Learning curves in construction: A critical review and new model

Jordanour, F; Kiomjian, D and Srour, I M (2016) Learning curves in construction: A critical review and new model. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(4): 06015004, ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

This paper brings forth from the literature a series of learning curve models and evaluates them through the lens of the construction industry. The review suggests that there is still no consensus on which model provides the best fit and predictability for construction data. As such, this paper puts forth a new model that is suitable for the modern construction industry as it accommodates for both mechanization and forgetting. The proposed model is similar to the Wright model (an exponential model of learning), but, through recursion, places more emphasis on recent data. The proposed model shows an error of less than 1% when predicting the cumulative average completion times in three out of four cases examined.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction human resource management; labor and personnel issues; learning curves; learning effect
Index terms: construction industry, completion time, human resource management, personnel
Subjects: management, industry analysis, project controls
Topics: Research Practice, Time Control, Human Resources
Descriptive scope: 3 PCT

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here