In this view, the Internet is as world-changing an invention as the car, and we have now a one-off boost in productivity growth.

FORBES: It's The Productivity, Stupid

Taking away the one-off boost from the Olympics, the figures suggest that the UK economy was broadly flat in the second half of the year.

BBC: Straws of hope from GDP

"A one-off boost from the Olympics is welcome, " he said.

BBC: UK economy returns to growth with help from Olympics

One clear lesson from the past is that while a central bank cannot prevent oil prices giving a one-off boost to inflation, it must try to prevent this feeding into higher wages and prices of other goods and services.

ECONOMIST: How should central banks respond to a rise in oil prices?

Was it a one-off strategy to boost sales of a brand not known for that style of vacuum?

FORBES: Got Reviews? If Not, You're Doomed!

The impact could probably be larger now, partly because more households are strapped for cash, but also because a permanent boost to income is more likely to be spent than a one-off rebate.

ECONOMIST: The economy

In 2009, Mr. Formanowicz closed one his five Polish plants, laying off most of the work force, and invested in better machinery to boost productivity at the four remaining.

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