To complete the first setup on a new machine took an employee 200 minutes.Using an 80% cumulative average-time learning curve indicates that the second setup on the new machine is expected to take
A)160 minutes.
B)120 minutes.
C)80 minutes.
D)60 minutes.
E)128 minutes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formula for cumulative average-time learning curve is:
Y = kx^n
Where:
Y is the time required to complete the task on the xth unit
k is the time required for the first unit
n is the learning curve coefficient

We know that:
k = 200 minutes (time required for the first setup)
n = ln(0.8)/ln(2) = -0.3219 (since the learning rate is 80%, the time should decrease as the number of units increase, hence the negative coefficient)

To find the time required for the second setup, we need to plug in the values:
Y = kx^n
Y = 200 x 2^(-0.3219)
Y = 200 x 0.7755
Y = 155.10 minutes

Therefore, the second setup on the new machine is expected to take 155.10 minutes, which is closest to B) 120 minutes.

To Complete the First Setup on a New Machine Took