Short Paper (W4)

Changes in Productivity

In a paper of about 2 to 3 pages, plus reference list, compare and contrast your present or recent job (or a job you see yourself doing within the next five years) and the same or similar job from about 100 years ago.  In your report, describe the basic jobs, and the resulting changes in productivity.  (Productivity refers to labor productivity, as well as productivity obtained through specialized machines, and technology in general.) 

For references, you are free to use any source, and have at least three sources for reference in the paper.  (Note that many assignments may limit sources to journal articles, but for this paper, any source such as a web site will be OK.)  

For example, I'm teaching the class using e-learning technologies -- the internet, Canvas LMS, TED Talk videos, and so on.  None of us have to travel to attend the class, but can "go to school" from more or less anywhere.   In contrast, my grandfather did a course in factory administration at Boston University following his service in WWI, taking the train back and forth from Haverhill Mass.  The modern approach is more productive in that commuting time in e-learning is basically non-existent, just to point of one element. 

Submit your paper by Sunday midnight, Oct. 6.