Japanese Case Study 1

This case study is a composite of actual situations. Marianne, who is American, and Ken Shimizu, who is Japanese, have worked in Tokyo for over 30 years as Methodist missionaries.

1. Identify some of the cultural issues that may lead to conflict in this international family.

2. What are the family resources for this international family?

3. What factors within the Japanese health system may account for the late diagnosis of Ken’s glaucoma?

4. What practical issues might arise for the Shimizus if Mother Shimizu were placed in a long-term-care facility in the United States?

5. What dietary factors may contribute to Marianne’s hypertension?

Suppose we have another revolution, and I am named as the benevolent dictator of the new country (the US is now named the United States of the Chicago Cubs). Given this opportunity, I design a new economic system in which I own all physical and intellectual property, everyone else (citizens, permanent residents, and even temporary visitors) is provided a universal basic income of $40,000 per year, and I let people use my things (e.g., homes, cars, cell phones, etc.) if they ask nicely. Please evaluate the economic prospects of the new country based on potential GDP growth, incentives for capital investments, and equality of income distribution

2. “The annual report is considered by some to be the single most important printed document that companies produce. In recent years, annual reports (10-K) have become large documents, time consuming and costly to produce…..”. (IMA/CMA)

Required: (20%)

a.) Identify and discuss the basic factors of communications that must be considered in the presentation of this information.

b.) Discuss the communication problems a company faces in preparing the annual report due to the diversity of the uses being addressed.

c.) Identify ways that the SEC uses to protect investors and maintain efficient stock markets in the United States.

d.) Would you encourage producing information if its expected costs exceeded benefits.

2. React to the following situation:
One of the employees you supervise asks you to have Friday off because some relatives arrive from the United States and he wants to share with them. You as your supervisor tried to give you the day off and it was not possible due to need for service. When informing the employee, he was upset and indicated that he would talk to the hospital administrator and when he left his office, he threw the door.
As a supervisor, what is your opinion of the employee's attitude and whether or not he followed the chain or unity of command? Explain, what has been the best attitude of the employee? (Minimum 200 words)

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) assesses the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States using data from interviews and direct physical examinations. From 1999 to 2002, 712 men between the ages of 20 and 29 were examined. The mean body weight in this sample was 183.0 pounds. The margin of error associated with this estimate for 95% confidence was plus or minus 3 pounds. What is the probability (expressed as a percent) that the true population mean weight of men between the ages of 20 and 29 is between 180 and 186 pounds?

Lakonishok Equipment has an investment opportunity in Europe. The project costs €10 million and is expected to produce cash flows of €1 million in Year 1, €1.4 million in Year 2, and €2.5 million in Year 3. The current spot exchange rate is $1.25 / €; and the current risk-free rate in the United States is 1.8 percent, compared to that in Europe of 1 percent. The appropriate discount rate for the project is estimated to be 10 percent, the U.S. cost of capital for the company. In addition, the subsidiary can be sold at the end of three years for an estimated €8 million. Use the exact form of interest rate parity in calculating the expected spot rates. What is the NPV of the project in U.S. dollars?

• Is inequality necessary? Is it good?
  • Describe economic inequality in America.
    • Compared with other countries or with the United States in the past, how unequal is the distribution of income?
    • Who is rich and who is poor ? Are there demographic differences between rich and poor Americans?
  • Should we equalize income for all Americans? Explain the utilitarian and Rawlsian arguments for egalitarian social policies.
  • Should we equalize income for all Americans? Explain alternative arguments against egalitarian policies, such as natural rights arguments (John Locke and Robert Nozick) and utilitarian arguments (Arthur Okun).
  • Are egalitarian policies gendered? Do women benefit more from egalitarian policies that reduce disparities in income? Why?

Which of the following are included in calculating this year's GDP?

a. Interest received on a security of the U.S. government

b. The purchases of a new automobile

c. The services of a gardener in weeding her garden

d. The purchase of a life insurance poliy

e. The money received by John when he sells his computer to Mary

f. The purchases of new office equipment by the U.S government

g. Unempolyment compensation benefits received by a former autoworker

h. A new apartment building built by a construction firm

i. Travel by people in Canada to the United States to visit Disneyland

Why do economics prefer to compare real GDP figures for different years instead of nominal GDP figures?

Absolute and Comparative Advantage

Use the table below to answer the questions concerning absolute and comparative advantages.

1.     Which country has an absolute advantage in producing lumber?

2.     Which country has an absolute advantage in producing automobiles?

3.     Which country has a comparative advantage, if any, in producing lumber?

4.     Which country has a comparative advantage, if any, in producing automobiles?

5.     Should the U.S. trade with Canada? If so, what should be imported and what should be exported?

6.     Should Canada trade with the U.S.? If so, what should be imported and what should be exported?

How would you define income inequality? How is income inequality measured? What has happened to income inequality in the United States since the end of the Second World War in 1945? What evidence can you provide to support your answer? What are the reasons for the changes in income inequality since 1945. Suggestion: Click here to visit the Web site for the documentary film Inequality for All. The site enables you to rent or purchase the film, if you choose. Or you can click on “Graphics Package” to download a free copy of informative graphics from the film. Take a look at those. Summarize what you learn, and share your thoughts.