Two recent sets of figures from the USA raise a question of 'connectivity'/  Labour productivity refuses to rise - and investment in plant and equipment has declined over the last 10 years.  These can probably be correlated but is there a causal relationship? Well, I can't prove anything but let's just say that labour productivity

Most developed countries have experienced lower rates of productivity development since the great recession - and nobody seems to know why. However, it does seem as though these low growth rates might be with us for some time. For any one country, this means that the key is to simply have a higher growth rate

Most of us want to help our organisations be productive - but we also want to be kind to the environment .  Can these aims be reconciled? Well, yes! - but sometimes it depends on the timeframe you are looking at. Take agriculture as an example. Using pesticides and fertilisers can increase yield (increasing productivity)

Work-life balance is important.  If 'work' takes over, you end up stressed and ineffective.  If 'life' rakes over, you fail to achieve, So, how do we achieve 'balance'? Well, here's a simple tip. When you create your ToDo list and prioritise tasks, make sure you create entries for both sides - the work and the

In the UK, as in quite a few other countries, there is a minimum wage set by government.  In  the UK, this has recently risen fuelled by the introduction of what is called the National Living Wage. (We will ignore, for now, any discussion on whether this means it was impossible to live on the

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is making good progress and we have seen computers doing very well at strategy games like Chess and Go. AI is ideal for situations where a large quantity of data has to be processed as the basis of a 'logical' decision.  This applies in strategy games, and in commercial activities such as

The UK Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) suggests the productivity picture might finally be starting to change. The EEF recently unveiled some mixed findings. On the positive front, its report – Productivity: the state of the manufacturing nation – revealed that over six in ten UK manufacturers (64%) achieved productivity growth in the past two years,

How will the Internet of Things (IoT) impact on productivity - of different sectors We know that lots of (mainly technology) companies are betting big on IoT  - but is this investment wise? For consumers, developments like smart thermostats, smart lighting and so on are interesting - but how compulsive a purchase are they?  The

The USA recently held National Agriculture Day. A key concern expressed by many of those participating this year was the need for greater investments in the very foundation of American agriculture: the research, development and extension services required to maintain the high productivity and environmental sustainability of American farmers and ranchers and to provide sufficient

What are the secrets to productivity development at the national level? Well, after many years experience in a range of countries, I would have to say "Don't ask me". There is no panacea, no golden bullet. If I had to offer any advice, it would be to ; Get the macroeconomy right - reduce regulation,