Learning Cycle and Training

When a task is done the very first time and repeatedly thereafter, there are a few aspects that go into it whose importance and relevance change after some time of usage. They are as follows : 

1. Defining the task, 
2. Determining the solution, 
3. Determining the right tools for the solution, 
4. Learning the use of the tools for the solution, 
5. Actual work on the job, 
6. Getting dexterity in using the tools, 
7. Thinking new ways of solving the problem, and 
8. Steady state operations. 

The time taken to do any task first time is very high. The problem has to be defined, the approach to its solution may be many and have to be analysed, the tools are difficult to use because of unfamiliarity. 

As one starts using, the dexterity in handling the job  increases due to repetitive practice and one starts to think of optimising or new ways to solve problems in shorter time. And finally, after long usage, the time spent on identifying the problem is virtually zero, the time to do the actual job is minimised because of practice and dexterity and the time taken to think of new methods is very less (though may be always there) and thus, the time taken to do the job is the least. In a graphical form, it may be represented as shown 

in Figure. 

One can see from the curve given in Figure that there is a drastic reduction (anything from 60-90%) in the time spent in doing the task first time and the time spent after learning the task. The longer the time that has elapsed, the more steady state it gets. 

Learning the nuances of materials management is also similar. The learning curve can be drawn for each individual of the department as well as the department as a whole. (The department can function as a collective whole with the sum of all learning experiences put together.)