The following has been incorporated in syllabi of all courses I offer this term.
關於修課的態度、教學的熱忱、教師評分的客觀與否、同學填寫教學評量是否公允，這些重要議題，屬性就是主觀的，我們應該避免討論、解釋，用不著虛情假意、浪費時間。為什麼呢？因為喜歡你的人不需要，而不喜歡你的人不會相信。追求真理，才是所有討論與解釋的目的。努力取得現代公民應具備的素養，才無愧大學教育的金錢支出與機會成本。
有大智的教務長於開學準備週研習會提到，假設有老師表示，老師可能會依個人的不滿情緒，向評鑑委員爆料，教務長睿智的回應：「委員應該會記錄此類意見，但是導致不滿情緒的問題，並不會因此而解決或消失。」以此類推，同學可能會依個人的不滿情緒，在填寫匿名的教學評量時宣洩一番，此類意見確實會見光，但是導致不滿情緒的問題，並不會解決或消失。所以，良性與即時溝通、提出建設性意見，才是正途。本人歷年課程之學生整體成績與教學評量，都放在e-learning，力求透明化。每門課都要與企業(或職場)倫理相結合，同學考試不能作弊；教師打成績要有擔當；不用功就不要推說老師不會教；家長也不該既要求學校要嚴格、又不能接受被勒退的竟是自己的子女。緣此，教師、學生、家長、教務主管，都要恪遵企業倫理。
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
『e世代之標準化作業』 與 『在屋頂大聲告白的戲劇化思維』之小衝突
jsw: 剛才收到手機簡訊，同學姓名都沒給，只表示要加選 (嗯 … 為什麼不包飛機，在天空拉布條呢？)初犯原諒！下一封類似的天兵簡訊，會被原貌轉寄給校長、部長與教育委員會立委，讓他們知道，幾百億教育經費砸下去，還是有盲點。
難怪會有『生小孩的地方』的笑話。
Hint: 白癡色鬼、機智美女、給錢看好康的、公車、路邊的婦產科。
沒聽過這笑話的人，自己去 google 吧。
Student: 簡訊是我發的= =
我怕你今天沒有要上facebook，加上有名額限制，以防萬一!!
jsw: 從未聽說用簡訊卡位之事。真的要採用土法鍊鋼、也不想包飛機拉布條，可以學習岳飛母親。在背上(嗯 小腿或手臂亦可 -- 只要夠粗)刺青七字：『讓我加選微積分』。這樣...一般人應該會被感動。
Student: 我考慮採用。
難怪會有『生小孩的地方』的笑話。
Hint: 白癡色鬼、機智美女、給錢看好康的、公車、路邊的婦產科。
沒聽過這笑話的人，自己去 google 吧。
Student: 簡訊是我發的= =
我怕你今天沒有要上facebook，加上有名額限制，以防萬一!!
jsw: 從未聽說用簡訊卡位之事。真的要採用土法鍊鋼、也不想包飛機拉布條，可以學習岳飛母親。在背上(嗯 小腿或手臂亦可 -- 只要夠粗)刺青七字：『讓我加選微積分』。這樣...一般人應該會被感動。
Student: 我考慮採用。
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Detailed Solution to Examination One (summer session) -- Micro Principles
★★★ Detailed Solution to Examination One (Int’l Business Administration, WUCL) ★★★
Summer 2010
Instructor: 衛忠欣 (Jong-Shin Wei)
經濟學(一) (Principles of Microeconomics)
(07)342-6031 ext.6222
93001@mail.wtuc.edu.tw
jsw12011958@gmail.com
9:30 am ~ 10:40 am, July 9, 2010
Open books/notes exam (excluding texts written in Chinese). Absolutely no talking nor borrowing items during exams.，可使用自己的資料、字典或翻譯機。行動電話若響起，該生扣十分、以強調基本禮貌。務必工整依序作答。題目較多，目的在於測試是否有平日閱讀英文資料之習慣。Watch your time and have fun!
Part One: 20 Multiple choice questions. [By multiple choice in an English-speaking academic environment, we mean that you must choose the most appropriate one from 4 alternatives. 依慣例，答錯不倒扣！] 80 points
1. An economic agent, called A, has 20 hours to be spent on producing goods X and Y under linear (or fixed rate) technologies specified as follows. Spending a hours, with 0 ≦ a ≦20, on the production of X can bring him a/2 units of X (or expressed by x = a/2); spending hours, with 0 ≦ a ≦ 20, on producing Y can yield a units of Y (i.e., y = a). A’s production possibility frontier (or PPF for short) is
(A) 2ax + ay = 20;
(B) (a/2)x + ay = 20;
(C) 2x + y = 20;
(D) x + 2y = 20.
Ans: C. [In light of linear (or fixed rate) technologies, since a hours can produce a/2 units of X, 1 unit of X requires (labor in the amount of) 2 hours. Similarly,a hours can produce a units of Y, implying that 1 unit of Y requires (labor in the amount of) 1 hour. Hence, 2x + y = 20.]
2. [continued from question 1] Since a/2 units of X are trade-off for a units of Y, we shall say that the opportunity cost of producing
(A) 1 unit of Y is 2 units of X;
(B) 1 unit of Y is 0.5;
(C) 1 unit of X is 0.5;
(D) 1 unit of X is 2 units of Y.
Ans: D. [a/2 : a = 1/2 : 1 = 1: 2]
3. [continued from question 2] We then conclude that
(A) A has the absolute advantage in producing Y;
(B) A has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(C) A has the comparative advantage in producing Y;
(D) None of the above (is true).
Ans: D. [Recall definitions of absolute advantage and comparative advantage]
4. [continued from question 1] The PPF of A
(A) has -2 as slope and two intercepts as 10 and 20;
(B) has -1/2 as slope and two intercepts as 20 and 20;
(C) has -2 as slope and two intercepts as 10 and 20;
(D) has -1/2 as slope and two intercepts as 10 and 20.
Ans: A. [The geometric properties of a line, 2x + y = 20 on the X-Y plane]
5. An economic agent, called B, has 30 hours to be spent on producing goods X and Y under linear (or fixed rate) technologies specified as follows. Spending a hours, with 0 ≦ a ≦20, on the production of X can bring him a/2 units of X (or expressed by x = a/2); spending hours, with 0 ≦ a ≦ 20, on producing Y can yield a/2 units of Y (i.e., y = a/2). B’s production possibility frontier (or PPF for short) is
(A) x + y = 30;
(B) x + y = 15;
(C) x + 2y = 20;
(D) 2x + 2y = 15.
Ans: B. [In light of linear (or fixed rate) technologies, since a hours can produce a/2 units of X, 1 unit of X requires (labor in the amount of) 2 hours. Likewise,a/2 hours can produce a units of Y, implying that 1 unit of Y requires (labor in the amount of) 2 hour. Hence, 2x + 2y = 30 or x + y = 15.]
6. [continued from question 5]
(A) The opportunity cost of producing 1 unit of X is 2 units of Y;
(B) The opportunity cost of producing 1 unit of X is 0.5 unit of Y;
(C) The opportunity cost of producing 2 units of X is 2 units of Y;
(D) None of the above is true.
Ans: C. [1 : 1 = 2 : 2]
7. [continued from questions 1 and 5] Regarding A and B,
(A) A has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(B) A has the absolute advantage in producing Y;
(C) B has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(D) B has the absolute advantage in producing Y.
Ans: B. [For x = 1, A needs to spend 2 hours; B needs to spend 2 hours. For y = 1, A needs to spend 1 hour; B needs to spend 2 hours. Hence, A has the absolute advantage in producing Y. Incidentally, we can see from intercepts and numbers on the right-hand side of two equations. For A, 20 hrs bring him 10 units of X, 10/20 = 1/2. For B, 30 hrs bring him 15 units of X, 15/30 = 1/2. We have a tie here. For A, 20 hrs bring him 20 units of Y, 20/20 = 1. For B, 30 hrs bring him 15 units of Y, 15/30 = 1/2. Note 1 > 1/2. Measuring productivity (between two agents) is the key here.]
8. [continued from questions 1 and 5] Regarding A and B,
(A) Neither has the comparative advantage in producing X;
(B) A has the comparative advantage in producing X;
(C) B has the comparative advantage in producing X;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: C. [For A, the opportunity cost of producing 1 unit of X is 2 units of Y. For B, the opportunity cost of producing 1 unit of X is 1 unit of Y. Hence, B has the comparative advantage in producing X. Also, A has the comparative advantage in producing Y. Intuition? A’s PPF is steeper than B’s PPF.]
9. [continued from question 1] Now we introduce another economic agent, called C, who has 30 hours to be spent on producing goods X and Y. The PPF is x + y = 30.
Regarding A and C,
(A) A has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(B) A has the absolute advantage in producing Y;
(C) C has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: C. [For x = 1, A needs to spend 2 hours; C needs to spend 1 hour. For y = 1, A needs to spend 1 hour; C needs to spend 1 hour. Hence, C has the absolute advantage in producing X.]
10. [continued from questions 5 and 9] Regarding B and C,
(A) B has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(B) B has the absolute advantage in producing Y;
(C) C has the absolute advantage in producing both goods;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: C. [For x = 1, B needs to spend 2 hours; C needs to spend 1 hour. For y = 1, B needs to spend 2 hours; C needs to spend 1 hour. Hence, C has the absolute advantage in producing both X and Y.]
11. 基於 incentives and rational behavior 的認知，校長呼籲同學不要盲目熱衷展場美女(國內所謂的賣場showgirl)的打工之途，與下列何者相似？
(A) 如果知道要分手，當初就不該交往；
(B) 黃豆漲價，讓豆漿變淡，比漲價要好；
(C) 帥哥美女的追求者人數，真的不多；
(D) 在重視點名成績且有150名學生的課堂上，道德勸說同學勿伏案小睡。
Ans: D. [如果課業負擔不重，展場美女的打工機會，當然有吸引力。如果到課就有基本分數，即使精神不濟也會上課。]
12. There are three projects, 1, 2, and 3. The benefit from undertaking project i is B(i); the cost of undertaking project i is C(i), where i = 1, 2, 3. If we know that project 1 has the smallest opportunity cost, then
(A) project 1 has the largest net benefit;
(B) project 1 has the smallest net benefit;
(C) project 1 的淨效益，不可能等於 project 1 的機會成本；
(D) project 1 的淨效益，不可能大於 project 1 的機會成本。
*Ans: D. [To see why (A) is incorrect, consider the following example. Let B(1) = 10, C(1) = 6, B(2) = 10, C(2) = 4, B(3) = 8, and C(3) = 2. The opportunity cost of undertaking project 1 is 6 = Max{10 - 4, 8 - 2}; the opportunity cost of undertaking project 2 is 6 = Max{10 - 6, 8 - 2}; the opportunity cost of undertaking project 3 is 6 = Max{10 - 6, 10 - 4}.]
13. There are three projects, 1, 2, and 3. The benefit from undertaking project i is B(i); the cost of undertaking project i is C(i), where i = 1, 2, 3. If we know that only one project has the largest net benefit, then
(A)有最小機會成本的 project，必是有最大淨效益的 project；
(B)有最小機會成本的 project，未必是唯一；
(C)有最大機會成本的 project，必是有最大淨效益的 project；
(D) None of the above.
*Ans: A. [lectures]
14. Suppose that you chose to walk downtown to save $10 on a textbook priced at $30. Today, you will buy a computer on campus store at the price as $3000 even you know that the same computer can be found at a downtown store with price as $2960.
This reasoning is similar to
(A) 要求捐出一日所得，而不是每人捐2000元；
(B) 既然來到 all-you-can-eat 餐廳，我一定要拼命吃；
(C) 聽演講時，避免坐在最後一列；
(D) 勿以善小而不為、勿以惡小而為之。
Ans: A. [proportion!]
15. Suppose the net benefit of 1 is B(1) - C(1) = 10 - 8 = 2; the net benefit of 2 is B(2) - C(2) = 6 - 2 = 4. This is consistent with
(A)文藻實施全面點名的機會成本很大；
(B) sunk cost is important；
(C)明星球員應領高薪；
(D)妳愛1的程度超過妳愛2的程度，2比1還愛妳。
Ans: D.
16. The title of the movie we saw on the first day of class is
(A) Save the Earth;
(B) Earth;
(C) Our Home;
(D) Home.
Ans: D. [Obvious]
17. [continued from question 16] 該影片的旁白，一再重覆的是
(A) More and more;
(B) Faster and faster;
(C) Sooner or later;
(D) Bigger and bigger.
Ans: B. [Just see if you did pay attention to that movie.]
18. [continued from question 16] 該影片提到，紅樹林的快速消失，加害者是
(A) 養蝦場；
(B) 鯊魚；
(C) 水鳥；
(D) 螞蟻。
Ans: A.
19. [continued from question 16] 該影片提到，大幅度的森林變成農地，種植黃豆。約多少比例的黃豆，被用於歐亞地區禽畜的飼料？
(A) 50%;
(B) 60%;
(C) 75%;
(D) 90%.
Ans: D.
20. [continued from question 16] 該影片提到，在孟加拉，只貸款給窮人的銀行，實施30多年，
(A) 讓一億五千萬人受惠；
(B) 讓一千五百萬人受惠；
(C) 最後被爆料，竟然是在斂財；
(D) 創始者竟無緣得到諾貝爾獎。
Ans: A. [Additional information: 經濟學家穆罕默德．尤努斯(Muhammad Yunus)創建葛萊敏銀行(Grameen Bank)。穆罕默德．尤努斯於2006獲頒諾貝爾和平獎。You might also learn it in Money and Banking.]
Part Two: Analytical questions. [注意字體工整、邏輯順暢與不要出現錯別字或注音(與火星文)！如果字跡難以辨認，視同未答。畫蛇添足、答非所問、不知所云、自曝其短，將不利得分。] 20 points
21.你(妳)修這門暑修課程的機會成本為何？請扼要說明。
我為什麼不會問「你(妳)修這門暑修課程的淨效益為何」？
Ans: skipped. 如果要計算你(妳)修這門暑修課程的淨效益，就必須先估算暑修成績。
22.你(妳)未來在職場面試時，應不應該主動說明「這四年的教育都是全面強制點名的」？
Ans: No! [Why not? To be elaborated during lectures]
Performance:
12 students
Adjusting rule: (original score)(1.2)
Average: 56.3
Highest-lowest: 70-43
(撰寫試題無著作權；歡迎全貌下載流傳)
Summer 2010
Instructor: 衛忠欣 (Jong-Shin Wei)
經濟學(一) (Principles of Microeconomics)
(07)342-6031 ext.6222
93001@mail.wtuc.edu.tw
jsw12011958@gmail.com
9:30 am ~ 10:40 am, July 9, 2010
Open books/notes exam (excluding texts written in Chinese). Absolutely no talking nor borrowing items during exams.，可使用自己的資料、字典或翻譯機。行動電話若響起，該生扣十分、以強調基本禮貌。務必工整依序作答。題目較多，目的在於測試是否有平日閱讀英文資料之習慣。Watch your time and have fun!
Part One: 20 Multiple choice questions. [By multiple choice in an English-speaking academic environment, we mean that you must choose the most appropriate one from 4 alternatives. 依慣例，答錯不倒扣！] 80 points
1. An economic agent, called A, has 20 hours to be spent on producing goods X and Y under linear (or fixed rate) technologies specified as follows. Spending a hours, with 0 ≦ a ≦20, on the production of X can bring him a/2 units of X (or expressed by x = a/2); spending hours, with 0 ≦ a ≦ 20, on producing Y can yield a units of Y (i.e., y = a). A’s production possibility frontier (or PPF for short) is
(A) 2ax + ay = 20;
(B) (a/2)x + ay = 20;
(C) 2x + y = 20;
(D) x + 2y = 20.
Ans: C. [In light of linear (or fixed rate) technologies, since a hours can produce a/2 units of X, 1 unit of X requires (labor in the amount of) 2 hours. Similarly,a hours can produce a units of Y, implying that 1 unit of Y requires (labor in the amount of) 1 hour. Hence, 2x + y = 20.]
2. [continued from question 1] Since a/2 units of X are trade-off for a units of Y, we shall say that the opportunity cost of producing
(A) 1 unit of Y is 2 units of X;
(B) 1 unit of Y is 0.5;
(C) 1 unit of X is 0.5;
(D) 1 unit of X is 2 units of Y.
Ans: D. [a/2 : a = 1/2 : 1 = 1: 2]
3. [continued from question 2] We then conclude that
(A) A has the absolute advantage in producing Y;
(B) A has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(C) A has the comparative advantage in producing Y;
(D) None of the above (is true).
Ans: D. [Recall definitions of absolute advantage and comparative advantage]
4. [continued from question 1] The PPF of A
(A) has -2 as slope and two intercepts as 10 and 20;
(B) has -1/2 as slope and two intercepts as 20 and 20;
(C) has -2 as slope and two intercepts as 10 and 20;
(D) has -1/2 as slope and two intercepts as 10 and 20.
Ans: A. [The geometric properties of a line, 2x + y = 20 on the X-Y plane]
5. An economic agent, called B, has 30 hours to be spent on producing goods X and Y under linear (or fixed rate) technologies specified as follows. Spending a hours, with 0 ≦ a ≦20, on the production of X can bring him a/2 units of X (or expressed by x = a/2); spending hours, with 0 ≦ a ≦ 20, on producing Y can yield a/2 units of Y (i.e., y = a/2). B’s production possibility frontier (or PPF for short) is
(A) x + y = 30;
(B) x + y = 15;
(C) x + 2y = 20;
(D) 2x + 2y = 15.
Ans: B. [In light of linear (or fixed rate) technologies, since a hours can produce a/2 units of X, 1 unit of X requires (labor in the amount of) 2 hours. Likewise,a/2 hours can produce a units of Y, implying that 1 unit of Y requires (labor in the amount of) 2 hour. Hence, 2x + 2y = 30 or x + y = 15.]
6. [continued from question 5]
(A) The opportunity cost of producing 1 unit of X is 2 units of Y;
(B) The opportunity cost of producing 1 unit of X is 0.5 unit of Y;
(C) The opportunity cost of producing 2 units of X is 2 units of Y;
(D) None of the above is true.
Ans: C. [1 : 1 = 2 : 2]
7. [continued from questions 1 and 5] Regarding A and B,
(A) A has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(B) A has the absolute advantage in producing Y;
(C) B has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(D) B has the absolute advantage in producing Y.
Ans: B. [For x = 1, A needs to spend 2 hours; B needs to spend 2 hours. For y = 1, A needs to spend 1 hour; B needs to spend 2 hours. Hence, A has the absolute advantage in producing Y. Incidentally, we can see from intercepts and numbers on the right-hand side of two equations. For A, 20 hrs bring him 10 units of X, 10/20 = 1/2. For B, 30 hrs bring him 15 units of X, 15/30 = 1/2. We have a tie here. For A, 20 hrs bring him 20 units of Y, 20/20 = 1. For B, 30 hrs bring him 15 units of Y, 15/30 = 1/2. Note 1 > 1/2. Measuring productivity (between two agents) is the key here.]
8. [continued from questions 1 and 5] Regarding A and B,
(A) Neither has the comparative advantage in producing X;
(B) A has the comparative advantage in producing X;
(C) B has the comparative advantage in producing X;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: C. [For A, the opportunity cost of producing 1 unit of X is 2 units of Y. For B, the opportunity cost of producing 1 unit of X is 1 unit of Y. Hence, B has the comparative advantage in producing X. Also, A has the comparative advantage in producing Y. Intuition? A’s PPF is steeper than B’s PPF.]
9. [continued from question 1] Now we introduce another economic agent, called C, who has 30 hours to be spent on producing goods X and Y. The PPF is x + y = 30.
Regarding A and C,
(A) A has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(B) A has the absolute advantage in producing Y;
(C) C has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: C. [For x = 1, A needs to spend 2 hours; C needs to spend 1 hour. For y = 1, A needs to spend 1 hour; C needs to spend 1 hour. Hence, C has the absolute advantage in producing X.]
10. [continued from questions 5 and 9] Regarding B and C,
(A) B has the absolute advantage in producing X;
(B) B has the absolute advantage in producing Y;
(C) C has the absolute advantage in producing both goods;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: C. [For x = 1, B needs to spend 2 hours; C needs to spend 1 hour. For y = 1, B needs to spend 2 hours; C needs to spend 1 hour. Hence, C has the absolute advantage in producing both X and Y.]
11. 基於 incentives and rational behavior 的認知，校長呼籲同學不要盲目熱衷展場美女(國內所謂的賣場showgirl)的打工之途，與下列何者相似？
(A) 如果知道要分手，當初就不該交往；
(B) 黃豆漲價，讓豆漿變淡，比漲價要好；
(C) 帥哥美女的追求者人數，真的不多；
(D) 在重視點名成績且有150名學生的課堂上，道德勸說同學勿伏案小睡。
Ans: D. [如果課業負擔不重，展場美女的打工機會，當然有吸引力。如果到課就有基本分數，即使精神不濟也會上課。]
12. There are three projects, 1, 2, and 3. The benefit from undertaking project i is B(i); the cost of undertaking project i is C(i), where i = 1, 2, 3. If we know that project 1 has the smallest opportunity cost, then
(A) project 1 has the largest net benefit;
(B) project 1 has the smallest net benefit;
(C) project 1 的淨效益，不可能等於 project 1 的機會成本；
(D) project 1 的淨效益，不可能大於 project 1 的機會成本。
*Ans: D. [To see why (A) is incorrect, consider the following example. Let B(1) = 10, C(1) = 6, B(2) = 10, C(2) = 4, B(3) = 8, and C(3) = 2. The opportunity cost of undertaking project 1 is 6 = Max{10 - 4, 8 - 2}; the opportunity cost of undertaking project 2 is 6 = Max{10 - 6, 8 - 2}; the opportunity cost of undertaking project 3 is 6 = Max{10 - 6, 10 - 4}.]
13. There are three projects, 1, 2, and 3. The benefit from undertaking project i is B(i); the cost of undertaking project i is C(i), where i = 1, 2, 3. If we know that only one project has the largest net benefit, then
(A)有最小機會成本的 project，必是有最大淨效益的 project；
(B)有最小機會成本的 project，未必是唯一；
(C)有最大機會成本的 project，必是有最大淨效益的 project；
(D) None of the above.
*Ans: A. [lectures]
14. Suppose that you chose to walk downtown to save $10 on a textbook priced at $30. Today, you will buy a computer on campus store at the price as $3000 even you know that the same computer can be found at a downtown store with price as $2960.
This reasoning is similar to
(A) 要求捐出一日所得，而不是每人捐2000元；
(B) 既然來到 all-you-can-eat 餐廳，我一定要拼命吃；
(C) 聽演講時，避免坐在最後一列；
(D) 勿以善小而不為、勿以惡小而為之。
Ans: A. [proportion!]
15. Suppose the net benefit of 1 is B(1) - C(1) = 10 - 8 = 2; the net benefit of 2 is B(2) - C(2) = 6 - 2 = 4. This is consistent with
(A)文藻實施全面點名的機會成本很大；
(B) sunk cost is important；
(C)明星球員應領高薪；
(D)妳愛1的程度超過妳愛2的程度，2比1還愛妳。
Ans: D.
16. The title of the movie we saw on the first day of class is
(A) Save the Earth;
(B) Earth;
(C) Our Home;
(D) Home.
Ans: D. [Obvious]
17. [continued from question 16] 該影片的旁白，一再重覆的是
(A) More and more;
(B) Faster and faster;
(C) Sooner or later;
(D) Bigger and bigger.
Ans: B. [Just see if you did pay attention to that movie.]
18. [continued from question 16] 該影片提到，紅樹林的快速消失，加害者是
(A) 養蝦場；
(B) 鯊魚；
(C) 水鳥；
(D) 螞蟻。
Ans: A.
19. [continued from question 16] 該影片提到，大幅度的森林變成農地，種植黃豆。約多少比例的黃豆，被用於歐亞地區禽畜的飼料？
(A) 50%;
(B) 60%;
(C) 75%;
(D) 90%.
Ans: D.
20. [continued from question 16] 該影片提到，在孟加拉，只貸款給窮人的銀行，實施30多年，
(A) 讓一億五千萬人受惠；
(B) 讓一千五百萬人受惠；
(C) 最後被爆料，竟然是在斂財；
(D) 創始者竟無緣得到諾貝爾獎。
Ans: A. [Additional information: 經濟學家穆罕默德．尤努斯(Muhammad Yunus)創建葛萊敏銀行(Grameen Bank)。穆罕默德．尤努斯於2006獲頒諾貝爾和平獎。You might also learn it in Money and Banking.]
Part Two: Analytical questions. [注意字體工整、邏輯順暢與不要出現錯別字或注音(與火星文)！如果字跡難以辨認，視同未答。畫蛇添足、答非所問、不知所云、自曝其短，將不利得分。] 20 points
21.你(妳)修這門暑修課程的機會成本為何？請扼要說明。
我為什麼不會問「你(妳)修這門暑修課程的淨效益為何」？
Ans: skipped. 如果要計算你(妳)修這門暑修課程的淨效益，就必須先估算暑修成績。
22.你(妳)未來在職場面試時，應不應該主動說明「這四年的教育都是全面強制點名的」？
Ans: No! [Why not? To be elaborated during lectures]
Performance:
12 students
Adjusting rule: (original score)(1.2)
Average: 56.3
Highest-lowest: 70-43
(撰寫試題無著作權；歡迎全貌下載流傳)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
職場笑話 -- 改編加長版
據說是上班族票選第一名笑話 -- 改編後如下：
一隻蛇與一隻兔子在野外相撞， 兩人爭吵一陣後竟發現 ，彼此都是個瞎子，便惺惺相惜了起來。
蛇泣道：「我從小就沒了父母， 連水中的倒影也看不見，到現在我還不曉得我是什麼動物。」
「我也是耶！」兔子也感傷的說：「我也不知道自己長什麼樣子.....」
一陣長談，蛇想出了一個點子 ，它向兔子道：
「我想到了，我們彼此觸摸對方，告訴對方是什麼動物好嗎？」
兔子興奮的大叫 :
「好啊好啊好啊，我終於可以知道我是什麼動物了！」
蛇說 ：「我先來 ！！」接著他便把小白兔捲起來.....
「嗯！ 你有溫暖的身體，毛茸茸的身子，長長大大的耳朵，尖尖的鼻子，健壯的後腿，還有一小條尾巴，末端還附一個小毛球......」
「我知道了！！」 蛇高興的大喊： 「你是隻小白兔！！」
知道身世的兔子大喜 ：「該我了 ，該我了 ！！」便蹦蹦跳跳到了蛇的身邊,開始用鼻子觸摸
.....
「嗯？ 哇 ！！ 你是個冷血動物，臉皮跟身子皮都很厚，還有黏黏噁心外表，嘖嘖！有長長可以到處鑽的身體，但是竟然沒有肩膀..............哇靠 ！ 頭小小的沒什麼腦袋，嘴巴竟是全身最大的器官......天啊！！嘴巴裡有毒牙！！你老師的！！ 還有分叉的舌頭！！」
兔子突然大怒跳開：「你竟然是個公司主管 ！！」
蛇生氣說：「想騙我？」一口把兔子吞下去。
旁邊一隻烏龜開口：「我在這裡呆了20年，你猜我是什麼動物？」
蛇便把烏龜捲起來..... 烏龜馬上縮頭不動裝死。蛇一放開牠，烏龜就碎碎唸、又爬得慢。蛇一靠近，烏龜又馬上縮頭不動。
蛇輕蔑的說： 「你是公司的小職員！！」
啟示：主管也是上班族，小職員有心聲，主管亦然
一隻蛇與一隻兔子在野外相撞， 兩人爭吵一陣後竟發現 ，彼此都是個瞎子，便惺惺相惜了起來。
蛇泣道：「我從小就沒了父母， 連水中的倒影也看不見，到現在我還不曉得我是什麼動物。」
「我也是耶！」兔子也感傷的說：「我也不知道自己長什麼樣子.....」
一陣長談，蛇想出了一個點子 ，它向兔子道：
「我想到了，我們彼此觸摸對方，告訴對方是什麼動物好嗎？」
兔子興奮的大叫 :
「好啊好啊好啊，我終於可以知道我是什麼動物了！」
蛇說 ：「我先來 ！！」接著他便把小白兔捲起來.....
「嗯！ 你有溫暖的身體，毛茸茸的身子，長長大大的耳朵，尖尖的鼻子，健壯的後腿，還有一小條尾巴，末端還附一個小毛球......」
「我知道了！！」 蛇高興的大喊： 「你是隻小白兔！！」
知道身世的兔子大喜 ：「該我了 ，該我了 ！！」便蹦蹦跳跳到了蛇的身邊,開始用鼻子觸摸
.....
「嗯？ 哇 ！！ 你是個冷血動物，臉皮跟身子皮都很厚，還有黏黏噁心外表，嘖嘖！有長長可以到處鑽的身體，但是竟然沒有肩膀..............哇靠 ！ 頭小小的沒什麼腦袋，嘴巴竟是全身最大的器官......天啊！！嘴巴裡有毒牙！！你老師的！！ 還有分叉的舌頭！！」
兔子突然大怒跳開：「你竟然是個公司主管 ！！」
蛇生氣說：「想騙我？」一口把兔子吞下去。
旁邊一隻烏龜開口：「我在這裡呆了20年，你猜我是什麼動物？」
蛇便把烏龜捲起來..... 烏龜馬上縮頭不動裝死。蛇一放開牠，烏龜就碎碎唸、又爬得慢。蛇一靠近，烏龜又馬上縮頭不動。
蛇輕蔑的說： 「你是公司的小職員！！」
啟示：主管也是上班族，小職員有心聲，主管亦然
Saturday, May 15, 2010
On ignorance, mistakes, rules, discretions, and corruptions
Disclaimer: This is not my story as I smoke cigars and occasionally am a pipe-smoker. To me, smoking cigarettes causes terrible smell, just as most of you will agree with me.
甲是外國人，不知道室內公共場所已經是全面禁煙。甲問他的英語家教學生乙，是否介意甲來根「飯後煙」，乙說沒關係啊，你當然可以消費你買的東西。少數顧客向餐廳老闆抗議，乙辯稱甲對他很重要、也謊稱自己不知煙害防治法。是地方首富的乙，建議老闆把抗議者請出去，索性把餐廳改為「有煙餐廳」(NOT a smoke-free restaurant)。老闆想了一下，反正老闆自己平日也偶爾在廚房偷偷哈上一口，這回既然有乙承擔責任，也就真的如此做了。老闆還對自己的行動力(Just do it -- no matter how much it costs)自豪，也不忘酸一下被請出去的顧客：「這是我的店。」結果餐廳生意大跌，招牌還沒換新，環保人員來開罰，只看見甲一人悠閒地在吞雲吐霧。
不知法而違法，不嚴重 -- 告知後，要求改正即可。
以謊言掩飾誤判、以謊言掩飾違法，都很嚴重。
一人犯錯，是常態。直線組織裡的多人交疊犯錯，終將結束組織的生命，這就是社會科學重視的議題之一：腐化 (corruption)。
甲是外國人，不知道室內公共場所已經是全面禁煙。甲問他的英語家教學生乙，是否介意甲來根「飯後煙」，乙說沒關係啊，你當然可以消費你買的東西。少數顧客向餐廳老闆抗議，乙辯稱甲對他很重要、也謊稱自己不知煙害防治法。是地方首富的乙，建議老闆把抗議者請出去，索性把餐廳改為「有煙餐廳」(NOT a smoke-free restaurant)。老闆想了一下，反正老闆自己平日也偶爾在廚房偷偷哈上一口，這回既然有乙承擔責任，也就真的如此做了。老闆還對自己的行動力(Just do it -- no matter how much it costs)自豪，也不忘酸一下被請出去的顧客：「這是我的店。」結果餐廳生意大跌，招牌還沒換新，環保人員來開罰，只看見甲一人悠閒地在吞雲吐霧。
不知法而違法，不嚴重 -- 告知後，要求改正即可。
以謊言掩飾誤判、以謊言掩飾違法，都很嚴重。
一人犯錯，是常態。直線組織裡的多人交疊犯錯，終將結束組織的生命，這就是社會科學重視的議題之一：腐化 (corruption)。
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
An open letter to students in UB4 before their graduation
Dear students in UB4:
這是班導師第一次、也是最後一次給你(妳)們的公開信。首先要恭喜大家，學業告一段落，應該興奮地邁向人生的下一階段。即使有極少數延畢同學，也應該滿懷喜悅與抱持感恩之心，只是晚半拍離開這個四年的環境罷了。(上課不是也有遲到的嗎？遲到的同學，未必會有較差的學期成績。)當年我大學畢業時，也是如此心態。估計諸位至少還有60年的人生旅途，所以這四年只占十五分之一，很多喜怒哀樂，終將變成不重要的回憶。然而，我敢預言，這四年的歷練，應該是獨一無二的。
正因為『獨一無二』，我衷心希望，贈送大家「誠信、原則」四字，盼望大家能一生受用。有人應該聽說一些關於下週一晚宴的最新發展，身為班導師，我有責任提供第一手報導。在系學會會員大會(與系師生座談會合併舉辦)之前，系學會會長就客氣地與我商議系學會送舊晚會之地點問題，在過程中我也提醒她，當初我逐一發送 MSN 訊息，籲請 UB4同學繳交會費，一來糾正常見的大四生不繳會費之怪象，也保證系學會的送舊餐會能與謝師宴合併舉辦，可望節省時間、人力與金錢。在當天會議中，我又報告一次，包括系主任在內，與會的老師也聽到此一小小創舉。未料，五月初，系學會竟然告知：系學會送舊，與謝師宴是兩碼子事。我立即發信提醒會長與系主任，所得到的答案，甚至出現「搭便車」這類字眼，令我詫異、遺憾。
我在部落格寫道，我遺憾、也抱歉，曾經眼瞎耳聾為不值得付出的團體或個人背書、支持。我有自由，不參加有違誠信原則的活動。我有義務，拒絕為有違誠信原則的活動助陣、鋪路。身為教育工作者，我不可能現身說法，告訴同學：「背信是可以被接受的。」我任教的課程裡，作弊是不被允許、也沒發生過。胡搞瞎搞的企業確實存在，希望諸位將來不會遇到，至少趁還沒踏入社會之前，我們能提供正確的示範。基於此原則，我無法為系學會這樣的行為背書，也不應該參與。
不同於二十年前的校園文化，今日的系學會，已是一社團組織，系主任是當然的指導老師，只是不像其他社團的指導老師，沒有校長的聘書，學務處也好意讓各系自行輔導。系上老師，沒繳會費，但是基於教師使命感與情緣，總是希望在旁助陣、協助。我當然會憂心，往後系學會如何能收到大四生的會費？該說的話已說，能幫忙的也做了，自認問心無愧。
有人問：「你會生氣嗎？」基本上，這都是教育的一部份，學生犯錯，是可以被原諒的。我真的覺得，系學會此舉，陷我於不義，因為我勢必失信於諸位。已經繳交系會會費的同學，如果相信我這裡的歷史陳述，請接受導師的道歉。因為不相信會有(部份)退費之奇蹟，我誠懇地自掏腰包，補償繳費者每人一百元(正好是會費的三分之一)。非全額退費，並非異象，大家就看開一點，爾後保持一些戒心。如此，我們親身體驗『誠信』之可貴，堅守「原則」之勇氣。也是一件好事！
如果有同學想與導師聊天吃飯，我還蠻好約的。費用不是問題，大家依照所得的「比例原則」推算即可。這兩年我與同學的小組餐聚，不是進行的還好嗎？我在學生時期，與尊敬的老師吃飯，也都是如此，將心比心，也是良好的傳承。我計劃為「原訂計畫」奉獻的一些紀念品，將改留給我們的小團體聚餐抽獎用。
感謝同學閱讀至此，請相信我逐字敲打的時間，應該是諸位瀏覽時間的十倍，該相信我的誠意吧。
祝
一帆風順！
衛忠欣
後記：
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
I saw those two quotes (from Bible) from my friend's web site after typing this letter.
Now I know where I got the strength and courage to stand tall and have faith.
這是班導師第一次、也是最後一次給你(妳)們的公開信。首先要恭喜大家，學業告一段落，應該興奮地邁向人生的下一階段。即使有極少數延畢同學，也應該滿懷喜悅與抱持感恩之心，只是晚半拍離開這個四年的環境罷了。(上課不是也有遲到的嗎？遲到的同學，未必會有較差的學期成績。)當年我大學畢業時，也是如此心態。估計諸位至少還有60年的人生旅途，所以這四年只占十五分之一，很多喜怒哀樂，終將變成不重要的回憶。然而，我敢預言，這四年的歷練，應該是獨一無二的。
正因為『獨一無二』，我衷心希望，贈送大家「誠信、原則」四字，盼望大家能一生受用。有人應該聽說一些關於下週一晚宴的最新發展，身為班導師，我有責任提供第一手報導。在系學會會員大會(與系師生座談會合併舉辦)之前，系學會會長就客氣地與我商議系學會送舊晚會之地點問題，在過程中我也提醒她，當初我逐一發送 MSN 訊息，籲請 UB4同學繳交會費，一來糾正常見的大四生不繳會費之怪象，也保證系學會的送舊餐會能與謝師宴合併舉辦，可望節省時間、人力與金錢。在當天會議中，我又報告一次，包括系主任在內，與會的老師也聽到此一小小創舉。未料，五月初，系學會竟然告知：系學會送舊，與謝師宴是兩碼子事。我立即發信提醒會長與系主任，所得到的答案，甚至出現「搭便車」這類字眼，令我詫異、遺憾。
我在部落格寫道，我遺憾、也抱歉，曾經眼瞎耳聾為不值得付出的團體或個人背書、支持。我有自由，不參加有違誠信原則的活動。我有義務，拒絕為有違誠信原則的活動助陣、鋪路。身為教育工作者，我不可能現身說法，告訴同學：「背信是可以被接受的。」我任教的課程裡，作弊是不被允許、也沒發生過。胡搞瞎搞的企業確實存在，希望諸位將來不會遇到，至少趁還沒踏入社會之前，我們能提供正確的示範。基於此原則，我無法為系學會這樣的行為背書，也不應該參與。
不同於二十年前的校園文化，今日的系學會，已是一社團組織，系主任是當然的指導老師，只是不像其他社團的指導老師，沒有校長的聘書，學務處也好意讓各系自行輔導。系上老師，沒繳會費，但是基於教師使命感與情緣，總是希望在旁助陣、協助。我當然會憂心，往後系學會如何能收到大四生的會費？該說的話已說，能幫忙的也做了，自認問心無愧。
有人問：「你會生氣嗎？」基本上，這都是教育的一部份，學生犯錯，是可以被原諒的。我真的覺得，系學會此舉，陷我於不義，因為我勢必失信於諸位。已經繳交系會會費的同學，如果相信我這裡的歷史陳述，請接受導師的道歉。因為不相信會有(部份)退費之奇蹟，我誠懇地自掏腰包，補償繳費者每人一百元(正好是會費的三分之一)。非全額退費，並非異象，大家就看開一點，爾後保持一些戒心。如此，我們親身體驗『誠信』之可貴，堅守「原則」之勇氣。也是一件好事！
如果有同學想與導師聊天吃飯，我還蠻好約的。費用不是問題，大家依照所得的「比例原則」推算即可。這兩年我與同學的小組餐聚，不是進行的還好嗎？我在學生時期，與尊敬的老師吃飯，也都是如此，將心比心，也是良好的傳承。我計劃為「原訂計畫」奉獻的一些紀念品，將改留給我們的小團體聚餐抽獎用。
感謝同學閱讀至此，請相信我逐字敲打的時間，應該是諸位瀏覽時間的十倍，該相信我的誠意吧。
祝
一帆風順！
衛忠欣
後記：
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
I saw those two quotes (from Bible) from my friend's web site after typing this letter.
Now I know where I got the strength and courage to stand tall and have faith.
Friday, May 07, 2010
如何牽線 -- (case study) materials for the course Workshop on Information and Negotiation
Case: A 與 B 同為一家傳統產業的小主管。A 利用總經理的莫名其妙信任，在缺乏自知之明 (see my posting on facebook) 的情況下，開始違反行政倫理與體制運作，搞一些自己發明的小動作。B 的部門，予人有些搖搖欲墜之感，讓 A 更能理直氣壯，直接伸手介入B 的部門事務。(想到古人有所謂屍骨未寒之比喻，在此，人還活得好好的耶。) B 不敢上稟總經理，因為老總已經「充分授權」。我告訴她：還有董座啊！ B 說：我那敢驚動老董啊！
深知董事長是一位有智慧的傾聽者與信徒，我該如何牽線呢？
Solution: 我將下列內容，同時寄給董事長與B。Email 的主旨是 『引子』。
歷史學家卡西烏斯．迪歐紀錄了一則發人深省的歷史事件，是關於公元117–138年間羅馬皇帝哈德良。
「有一次，有個女人在哈德良行經的路途中向他哀求。一開始，哈德良對她說：『我沒有時間聽妳的請求。』但是當她後來對他喊著：『那你就別做皇帝了！』哈德良聽了便轉回來，聽她所要提的請求。」
很多帝王或忙碌的經理人，總是不希望被人打擾，上帝不像他們。
----------------
case study continued...
董座回信：God's ways are far beyond our imagination. I happened to meet B.
深知董事長是一位有智慧的傾聽者與信徒，我該如何牽線呢？
Solution: 我將下列內容，同時寄給董事長與B。Email 的主旨是 『引子』。
歷史學家卡西烏斯．迪歐紀錄了一則發人深省的歷史事件，是關於公元117–138年間羅馬皇帝哈德良。
「有一次，有個女人在哈德良行經的路途中向他哀求。一開始，哈德良對她說：『我沒有時間聽妳的請求。』但是當她後來對他喊著：『那你就別做皇帝了！』哈德良聽了便轉回來，聽她所要提的請求。」
很多帝王或忙碌的經理人，總是不希望被人打擾，上帝不像他們。
----------------
case study continued...
董座回信：God's ways are far beyond our imagination. I happened to meet B.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Detailed Solution to Midterm Examination, Macro Principles, Spring 2010
★★★★ Detailed Solution to Midterm Examination (Int’l Business, WUCL) ★★★★
Spring 2010 Instructor: 衛忠欣 (Jong-Shin Wei)
經濟學(二) (Principles of Macroeconomics) (07)342-6031 ext.6222
93001@mail.wtuc.edu.tw jsw12011958@gmail.com
3:30 pm ~ 4:50 pm, April 26, 2010
Open books/notes exam. Max: 111 points in 80 minutes; absolutely no talking nor borrowing items during exams.，可使用自己的資料、字典或翻譯機。字典或翻譯機之使用，限在前30分鐘之內。行動電話若響起，該生扣十分、以強調基本禮貌。務必工整依序作答。題目較多，目的在於測試是否有平日閱讀原文書之習慣。Watch your time and have fun!
Part One: 30 Multiple choice questions. [By multiple choice in an English-speaking academic environment, we mean that you must choose the most appropriate one from 4 alternatives. 依慣例，答錯不倒扣！] 75 points
1.The measure of GDP can take into account of efforts in
(A) protecting environment;
(B) creating more jobs domestically;
(C) slowing down the rate of resource depletion;
(D) fighting with the cocaine trafficking.
Ans: B. [See p.322, text]
2.It is fair to say that while measuring the aggregate output, we put more weight on
(A) services provided by the government sector;
(B) goods produced by the production sectors;
(C) black market activities;
(D) high-priced goods and services.
Ans: D. [See p.323, text]
3.Henry is a writer who married June, who stays home doing unpaid housework and child care duties. If June chooses to work at a law firm while paying someone to do the housework and child care, in the spirit of GDP computation, we shall say
(A) there will be an increase in GDP but it is over-stating;
(B) there will be an increase in GDP but it is under-stating;
(C) there will be a decrease in GDP but it is over-stating;
(D) there will be a decrease in GDP but it is under-stating.
Ans: A. [See p.324, text]
4.It is very common in Taiwan that grand parents help with child care when both parents go to work full-time. In light of this and in comparison with what happens in USA, we shall say that the GDP in Taiwan seems to
(A) be over-estimated;
(B) be under-estimated;
(C) take into consideration of the quality of child care;
(D) fall due to the low birth rate.
Ans: B. [See p.324, text]
5.Education provided by public schools
(A) is not sold in markets;
(B) is not included in GDP because that it only helps with the quality;
(C) is not included in GDP because that we cannot find the market price for it;
(D) None of the above is correct.
Ans: A. [See p.325, text]
6.(基本時事題) Choose the correct statement.
(A)經濟部長是施顏祥；
(B)經建會主委是陳沖；
(C)經濟部長是蔡勳雄；
(D)金管會主委是李紀珠。
Ans: A.
7.(基本時事題) 依據行政院主計處，我國的經濟成長率，係
(A)按民國95年價格計算之國內生產毛額的年增率；
(B)按民國85年價格計算之國內生產毛額的年增率；
(C)按前一年價格計算之國內生產毛額的年增率；
(D)國內生產毛額的年增率。
*Ans: A. [Test if you follow information given on internet.]
8.A paid B $900 for baby-sitting last night. Today B spent $800 to have her hairs cut. For each hair cut, the assistant got paid (by the owner of the hair salon or gallery) in the amount of $100 (for washing hairs etc.) When we compute GDP, it is meaningful to
(A) view 900 + 800 + 100 as the increase in income;
(B) view 900 + 800 as the increase in expenditure;
(C) view 900 + 100 as the increase in income;
(D) view 900 + 700 as the increase in income.
*Ans: B. [See pp.325-6, text]
9.張三收成一批葡萄，他將一半的收成賣給李四吃，賺取$50,000。至於剩下的一半，張三自己吃去一半，將另一半拿去發酵釀酒，自製的私酒偷偷賣給王五喝，張三賺取$40,000。張三種植葡萄，對GDP的貢獻是
(A) 100,000;
(B) 90,000;
(C) 50,000;
(D) None of the above.
*Ans: C. [張三收成的葡萄，市值為$100,000。50,000 + 40,000 = 90,000. 私酒是在黑市交易，不能計入。See p.326, text]
10.(Learn economics from watching movies.) In the movie Cast Away (浩劫重生), Tom Hanks lived in an island alone for years. During that period, if we view that island as an economy, her GDP
(A) is zero because that Tom was lazy;
(B) is zero because that there was no market;
(C) is zero because that Tom’s time had no value;
(D) is not zero because that Tom worked hard to survive.
Ans: B.
11.John paid $4,000,000 for a new apartment in 2000. He sold that apartment for $2,600,000 in 2010. The real estate agent earned $160,000 in this transaction (from the seller and the buyer, of course). Regarding John’s transaction in 2010, the contribution to GDP is
(A) 4,000,000 - 2,600,000 - 160,000;
(B) 4,000,000 - 2,600,000 + 160,000;
(C) 2,600,000 + 160,000;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: D. [It is 160,000. See p.328, text]
12.「以價制量」的經濟(干預)政策，不易付諸實施。下列何者不屬於此類？
(A)Carter administration proposed to use gasoline tax to reduce the USA dependence on foreign oil;
(B)Increasing unit tax on cigarettes to discourage smoking;
(C)以死刑來嚇阻犯罪；
(D)知名學校希望提高研究所考試的報名費。
Ans: C. [trivial; lectures]
13.The main reason for implementing the mandatory immunization laws is
(A) The situation at which all were vaccinated is Pareto efficient;
(B) It helps increase government’s revenues;
(C) Evidence (such as what happened in the Boulder County of Colorado) shows that self-insurance works better;
(D) The best outcome to me is that I remain unvaccinated while all other people were vaccinated.
Ans: D. [pp.298-9, text]
14.Recall the green vs. red experiment (also see the extra credit question at the end of this exam paper). Relating it to the HINI immunization event last year, we see that
(A)實際接受疫苗注射的普遍度，類似大多數人選綠球；
(B)實際接受疫苗注射的普遍度，類似大多數人選紅球；
(C)如果張三接受疫苗注射，事後不會後悔；
(D)唯有百分之百的疫苗注射率，才是社會最適解。
Ans: A. [lectures; pp.298-9, text]
15.Which statement is true regarding the health care costs in USA?
(A)They account for 20 percent of national income in 1940;
(B)They account for 40 percent of national income in 2009;
(C)Main reasons for the sharp increase from 1940 to 2009 are inflation and sophisticated high-tech developments;
(D)The main reason for the sharp increase from 1940 to 2009 is the emergence of the third-party payment system.
Ans: D. [lectures; p.299, text]
16.Government-financed medical insurance
(A)不包括我國的全民健保；
(B)包括美國的HMO；
(C)立意在於防止醫療資源的浪費；
(D)是一種third-party payment system。
Ans: D. [See p.299, text]
17.Andy just had a minor surgeon. His demand for hospital stay (measured in days) is given by P + 50Q = 300. Hospital room charge is $200 per day. Without the insurance covering his hospital stay, how many days will Andy stay in the hospital?
(A) 1 day;
(B) 2 days;
(C) 3 days;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: B. [p.300, text. From P = 200 and P + 50Q = 300 we get Q = 2.]
18.[continued from question 17] If Andy’s hospital stay is fully covered by insurance, then how many days will Andy stay in the hospital?
(A) 2 days;
(B) 3 days;
(C) 6 days;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: C. [Andy is maximizing his consumer’s surplus by choosing Q = 6.]
19.[continued from question 18] Andy’s consumer surplus is
(A) 1800;
(B) 1200;
(C) 600;
(D) None of the above
Ans: D. [It is (300)(6)/2 = 900.]
20.[continued from question 18] Compare question 18 with question 17. Andy’s medical insurance causes a loss in medical care resources measured by “room charges due to extended stay minus Andy’s extra benefit”, which is
(A) 400;
(B) 300;
(C) 200;
(D) 600.
Ans: A. [It is 4(200)/2 = 400; see p.301, text]
*21.[continued from question 20] Suppose that the insurance provider offers Andy an option: He can get $x in cash, but he must pay the room charges, and the length of his hospital stay is exactly the answer to question 17. If both the insurance provider and Andy become better off when Andy agrees to that option, what would be the number x?
(A) 1300;
(B) 700;
(C) 800;
(D) 900.
Ans: D. [Andy finds it attractive due to 900 - 400 = 500 > 400. The insurance provider finds it attractive due to 900 < (200)(6). See p.301, text]
22.[continued from question 21] What happens to the hospital’s revenue?
(A) It increases by 800;
(B) It decreases by 800;
(C) It decreases by 600;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: B. [(200)(6) – (200)(2) = 800. Recall lectures]
23.Examples of in-kind transfers in Taiwan include
(A)老人津貼；
(B)消費券；
(C)急難救濟金；
(D)免費營養午餐。
Ans: D. [Notice that消費券 is quite different from food stamps in USA.]
24.It is 3 pm on Monday and you are a piano tutor who is teaching kids piano at your apartment. A carpenter is doing heavy work at your next-door neighbor’s apartment. The noise he is making forces you to stop your teaching. You both understand that you earn money by tutoring while he makes a living by working as a carpenter. Suppose that you both can negotiate at no cost and you both know what Coase theorem is all about. [Lucky you both!] If both agree that everyone is entitled to the environment without noise, then
(A) you should pay him and ask him to do his job at another time and this arrangement will make both better off;
(B) he should pay you and ask you to reschedule your session and this arrangement will make both better off;
(C) he must stop working in order to avoid the law suit;
(D) whoever pays another person to reschedule will be worse off.
Ans: B. [See p.273, text]
25.[continued from question 24] If both agree that doing house remodeling work is allowed during a weekday afternoon, then
(A) you should pay him and ask him to do his job at another time and this arrangement will make both better off;
(B) he should pay you and ask you to reschedule your session and this arrangement will make both better off;
(C) the best you can do is to reschedule your session and ask for nothing;
(D) whoever pays another person to reschedule will be worse off.
Ans: A. [See p.273, text]
26. (與新聞相關的活用題)前一陣子，中國大陸某地方首長來台。該天夜晚台北101大樓突然燈火通明。有一些反對人士大罵浪費、不環保、抱大腿。被罵的一方，則找了一些有些牽強的理由來搪塞。其實，被罵的一方可以搬出經濟學原理，來進行有效的辯護，那就是
(A) We live in a world full of informational asymmetry;
(B) Turning on those lights can prevent missiles attack from China in a cost-effective way;
(C) The government can subsidize private property owners to plant trees or to turn on all those lights to generate positive externalities;
(D) Since those lights are public goods, meaning that everyone can benefit at no cost.
Ans: C. [Make sure you know why (D) is not a good choice.]
27. Being an economic naturalist might help you with your social life. Adam and Eve are dating. Suddenly they have a big fight and that makes both thirsty. “Let us drink something and we will split once we finish the drink,” agreed by both. They face two choices: (1) each has a cup (250 cc) of coke; (2) both share a cup (500 cc) of coke (of course, each has a straw).
(A) If they want to make the date last longer, they should go for (1);
(B) If they want to make the date last longer, they should go for (2);
(C) No difference between (1) and (2)
(D) The waiter might prefer (1) to (2).
Ans: B. [See p.283, text]
28. Example of avoiding or resolving the tragedy of the commons do not include
(A) 國人習於構築籬笆或矮牆，圍成私人庭院；
(B) 讓師生領養校園花木；
(C) 持續開放系辦公室空間但是嚴密喧譁、小睡或進食；
(D) 對社區網球場收取使用費。
Ans: D. [See p.281, text]
29. Examples of excludable but not rival consumptions do not include
(A) fire protection;
(B) driving on a toll road at 5 am;
(C) driving on Highway 88 at 5 am;
(D) watching movies on HBO channel.
Ans: C. [Recall lectures]
30. The office of the department of international business administration is where students can spend some time during the class break. If you, having learned economics principles and heard about the vision from some faculty members, are asked to name that place, which name will you pick most likely?
(A) Tiger’s Paradise;
(B) Toyota’s Resort;
(C) Freedom’s Corner;
(D) International Commons.
Ans: D. [Think about the common resources. No need to explain how the adjective ‘international’ is conceived.]
Part Two: Analytical questions. [注意字體工整、邏輯順暢與不要出現錯別字或注音(與火星文)！如果字跡難以辨認，視同未答。畫蛇添足、答非所問、不知所云、自曝其短，將不利得分。教師也有權公告具有特色之作答。] 30 points
31. There are three industrial firms in the Dark Age Valley, A, B, and C. The initial pollution level for A is 50 units; for B is 80 units; for C is 70 units. Under the current technology, the cost of reducing pollution by one unit is $20 for A; $30 for B; $10 for C. At present, the government gives each firm 50 tradable pollution permits.
Firm A proposes to sell 10 units of permits to firm B; firm C proposes to sell 20 units of permits to B. The price of tradable permit is (agreed to be) 25. Carefully explain, with data, why all three firms will benefit from trading pollution permits in this way. Which firm benefits most? Which firm benefits least?
Ans:
For A, (25)(10) - (20)(10) = 50, greater than 0. Note 50 - 0 = 50.
For C, (25)(20) - (10)(40) = 100, greater than -200. Note 100 - (-200) = 300.
For B, -(25)(30) = -750, greater than -900. Note -750 - (900) = 150.
Since (1) the total pollution level is still kept at 150 and (2) all three firms prefer participating in this trade (and the follow-up) to no-trade , we can call it Pareto-improving.
By 300 > 150 > 50, we see that C benefits most, followed by B.
32. Recall the materials I showed during lectures regarding比中指事件。How can we relate it to the teaching/learning of externalities? Be specific and organized. 偏離主題必後悔。
Ans: The intention (of the Office of Students Affairs) of using that incident to remind students of the importance of appropriate conduct and image issue is understandable, if not well received or highly appreciated. However, leaving the issue of violating traffic regulations unattended, ignoring the possibility that the woman in photos might be in the process of making some video/photo for homework assignment, failing to note that we are obliged to publicly announce that “Smile, you are on hidden camera” before we video-tape them, and publicizing those video-taped materials without properly protecting those involved might very well generate externalities. People might think: Don’t they have more important things to do? 這與最近大家詬病的所謂「網友發動網路人肉搜尋」，有何不同？如果判斷力不足的學生，被誤導去四處拍照搜證文藻教職員生的活動，豈不是又回到文化大革命時期的紅衛兵、聞香隊之行為？
Note: 至於無法得到分數的答案，如：因為學校的關注，造成老師多講了這個話題，因為他只需教授經濟學，不需多講此事件。這就是外部性。
Extra credits question: RED or GREEN? Make your pick.
如果你選擇紅球，相對多數的同學也選擇紅球，我會加你3分。
如果你選擇紅球，相對多數的同學卻選擇綠球，我會加你0分。
如果你選擇綠球，相對多數的同學卻選擇紅球，我會加你4分。
如果你選擇綠球，相對多數的同學也選擇綠球，我會加你1分。
Note: In case there are 28 REDs and 28 GREENs, then the relative majority (to you) is GREEN if you happen to choose RED; the relative majority (to you) is RED if you happen to choose GREEN.
33.你會選擇紅球還是綠球？ 只能擇一！
Findings:
41 Students chose GREEN; 14 students chose RED.
34.你猜相對多數的同學，在上一題是選紅球還是綠球？只能擇一！猜中加2分。
Findings: 44 students guessed correctly.
(撰寫試題無著作權；歡迎全貌下載流傳。)
當下到處可見 grade inflation。同學是相互競爭、不是與老師較技。
所以有調分公式：(原始分數 + 10)*(1.3). Average: 61.8. Highest is 90; lowest is 33.
期中預警 13人
Spring 2010 Instructor: 衛忠欣 (Jong-Shin Wei)
經濟學(二) (Principles of Macroeconomics) (07)342-6031 ext.6222
93001@mail.wtuc.edu.tw jsw12011958@gmail.com
3:30 pm ~ 4:50 pm, April 26, 2010
Open books/notes exam. Max: 111 points in 80 minutes; absolutely no talking nor borrowing items during exams.，可使用自己的資料、字典或翻譯機。字典或翻譯機之使用，限在前30分鐘之內。行動電話若響起，該生扣十分、以強調基本禮貌。務必工整依序作答。題目較多，目的在於測試是否有平日閱讀原文書之習慣。Watch your time and have fun!
Part One: 30 Multiple choice questions. [By multiple choice in an English-speaking academic environment, we mean that you must choose the most appropriate one from 4 alternatives. 依慣例，答錯不倒扣！] 75 points
1.The measure of GDP can take into account of efforts in
(A) protecting environment;
(B) creating more jobs domestically;
(C) slowing down the rate of resource depletion;
(D) fighting with the cocaine trafficking.
Ans: B. [See p.322, text]
2.It is fair to say that while measuring the aggregate output, we put more weight on
(A) services provided by the government sector;
(B) goods produced by the production sectors;
(C) black market activities;
(D) high-priced goods and services.
Ans: D. [See p.323, text]
3.Henry is a writer who married June, who stays home doing unpaid housework and child care duties. If June chooses to work at a law firm while paying someone to do the housework and child care, in the spirit of GDP computation, we shall say
(A) there will be an increase in GDP but it is over-stating;
(B) there will be an increase in GDP but it is under-stating;
(C) there will be a decrease in GDP but it is over-stating;
(D) there will be a decrease in GDP but it is under-stating.
Ans: A. [See p.324, text]
4.It is very common in Taiwan that grand parents help with child care when both parents go to work full-time. In light of this and in comparison with what happens in USA, we shall say that the GDP in Taiwan seems to
(A) be over-estimated;
(B) be under-estimated;
(C) take into consideration of the quality of child care;
(D) fall due to the low birth rate.
Ans: B. [See p.324, text]
5.Education provided by public schools
(A) is not sold in markets;
(B) is not included in GDP because that it only helps with the quality;
(C) is not included in GDP because that we cannot find the market price for it;
(D) None of the above is correct.
Ans: A. [See p.325, text]
6.(基本時事題) Choose the correct statement.
(A)經濟部長是施顏祥；
(B)經建會主委是陳沖；
(C)經濟部長是蔡勳雄；
(D)金管會主委是李紀珠。
Ans: A.
7.(基本時事題) 依據行政院主計處，我國的經濟成長率，係
(A)按民國95年價格計算之國內生產毛額的年增率；
(B)按民國85年價格計算之國內生產毛額的年增率；
(C)按前一年價格計算之國內生產毛額的年增率；
(D)國內生產毛額的年增率。
*Ans: A. [Test if you follow information given on internet.]
8.A paid B $900 for baby-sitting last night. Today B spent $800 to have her hairs cut. For each hair cut, the assistant got paid (by the owner of the hair salon or gallery) in the amount of $100 (for washing hairs etc.) When we compute GDP, it is meaningful to
(A) view 900 + 800 + 100 as the increase in income;
(B) view 900 + 800 as the increase in expenditure;
(C) view 900 + 100 as the increase in income;
(D) view 900 + 700 as the increase in income.
*Ans: B. [See pp.325-6, text]
9.張三收成一批葡萄，他將一半的收成賣給李四吃，賺取$50,000。至於剩下的一半，張三自己吃去一半，將另一半拿去發酵釀酒，自製的私酒偷偷賣給王五喝，張三賺取$40,000。張三種植葡萄，對GDP的貢獻是
(A) 100,000;
(B) 90,000;
(C) 50,000;
(D) None of the above.
*Ans: C. [張三收成的葡萄，市值為$100,000。50,000 + 40,000 = 90,000. 私酒是在黑市交易，不能計入。See p.326, text]
10.(Learn economics from watching movies.) In the movie Cast Away (浩劫重生), Tom Hanks lived in an island alone for years. During that period, if we view that island as an economy, her GDP
(A) is zero because that Tom was lazy;
(B) is zero because that there was no market;
(C) is zero because that Tom’s time had no value;
(D) is not zero because that Tom worked hard to survive.
Ans: B.
11.John paid $4,000,000 for a new apartment in 2000. He sold that apartment for $2,600,000 in 2010. The real estate agent earned $160,000 in this transaction (from the seller and the buyer, of course). Regarding John’s transaction in 2010, the contribution to GDP is
(A) 4,000,000 - 2,600,000 - 160,000;
(B) 4,000,000 - 2,600,000 + 160,000;
(C) 2,600,000 + 160,000;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: D. [It is 160,000. See p.328, text]
12.「以價制量」的經濟(干預)政策，不易付諸實施。下列何者不屬於此類？
(A)Carter administration proposed to use gasoline tax to reduce the USA dependence on foreign oil;
(B)Increasing unit tax on cigarettes to discourage smoking;
(C)以死刑來嚇阻犯罪；
(D)知名學校希望提高研究所考試的報名費。
Ans: C. [trivial; lectures]
13.The main reason for implementing the mandatory immunization laws is
(A) The situation at which all were vaccinated is Pareto efficient;
(B) It helps increase government’s revenues;
(C) Evidence (such as what happened in the Boulder County of Colorado) shows that self-insurance works better;
(D) The best outcome to me is that I remain unvaccinated while all other people were vaccinated.
Ans: D. [pp.298-9, text]
14.Recall the green vs. red experiment (also see the extra credit question at the end of this exam paper). Relating it to the HINI immunization event last year, we see that
(A)實際接受疫苗注射的普遍度，類似大多數人選綠球；
(B)實際接受疫苗注射的普遍度，類似大多數人選紅球；
(C)如果張三接受疫苗注射，事後不會後悔；
(D)唯有百分之百的疫苗注射率，才是社會最適解。
Ans: A. [lectures; pp.298-9, text]
15.Which statement is true regarding the health care costs in USA?
(A)They account for 20 percent of national income in 1940;
(B)They account for 40 percent of national income in 2009;
(C)Main reasons for the sharp increase from 1940 to 2009 are inflation and sophisticated high-tech developments;
(D)The main reason for the sharp increase from 1940 to 2009 is the emergence of the third-party payment system.
Ans: D. [lectures; p.299, text]
16.Government-financed medical insurance
(A)不包括我國的全民健保；
(B)包括美國的HMO；
(C)立意在於防止醫療資源的浪費；
(D)是一種third-party payment system。
Ans: D. [See p.299, text]
17.Andy just had a minor surgeon. His demand for hospital stay (measured in days) is given by P + 50Q = 300. Hospital room charge is $200 per day. Without the insurance covering his hospital stay, how many days will Andy stay in the hospital?
(A) 1 day;
(B) 2 days;
(C) 3 days;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: B. [p.300, text. From P = 200 and P + 50Q = 300 we get Q = 2.]
18.[continued from question 17] If Andy’s hospital stay is fully covered by insurance, then how many days will Andy stay in the hospital?
(A) 2 days;
(B) 3 days;
(C) 6 days;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: C. [Andy is maximizing his consumer’s surplus by choosing Q = 6.]
19.[continued from question 18] Andy’s consumer surplus is
(A) 1800;
(B) 1200;
(C) 600;
(D) None of the above
Ans: D. [It is (300)(6)/2 = 900.]
20.[continued from question 18] Compare question 18 with question 17. Andy’s medical insurance causes a loss in medical care resources measured by “room charges due to extended stay minus Andy’s extra benefit”, which is
(A) 400;
(B) 300;
(C) 200;
(D) 600.
Ans: A. [It is 4(200)/2 = 400; see p.301, text]
*21.[continued from question 20] Suppose that the insurance provider offers Andy an option: He can get $x in cash, but he must pay the room charges, and the length of his hospital stay is exactly the answer to question 17. If both the insurance provider and Andy become better off when Andy agrees to that option, what would be the number x?
(A) 1300;
(B) 700;
(C) 800;
(D) 900.
Ans: D. [Andy finds it attractive due to 900 - 400 = 500 > 400. The insurance provider finds it attractive due to 900 < (200)(6). See p.301, text]
22.[continued from question 21] What happens to the hospital’s revenue?
(A) It increases by 800;
(B) It decreases by 800;
(C) It decreases by 600;
(D) None of the above.
Ans: B. [(200)(6) – (200)(2) = 800. Recall lectures]
23.Examples of in-kind transfers in Taiwan include
(A)老人津貼；
(B)消費券；
(C)急難救濟金；
(D)免費營養午餐。
Ans: D. [Notice that消費券 is quite different from food stamps in USA.]
24.It is 3 pm on Monday and you are a piano tutor who is teaching kids piano at your apartment. A carpenter is doing heavy work at your next-door neighbor’s apartment. The noise he is making forces you to stop your teaching. You both understand that you earn money by tutoring while he makes a living by working as a carpenter. Suppose that you both can negotiate at no cost and you both know what Coase theorem is all about. [Lucky you both!] If both agree that everyone is entitled to the environment without noise, then
(A) you should pay him and ask him to do his job at another time and this arrangement will make both better off;
(B) he should pay you and ask you to reschedule your session and this arrangement will make both better off;
(C) he must stop working in order to avoid the law suit;
(D) whoever pays another person to reschedule will be worse off.
Ans: B. [See p.273, text]
25.[continued from question 24] If both agree that doing house remodeling work is allowed during a weekday afternoon, then
(A) you should pay him and ask him to do his job at another time and this arrangement will make both better off;
(B) he should pay you and ask you to reschedule your session and this arrangement will make both better off;
(C) the best you can do is to reschedule your session and ask for nothing;
(D) whoever pays another person to reschedule will be worse off.
Ans: A. [See p.273, text]
26. (與新聞相關的活用題)前一陣子，中國大陸某地方首長來台。該天夜晚台北101大樓突然燈火通明。有一些反對人士大罵浪費、不環保、抱大腿。被罵的一方，則找了一些有些牽強的理由來搪塞。其實，被罵的一方可以搬出經濟學原理，來進行有效的辯護，那就是
(A) We live in a world full of informational asymmetry;
(B) Turning on those lights can prevent missiles attack from China in a cost-effective way;
(C) The government can subsidize private property owners to plant trees or to turn on all those lights to generate positive externalities;
(D) Since those lights are public goods, meaning that everyone can benefit at no cost.
Ans: C. [Make sure you know why (D) is not a good choice.]
27. Being an economic naturalist might help you with your social life. Adam and Eve are dating. Suddenly they have a big fight and that makes both thirsty. “Let us drink something and we will split once we finish the drink,” agreed by both. They face two choices: (1) each has a cup (250 cc) of coke; (2) both share a cup (500 cc) of coke (of course, each has a straw).
(A) If they want to make the date last longer, they should go for (1);
(B) If they want to make the date last longer, they should go for (2);
(C) No difference between (1) and (2)
(D) The waiter might prefer (1) to (2).
Ans: B. [See p.283, text]
28. Example of avoiding or resolving the tragedy of the commons do not include
(A) 國人習於構築籬笆或矮牆，圍成私人庭院；
(B) 讓師生領養校園花木；
(C) 持續開放系辦公室空間但是嚴密喧譁、小睡或進食；
(D) 對社區網球場收取使用費。
Ans: D. [See p.281, text]
29. Examples of excludable but not rival consumptions do not include
(A) fire protection;
(B) driving on a toll road at 5 am;
(C) driving on Highway 88 at 5 am;
(D) watching movies on HBO channel.
Ans: C. [Recall lectures]
30. The office of the department of international business administration is where students can spend some time during the class break. If you, having learned economics principles and heard about the vision from some faculty members, are asked to name that place, which name will you pick most likely?
(A) Tiger’s Paradise;
(B) Toyota’s Resort;
(C) Freedom’s Corner;
(D) International Commons.
Ans: D. [Think about the common resources. No need to explain how the adjective ‘international’ is conceived.]
Part Two: Analytical questions. [注意字體工整、邏輯順暢與不要出現錯別字或注音(與火星文)！如果字跡難以辨認，視同未答。畫蛇添足、答非所問、不知所云、自曝其短，將不利得分。教師也有權公告具有特色之作答。] 30 points
31. There are three industrial firms in the Dark Age Valley, A, B, and C. The initial pollution level for A is 50 units; for B is 80 units; for C is 70 units. Under the current technology, the cost of reducing pollution by one unit is $20 for A; $30 for B; $10 for C. At present, the government gives each firm 50 tradable pollution permits.
Firm A proposes to sell 10 units of permits to firm B; firm C proposes to sell 20 units of permits to B. The price of tradable permit is (agreed to be) 25. Carefully explain, with data, why all three firms will benefit from trading pollution permits in this way. Which firm benefits most? Which firm benefits least?
Ans:
For A, (25)(10) - (20)(10) = 50, greater than 0. Note 50 - 0 = 50.
For C, (25)(20) - (10)(40) = 100, greater than -200. Note 100 - (-200) = 300.
For B, -(25)(30) = -750, greater than -900. Note -750 - (900) = 150.
Since (1) the total pollution level is still kept at 150 and (2) all three firms prefer participating in this trade (and the follow-up) to no-trade , we can call it Pareto-improving.
By 300 > 150 > 50, we see that C benefits most, followed by B.
32. Recall the materials I showed during lectures regarding比中指事件。How can we relate it to the teaching/learning of externalities? Be specific and organized. 偏離主題必後悔。
Ans: The intention (of the Office of Students Affairs) of using that incident to remind students of the importance of appropriate conduct and image issue is understandable, if not well received or highly appreciated. However, leaving the issue of violating traffic regulations unattended, ignoring the possibility that the woman in photos might be in the process of making some video/photo for homework assignment, failing to note that we are obliged to publicly announce that “Smile, you are on hidden camera” before we video-tape them, and publicizing those video-taped materials without properly protecting those involved might very well generate externalities. People might think: Don’t they have more important things to do? 這與最近大家詬病的所謂「網友發動網路人肉搜尋」，有何不同？如果判斷力不足的學生，被誤導去四處拍照搜證文藻教職員生的活動，豈不是又回到文化大革命時期的紅衛兵、聞香隊之行為？
Note: 至於無法得到分數的答案，如：因為學校的關注，造成老師多講了這個話題，因為他只需教授經濟學，不需多講此事件。這就是外部性。
Extra credits question: RED or GREEN? Make your pick.
如果你選擇紅球，相對多數的同學也選擇紅球，我會加你3分。
如果你選擇紅球，相對多數的同學卻選擇綠球，我會加你0分。
如果你選擇綠球，相對多數的同學卻選擇紅球，我會加你4分。
如果你選擇綠球，相對多數的同學也選擇綠球，我會加你1分。
Note: In case there are 28 REDs and 28 GREENs, then the relative majority (to you) is GREEN if you happen to choose RED; the relative majority (to you) is RED if you happen to choose GREEN.
33.你會選擇紅球還是綠球？ 只能擇一！
Findings:
41 Students chose GREEN; 14 students chose RED.
34.你猜相對多數的同學，在上一題是選紅球還是綠球？只能擇一！猜中加2分。
Findings: 44 students guessed correctly.
(撰寫試題無著作權；歡迎全貌下載流傳。)
當下到處可見 grade inflation。同學是相互競爭、不是與老師較技。
所以有調分公式：(原始分數 + 10)*(1.3). Average: 61.8. Highest is 90; lowest is 33.
期中預警 13人
Friday, April 30, 2010
A real-world example illustrating sunk costs, cost-benefit analysis, decision-making, and game-playing
I am teaching an elective course, Applied Game Theory, this term. According to the course syllabus, there will be in-class final exam, no midterm exam, and class will be held as usual during the midterm exam week. [You see that I do observe and comply with the rules set forth by our school. Are you, my friend, Lady M, also a VP, reading this now?] There is only one task on syllabus for the meeting in midterm exam week, which is “individually check the progress of game-playing assignment.”
On April 26, 2007, the day before the scheduled meeting, an idea stoke me that perhaps I could run the progress-checking in a more cost-effective and more efficient way. So, I sent out an email via e-learning platform to all enrolled students. I stated clearly that nobody would be asked to show up before 4:00 pm. From 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm, about eight students (names given specifically) would go thru the process with me on an one-on-one basis. Another group will be treated from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by the third and the fourth group. I thought that everybody would be happy with this arrangement although it was announced just 24 hrs ahead of the time.
Now let me share with you my conversation with Mr. C. Lin on April 27.
At 3:57 pm, Mr. Lin came to my office with no expression on his face: "I have been waiting for you almost one hour."
I replied: "Got you! How many times do I have to remind you of the importance of checking emails sent thru e-learning?"
He calmly stared at me and slowly moved toward the elevator.
"Are you leaving? Hey, if you leave now, very likely I will hold you for being absent for two or three hours (in class meeting). Come on, it is not worthy! You will lose everything." I said.
"I have wasted one hour already. If I choose to stay, I will have to wait for another hour before you run the scheduled check on my case. In total, I will waste two hours and there is still a chance that you may keep me waiting longer. That is why I should be smart and take off." He replied.
"Wait a minute! Have you forgotten about sunk costs I taught in principles of economics? Do stay! I will not break my promise. Trust me"
What happened? At 4:01 pm, I saw Mr. Lin quietly sat in the classroom and waited for his turn. I will say that he was making a rational decision. Why?
Since he did not get that email notification, he paid the price by wasting one hour (from 3:10 pm to 4 pm). But that is the so-called sunk cost, which should be irrelevant in the following argument.
If he chooses to leave at 4 pm (after speaking to me), he will not get the benefit and the cost to him will be two or three hours counted as class absence.
If he chooses to stay, he will get the benefit and the cost to him will be one hour as the foregone waiting time.
Hence, the cost-benefit analysis tells us that Mr. Lin, provided that he is rational, should stay. And he did! Good for him.
Of course, if I do not keep my promise and somehow handle his case around 6 pm, he will get the benefit but the cost to him will be two hours as the foregone time. Even for this worst scenario, it is still better than his leaving at 4 pm. Besides, if he takes my strategic action into consideration, we will have a two-person game. As I assured him of my commitment in keeping my words, neither of us should have thought about the game-playing.
Credits: 雖然C. Lin偶爾會有所謂的嗆聲動作，他時而能夠即時回答問題，也曾對經濟學小考問題，提出有水準的批判見解。比起一些老僧入定或是喬裝乖乖牌的同學，要強多了。文藻週的至少兩天下午，(我個人覺得有些奇怪的)經典閱讀活動曲終人散時，我由走廊經過，只見他一人在教室默默地還原課桌椅。他的動作，令我聯想起電影「天之驕子」裡，男老師於開學第一天，在空教室對齊書本與桌緣之一幕。就憑這些觀察，日後只要他開口要推薦函 (references)，我一定樂意相助。
On April 26, 2007, the day before the scheduled meeting, an idea stoke me that perhaps I could run the progress-checking in a more cost-effective and more efficient way. So, I sent out an email via e-learning platform to all enrolled students. I stated clearly that nobody would be asked to show up before 4:00 pm. From 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm, about eight students (names given specifically) would go thru the process with me on an one-on-one basis. Another group will be treated from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by the third and the fourth group. I thought that everybody would be happy with this arrangement although it was announced just 24 hrs ahead of the time.
Now let me share with you my conversation with Mr. C. Lin on April 27.
At 3:57 pm, Mr. Lin came to my office with no expression on his face: "I have been waiting for you almost one hour."
I replied: "Got you! How many times do I have to remind you of the importance of checking emails sent thru e-learning?"
He calmly stared at me and slowly moved toward the elevator.
"Are you leaving? Hey, if you leave now, very likely I will hold you for being absent for two or three hours (in class meeting). Come on, it is not worthy! You will lose everything." I said.
"I have wasted one hour already. If I choose to stay, I will have to wait for another hour before you run the scheduled check on my case. In total, I will waste two hours and there is still a chance that you may keep me waiting longer. That is why I should be smart and take off." He replied.
"Wait a minute! Have you forgotten about sunk costs I taught in principles of economics? Do stay! I will not break my promise. Trust me"
What happened? At 4:01 pm, I saw Mr. Lin quietly sat in the classroom and waited for his turn. I will say that he was making a rational decision. Why?
Since he did not get that email notification, he paid the price by wasting one hour (from 3:10 pm to 4 pm). But that is the so-called sunk cost, which should be irrelevant in the following argument.
If he chooses to leave at 4 pm (after speaking to me), he will not get the benefit and the cost to him will be two or three hours counted as class absence.
If he chooses to stay, he will get the benefit and the cost to him will be one hour as the foregone waiting time.
Hence, the cost-benefit analysis tells us that Mr. Lin, provided that he is rational, should stay. And he did! Good for him.
Of course, if I do not keep my promise and somehow handle his case around 6 pm, he will get the benefit but the cost to him will be two hours as the foregone time. Even for this worst scenario, it is still better than his leaving at 4 pm. Besides, if he takes my strategic action into consideration, we will have a two-person game. As I assured him of my commitment in keeping my words, neither of us should have thought about the game-playing.
Credits: 雖然C. Lin偶爾會有所謂的嗆聲動作，他時而能夠即時回答問題，也曾對經濟學小考問題，提出有水準的批判見解。比起一些老僧入定或是喬裝乖乖牌的同學，要強多了。文藻週的至少兩天下午，(我個人覺得有些奇怪的)經典閱讀活動曲終人散時，我由走廊經過，只見他一人在教室默默地還原課桌椅。他的動作，令我聯想起電影「天之驕子」裡，男老師於開學第一天，在空教室對齊書本與桌緣之一幕。就憑這些觀察，日後只要他開口要推薦函 (references)，我一定樂意相助。
An Example of Incorporating youtube to Teaching
(to be used in teaching the course, Workshop on Information and Negotiation, on May 3, 2010)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVGKAIS7Q4g
source:
dxmonline — 西元2009年07月20日 — 肯．羅賓森爵士(Sir Ken Robinson)以生動活潑的案例來談教育制度。他深切希望教育制度能培育而非扼殺學生的創意。
Notes added by jsw:
This is good for teaching public speaking, not really suitable for discussion on education (and policy-making). It is like the comedian show, popular in some western countries, not in Taiwan. [The show ‘David Allen at Large’ was on TV long time ago when I was in USA.]
我不贊同「教育扼殺創意」這類娛樂新聞標題煽情化之句子。
有基本邏輯思考訓練的人，應該知道：我們把教育，視為一種機制 (mechanism)，有足夠人數的所有可能的學生構成的集合，視為一種社會 (society or the set of all profiles)。如果我們檢驗後發現，針對社會裡每一類的 profile，實施教育這一種機制，對學生的創意，有抹殺打壓之影響，才能下結論：教育扼殺創意。
反之，如果有10萬學生，其中8萬位算是循規蹈矩，只是怎麼教怎麼學，也不會有創意。7000位是透過教育洗禮，變得有創意。1000位天生就有創意，不幸在教育過程中被淹沒或犧牲。12000位則是教育體制的漏網之魚(也就是浪費教育資源的學生)。
我們不能說：
教育制度必能培育學生的創意。
也不能說：
教育制度必會扼殺學生的創意。
一些沒有創意的人，常會怪罪教育制度不好，害他喪失創意。這種人到處都可見。
A拿菜刀砍死B，是A的錯，不是發明菜刀的人之錯，因為菜刀的用途，不是用來砍人的。
以前不只一位國文老師說過一則故事，萬惡不赦的盜匪在行刑前，要求生母給他吸一口奶，竟咬斷乳頭，表示都是母親沒教好。其實，十歲左右的我，那時就不相信會有這種事，撇開講述者是否有心理問題或嚴重意淫，也不談在古代那種文化背景，充滿肅殺之氣的刑場怎麼會有人脫衣服，自己殺人犯罪，最後竟然怪罪母親縱容他，我無法理解。現在更相信我當時的認知。
以該講者為例，如果他一直在家中，與老人家、寵物，談天氣聊是非(用流行俚語形容：嘴砲)，度過15~20年，會有這種犀利幽默智慧？才怪！
P.S. 用字遣詞，是藝術，是功夫，更是態度與教養問題。正因為這樣，我不會加入『墮落教師聯盟』的粉絲團。那裡有很好的討論平台，發言人也不易是狀況外的嘴砲快閃族，只是粉絲團的主打介紹詞，竟是
『你很賭爛現在教育制度嗎?
你以墮落為己任嗎?
你夠瘋狂沒人把妳當老師嗎?
歡迎加入粉絲團支持我們
讓我們繼續 "有叫無累" 吧
"一日為師...終身墮落"』
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVGKAIS7Q4g
source:
dxmonline — 西元2009年07月20日 — 肯．羅賓森爵士(Sir Ken Robinson)以生動活潑的案例來談教育制度。他深切希望教育制度能培育而非扼殺學生的創意。
Notes added by jsw:
This is good for teaching public speaking, not really suitable for discussion on education (and policy-making). It is like the comedian show, popular in some western countries, not in Taiwan. [The show ‘David Allen at Large’ was on TV long time ago when I was in USA.]
我不贊同「教育扼殺創意」這類娛樂新聞標題煽情化之句子。
有基本邏輯思考訓練的人，應該知道：我們把教育，視為一種機制 (mechanism)，有足夠人數的所有可能的學生構成的集合，視為一種社會 (society or the set of all profiles)。如果我們檢驗後發現，針對社會裡每一類的 profile，實施教育這一種機制，對學生的創意，有抹殺打壓之影響，才能下結論：教育扼殺創意。
反之，如果有10萬學生，其中8萬位算是循規蹈矩，只是怎麼教怎麼學，也不會有創意。7000位是透過教育洗禮，變得有創意。1000位天生就有創意，不幸在教育過程中被淹沒或犧牲。12000位則是教育體制的漏網之魚(也就是浪費教育資源的學生)。
我們不能說：
教育制度必能培育學生的創意。
也不能說：
教育制度必會扼殺學生的創意。
一些沒有創意的人，常會怪罪教育制度不好，害他喪失創意。這種人到處都可見。
A拿菜刀砍死B，是A的錯，不是發明菜刀的人之錯，因為菜刀的用途，不是用來砍人的。
以前不只一位國文老師說過一則故事，萬惡不赦的盜匪在行刑前，要求生母給他吸一口奶，竟咬斷乳頭，表示都是母親沒教好。其實，十歲左右的我，那時就不相信會有這種事，撇開講述者是否有心理問題或嚴重意淫，也不談在古代那種文化背景，充滿肅殺之氣的刑場怎麼會有人脫衣服，自己殺人犯罪，最後竟然怪罪母親縱容他，我無法理解。現在更相信我當時的認知。
以該講者為例，如果他一直在家中，與老人家、寵物，談天氣聊是非(用流行俚語形容：嘴砲)，度過15~20年，會有這種犀利幽默智慧？才怪！
P.S. 用字遣詞，是藝術，是功夫，更是態度與教養問題。正因為這樣，我不會加入『墮落教師聯盟』的粉絲團。那裡有很好的討論平台，發言人也不易是狀況外的嘴砲快閃族，只是粉絲團的主打介紹詞，竟是
『你很賭爛現在教育制度嗎?
你以墮落為己任嗎?
你夠瘋狂沒人把妳當老師嗎?
歡迎加入粉絲團支持我們
讓我們繼續 "有叫無累" 吧
"一日為師...終身墮落"』
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Being stupid is unacceptable (story continued)
別再嚷嚷『學校怎麼教的都是以後用不到的理論！不知道這是不是你要的答案』，自己問自己：那家公司願意雇用笨蛋！
A: 單位來了位新人。主管要求他們去調查，其他學校XX系的國考錄取率。我說可以用今年考生或學生家長的身份去刺探敵情。未料，她打電話大剌剌地說：我是X校XX系，因為要評鑑資料，所以想知道貴系的國考錄取率。笨笨笨笨笨！
B: WOW! I thought that she called her boyfriend or mom for help. 我見過這類助理。You might tell her: 順便問對方有沒有缺。
A: 昨天還真的問到一家，不過對方晃點她說會再寄資料給她。
(一週後)
A: 最近那位新人有好消息了！甲校XX系系主任跟她說，必須先E其他學校的國考率給他，甲校才會回覆。結果新人興沖沖地把所有收集到的情報寄給了甲校XX系系主任。未料，甲校XX系系主任發現乙校XX系系主任尚未回覆，就給了一個不錯的回答：『因為乙校XX系都沒填，所以我們也不填，等乙校XX系回覆了，我們就回覆。』今天，那位新人氣炸了！
B: 甲校XX系系主任真是好樣的，不費力就取得他校的國考率資料，他是孔明後裔嗎？也許應該請他到訊息與談判課程，來一場協同教學，分享他這類草船借箭的絕活。我腦海閃過一幕，新人以那位童顏巨乳明星的嗲聲嗲氣語調，加上田中千惠在海角七號的獨特日本腔國語：『好討厭喲！他們都欺負我！』
以前看過一部浪漫日片，每年雨季來臨時，已逝的情人(竹田結子飾演)會出現。也許改成，雨季來了，笨人潮也隨即到來。
(borrowing some words from an old song, End of the World)
Don't they know
it is the end of the world
'cause stupid people are everywhere
A: 單位來了位新人。主管要求他們去調查，其他學校XX系的國考錄取率。我說可以用今年考生或學生家長的身份去刺探敵情。未料，她打電話大剌剌地說：我是X校XX系，因為要評鑑資料，所以想知道貴系的國考錄取率。笨笨笨笨笨！
B: WOW! I thought that she called her boyfriend or mom for help. 我見過這類助理。You might tell her: 順便問對方有沒有缺。
A: 昨天還真的問到一家，不過對方晃點她說會再寄資料給她。
(一週後)
A: 最近那位新人有好消息了！甲校XX系系主任跟她說，必須先E其他學校的國考率給他，甲校才會回覆。結果新人興沖沖地把所有收集到的情報寄給了甲校XX系系主任。未料，甲校XX系系主任發現乙校XX系系主任尚未回覆，就給了一個不錯的回答：『因為乙校XX系都沒填，所以我們也不填，等乙校XX系回覆了，我們就回覆。』今天，那位新人氣炸了！
B: 甲校XX系系主任真是好樣的，不費力就取得他校的國考率資料，他是孔明後裔嗎？也許應該請他到訊息與談判課程，來一場協同教學，分享他這類草船借箭的絕活。我腦海閃過一幕，新人以那位童顏巨乳明星的嗲聲嗲氣語調，加上田中千惠在海角七號的獨特日本腔國語：『好討厭喲！他們都欺負我！』
以前看過一部浪漫日片，每年雨季來臨時，已逝的情人(竹田結子飾演)會出現。也許改成，雨季來了，笨人潮也隨即到來。
(borrowing some words from an old song, End of the World)
Don't they know
it is the end of the world
'cause stupid people are everywhere
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