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

Abstract

In this paper, a learning curve effect on project duration is shown – calculating with working days only - and estimated with the help of simulated examples. Although learning is an essential part of our life, traditional scheduling techniques cannot efficiently handle the learning curve effect. It is assumed that the duration of impending repetitive activities are shorter due to the learning curve effect if the gap between consecutive activities is small enough. Taking into account the effects of the learning curve (or experience curve), it is possible to better predict project duration thus saving time and money. This effect normally results in shorter project duration. Although the effect is a “simple” calculation, it leads to an exponential time algorithm if the learning effect is applied to traditional project scheduling techniques like CPM, or Precedence Diagramming Method. In this paper, an integer programming model is developed, and an efficient algorithm is used to establish project duration. (This paper is an extended version of Levente Malyusz: Learning curve effect on Project Scheduling, Procedia 2016.)