Gp Wk 8 2012 ACJC Prelim P2 Ans Scheme

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    Ang lo-Chinese Junior Col lege

    General Paper Prelimin ary Exams 2012

    Paper 2 Answ er Scheme

    From Passage 1

    1. How does the example of Hitlers extermination of the Jews in paragraph 1 illustrate the

    authors argument that efficiency cannot be thought of as a moral virtue? (2m)

    From the text Inferred

    It is a standard of quality pertaining to theaction, but it cannot be considered a moral

    virtue, since the quality of good and evildoes not derive from the form in which anobjective is achieved but from the goalorendthat the action achieves. To give anextreme example, one could say that Hitlerand his engineers were extremely efficient inachieving the goal of exterminating Jews.(lines 5-8)

    Moral virtue must result in the attainment of a

    good/morally sound outcome/end/objective.

    OREfficiency has nothing to do with whether the

    outcome/end/objective is morally good or bad.

    (1m)

    However, the example illustrates that one can

    be efficient in the way/method of attaining

    ones objective even if the objective is an evilone.

    OR

    Hitlers goal/objective/aim of killing the Jews

    was done/carried out in an efficient manner

    although it was an evil goal. (1m)

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    3. Explain why the authors use the phrase may seem in line 17. (2m)

    From the text Inferred

    It may seem heartless to worshipefficiency at any cost, including lostjobs and decimated communities, butit is important to understand thatincreased efficiency is the only way asocietys standard of living willimprove. (lines 17-19)

    On the surface/It appears to be the case/One mayargue/It looks like it is true that it is ruthless toextol/laud the pursuit of efficiency due to thedevastating consequences on society/people. (1m)... Either 1 of the following:However, the authors do not agree with the view.ORHowever, the authors do not think that it is reallyruthless to extol/laud the pursuit of efficiency.ORHowever, the authors think that it is the only way bywhich societys material well-being can beincreased./as failing to do so may lead to evenworse economic detriments. (1m)

    4. Suggest how we as consumers benefit from this competition (line 26). (1m)

    From the text Inferred

    So firms compete to become moreefficient, and we as consumersbenefit from this competition. (lines25-26)

    The quality of goods is better.ORThe cost of goods will decrease.OR

    The variety of goods offered will be wider (1m)

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    6. Explain the authors purpose in referring to the examples of kitchen pipes and the carengine in line 42. (2m)

    From the text Inferred

    Instead of having to go through redtape to get a loan you can just writea cheque. (lines 41-43)

    The purpose of this is to highlight the significantbenefits of having quick access to/convenience ofhaving credit/ a cheque book.OROne does not have to go through the hassle ofbureaucracy to borrow money due to theavailability of ready credit (1m)

    when your kitchen pipes burst orwhen your car engine dies, (line 42)

    when one is in a state of emergency/crisis/situationthat requires urgent help/aid/a speedy solution.(1m)

    From Passage 2

    7. Explain the authors use of the phrase The odds are (line 1). (1m)

    From the text Paraphrased

    What is your first memory of being late? Theodds are it had something to do with school.(line 1)

    There is a high probability/Chances are very

    high/ It is very likely that ones first memory

    of being late is associated with the

    experience of school. (1)

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    9. Using material from paragraphs 2 to 5 only, summarise the benefits of efficiency and thereasons for the need to stop pursuing efficiency despite these benefits. Write your summaryin no more than 120 words, not counting the opening words which are printed below. Useyour own words as far as possible.

    Efficiency is beneficial because Lifted Paraphrase

    The benefits of efficiency

    1 huge production increases could be won

    (lines 11-12)

    1 It leads to a greater quantity of goods being made.

    2 efficiency as an ultimate time value lifted

    many people to new levels ofwealth (lines14)

    2 It has brought about greater affluence/ material well-

    being

    3 and leisure (line 15) 3 and more entertainment/fun/forms of relaxation.

    4 efficiency can lead to other outcomes, such

    as the streamlined production ofhigher

    quality goods, (lines 22-23)

    4 It leads to the production of better/ superior products.

    (NOTE: #1 focuses on quantity while #4 focuses on

    quality)

    5 While the possibility of efficiency gains

    seemingly never ends,

    5 The potential benefits/advantages of efficiency are

    numerous/infinite.

    The reasons for the need to stop pursuing efficiency despite these benefits

    6 production exists in a real world with reallimits (lines 18-19)ORThe recognition oflimits stands as the globalculture's strongest imperative to move beyondits current time-logic. (lines 24-25)OR

    Th t th i th t h limits (li 40)

    6 There are insufficient or finite resources/practical

    constraints or restrictions.

    OR

    One cannot infinitely pursue efficiency.

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    12 There arestatistics enough to show how the

    acceleration of life under modern time has

    stressed our personal ecosystems of family,

    friends and community. (lines 28-29)

    OR

    True connections between family, friends

    and colleagues cannot be compressed

    down to tightly scheduled "quality time". (lines

    40-41)

    12 The fast pace of life that we lead today has

    taxed/strained our personal relationships with others.

    OR

    Deep/genuine relationships with people need time to

    develop/cannot be packed into a short period of time.

    13 ... and report an increased sense that we are

    unable to complete the tasks given to us.

    (lines 30-31)

    13 We increasingly find that we cannot finish the

    work/duty assigned to us/ cannot meet the demands

    of our jobs.

    14 In fact, ourstress inducing time-logic leavesits imprint across all of ourdaily

    experiences. (lines 30-31)

    14 Efficiency leads to pressure/strain/tension which hasconsequences/impact/leaves a mark on every aspect

    of our lives.

    15 The frustration and hopelessness we can

    feel (lines 33-34)

    OR

    leaving us drained before the day even

    begins. (line 36)

    15 Pursuing efficiency has led us to feel

    exasperated/despair/impatient/miserable

    OR

    Pursuing efficiency has led us to feel

    tired/exhausted/mentally sapped

    16 even in short traffic jams is indicative of theconstant struggle to do more in less time.

    16 Inferred(We feel frustrated)

    even when we experience minor delays

    17 When our morning commute fails to hit its

    expected mark, then, like dominoes, the time-

    logic of tightly stacked to-dos and

    appointments topples, (lines 34-36)

    17 Inferred

    (We feel frustrated)

    and when our planned schedule/work plan is

    disrupted.

    18 The value of efficiency we learned as children

    d i th expectation (li 37)

    18 The pursuit of efficiency leads us to set unrealistic

    t t / l / l d t thi k th t t

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    10. Vocabulary

    Vocabulary 1m 0ma) parameters(passage 1, line 11)

    noun

    In justifying efficiency,reason has to apply itsown rational parametersto action in order toorganise a society(lines 10-11)

    limitsboundaries

    limitations/ characteristic/borders/ element/

    reasons/ rules/regulations/ scope/standard/ yardsticks/benchmark/framework/guidelines/guiding principles/measurement/ restrictions

    b) decimated

    (passage 1, line 17)adjective

    It may seem heartless toworship efficiency at anycost, including lost jobsand decimatedcommunities

    annihilated

    exterminatedobliteratedreduced to nothingwiped out

    with a large population killed or destroyed

    utterly damaged/destroyedtotally ruined

    totally eradicated

    *2 part answer is required.

    reduced/ damaged/

    slaughtered/ executed/massacred/ devastated/destroyed/ dispersed/marginalised/ segregated/divided/ shrivelled/made smaller/extremely fragmented/disintegrated/ eliminated/removed completely/

    crippled/ drasticallyreduced/severely reduced

    c) proceeds(passage 1, line 38)noun

    It was possible to get theland now and pay for it

    ti i t ith th

    profitsmonetary gainsearningsmonetary returnsrevenueincome derived

    d

    produce/ product/advancement/continuation/ yield/takings/ funds/resulting products/payoffs/ gains/

    h t / i d

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    11. Anna Rodrigue and Barry Schwartz think that the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial, whereas Adam

    Frank thinks that it is detrimental to both the individual and society. Which view do you and your

    society subscribe to and why? Illustrate your views with reference to the ways in which you and your

    society regard the pursuit of efficiency.

    Requirement:Students should -

    a) explain which view they feel their society should subscribes tob) support their views with reasoned argumentsc) show understanding of the ideas and views raised in the passagesd) explain why they agree/disagree with them

    Explanation:

    Discuss some of the following in relation to their own society -a) the pursuit of efficiency being essential for the material well-being/economic success of their

    societyb) the need for the government to be efficient due to the massive size of their societyc) companies need to be more productive in order to pay employees higher wagesd) the need for companies to be efficient in todays globalised economy so as to survivee) how customers stand to gain when companies are more efficientf) whether or not having more efficient economic transactions is obviously good for the

    individual/company/society

    g) the expectation to be efficient leading to negative impact on the individual, family and theenvironment

    h) there is a limit to being efficient due to the finite nature of resources and an individuals abilityto cope

    Evaluation:a) question/show reasons for subscribing/not subscribing to the authors viewsb) give examples from their own society to support their views

    C h

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    11. Anna Rodrigue and Barry Schwartz think that the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial, whereas Adam Frank thinks that it is detrimental to both the individual and

    society. Which view do you and your society subscribe to and why? Illustrate your views with reference to the ways in which you and your society regard the pursuit

    of efficiency.

    Passage 1: Anna Rodrigue and Barry Schwartzthink that the pursuit of efficiency is beneficialReferences(Key Ideas)

    Guiding Questions/Discussion Issues

    Agree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial)

    Disagree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is detrimental)

    Claim:

    Efficiency is theshortest, fastest andsimplest way ofachieving a plannedobjective with aminimum of cost. (lines3-4)

    Do individuals/businesses/the

    government believe that thebest way to achieve theirplanned goals is to beefficient?

    Is it true that efficiency is theshortest, fastest and simplestway of achieving a plannedobjective?

    On the individual level, due to the increasing

    demands of work or school and the hectic pace oflife in Singapore, the pursuit of efficiency meansthat one can multi-task so as to complete thework/task required and succeed. For example,working mothers need to have good timemanagement skills as they need to juggle theheavy demands of both work and family. Thismeans that they need to either complete their workduties more efficiently and/ or be efficient infulfilling their household responsibilities. Otherwise,they will face problems meeting the expectations oftheir employers as well as their family.

    For businesses, Singapore firms often pridethemselves for having a reputation for efficiency.This has enabled them to keep business costs lowso as to maximise profits as well as stand out inthe climate of intense economic competition whenthey gain a reputation of being able to get the jobdone quickly.

    On the governmental level, government efficiencyis what has made Singapore an attractive place forMNCs/firms to set-up base here. For example,Singapore poses the least challenges for setting upa business, as securing company name approval

    and filing incorporation documents can becompleted within 24 hours.Singapore is ranked asthe third most competitive economy in the world inThe Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011released by the World Economic Forum due togovernment and business efficiency.

    Not all Singaporeans think that the pursuit of

    efficiency should be societys top priority. Thepursuit of efficiency is often considered as thereason for society becoming less consideratetowards the needs of others. In fact, manypeople are of the opinion that society should slowdown and be a more caring and compassionatesociety. Business societies have been urged tofocus more on benefitting the society than to justfocus on the profit margin and productivity oftheir workers. The government and people haveurged employers to hire people who may notnecessarily be efficient workers (e.g. hiring theintellectually challenged or the elderly). For

    example, the Silver Co-op, launched by CentralSingapore, North East and South EastCommunity Development Councils in 2009, hiresthe elderly for ad-hoc jobs in light manufacturingor in the assembly of products out-sourced bycommercial companies.

    It is not true that efficiency is the best way toattain ones business objective. To be asuccessful businessman, one needs to have theright contacts and be adept at socialising withbusiness partners. This is especially true inSingapore as Asian societies often prioritise

    relationship building when it comes toestablishing working partnerships. In addition,consistent customer experience is the key factorthat will take Singapore businesses to the nextlevel of success. Singapore businesses need tofocus on creating a better customer experienceto remain competitive as customers areexpecting more and more personalisation.

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    References(Key Ideas)

    Guiding Questions/Discussion Issues

    Agree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial)

    Disagree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is detrimental)

    Claim:it cannot beconsidered a moralvirtue (lines 5-6)

    Claim:

    It may seemheartless to worshipefficiency at any cost,including lost jobs anddecimatedcommunities (line16)

    Why is efficiency notnecessarily a moral virtue?

    Is it true that there is a need topursue efficiency despite thepotential negative impact onpeople/society?

    The benefits of pursuing efficiency outweigh thedetrimental consequences to society. There havebeen detrimental consequences such as theretrenchment of workers (e.g. the elderly, workerswith lower productivity) and there are fewer jobopportunities for locals as compared to foreigners(e.g. Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World) due to theneed to maintain high standards of efficiency.However, the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial toSingapore and its economy as it enables thecountry to maintain its good image and competitivestandard.

    Given the negative consequences of pursuingefficiency, there have been calls by the peopleand steps taken by the government to moderateand reduce employers and industriesexpectations of high productivity from workers.For example, the government has instituted a 5-day work week and capped the number offoreigners that companies can employ.

    Claim:in modern times,reason has to apply itsown rationalparameters to action inorder to organise a

    society that has grownto massiveproportions. (lines 10-11)

    Reason:In mass society,institutions and policieshave to be previouslyplanned in order toachieve a desiredobjective (lines 12-

    13)

    Does the government view thepursuit of efficiency as the bestway for it to organise a societythat has grown/is growingbigger (e.g. population size,scale of the economy)?

    Does the government useefficiency to justify itsunpopular policies? Are peopleconvinced by such

    justification?

    Do governments/institutionshave to pursue efficiency inorder to achieve theirgoals/aims?

    The Singapore government often prides itself forbeing one of the most efficient governments in theworld. For example, it is consistently ranked in thetop 5 positions in the World Competitive Yearbook(one of the four main factors which are assessed isgovernment efficiency which comprises criteria

    such as public finance, fiscal policy, institutionalframework, business legislation, etc.). This makesSingapore an attractive environment that sustainsthe competitiveness of enterprises and thus luresbusinesses here. As the Singapore economygrows and expands, government efficiency is seento be even more vital to maintain Singaporescompetitive edge.

    As the Singapore society expands (e.g. populationincrease, more diverse groups of people f romdifferent nationalities), the need for the governmentto quickly address (and if possible, pre-empt) theneeds/demands of these groups of people is seento be vital. For example, the rising cost of publichousing (esp. resale HDB flats) has been met upwith much displeasure by the people sinceGE2011. As a result, the government has toquickly launch and build new HDB flats, as well asplan ahead to meet future housing needs.

    Government efficiency has also been viewednegatively by the people. Citizens havecomplained that unpopular policies and decisionsare made and rolled out quickly without adequateconsultation to seek the peoples feedback. As aresult of this, the Singapore government is now

    taking time to seek public feedback instead ofbeing efficient in quickly implementing policies asit deems fit. For example, the Singaporegovernment has now launched a new website toget public feedback on population issue beforereleasing a White Paper at the end of this year(2012). Perhaps there is a need for thegovernment to stop pursuing efficiency and taketime to review and consult the people on issuesor policies which can affect them preciselybecause the country/society has expanded, asthere will be more differing viewpoints andcompeting needs.

    The government recognises that governmentefficiency in implementing policies is not alwaysthe best way to tackle problems faced by thecountry. For example, the governmentacknowledges that its decision to quicklyincrease Singapores population size by letting ina flood of new citizens and foreign workers is

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    References(Key Ideas)

    Guiding Questions/Discussion Issues

    Agree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial)

    Disagree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is detrimental)

    With the Singapore population expected to grow inthe next 5-10 years, the government needs to beefficient in building the necessary infrastructure tocontinue to make Singapore an attractive place tolive. For example, there are plans to extend theMRT networks e.g. Downtown Line, Brown Line.

    simply a short term solution and needs to bereviewed. It has already started to reduce thenumber of new citizens and foreign workers as aresult of negative backlash from Singaporeansduring GE2011.

    Claim:it is important tounderstand thatincreased efficiency isthe only way a societysstandard of living willimprove. (lines 18-19)

    Reason:It is only if yourcompany and othersfind a way to pay youmore without chargingmore that your livingstandard goes up.(lines 22-23)

    Is increased efficiency seen asthe only way that your societysstandard of living will improve?

    How does the pursuit ofefficiency lead to a higherstandard of living?

    Can companies not be moreefficient and still pay higherwages to employees?

    There has been much call to raise the wages oflow-skilled workers so as to narrow the incomedivide and to raise their standard of living.However, to do so, companies have to improvetheir work processes and workers have to be moreproductive and efficient.

    The government has been moderating the inflow offoreign workers. By having a tighter grip on foreignworkers, wages will be pushed up in the shortterm. However, this may hold back manycompanies that are eager to expand but cannotfind enough workers. As such, in order for local

    companies to continue to compete in a globalisedand capitalist world economy, workers andcompanies have to become more efficient, andhence the pursuit of efficiency is considered to benecessary.

    To raise the productivity levels in Singapore, thegovernment has enhanced the Productivity andInnovation Credit (PIC) Scheme to encourage localfirms to invest in structures and processes whichwould lead to an increase in productivity. This isespecially so for SMEs where the best competitiveadvantage they can build is to increase the

    operational capacity of their company and raisestaff productivity levels.

    Due to the widening income gap in Singapore,MPs, unionists and even some employers haveargued the case for some form of minimumwage. This is a departure from the standardargument that an increase in productivity is theonly way for wages to rise for low-skilledworkers. For example, some have called for thegovernment to step in by giving direct wagesupplement to the lower-wage workforce. To helplow-wage workers, the National Wages Council(NWC) has recently recommended a S$50 wageincrease for those earning S$1,000 and below.

    Claim:as markets havebecome ever moreglobalised, increasedefficiency of companieshas become a condition

    Do companies in your countryhave to become more efficientin order to successfullycompete in todays globalisedeconomy?

    The pursuit of efficiency by workers andcompanies is seen to be crucial so as to bringabout increased productivity, which will make thecountry more competitive both regionally andglobally. This not only protects current jobs, but willattract more foreign companies and MNCs which

    Instead of the pursuit of efficiency, the pursuit ofinnovation is viewed as the key to commercialsuccess. More Singapore companies areimplementing concrete measures to driveinnovation. For example, many of 3M's hitproducts have been born because the staff

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    References(Key Ideas)

    Guiding Questions/Discussion Issues

    Agree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial)

    Disagree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is detrimental)

    for their very survival.(lines 24-25)

    Claim:So firms compete tobecome more efficient,and we as consumers

    benefit from thiscompetition. (lines 25-26)

    Are companies todaycompeting with one another onthe basis of theirproductivity/efficiency?

    Do customers really benefit ifcompanies become more

    efficient? Why or why not?

    will create additional jobs and greater opportunitiesfor workers at all levels.

    By raising productivity, the Singapore economycan continue to thrive despite more intense globalcompetition. Globalisation has shortened economiccycles. Ups and downs happen much faster, and

    with less warning. Economic forecasts are lesspredictable. Every country is more exposed toglobal competition, and Singapore more than most.

    As such, for Singapore firms to continue to thriveand tide smoothly over periods of economicdownturn, it is essential for firms and their workersto be even more efficient.

    As firms compete for consumers, they will seek tobe more efficient, find means to lower their costsand the best way to produce their goods andservices. As a result, firms are spurred to be more

    dynamic and innovative. This means thatcustomers then benefit from a greater variety ofproducts, having their needs met more quickly andbeing able to purchase products at a lower price.

    members were not stifled by the pressure oftrying something new or making mistakes. Forexample, the Singapore Budget 2010 speechurged Singapore enterprises to distinguishthemselves - by building distinctive brands. Thisis also the crux of the Singapore BrandConference, an annual conference designed with

    the needs of the Singapore company in mind, tohelp local enterprises understand the powerfulprinciples of branding that have transformedmany companies from promising localcompanies to successful global brands.

    When companies become more efficient,customers do not necessarily benefit. Companiescan actually increase the prices of their productsby claiming that being efficient means that theycan produce better products or provide a betterservice. For example, the clinical services inSingapore emphasise excellence in deliveringefficient service and fast results. As such, the listprices of clinical services in Singapore are higherthan other Asian countries.

    Claim:Each of thesedevelopments hasmade it easier to doones business withoutwasted time andenergy withoutfriction. Each has madeeconomic transactions

    quicker and moreefficient. That isobviously good. (lines44-46)

    Is the pursuit of efficiencybeneficial to financialcompanies? Why or why now?

    How does the individual benefitwhen financial companiespursue efficiency?

    Is it beneficial for the

    individual/companies/societywhen economic transactionsbecome more efficient? Why orwhy not?

    One of Singapore's core strengths, built up overthe 1980s, has been her financial centre status. Itis intimately linked to Singapore's status as atrading and regional business hub, given theimportance of financing and credit to business.Efficiency is one of the key attributes for a topbanking system, and this is one of the key featuresdriving Singapore's rise as a financial centre. Assuch, to maintain her status, the pursuit of

    efficiency (e.g. reducing red tape) is seen to bebeneficial by businesses/the society/government.

    Singaporean banks are focusing on bolsteringoperational efficiency within the organisation, aswell as risk management, and improving the overallcustomer experience in order to retain and growtheir customer base. This focus on improvingefficiency thus benefits the customers and gives

    Making it easier and faster for people to getaccess to ready credit can also put banks at riskof customers defaulting on payments (e.g. thiswas what happened in America in the subprimecrisis when homeowners defaulted on theirpayments). In addition, it also encourages peopleto spend beyond their means and run the risk ofchalking up credit card debts, which can lead tosocial problems (e.g. borrowing from loan sharks,

    gambling, increased crime rates, etc.). As such,banks/the government does not pursue efficiencywithout due caution.

    Customers today give a higher emphasis oncustomer experience and are willing tocompromise on efficiency. For example,customer satisfaction in Singapore hit a recordhigh in 2011, with the banking industry showing

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    References(Key Ideas)

    Guiding Questions/Discussion Issues

    Agree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial)

    Disagree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is detrimental)

    local banks a competitive edge over foreign banks.

    When banking firms make their economictransactions more efficient (e.g. making it easierand faster for budding entrepreneurs and start-upfirms/SMEs to get access to loans and credit), thiswill foster a business climate of innovation andentrepreneurship. For example, OCBC has the

    Business Entrepreneur Account, which offers a lowinitial deposit of S$500, instant account opening,and unlimited free cheques. DBS hasthe Entrepreneurs Account for Start-ups, whichalso offers a minimum deposit of S$500, two yearsfree subscription to their online banking portal, andmore. StanChart has Essential Lite, which has nominimum balance requirement.

    some of the biggest improvements, according tothe Customer Satisfaction Index released by theSingapore Management University's (SMU)Institute of Service Excellence. Overall,customers rated local banks more favourablythan foreign banks with DBS Bank coming in topsamong all banks and insurance companies

    measured. DBS had implemented a lot ofsecurity measures like real-time SMS alerts.Though customers are a little inconvenienced,they are appreciative of enhanced security duringfinancial transactions. Hence, it is possible forfinancial companies to compromise on efficiencyto deliver a higher service quality.

    http://www.ocbc.com/sme-banking/banking/Bnk_Sme_Biz_Entrepreneur_Acct.shtm?bcid=M1_C1_S1_P1http://dbs.com/sg/business/cashmanagement/entrepreneur/default.aspxhttp://dbs.com/sg/business/cashmanagement/entrepreneur/default.aspxhttp://dbs.com/sg/business/cashmanagement/entrepreneur/default.aspxhttp://www.standardchartered.com.sg/sme-banking/cash-management/essential-lite/en/http://www.standardchartered.com.sg/sme-banking/cash-management/essential-lite/en/http://dbs.com/sg/business/cashmanagement/entrepreneur/default.aspxhttp://www.ocbc.com/sme-banking/banking/Bnk_Sme_Biz_Entrepreneur_Acct.shtm?bcid=M1_C1_S1_P1
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    Passage 2: Adam Frankthinks that it is detrimental to both the individual and societyReferences(Key Ideas)

    Guiding Questions/Discussion Issues

    Agree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is detrimental)

    Disagree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial)

    Claim:over the last centuryour modern time-logichas led to the overconsumption of finiteplanetary resources.

    (lines 23-24)

    Claim:production exists ina real world with reallimits. (lines 18-19)

    Does efficiency lead to thedestruction of theenvironment? Why or why not?

    Although Singapore is not involved much inproduction within its borders, the demand fromSingapore spurs production in other parts of theworld. In their pursuit of efficiency, Singaporefirms often relocate overseas to cut costs and thisleads to the over consumption of planetary

    resources elsewhere. Singaporeans areadvocating to cut down on our rapid consumptionof goods so as to save Mother Earth.

    The world today has been taken over by thegreen revolution. We are now addressing theneed for efficient use of f inite natural resources.

    As such, the need for sustainability, with the aidof modern technology, has led to the pursuitefficiency to save on natural resources instead

    (e.g. energy-efficient light bulbs, water savingwashing machines, cars cover more mileage onless fuel).

    Due to Singapores limited land area, there is, infact, a greater need for Singapore to pursueefficiency in terms of city planning and ensuringthat there are adequate green spaces (i.e. theconcept of a City in a Garden). For example, thegovernment has built Gardens by the Bay in thecity area as well as a park in the National Librarybuilding. Singapore has also launched the BCAGreen Mark Scheme which awards any form ofconstruction which efficiently utilises resources orintegrates greenery into the urban landscape.

    Claim:the desire to build anew time springs fromour deeply felt need toreclaim value andbalance in our lives.(lines 27-28)

    Reason:There are statistics

    enough to show howthe acceleration of lifeunder modern time hasstressed our personalecosystems of family,friends andcommunity. (lines 28-29)

    Is there a lack of work-lifebalance in Singapore as aresult of the need to beefficient/expectation to beefficient?Why or why not?

    The pursuit of efficiency has been viewed to havea detrimental impact on the family. Often, as aresult of expectations placed by employers andthe convenience created by modern technologyenabling us to work from home, there is no clearline between work and family life/home.Singaporeans tend to take home work after officehours and tend to lack time to spend with familyleading to less interaction between familymembers and to an alteration of roles within the

    family. For example, parents engage the help ofdomestic helpers and tutors to cater to the needsof their children due to the lack of time and energyto handle both work and family life.

    The lack of work-life balance as a result of anexpectation to be efficient has negatively affectedthe personal lives of Singaporeans as well. Forexample, taking work home or having to complete

    Singaporeans do not think that efficiency isdetrimental since a balance can be struck. TheSingapore government has been emphasisingthe need to preserve the family unit in view of thelow birth rate. As such, many policies/schemeshave been introduced to encourageSingaporeans to have more balance betweenwork and life and to allow them to spend moretime with their families. For example, theSingapore government has introduced a five-day

    work week for civil servants and increasedmaternity leave and child-care leave for mothers.

    Modern technology (e.g. Facebook, Twitter) hasempowered the individual to maintain close socialrelations with friends and family, and this canreinforce or enhance deep relationships. As such,the pursuit of efficiency does not necessarilyresult in the dilution of ones personal relationship

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    References(Key Ideas)

    Guiding Questions/Discussion Issues

    Agree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is detrimental)

    Disagree with author(i.e. the pursuit of efficiency is beneficial)

    Claim:The truth is that wehave limits. (line 40)

    Reason:True connectionsbetween family, friends

    and colleagues cannotbe compressed downto tightly scheduledquality time. (lines 40-41)

    tasks at work after office hours is often cited asone of the reasons for later marriages or notmarrying at all. Young adults lament the lack oftime for social interaction to meet new people.

    with others.

    Claim:Our stress inducingtime-logic leaves itsimprint across all of ourdaily experiences.(lines 31-32)

    Claim:

    The myth ofmultitasking has onlycompounded thisdilemma, takingefficiency to newimaginary limits(lines 38-39)

    Reason:The relentless logic ofefficiency canunintentionally strip themost valued qualities ofhuman life (lines 41-42)

    Reason:what is left has beendenuded and madebarren. (line 43)

    Are Singaporeans able to copewith the expectation to multi-task and be efficient? How dothey cope? What sort ofsacrifices do they make if theycannot cope?

    Do efficiency and multi-tasking

    necessarily lead to stress?

    Is stress necessarily a badthing?

    As a result of the expectation to be efficient, manySingaporeans live a highly stressful life which hastaken its toll on them. Over the years, there hasbeen an increase in mental health issues andsuicide rates. There were 401 such deaths, upfrom 364 in 2008, with the young being the mostaffected in 2009. (Source: Samaritans ofSingapore (SOS)) Hence, Singaporeans do thinkthat pursuing too much efficiency can be harmfulto their mental and even physical health.

    In fact, Singaporeans blame the poor socialgraces exhibited by people on the way society haspursued efficiency. For instance, people, in theirrush to work or get things done as quickly aspossible, often pay little heed to the needs ofothers when using public transport. There havebeen videos placed on STOMP and onlinecriticisms made of the way Singaporeans pushand shove to get onto MRT trains.

    Being efficient allows us to handle the manyobligations/tasks that we encounter so that weare able to free up time for rest and relaxation.For example, completing tasks at work or schoolat a faster rate ensures that we end up withmore time for leisure or to spend with family andfriends. This then results in less stress.

    Even though the expectation to be efficientleads to stress, this stress serves as a drivingforce to get us to complete our tasks. In thiscompetitive society, we need stress to push usto give our best even though we may beswamped with work. For example, Singaporestudents face multiple and demanding academicand co-curricular activities. As such, there is aneed for them to multi-task. In fact, someonewho can effectively multi-task and complete hisduties efficiently is deemed to be an outstandingstudent.

    Singaporeans enjoy the challenge of multi-tasking as it makes their life more exciting andalso increases their sense of achievement whenthey get rewarded (e.g. money, promotion) fortheir efficiency, especially since employers arelooking out for efficient workers.