Learning Curve Theory - An Effective Management Tool

The Learning Curve

Many definitions have been given to describe the learning curve theory. Although most, if not all delineations are closely similar, their interpretations would provide clearly the same essence on the subject. 

A learning curve can be defined as a graphical representation of the changing rate of learning of an average person for a given work activity, whether physical or mental. Typically, the increase in retention of information is sharpest after the initial efforts, and then gradually evens out, meaning that less and less new information is retained after each repetition of the process. To put it simply, a learning curve is a graphical representation of the increase of learning (vertical axis) with experience (horizontal axis). 

See graph below:

The learning curve can also represent at a glance the initial complexity of learning a certain work activity and, to an extent, how much there is to learn after initial familiarity.

Are Regrets Quantifiable?

Courtesy of en.hcht.org

Before I deal with the substance of the subject, it would be appropriate to have a common understanding of the term regret through its definition. As defined by Wikipedia, “regret is a negative conscious and emotional reaction to personal past acts and behaviors. Regret is often expressed by the term "sorry." Regret is often a feeling of sadness, shame, embarrassment, depression, annoyance, or guilt, after one acts in a manner and later wishes not to have done so.

Wikipedia further explains that “regret is distinct from guilt, which is a deeply emotional form of regret; one which may be difficult to comprehend in an objective or conceptual way. It is also distinct from remorse, which is a more direct and emotional form of regret over a past action that is considered by society to be hurtful, shameful, or violent. Unlike regret, it includes a strong element of desire for apology to others rather than an internal reflection on one's actions, and may be expressed (sincerely or not) in order to reduce the punishment one receives.”