Review
“Belkaoui reviews learning curve theory. After a brief introduction to the history and theory of learning curve models, the author presents the log-linear model, Pegel's exponential function, Levy's adaptation function, the Stanford-B model, DeJong's learning formula, and Glover's learning formula. The remainder of the text covers learning curve applications including break-even analysis, work-accident experience, standard costs and efficiency variance analysis, and cost-price estimation, as well as limitations of the learning curve model. The last 60 percent of the book is composed of mathematical tables. The materials covered are available in other sources such as management and cost-managerial accounting texts, but this compilation forms an interesting and useful comparison of models. The writing style if straightforward but demands that the reader be skillful in the use of mathematical expression. Footnotes are presented at chapter ends, and a complete bibliography concludes the work. An excellent reference source for upper-division and graduate students.”–Choice
“Outdated cost accounting and control systems have recently been criticized for distorting the realities of production performance. Today's world of multinational companies requires finer analytical tools to meet management needs. The learning curve models of this book should certainly be given careful consideration when we modernize our accounting and control systems.”–H. Peter Holzer, Deloitte Haskins & Sells Professor of Accountacy, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
“Outdated cost accounting and control systems have recently been criticized for distorting the realities of production performance. Today's world of multinational companies requires finer analytical tools to meet management needs. The learning curve models of this book should certainly be given careful consideration when we modernize our accounting and control systems.”–
