Learning Curve Effect on Project Scheduling

Abstract

In this paper a simple learning curve effect on project scheduling is shown with a help of an artificial example. Although learning is an essential part of our life, traditional scheduling technique can not handle efficiently the learning curve effect. It is assumed that the duration of upcoming repetitive activities are shorter due to the learning curve effect if the gap between consecutive activities is small enough. Learning curve theory can be applied to predicting cost and time to complete repetitive activities. Taking into accounts the effects of learning curve (or experience curve) one can get better future prediction on project duration and can save money and time. This effect normally result in shorter project duration. Although the effect is “simple” calculations are cumbersome if the learning effect is applied on traditional project scheduling techniques like Critical Path Method, or Precedence Diagramming Method as calculation lead to an exponential time algorithm.