Question

which of the following is not an explanation for the revival in the growth of productivity starting in the mid - 1990s?

a. faster computers have sped up data processing.
b. information and communication innovations are increasingly geared toward improving business processes and not consumer products.
c. cell phones and wireless internet access have increased worker flexibility.
d. internet use has increased the efficiency of how firms buy and sell to each other and to consumers.

Explanation:

• Option A: Faster computers speeding up data - processing is a valid reason for productivity growth as it improves operational speed.
• Option C: Cell phones and wireless Internet access increasing worker flexibility allows for more efficient work arrangements, contributing to productivity.
• Option D: Internet use increasing the efficiency of firm - to - firm and firm - to - consumer transactions streamlines business operations, enhancing productivity.
• Option B: Information and communication innovations being geared towards business processes (not consumer products) is actually a positive for productivity growth. But if we consider the nature of the question (looking for what is not an explanation), we need to check the context. In the mid - 1990s, many information and communication innovations were still in the process of being adopted for both business and consumer use. However, the statement in B is not a non - explanation. But if we assume a wrong - answer - seeking perspective, we note that in the context of productivity growth explanations, all other options are more directly about productivity - enhancing mechanisms (speed, flexibility, efficiency). Option B is more of a direction of innovation rather than a direct productivity - growth mechanism. But actually, all of these are related to productivity growth. If we consider a mis - understanding in the question's design, perhaps the intended answer is B.

Answer:

B. Information and communication innovations are increasingly geared toward improving business processes and not consumer products