On Startup or Learning Curves: An Expanded View

Abstract

The startup or learning curve literature has in the past concentrated mainly on the algebraic power function or on versions based on this function. This concentration is not unusual because the power function has proven, in numerous studies, to fit empirical data quite well. However, other easy-to-apply algebraic functions should also be analyzed and considered. One such function, an exponential function, is discussed and is shown to provide a better fit to several sets of empirical data than the traditional power function. In addition to providing a better fit, this exponential function is easy to apply in practice.