FINAL EXAM
MB 119 SPRING 2000

This exam may be completed collaboratively. If you choose to do so, the name of each person who participated must appear on the first page of your answer paper. Each person may participate in one and only one group. Note that collaborative exams will be judged according to a high standard, both in terms of content and presentation (in other words, no spelling errors, grammatically incorrect sentences, etc.)

Answers should be typed in an MS-Word document (IBM, not MAC) and emailed to me by midnight May 10th. Earlier responses are appreciated (the school needs to figure out who will graduate with what honors). Answer as fully as possible (given the page limits), in proportion to the number of points that each question is worth. For example, if your answer to the Goliath Effect question is 1/2 typed page, double-spaced, then your answer to the Granovetter question should be about 2 typed pages. Please observe the maximum page limits given for each question (which assume double-spaced, 12 point font, 1-inch margins). Given the maximum page limits, it is important to write in the most concise manner possible, so as to include everything that is important.

1. (20 points, 5 page max) Discuss Granovetter's theory of the Strength of Weak Ties. Make sure to explain how the theory works, and what the implications might be for both individuals and groups/societies. Then relate the theory of weak ties to the concept of social capital.

2. (20 points, 5 page max) Critically examine the concept of embeddedness, as outlined in both Granovetter's article and Brian Uzzi's paper.  Explain what the issues are, why it is important, and give your evaluation of the concept. Then relate the concept to social capital.

3. (10 points, 3 page max) Discuss chapters 4-6 of Fine's Manufacturing Tales in an integrated fashion (i.e., don't discuss each chapter separately).

4. (5 points, 1 page max) Explain the Goliath Effect.

5. (25 points, 5 page max) Summarize the typical differences between male and female communication styles, according to Tannen's two books. According to Tannen, what are some of the reasons why males and females communicate differently?

6. (5 points, 1 page max) Apply the concept of a community of practice to our class. Is it an effective community of practice? In what ways is it and in what ways not? Explain your reasoning.

7. (15 points, 1 page max) Consider the network diagrammed below. Calculate the statistics requested below.

a. What is the density of the network?

b. Which node has the highest degree centrality? [Note: there may be more than one equally central node] What is the degree centrality of that node?

c. Which node is the most central with respect to closeness centrality? What is the closeness centrality of that node? [Note: there may be more than one equally central node]

d. Which node is the most central with respect to betweenness centrality? What is the betweenness centrality of that node? [Note: there may be more than one equally central node]