Learning Curves for Extended Work Cycles Within Assembly

Abstract

During the 50s a lot of research was done concerning learning curves in industry (i.e. de Jong). This paper analyzes the learning curves of 16 different assembly cases with extended work cycles. The study showed that product design, specially the number of components and number of positionings dramatically affects the learning time. When the components were arranged in a functional structure (kit form) the learning time decreased. All the cases showed that the traditional theories, which do not take into consideration the product design and component exponation will give too long learning time. When these two variables are taken into consideration, the learning time will decrease tremendously.