Productivity trends in Ireland - a statistical note

Abstract

In a recent study Katsiaouni (1979) presented, amongst other things, estimates of the trend rate of growth of labour productivity in manufacturing between 1953 and 1973. In this note we re-examine this aspect of Katsiaouni's work and demonstrate that his choice of sub-periods was inappropriate from the statistical viewpoint. In addition, we present alternative estimates based on the correct sub-division.