You have been examined on learning curves previously. Although they are a little less likely in this examination, they are still relevant and this chapter is included as revision – there is nothing new to learn.
Learning
In most budgeting techniques we assume that the total variable cost is reasonably linear – that the variable cost per unit is fixed.
In the case of labour, this is very often not the case in the early stages of a new product. If we were intending to start production of a new product, then the obvious thing to do would be to produce a prototype in order to assess how long it would take to produce each unit. However, this would be dangerous because as we were to produce more and more units it is likely that the time taken for each unit would reduce as the workers gained experience. This reduction in time per unit is known as the learning effect.
Hi Ken,
I know the OT team update notes and lectures with syllabus changes, but is this topic still valid. Last examined in June 2006 (I think) and couldn’t see it in the latest APM syllabus (have to admit did skim through and used the key words search on the pdf document).
It is a brief topic but would rather ignore if something that is no longer part of the APM.
Stay safe!
Thanks,
Zakariya
hi, noticed this question was unanswered.
Ken- could you kindly assist as i have not come across this topic either in my study texts in prep for the september sitting.
thank you!
Dear Ken, this is a kind reminder for the unanswered question above.
The mainstream textbooks still tend to include it (eg Kaplan). Even though not specifically mentioned it sneaks in under planning and budgeting and also because PM sets the groundwork for APM and learning curves are certainly there.
However, I have wondered for some time if we should take the plunge and drop it from our material as it is a long time since it was examined. I think it would be safe simply to know the concept (ie budgets and planning will not be accurate if learning is ignored) without being able to perform the tricky calculations.
Tutors tend to monitor the Ask the Tutor Forums and they are more reliable places to post any questions you have.
good day, please how do I watch the videos, the YouTube player is not responding
GOOD LECTRURE
for Dec 16 session can anyone tell me about the potential questions that may come.Thanks
can anyone tell me how to put that formula on scientific calculator please?
Hey can someone help me as how the log is calculated using a calculator, iam having trouble finding the correct buttons, or method
hi on mine its the following key stokes
50 x^y ( 0.8 log / 2 log ) * 12
x^y = that funny x to the power y button
hope that helps
Please explain
Conditions:
There must be consistency in the workforce.
Cessation Of Learning Effect
When machine efficiency restricts any further improvement
Physical processes (e.g. drying).
Kind Regards
consistency of workforce means you are using the same staff to do the job. if you get new staff they have to start the learning process themselves so you only get continuous improvement from same staff (or nearly same staff if many involved in process)
Cessation of learning effect means you cant get any better because of a factor in your process. Examples given are machine efficiency. if the machine is running flat out you cant make any further improvements.
hope that helps
I’m having problems getting the answer using my Casio calculator can someone please help?
Very good lecture, thank you!
But! “log” means 10-base logarithm, while the numbers (and the logic) shows 2 base logarithm, what should be indicated with “ln” am i not right?
I have seen the same error in the Kaplan textbook too by the way. It can be a bit confusing, if somebody start to use “log” function instead of “ln” on the calculator when tries to solve a question.
Hey Emoke,
Thanks for your comment. I solved the question using the log function and arrived at the correct result. I guess it cancels out as you use it twice and then divide one number by the other? I am not sure though, what do you think?
Martin
Hey Emoke,
you have to use both (numerator and denominator ) base as same number if you use ES series calculator.
fx- 991Ms calculator just use Log (base 10 ) or Ln (base e ) .please refer below.
log 2 base 10=0.3010
don’t enter 2 as base.