Modeling of LOB scheduling with learning development effect

Several techniques have been used to schedule repetitive projects; the most widely one is Line-Of-Balance (LOB). The primary advantage of LOB is maintaining work continuity, which leads to maximizing learning development effect and minimizing idle time of crews. While LOB is basically applicable to repetitive projects, learning development effect that naturally inherent with repetition is usually ignored. Several mathematical models, or learning curves, have been developed to investigate variation in productivity as a function of the number of units produced. The most practical and used one is the straight-line model. In this paper, learning development effect is incorporated into traditional LOB scheduling. The basic equation of LOB technique has been modified to consider learning development effect, in which straight-line learning curve model is adopted. An example project is used to demonstrate model calculations and obtained results are then analyzed. The developed model has been applied on a real-life project in order to demonstrate its applicability and practicality. Incorporating learning development effect into LOB scheduling provides for more realistic forecast of repetitive projects duration and/or cost. The proposed model provides both academics and practitioners with an effective tool for scheduling repetitive projects based on realistic assumptions.