The learning curve: from aircraft to spacecraft?

Explains, for students, the learning effect which leads to the learning curve and lists the economic sectors where it is especially important, e.g. aerospace, construction, etc. Gives examples to show how the curve can be used to predict time for production; and how this affects budgeting and control and competitive tendering. Identifies some additional factors which should be taken into account for these calculations and believes that these ideas will be more widely used in the future