Production breaks and the learning curve: The forgetting phenomenon

Abstract In this paper, the forgetting slope is shown to be mathematically dependent on the following factors: 1. (1) the learning slope, 2. (2) the quantity produced to date, and 3. (3) the minimum break at which total forgetting occurs. It is also shown that it is possible to determine the value of the forgetting rate once the curve's mathematical form is assumed. This answers some potential considerations inherent in the arbitrary assumption of forgetting rate. This paper also investigates the effects of learning and forgetting on both the optimum production quantity and the minimum total inventory system cost.