Introduction, Purpose and Summary of this Book

Abstract

On the odd occasion when I lecture to students, businessmen or civil servants, I sometimes begin by asking ‘Which developed country has the lowest rate of growth in manpower productivity in manufacturing?’ My largely British audience usually votes for Britain. They’re wrong - the right answer is the United States of America. Britain is second lowest, and third, fourth and fifth from the bottom are Australia, Canada and New Zealand (not necessarily in that order).