Understanding Productivity

The COVID-19 pandemic struck the global economy after a decade that featured a broad-based slowdown in productivity growth. Global Productivity: Trends, Drivers, and Policies presents the first comprehensive analysis of the evolution and drivers of productivity growth, examines the effects of COVID-19 on productivity, and discusses a wide range of policies needed to rekindle productivity growth. The book also provides a far-reaching data set of multiple measures of productivity for up to 164 advanced economies and emerging market and developing economies, and it introduces a new sectoral database of productivity. The World Bank has created an extraordinary book on productivity, covering a large group of countries and using a wide variety of data sources. There is an emphasis on emerging and developing economies, whereas the prior literature has concentrated on developed economies. The book seeks to understand growth patterns and quantify the role of (among other things) the reallocation of factors, technological change, and the impact of natural disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This book is must-reading for specialists in emerging economies but also provides deep insights for anyone interested in economic growth and productivity. Martin Neil Baily Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution Former Chair, U.S. President’s Council of Economic Advisers This is an important book at a critical time. As the book notes, global productivity growth had already been slowing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and collapses with the pandemic. If we want an effective recovery, we have to understand what was driving these long-run trends. The book presents a novel global approach to examining the levels, growth rates, and drivers of productivity growth. For anyone wanting to understand or influence productivity growth, this is an essential read. Nicholas Bloom William D. Eberle Professor of Economics, Stanford University The COVID-19 pandemic hit a global economy that was already struggling with an adverse pre-existing condition—slow productivity growth. This extraordinarily valuable and timely book brings considerable new evidence that shows the broad-based, long-standing nature of the slowdown. It is comprehensive, with an exceptional focus on emerging market and developing economies. Importantly, it shows how severe disasters (of which COVID-19 is just the latest) typically harm productivity. There are no silver bullets, but the book suggests sensible strategies to improve growth prospects. John Fernald Schroders Chaired Professor of European Competitiveness and Reform and Professor of Economics, INSEAD

Monograph on the definition and measurement of productivity, with particular reference to the economy of the USA - directed to non- specialists, discusses trends by sector (incl. Developed country comparison), causal factors behind productivity advance, relations to production costs and prices, etc., And considers productivity policies to further advancement. Bibliography pp. 136 to 138.

This book, in contrast with previous research and popular discussions that focus on the productivity of workers, identifies the critical influence of supervisors and engineers as key drivers of productivity differentials. To do so, it analyzes productivity at a Japanese car component plant and its three offshoot plants located in the United States, Thailand, and China and how productivity evolved at these plants from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s. The author’s participatory observation approach reveals that productivity and work practices converged to a limited degree over the years at all four plants. Particularly influential are the persistent differences at these plants in the extent to which workers learn how to combine and integrate their production skills with troubleshooting skills. Supervisors play a key role in developing this integration in Japan, while worker skills remain separated in the other countries. Integrated skill development is promoted in Japan through the trusting relationships that first-line supervisors enjoy with their workforce. In the plants abroad, in contrast, the persistence of workers’ control over their individual skill development and careers impedes the development of integrated skills. Manufacturing engineers at the Japanese mother plant also play key linking roles, thereby enhancing communications and problem-solving on the shop floor, whereas manufacturing engineers at the US, Thai, and Chinese plants play more limited and compartmentalized roles. As a result, productivity remains high in Japan and lags in the other plants. Surprisingly, Japanese managers remain reluctant to introduce these more productive work practices in the offshoot plants.

This book addresses the rising productivity gap between the global frontier and other firms, and identifies a number of structural impediments constraining business start-ups, knowledge diffusion and resource allocation (such as barriers to up-scaling and relatively high rates of skill mismatch).

Take your productivity to the next level and make the most of your time! Do you have too much to do and not enough time to do it? Don't we all! Productivity For Dummies shows you how to overcome this common problem by tackling key issues that are preventing you from remaining focused and making the most of your time. This insightful text gets to the root of the problem, and shows you how to identify and analyse the items on your to-do list to deliver on deadlines and maximise your schedule. Numerous techniques and technologies have been developed to address productivity needs, and this resource shows you which will work for your situation. Productivity is crucial to your success - whether you want to find a new job, earn a promotion you've had your eye on, or generally progress in your career, understanding how to improve your productivity is essential in increasing the value you bring to your organisation. At the very least, increased productivity means that you get things done faster—which translates into fewer overtime hours and more time concentrating on the things that are most important to you. Eliminate procrastination and laziness from your daily routine Organise your work environment to create a space conducive to productivity Increase your concentration and stay focused on the task at hand Make decisions quickly, and stay cool, calm, and collected no matter what the situation is Productivity For Dummies helps you solve the age-old problem of having too much to do and not enough time to do it.

This monograph is a collection of articles on productivity and related topics submitted by speakers at an interdisciplinary November 2017 conference sponsored by, among others, the CFA Institute Research Foundation, with additional articles solicited by the editors from noted experts on the field.

Introducing "The Productivity Handbook: Simple Strategies for Achieving More in Less Time" - the ultimate guide to increasing your productivity and achieving your goals faster! Do you often find yourself struggling to get everything done in a day? Do you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list and never seem to have enough time to accomplish everything you want? If so, then "The Productivity Handbook" is the perfect solution for you. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover a variety of proven techniques and strategies for maximizing your productivity, reducing stress and burnout, and achieving more in less time. From understanding the importance of productivity and setting effective goals to mastering time management, planning and scheduling, overcoming procrastination, and managing distractions, this handbook covers everything you need to know to improve your productivity and achieve success. You will also learn how to delegate and outsource tasks, utilize technology and automation, improve your focus and concentration, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. With practical tips, tools, and techniques, this handbook is designed to help you work smarter, not harder, and achieve your personal and professional goals faster than ever before. "The Productivity Handbook" is suitable for anyone looking to increase their productivity, including entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and professionals. With easy-to-follow instructions and practical examples, this handbook is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to take their productivity to the next level. So, if you're ready to start achieving more in less time, order your copy of "The Productivity Handbook" today and take the first step towards a more productive and successful life!