A Local University Is Considering Changes to Its Class Structure

question 119

Essay

A local university is considering changes to its class structure in an effort to increase professor productivity. The old schedule had each professor teaching 5 classes per week, with each class meeting an hour per day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each class contained 20 students. The new schedule has each professor teaching only 3 classes, but each class meets daily for an hour. New classes contain 50 students.
a. Calculate the labor productivity for the initial situation (students/hour).
b. Calculate the labor productivity for the schedule change (students/hour).
c. Are there any ethical considerations that should be accounted for?
d. Suppose that each teacher also is required to have 2 hours of Office Hours each day he/she taught class. Is the schedule change a productivity increase?

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Definitions:

Computer-Operated Machines

Computer-Operated Machines are devices controlled by computers to perform various tasks, increasing efficiency and precision in manufacturing and other industries.

Structural Unemployment

Occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills that workers in the economy can offer and the skills demanded by employers.

Changing Technology

Refers to the rapid evolution and adoption of new tools, processes, and methodologies in the technology sector, affecting businesses and societies.

Stagflation

A situation in an economy characterized by slow economic growth combined with high unemployment and high inflation.