Interesting point - here's what I think. I'd like to find out how others
feel about it.
The learning curve was first articulated by Frank Andress in HBR in Jan
1954. He held that the phrase described a process whereby 'manufacturing
productivity is improved by improving the rate at which standardised tasks
are carried out on a production line through the application of
accumulated experience'.
The curse of this concept is with us yet. This paradigm is fundamentally
anti-innovatory. If we seek improved productivity by doing the same thing
better and better, then it follows that any change in technology or
product represents entry into a new learning curve, and therefore new
costs. In terms of jobs it was a mixed blessing, because although it
implied the pursuit of secure jobs and low turnover, it also implied
deskilling and monotony. Above all the imulse was to change as little as
possible
So the learning curve paradigm is the antithesis of the learning
organisation/ systems paradigm. In this change is actively sought through
constant scanning of the whole environment. How fast one can react to
changing circumstances becomes more important than holding down unit
costs. That is not to say that unit costs are not of concern - but task
efficiency has to be placed in the analytical pot along with everything
else.
In my view the worst modern manifestation of the learning curve paradigm
is quick and dirty cost cutting through downsizing ahead of thinking in
terms of reskilling, new product innovation with existing staff, and the
application of a reserve skills capacity.
For my money Hammer and Champy let their paradigm veil slip when they used
the label 'reengineering'. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with what
they were talking about, but to think of 'engineering' human systems seems
to me to indicate the presence of a learning curve mentality ahead of a
whole systems analytical approach which ought to be the context of such
analysis.
-- Phillip Capper Centre for Research on Work, Education and Business PO Box 2855 Wellington New ZealandPh: 64+ 4 4998140 Fx: 64+ 4 4733087
EMail: pcapper@actrix.gen.nz