Learning Curve Theory for Mario's Pizzeria

Running head: LEARNING CURVE THEORY

Learning Curve Theory for Mario’s Pizzeria

University of Phoenix

OPS/571

Learning Curve Theory for Mario’s Pizzeria

The simulation provided by University of Phoenix, entitled, “Mario’s Pizzeria,” entailed various business scenarios. Decisions were made to assist the Pizzeria to flourish profitably and as Mario’s grandchild, the chance to manage the Pizzeria permanently. The following information presents the initial and alternative processes for the restaurant. In addition, the learning curve concept will be explored and tested to compare the alternative processes against the existing processes. The process performance data is attached in Exhibit A, which identifies the performance metrics used.

The Pizzeria entailed a variety of alternative options. The queue scenario provided choices of customer seating for two or maintain seating only parties of four. Customers incurred a wait time of nine minutes before they walked out. With regard to two-party seating, considerations included lessening the wait time for two and four parties and increase or decrease the wait and kitchen staff.

The first decision was to increase the wait staff by two persons and the kitchen staff by one. However, making changes within the wait and kitchen staff capacity did not incur a significant impact on the wait time nor save money; Mario was not happy with this decision.

The chosen alternative processes included seating for two and four parties and maintain the staff as is. Upon adding seating for two, the utilization of tables of four was at 96.39 percent and tables for two at 88.98 percent. Mario was pleased no changes were made to the wait and kitchen staff.

The second alternative process chosen included purchasing more manual ovens or new Plax Ovens. The first decision made was to replace the manual ovens with two new Plax Ovens, including the purchase of the MenuPoint System. This system reduced the mean processing...