soci 2500 Week 8 Assignment

soci 2500 Week 8 Assignment | Tulane University

Midterm Exam

In answering these questions, please try to refer to ALL relevant readings plus any class discussion, discussion section assignments, and IMPORTANTLY the videos we've watched in class in answering each question (where and when applicable).

EACH answer should be in ESSAY format (not bulleted or short unrelated paragraphs). Your final essays should be single-spaced, no larger than 12-point font, and adhere to 1-inch margins. You must submit the document as a PDF (portable document format).

For instructions on how to create a PDF document, please see: https://libguides.tulane.edu/TeachAnywhere/create_PDF (Links to an external site.)).

You will note that some questions are similar to questions from your Reading Quizzes. My expectation is that your answers for this Midterm Exam will be more detailed in response to the question asked and will go beyond the answer for the much shorter Reading Quizzes. However, if you feel you sufficiently answered the question in your Reading Quiz answer, then you only need to submit this previous answer.

You must answer EACH question in YOUR OWN WORDS - DO NOT copy-and-paste and DO NOT submit answers that are similar to (or identical to) ANY of your class peers.

Plagiarism is a violation of Tulane’s Honor Code. If you plagiarize any (or all) of the following actions can be taken by your instructor: a) you will receive a “0” score for this exam; b) the violation will be reported to the university administration; and c) you could face disciplinary actions including the possibility of being expelled from the university.

SOCI 2500 Midterm Exam PDF version Download SOCI 2500 Midterm Exam PDF version

Answer BOTH of the TWO (2) questions below (worth 3 points each = total points for Section A is 6 points) in essay format. Your answers should be approximately one (1) page in length for each question.

Question A-1:

Discuss the term Fordism - including:

a.       the origins of the term and a short definition (in your own words),

b.      the two interrelated aspects of Ford's ideas and the revolution of Ford's approach to manufacturing and industrial production,

c.       some of the effects and consequences of Fordism,

d.      now, discuss post-Fordism and how it extended -- or moved beyond -- Fordism as new industrial paradigm and ideology (including providing some examples presented in class discussion or in the films we’ve watched).

Question A-2:

In Chapter Three (Hatch), the author illustrates the sectors of the organization-environment relations. Discuss each sector briefly and their importance to organizational behavior (pgs. 57-64). Next, please give some examples of each sector within the context of Amazon, Inc. (using the depictions of Amazon illustrated in the film Amazon Empire).

SECTION B (6 POINTS):

Instructions:

Answer ONE (1) of the following questions. Your answer should be approximately one (1) to one and one-half (1.5) pages in length.

Question B-1:

In Chapter One of Organizations: A Very Short Introduction, Hatch discusses Gareth Morgan's “four metaphors” that are useful as images for organizations: the machine, the organism, culture, or psychic prison. Explain the four metaphors in detail, including an overview of the specific metaphor, the leading proponents/theorists of each metaphor, and then discuss some of the consequences of each of the metaphors.

Question B-2:

In Chapter 6, Hatch outlines how organizations use symbols (e.g., objects, acts, relationships, or linguistic formations) and symbolism. Discuss how symbols and symbolism are used and utilized in forming and reproducing organizational culture (including meaning making). Be sure to discuss how symbolism “operates through the associations formed between objects or concepts and ideas, images, beliefs, and actions.”

Now, outline Schein’s organizational culture theory. Briefly discuss this theory including its basic assumptions, the role of artifacts, and the strategies for changing organizational culture including the types of change

SECTION C (on Neoliberalism, Financialization, and Globalization: The New Global Economy) (12 POINTS):

Instructions:

Answer ONE (1) of the following questions (worth 12 points), Your answer should be approximately two (2) pages in length.

Question C-1:

In Chapter One of Steger and Roy’s Neoliberalism: A Short Introduction, the authors illustrate three (3) manifestations of neoliberalism: a) an ideology; b) a mode of governance; and c) a policy package. Briefly discuss each manifestation - be sure to detail how the authors frame each manifestation with examples.

Now, apply the term neoliberalism to ONE (1) of the following films we watched during the semester: a) The Insider; b) The Card Game; c) Inside the Meltdown; or d) Amazon Empire. Describe how neoliberalism was instrumental in creating foundations for the situation and/or how it led to the consequences of the events portrayed in the film.

Question C-2:

During the late 1970s and 1980s, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher - in the US and UK, respectively - set each country on the political economic path of neoliberalism. Briefly discuss the two (2) differing forms of neoliberalism of both Reagan (“supply side”) and Thatcher (“monetarist”) (see Figure A on page 25). Be sure to identify any similarities as well as differences.

During the 1990s, US President Bill Clinton and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair adopted a new form of neoliberalism referred to as “market globalism” and “Third Way,” respectively. Briefly discuss the two (2) differing forms of neoliberalism of both Clinton and Blair. Be sure to identify any similarities as well as differences.

Now, discuss how the issue of debt – and how debt was used – as a way to cope with the various economic crises (1970s oil crisis, 1980s recessions, and 1990s job losses). Be sure to details the various forms of debt (including the types of access to credit) with regard to credits cards, home mortgages, and the development of new financial instruments. Be sure to reference both films that discuss these issues: a) The Card Game and b) Inside the Meltdown.

SECTION D - Critical Film Analysis (6 POINTS):

Choose ONE (1) of the following films (videos/documentaries) from the list and the answer the questions below:

·         The Insider         Henry Ford

·         Amazon Empire

·         Ghosts of Abu Ghraib

Please do the following in your analysis of the film you chose:

a.       Provide an overview of the film (summary) (one-half (1/2) page)

b.      Using your textbook, your other readings, and class discussion, identify some pertinent concepts/ideas (more than one) that you can apply your analysis of the film. Give a brief overview of the concepts and then make use of the concepts to understand and critical analyze the events portrayed in the film (one (1) to one and one-half (1.5) page).