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SSRN Electronic Journal
Article . 2009 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
https://doi.org/10.1201/b10957...
Part of book or chapter of book . 2011 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
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Inside the Learning Curve: Opening the Black Box of the Learning Curve

Opening the Black Box of the Learning Curve
Authors: Michael Lapré;

Inside the Learning Curve: Opening the Black Box of the Learning Curve

Abstract

The traditional learning curve asserts that organizational performance improves as a function of operating experience. The typical example is unit cost decreasing as a function of cumulative production volume. As an organization produces more it somehow “learns” to reduce unit cost. The disappointing managerial implication is that the only way to accelerate improvement in organizational performance is to produce more. This may not be feasible or desirable. I review the literature that extends the traditional learning curve in two ways. First, experience is not the only source for learning. Organizations can engage in deliberate learning activities such as quality improvement projects. Furthermore, not all experiences are equally effective at enhancing organizational performance. Second, the learning curve is not just some black box. There is a process inside the learning curve. Experience and deliberate activities can foster learning. Learning can yield better organizational knowledge. Better organizational knowledge can persuade organizational members to modify behavior. Changed behavior, in turn, can improve organizational performance. None of these steps are trivial. Scholars have merely scratched the surface in terms of studying these steps. No single study has incorporated all steps. I review the literature and identify opportunities for future research that should provide insights for organizations to better manage learning curves.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
9
Average
Average
Top 10%
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