The service times for a new data entry clerk have been measured and sequentially recorded as shown below:
Report ........ Time (minutes)
1 .......... 66
2 .......... 56
3 .......... 53
4 .......... 48
5 .......... 47
6 .......... 45
7 .......... 44
8 ......... 41
a) What is the learning curve rate, based on this information?
b) Using an 85% learning curve rate and the above times, estimate the length of time the clerk will take to complete the 48th report.