Category: Micro Topics

Motivating Workers

2018

Ron and Chris disagree with the best way to motivate workers. While Chris takes a more intrinsic approach, Ron focuses on base level needs of fear and hunger, but also on money. Ron’s extrinsic approach comes from his belief in markets being able to serve as a motivator. Both agree that motivating workers can increase productivity, but disagree on the best method of doing so.

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The Cost of a Breakup

2018

Tom isn’t happy with Mona-Lisa anymore, but he isn’t brave enough to break up with her. He decides to seek out help from his previous girlfriend, Ann, but it’s going to cost him. Ann initially refuses, but agrees once he offers her his chenille blanket that she likes.

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Steak, Cigars, and Health Problems

2018

Ron and Leslie get into a debate about people’s right to determine how they treat their own bodies. Leslie shows up to his dinner where Ron announces he’s eating a Turf’n’Turf and will consumer an entire cigar. Ron is a firm believe that people should be allowed to do what they want with their bodies and shouldn’t be controlled by the government.

Thanks to an anonymous submitter for the clip!

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Tom Wants to Quit

2017

Tom’s Bistro’s soft opening didn’t go well, so he thinks it’s time to quit. Even though Ron recommends sticking it out, Tom is phased by the sunk cost fallacy; he loves quitting! April comes to the rescue and convinces him to at least try a full opening.

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The New Sommelier

2017

Craig has to keep it together in the face of very strange requests during his interview to be the sommelier for Tom’s Bistro. While professional sommelier’s are known for being able to pair wines and meals, they must maintain their composure when customers ask for something different. While some may have odd preferences, its important to respect others’ utility functions.

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Flu Season

2017

Leslie is a workaholic, so when the office starts to get sick she gets a bit nervous. When Andy starts showing symptoms of the flu, she realizes he may be contagious. Jerry has already been quarantined because of his symptoms.

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The Tent Mogul

2017

Ben and Tom aren’t happy with the high tent prices and add-ons at one tent rental shop, so they try to go to a competitor only to find that all of the tent rental places have the same owner who is happy to exploit his market power. While the owner tries to differentiate their product through branding, they have essentially monopolized central Indiana’s tent rental industry.

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Regulating a Farmer’s Market

2017

Leslie shares her opinion that a vendor at the farmers’ market has a crude display, and cites this as a reason to kick them out. Some citizens argue that government should not play an active role in dictating norms in society, but Leslie feels that’s the part of the government’s responsibility. This could be argued from a public choice perspective or as the role of government in correcting externalities.

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No Engagement Ring

2017

Ann and Chris decide not to buy an engagement ring because they think it is an unnecessary expense when they could do other things with the money. Engagement rings are often considered signals in the dating market that one partner is unavailable. The couple watching the exchange realize they could buy a house instead of buying a ring.

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Traditional Japanese Breakfast

2017

Dr. Jamm bought a cooktop table from Benihana for $4,000 and thinks it is worth every penny. While Leslie and Chris may not place the same value on the table, Jamm’s subjective value is at least $4000.

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