Productivity can be improved by

A) increasing inputs while holding outputs steady.
B) decreasing outputs while holding inputs steady.
C) increasing inputs and outputs in the same proportion.
D) decreasing inputs while holding outputs steady.
E) there is no way to improve productivity.

Decreasing inputs while holding outputs steady is the most efficient and effective way to improve productivity. This can be achieved through process improvements, automation, better training, and other means that eliminate waste and improve efficiency. Increasing inputs or outputs may increase productivity, but it can also increase costs and may not necessarily lead to an improvement in overall efficiency. Decreasing outputs while holding inputs steady, or increasing inputs and outputs in the same proportion, do not necessarily improve productivity as they do not focus on eliminating waste or improving efficiency.