Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / Statement of the Problem. - The major thesis is that cyclical sensitivity of New England Standard Metropolitan Areas is a function of any one or a combination of the following variables: 1. specialization in manufacturing industries as opposed to non-manufacturing industries, 2. specialization in durable goods industries as opposed to non-durable goods industries, 3. specialization in a few major "S.I.C. two-digit" manufacturing industries, 4. degree of transition in the structure of manufacturing [TRUNCATED]