Applying the Learning Curve Theory to a Project
Time and cost estimates are important to project management for the following reasons:
Estimates are key inputs to project planning and control.
Estimates support good decisions.
Estimates are used to determine project duration and cost.
Estimates are used to develop time-phased budgets and establish the project baseline.
Without estimates you have inaccuracies, which result in time and cost under/overruns.
Most project tasks are unique and require the project manager to estimate duration/cost for each and every task separately; however, projects may also have repetitive tasks completed by the human resources assigned to the project. To estimate the labor hours/cost for these tasks the project manager may use an estimating technique that relies on learning curve theory to estimate the time and/or cost for completing repetitive tasks.
In this assignment, you will:
Task #1. Define and thoroughly discuss the Learning Curve Theory and how it applies to project management.
Task #2. Explain how you would apply the principles of the Learning Curve Theory to a real project in which you are familiar (as a project manager, team member, or one that you have read about in current events).
Task #3. Complete the following exercise on learning curves (see Page 2 of this assignment).
Instructions for completing the assignment:
· Before you begin this assignment, review the grading rubric for this assignment to understand how your work will be graded.