9 minutes to 5.87 minutes and the average queue length to 2.54. Profits increased and the loss of sales was reduced. The deployment of the workers was not too high, leaving space for attending more clients. Mario was pleased with this modification since no workers lost their jobs and experience was was further conserved inhouse. After the new arrangement of tables, the equipment and technology used during the attending of clients...
Words: 551 - Pages: 3
...This file OPS 571 Individual Assignment Apply the Learning Curve Theory Part 2 2 includes overview of the following parts: 1. Process Performance Data Initial Report (1st Day) Scenario 0 Process of Waiting Line for Customer Capacity Report Costs Formula for Usage, 2. New Simulation Process Scenario 1 (Week 1-2) Changed process has following Configuration: 3. Impact of new configuration on business of Pizza Scenario 2 (Week 3-4) Capacity Report 4. Process of Waiting Line for Customer Scenario 3 (Week 5-6) Capacity Report 5. Scenario 4 (Week 7-8) Process of Waiting Line for Customer Capacity Report Costs 6. Week 7-8 Capacity Report Customers Costs Business - General Business 1. Individual Assignment: Apply the Learning Curve Theory · Review the Pizza Store Layout simulation. During your review, examine the process in this simulation. Play it at least twice, and pay attention to the learning curve. Do not worry about the statistical control in this assignment. · Submit five to ten points of process performance data for the performance metrics identified in the Pizza Store Layout simulation. · Write a paper of at least 700 words in which you consider an alternative to the process. How might you apply the learning curve concepts to test the alternative against the existing...
Words: 333 - Pages: 2
...Running head: APPLY THE LEARNING CURVE THEORY 1 Apply the Learning Curve Theory Gary Adams OPS 571 May 22, 2013 Richard Burgoon APPLY THE LEARNING CURVE THEORY 2 Apply the Learning Curve Theory The Learning Curve Theory is used for pricing strategies, investments, and operating costs. The Pizzeria faces enormous challenges in decreasing wait times, increasing production, and the business expanding. The goal is to track the performance of the pizzeria and use the concepts to improve all processes of the pizzeria. The company uses performance metrics to check areas that show improvement. Understanding how processes work is essential to ensuring the competitiveness of a company. A process that does not match the needs of the firm will punish the firm every minute that the firm operates. Take, for example, two fast-food restaurants. If one restaurant can deliver a quarter-pound hamburger to the customer for $.50 in direct costs and a second restaurant cost $.75, no matter what the second restaurant does, it will lose $.25 in profit for every hamburger it sells compared to the first restaurant. Many factors need to be considered when one sets up the process to make those hamburgers. These factors include the cost of the raw materials, the costs associated with how the hamburger is prepared, and the cost of taking the order and delivering it to...
Words: 767 - Pages: 4
...Apply the Learning Curve Theory OPS 571 University of Phoenix Apply the Learning Curve Theory In business and academics students, managers, and employees learn tasks at different rates. One employee may grasp a task within the first attempt whereas others may take several tries to achieve efficient production. The average time it takes for a group of people to adjust is the learning curve. This paper will review the learning curve theory as it applies to a simulated pizza store layout. The learning curve Learning curves can be applied to individuals. Learning improves with repetition generating skill or efficiency. Much of academia is based on this “practice makes perfect” (Chase, Jacobs, Aquilano, 2006) idea. The learning curve in manufacturing and service compares the result of the expected product to the length of time to produce it. As more employees learn a new process, time to produce increases. As employees become efficient, time decreases. At the beginning of the curve, fewer products are produced; at the end of the curve more products are produced in less time than the previous process. Organizational learning comes from combined individual learning, also administration, equipment, and product design changes. A new kitchen staff has high service times as the cooks become familiar with the menu recipes and cook times. If the kitchen adds a new microwave, service times increase again, as cooks learn time and temperatures for the microwave...
Words: 632 - Pages: 3
...Course name: Managing Operations Assignment 3 A BRIEF DISCUSSION ON LEARNING CURVE Definition: In General, Learning Curve Theory or Experience Curve Theory is defined as the following: A learning curve is a graphical representation of the changing rate of learning (in the average person) for a given activity or tool. Typically, the increase in retention of information is sharpest after the initial attempts, and then gradually evens out, meaning that less and less new information is retained after each repetition. The learning curve can also represent at a glance the initial difficulty of learning something and, to an extent, how much there is to learn after initial familiarity. For example, the Windows program Notepad is extremely simple to learn, but offers little after this. On the other extreme is the UNIX terminal editor vi, which is difficult to learn, but offers a wide array of features to master after the user has figured out how to work it. It is possible for something to be easy to learn, but difficult to master or hard to learn with little beyond this. The concept of the Learning Curve basically states that there is less and less learning as more repetitive steps are taken. The Boston Consulting Group conducted some empirical studies and below are the conclusions from that study: 1. The time required to perform a task decreases as the task is repeated, 2. The amount of improvement decreases as more units are produced, and 3. The rate of...
Words: 1369 - Pages: 6
...Learning Curve Theory What is the learning curve theory? According to Waterworth, the learning curve theory is defined as being the relationship between the times a task is completed compared to the amount of times it is done (2000). Another way to look at this theory is looking how the progress of an organization is related to the amount of time taken to do something in the organization. To better understand this theory, here is an example. An organization’s responsibility is to athletic wear. As the organization begins, the organization produces its first set of athletic wear after two weeks. After being teste, the organization is aware that the athletic wear’s coloring comes off after being in contact with water. After a year of producing and improving its athletic wear, the organization has become aware that the athletic wear does not get damaged when coming into contact with water. According to Leslie, the learning curve theory is relevant and important to project management because it enables the project manager to estimate how long the execution of the project will take and how the project will improve if done in the future (2006). This assignment will include why the learning curve theory is important and will provide a scenario in which it is being highlighted. It is important as a project member to understand how the Learning Curve Theory will be applied to a project. If the organization I work for was planning to begin using a new HRCloud to control...
Words: 449 - Pages: 2
...The Learning Curve Theory In order to apply the Learning Curve Theory to any specific situation, one must comprehend the concept of a learning curve. According to our text, “ a learning curve is a line displaying the relationship between unit production time and the cumulative number of units produced” (Chase, Jacobs, & Aquilano, 2006). Learning curves can be applied and be beneficial to individuals as well as organizations. To be able to effectively utilize the Learning Curve Theory, three essential assumptions must be recognized: 1.) The amount of time required to complete a given task or unit of a product will be less each time the task is undertaken. 2.) The unit time will decrease at a decreasing rate. 3.) The reduction in time will follow a predictable pattern. In order to be able to meet and/or fall below the upper control limits; factors from the process performance data (metrics) are adjusted. • The number of tables for 2 was adjusted • The wait staff was adjusted • The kitchen staff was adjusted • Utilization was changed • Average wait time was lowered By following my recommendations to the above metrics, Mario will successfully meet his goals. The business will increase its profits, (even though more will have to be paid for staff and utilization) as well as having happy customers who will be more inclined to return to the quality service rendered (shorter wait time). This initial process data is valid and can prove to benefit Mario’s pizza business. The...
Words: 338 - Pages: 2
...This file OPS 571 Individual Assignment Apply the Learning Curve Theory Part 2 2 includes overview of the following parts: 1. Process Performance Data Initial Report (1st Day) Scenario 0 Process of Waiting Line for Customer Capacity Report Costs Formula for Usage, 2. New Simulation Process Scenario 1 (Week 1-2) Changed process has following Configuration: 3. Impact of new configuration on business of Pizza Scenario 2 (Week 3-4) Capacity Report 4. Process of Waiting Line for Customer Scenario 3 (Week 5-6) Capacity Report 5. Scenario 4 (Week 7-8) Process of Waiting Line for Customer Capacity Report Costs 6. Week 7-8 Capacity Report Customers Costs Business - General Business 1. Individual Assignment: Apply the Learning Curve Theory · Review the Pizza Store Layout simulation. During your review, examine the process in this simulation. Play it at least twice, and pay attention to the learning curve. Do not worry about the statistical control in this assignment. · Submit five to ten points of process performance data for the performance metrics identified in the Pizza Store Layout simulation. · Write a paper of at least 700 words in which you consider an alternative to the process. How might you apply the learning curve concepts to test the alternative against the existing...
Words: 355 - Pages: 2
...The Burroughs, Hendon, London NW4 4BT, UK. e-mail address: adams@churchillians.net In summary, this work demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of creating audio-only games plus new findings about the importance of the level of cognitive load, the nature of the learning curve, the different design methodologies and the different types of players for an understanding of the psychology of the player of the audio-only computer game. MOTIVATION FOR THIS RESEARCH Audio-only computer games are the primary focus of the present work. They are important for both practical and theoretical reasons. Computer games now form one of the biggest categories of software application in the world. Yet few of them are accessible for those players for whom visual displays are not appropriate, due to circumstances or visual disabilities. Equally, audio-only games provide an environment in which to investigate the psychology of the users of such games. We have deployed both existing games and those designed in collaboration with potential users, noting greater satisfaction with the latter. The objectives of this research were to investigate the psychology of the sound only game by exploring (a) the shape of learning curve and (b) the degree of cognitive overload on users when playing audio-only games. To do so, we have used simple experimental methods. We also explored what makes a truly enjoyable game by measuring our game players' performance and feedback individually. To date,...
Words: 2403 - Pages: 10
...understanding of basic microeconomic concepts and theories in order to equip them with the basic conceptual abilities and skills in economic problem solving. The theories will include the basic economic problem, supply and demand analysis, consumer behaviour, market structure, production and cost and market failure. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The aims of this course are to enable students to: Apply basic theoretical microeconomic models as a framework for understanding the real world problems. Establish the ability to communicate ideas pertaining to the basic microeconomic concepts, theories and events effectively, both verbally and in writing. LEARNING OUTCOMES: Successful students will be able to: Explain the core economic problems such as the scarcities and choices. Explain how economic problems can be reduced by improving the use of available resources and by using the concept of opportunity cost. Explain how equilibrium prices and goods are determined by using demand and supply curves analysis. Explain the behavior of individual firms towards maximizing profits (minimizing costs) in a perfectly competitive or monopoly market in determining the optimal production of goods and services and optimal price level. Calculate the necessary production costs to determine the profit maximizing output for different types of market. COURSE FORMAT: Instructional/lecture: 3 hours per week, tutorial: 1 hour per week. Total Student Learning Time (SLT) (L = Lecture; T = Tutorial; ...
Words: 741 - Pages: 3
...Apply the Learning Curve Theory OPS/571 University of Phoenix March 10, 2010 Week Two Learning curve is a line displaying the relationship between unit production time and the cumulative number of units produced. Learning (or experience) curve theory has a wide range of application in the business world. Learning curves can be applied to individuals or organizations. (Chase, 2006). Learning curve theory is based on three assumptions: (1) The amount of time required to complete a given task or unit of a product will be less each time the task is undertaken (2) The unit time will decrease at a decreasing rate (3) The reduction in time will follow predictable pattern. (Chase, 2006). In reviewing the simulation for this week’s assignment, this particular Pizza parlor is having difficulties in serving the customers in means of long waiting time and lines. Long wait times may cause customers to eventually leave or stay and not to return based on the learning curve as outlined above. This has been identified as poor customer service and the service is being reviewed to better assist the customers. The simulation showed four tables having the highest utilization at 99.5% and 38 groups of four balked or left the restaurants without being asked. To tackle this problem, the distribution of tables were changed and the distribution of tables and established a priority rule. This decision appears to be a good one. After the decision was made, the utilization of tables for four...
Words: 843 - Pages: 4
... 15 weeks Assignment Support: 3 week Feedback and assessment: 3 weeks Module leader: Mr Peter Emelone Lecturer: Magdalena Wronska Start date:29/09/14 Day: Tuesday / Thursday Time: 10.00-13.00 / 14.00-17.00 Term:Spring Term CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 2. MODULE OUTLINE AND TEACHING METHODS 3. READING AND COURSE PREPRATION 4. LECTURE WITH DETAILED COURSE PROGRAMME AND OBJECTIVES 5. ASSESSMENT DETAILS 6. INTRODUCTION Human resource development contributes to the overall success of an organisation through providing learning, development and training opportunities to improve individual, team and organisational performance. Training and development affects everyone in the organisation and it is appropriate at every level from office junior to senior executive. Learning is complex and this unit explores the related theories and their contribution to the process of transferring learning to the workplace. It is important; therefore, for learners to appreciate that all staff should be encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge to achieve their potential and. in doing so, enable the organisation to meet its strategic objectives. Learners need to appreciate that successful organisations recognise that their training programmes need to be planned and managed. All training has a cost to the organisation and managers need to be able to provide training programmes within their training budgets. Through planning and designing a training and...
Words: 5212 - Pages: 21
...ASSESSMENT COVER SHEET APRIL SUBMISSION Unit Number and TitleAssessment TitleCourse TitleAssessment Code | Unit 23 – Human Resources Development - Level 5 Human Resources Development HND Business HNDBUS Specialist Unit23/April2014 | Hand Out Date | 24th January 2014 | Hand In Date | 11th April 2014 before 12.00 Midday | Lecturer(s) | Dr Osman Khan | Internal Verifier | Alan Jeffery | Sources of information | 1. Course notes and lecture slides accessible on LSST Connect2. Recommended learning textbooksGold, J and Bratton, J (2007),, Human Resource Development: Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke3. Websites CPD (2013) The CPD Certification Service [Online] Available at http://www.cpduk.co.uk/[accessed 7 January 2014]AHRD (n.d) Academy of Human Resource Development [Online] Available at www.ahrd.org [accessed 7 January 2014] | To be filled by the student Student Name | Jennifer | Lecturer | | Student ID | | Group(e.g.) | | Assessment Requirements * An electronic copy of your assessment must be fully uploaded by the deadline date and time. * You must submit one single PDF or MS Office Word document. Any relevant images or screenshots must be included within the same MS Office Word or PDF document. * The last version you upload will be the one that is marked. You must declare it as your final submission. * Review the mitigating circumstances policy for information relating to extensions. * The file size must not exceed...
Words: 8318 - Pages: 34
...LO#1: Understanding learning theories and learning styles. 1.1. Comparing different learning styles: The term “learning styles” speaks to the understanding that every individual learns differently. Technically, an individual’s learning style refers to the preferential way in which the student absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information. For example, when learning how to build a clock, some individuals understand the process by following verbal instructions, while others have to physically manipulate the clock themselves. This notion of individualized learning styles has gained widespread recognition in education theory and management strategies. One of the most accepted understandings of learning styles is that the individual learning styles fall into three categories : 2. Auditory learning : Auditory learners best understand new content through participating, listening and speaking in situations, such as lectures or group discussions. 2. Auditory learning : Auditory learners best understand new content through participating, listening and speaking in situations, such as lectures or group discussions. 1. Visual Learning : Visual learners prefer the use of images and graphic organizers to access and understand new information visually. 2. Visual Learning : Visual learners prefer the use of images and graphic organizers to access and understand new information visually. 3. Kinesthetic Learning : Individuals who are kinesthetic learners, best...
Words: 2112 - Pages: 9
