An Estimation of the Learning Curve Effect on Project Scheduling with Calendar Days Calculation

Abstract

Although learning is an essential part of life, traditional scheduling techniques cannot efficiently handle this effect. Considering the effects of the learning curve, it is possible to make a better prediction of project duration thus saving time and money. In this paper, a learning curve (or experience curve) effect on project duration is shown and calculated with calendar days. In the literature, project scheduling has been studied; however, only a few papers take the learning effect on project duration into consideration. The learning effect on project duration with the help of test problems and real problems was investigated. In test problems learning curve effect can occur between two consecutive activities. These pairs are chosen randomly. After calculating project duration, these pairs are allocated to be closer to each other using the predecessor's total float time. It is assumed that the duration of impending repetitive activities is shorter due to the learning curve effect if the gap between consecutive activities is small enough. This iteration is carried out until it is not possible to shorten the successor's activity time in a pair. It is shown that this effect brings a 1-3% shorter project duration. This “Calendar Days” calculation led to an integer programming problem that was solved by Matlab Parallel Computing Toolbox. 2.