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Business Exam Questions Johns Hopkins Undergraduate

Johns Hopkins. Department of Political Economy Exams, 1931-32

The United States was descending towards the trough of the Great Depression during the last full academic year that occurred under the Hoover Administration. This post takes us to the undergraduate and business course offerings in economics at Johns Hopkins University for 1931-32. The mid-year and year-end examinations for all courses have been transcribed along with short course descriptions. Two minor gaps have been filled with examinations from an adjacent years.

A later post will provide a list of the graduate course offerings from the department of political economy for 1931-32.

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Cf. Economics Exams from 1937-38
(Previously Posted)

Johns Hopkins. Exams for the five sections of principles of economics, 1937-1938

Johns Hopkins. Semester exams for statistics. Robert G. Deupree, 1937-1938

Johns Hopkins. Final exams for undergraduate money and banking. Weyforth, 1937-1938

Johns Hopkins. Final examinations for Corporation Finance and Investments. Evans, 1937-1938

Johns Hopkins. Exam questions for undergraduate principles of accounting. Cooper, 1937-1938

Johns Hopkins. Exam questions for undergraduate economic history. Broadus Mitchell, 1937-1938

Johns Hopkins. Exam questions for mathematics of finance and applied statistics. Evans, 1937-1938

Johns Hopkins. Examination questions for undergraduate marketing. Roy J. Bullock, 1937-1938.

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1931-32

1-C. Elements of Economics.

The course is meant to be an introduction to further economic study, and so does not embrace detailed scrutiny of certain aspects of economic life which are fully presented in more advanced courses. The structure of economic society is given, especially through study of the theories of production and distribution. Attention is paid to those subjects which have importance for those intending to engage in business enterprise.

Three hours weekly, through the year. Section 1: Dr. EVANS, Thurs., Fri., Sat., 8.30, Maryland Hall 110; Section 2: Associate Professor MITCHELL, Mon., Tues., Wed., 8.30, Gilman Hall 313; Section 3: Associate Professor WEYFORTH, Mon., Tues., Wed., 11.30, Gilman Hall 314.

  • GEORGE HEBERTON EVANS, JR., Ph.D., Associate in Political Economy. A.B., Johns Hopkins University, 1920; Ph.D., 1925.
  • BROADUS MITCHELL, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Economy. A.B., University of South Carolina, 1913; Fellow, Johns Hopkins University, 1916-17, and Ph.D., 1918.
  • WILLIAM OSWALD WEYFORTH, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Economy. A.B., Johns Hopkins University, 1912, and Ph.D., 1915; Instructor, Western Reserve University, 1915-17.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1-C

Dr. Mitchell

Tuesday, January 26, 1932

  1. Explain briefly the following terms: (a) the factors of production; (b) luxury; (c) elasticity of demand; (d) wealth.
  2. What is the function of the enterpriser? Is the enterpriser gaining or losing in importance as an economic agent?
  3. Define capital and discuss the capitalistic method of production.
  4. Distinguish between subjective and objective value.
  5. Explain the law of diminishing utility. What is meant by marginal utility?
  6. Explain how market price is determined under conditions of competition.
  7. What indictments of the capitalist system are offered by the present business depression?
  8. What is the cause and cure of “technological” unemployment?
  9. What do you think of the proposal to set up a National Economic Council with purely advisory powers?
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1-C

Dr. Mitchell

June 1, 1932

  1. Explain the “quantity theory of money”.
  2. (a) What is meant by “economic rent”? (b) Explain the proposal of the Single Tax. (c) Can a tax on land be shifted from owner to occupier; give reason for your answer.
  3. (a) Explain the subsistence theory of wages, the socialist theory of wages, and the productivity theory of wages. (b) Should wages keep pace with the cost of living, and nothing more?
  4. Discuss as many theories of interest as you can, indicating the one which to you seems most reasonable.
  5. (a) How do “pure profits” arise? (b) Is the function of the enterpriser undergoing change? (c) What are some of the means of avoiding economic risk?
  6. If you were made responsible for economic planning in the United States, what powers would you assume and what policies would you formulate?

 

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1-C

Dr. Evans

Wednesday, January 27, 1932.

  1. Discuss economic method.
  2. Comment upon the beginnings of political economy.
  3. Give three of the principles of production discussed in class.
  4. Why did most of the countries of the world adopt the gold standard?
  5. Discuss the causes which led to the abandonment of the gold standard by Great Britain in September 1931.
  6. Give a seeming exception to the law of diminishing utility and explain carefully why your illustration is not an exception.
  7. Illustrate the method for calculating the cost of living.
  8. Discuss the equation of exchange.
  9. List the advantages and disadvantages of the national banking system.
  10. Use diagrams to show the relation between cost of production and price.
  11. Discuss monopolies which arise because of properties inherent in the business.
  12. Give three laws of supply and demand.
  13. When is it economically justifiable to take wealth from some people in order to give it to others?
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1-C

Dr. Evans

June 1, 1932

  1. “The corporation affords opportunity for dividing and recombining the incidents of ownership in varying proportions.” Explain and illustrate.
  2. “An increase in the rediscount rate of a Federal Reserve Bank is expected to cause member banks to raise their discount rates.” Upon what assumption does this expectation rest?
  3. Discuss the expansion of public works as a method of increasing demand during the period of depression.
  4. “Inflation of the currency by governmental action is a form of taxation.” Explain. Who pays the tax? How is it possible for individuals partly to evade the tax?
  5. “Even if the velocity of circulation remains constant, an increase in the quantity of money need not necessarily raise prices.” Discuss.
  6. Is it not reasonable to suppose that most wage earners would be willing, if necessary, to work for less than they are now paid? If they would be willing to work for less, why do employers continue to pay the present wage rates?
  7. Distinguish between technological capital and loanable funds. For the use of which is interest paid? How are they related?
  8. “More completely than any other form of income, profits defy explanation by general rules.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
  9. “American foreign trade is the greatest unprotected industry that we have. It furnishes an output of between $4,000,000,000 and $5,000,000,000 annually — the total of our sales to foreign countries — and is thus the greatest, as well as almost the only, unprotected business in the United States.” Discuss the effect of the tariff upon our exporting industries.
  10. Enumerate as many sound principles of political economy as possible. Do not, however, use more than one sheet of paper and devote only one line to each principle.
Political Economy 1-C (Dr. Weyforth)
Note Mid-year Exam 1931-32 missing
1930-31 exam substituted here
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid-Year Examination Political Economy 1
(Dr. Weyforth)

Monday — February 2, 1931 — 9 a.m.

  1. The following are mentioned by Ely as a few of the fundamental institutions of our present economic system: private enterprise, private property, contract, freedom, competition. Comment upon these institutions so as to show their significance in our present economic system.
  2. Distinguish between wealth and welfare. Does the growth of a country in wealth necessarily mean a commensurate increase in its welfare? Explain.
    That is meant by the “standard of living”? Does the normal growth of population menace the maintenance of standards of living? Why? How do you account for the fact that standards of living have risen during the past century in spite of large increases in population?
  3. Define “diminishing utility” and “marginal utility”. What is the relationship between marginal utility and price? Explain fully.
  4. “Market price constantly tends to approach the normal price, which is defined as the expense of producing a unit of the commodity in question.” Explain this statement. That is meant by the “marginal producers”? Define and illustrate the terms “increasing cost,” “decreasing cost,” and “constant cost” as applied to different types of industry.
  5. If it takes two years to build a steel mill, will this have a bearing upon the value of steel mills in the event of a sudden increase in the demand for steel as in the case of the outbreak of a war? That difference would it make, if it took only two months to construct a mill? Explain.
  6. What are the functions of money in our economic system? What is the gold standard? That are its advantages and disadvantages? what other monetary standards can you suggest?
  7. What is the nature of a bank deposit? How do the demand deposits of commercial banks serve as a medium of exchange? What are the principal functions of commercial banks?
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1-C

Dr. Weyforth

June 1, 1932

ANSWER ANY 8 QUESTIONS

  1. Construct demand and supply schedules for some commodity and indicate how price tends to be fixed. Explain the difference between elastic and inelastic demand.
  2. “Once goods have been produced, the only thing to do with them is to sell them for the best price which can be obtained, whether this price be above or below the cost of production. Hence it is ridiculous to assert that cost of production determines price.” Discuss this statement showing the true connection between price and cost of production.
  3. What is meant by the business cycle? What are some of the economic causes of the business cycle? Explain.
  4. How are changes in the general level of prices calculated? Explain the relationship between the quantity of money and the general level of prices.
  5. Explain the marginal productivity theory of wages. Why is it that persons doing disagreeable work do not always receive higher wages than those doing pleasant work?
  6. What are the factors affecting the supply of and the demand for loanable funds?
  7. How do profits affect the distribution of productive activity? Discuss the importance of profits as a stimulus to managerial efficiency.
  8. Explain the Ricardian theory of rent.
  9. “Tariff protection is a deliberate interference with economic specialization in all of its various aspects. This is its fundamental and fatal weakness.”
    Appraise this statement carefully.

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2-C. Statistics. Dr. EVANS.

[GEORGE HEBERTON EVANS, JR., PH.D., Associate in Political Economy. A.B., Johns Hopkins University, 1920; Ph.D., 1925.]

The first half of the course will be devoted to a brief history of statistics as a science, followed by an examination of the methods for collecting, presenting and analyzing statistical data. In order that the student may more clearly understand statistical method, practical exercises are assigned to supplement the class room work.

During the second half year the use of statistics in the analysis of economic and business problems is considered. Various index numbers, such as those measuring wholesale prices, retail prices, cost of living, wages and production will be studied. Special attention will be given to the business cycle and the various statistical aids that have been developed for forecasting business conditions. Students will be referred to assignments in publications so that they may become familiar with the principal sources of statistical information concerning economic and business problems.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 2-C or 3-C.

Three hours weekly through the year. Dr. EVANS. Wed., Fri., Sat., 10.30. Gilman Hall 314.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 2-C

February 2, 1932

  1. Put the following data into a frequency table. Give evidence which tends to show that you have made a proper selection of both the size and the position of your class-interval.

10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 17, 20, 21, 22, 22, 23, 23, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 35, 36, 40.

  1. Show that a railroad with three divisions might have a lower cost per ton-mile in July than in June on every division, and yet have a higher cost per ton-mile for the railroad as a whole. Discuss.
  2. The following table shows the number of associate professors at certain American colleges and universities, whose salaries fell in the classes indicated. Note the modal salary class, and find the median salary. In your judgment, which average is most typical?
Salary Class
(by mid-point)
Number Salary Class
(by mid-point)
Number
250 1 2250 168
500 3 2500 174
750 3 2750 129
1000 4 3000 153
1250 15 3250 74
1500 57 3500 91
1750 88 3750 17
2000 186 4000 15
4500 1
  1. Discuss the mathematical expressions which indicate dispersion. Which would you use to show the dispersion of the data given in problem 3?
  2. If an arithmetic mean were to be calculated for the data given in problem 3, should a weighted or unweighted average be calculated? Discuss.
  3. How may a frequency distribution be described?
  4. Discuss very briefly: random, sampling; questionnaires; the substitutes for renumeration; the ratio chart.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 2-C

June 7, 1932

  1. An effort was made to determine the average weekly wage of 20,000 coal miners by taking a sample consisting of 256 workers, The arithmetic mean computed from this sample was $40 with a standard deviation of $2.40. What is the reliability of this result?
  2. What is moving correlation? When and why should it be used?
  3. Discuss three variable correlations.
  4. The U. S. Bureau of Labor publishes currently an index of the cost of living. The base is 1926. Using some hypothetical figures, show how the base may be shifted to another year. Can the process employed by you always be used? Why or why not?
  5. Explain “mathematical methods of trend fitting are not fool-proof”. State the steps in the computation of a straight-line arithmetic trend by the method of least squares.
  6. Obtain an index of seasonal variation for the following data:
Quarter 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930
First 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 2.5
Second 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 3.5 4.0
Third 2.0 2.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 2.5 3.0
Fourth 2.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 3.0 3.5 3.0

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3-B. Money and Banking.
Associate Professor WEYFORTH.

[WILLIAM OSWALD WEYFORTH, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Economy. A.B., Johns Hopkins University, 1912, and Ph.D., 1915; Instructor, Western Reserve University, 1915-17.]

In this course an analysis of the functions of money, credit and banking in our modern economic life will be made. There will be a description of various types of monetary systems, of the forms of credit and of banking and financial institutions. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between money, bank credit and prices; to the effects of price fluctuations upon individuals and upon general business conditions; to the problems of stabilizing prices and controlling business fluctuations by means of a deliberately directed monetary and credit policy. The Federal Reserve System will be studied with special emphasis upon its problem of credit control. Some time will also be devoted to the relationship between the money market and the stock market, to the problem of brokers’ loans, and to the financial operations involved in our international trade.

Prerequisites: Political Economy 1-C and 2-C.

Three hours weekly through the year. Associate Professor WEYFORTH.

Mon.. Tues., Wed., 9.30. Gilman Hall 311.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 3-B

January 29, 1932

  1. What is the gold standard? What are its advantages and disadvantages? Explain the difference between the gold standard as found in the United States and as found in England after 1925.
    Explain how the recent abandonment of the gold standard by England is likely to affect her foreign trade.
  2. Explain how prices in one gold standard country are related to prices in other gold standard countries. Explain the effects of movements of gold from one country to another upon the price levels of the respective countries. In what ways may the central banks of the respective countries offset the effects of the movement of gold? What are the limitations upon the power of the central banks in this respect?
  3. What is bimetallism? Outline the history of bimetallism in the United States. What factors are responsible for the recent revival of interest in bimetallism?
  4. Define and illustrate the more important types of commercial credit instruments. Explain the nature and importance of negotiability. Describe in detail how a bank acceptance may be used to finance a shipment of copper from Brazil to New York.
  5. What are the economic effect of fluctuations in the general level of prices? How are such fluctuations measured? Explain the causes of such fluctuations.
  6. What are the functions performed by investment bankers? What is their importance in our economic organization? Describe at least two types of underwriting operations。
  7. What are the various types of investment trusts? Explain the differences in their methods of operation. What are the legitimate functions? What unsound practices developed during the boom preceding the crash of 1929?
  8. Explain a margin purchase and a short sale on the New York stock exchange.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 3-B

Dr. Weyforth

June 3, 1932

  1. What are the factors affecting the rates of exchange between two gold standard currencies? Show under what conditions gold tends to move.
  2. What is the theory of the international distribution of gold among gold standard nations? Show how this theory may be affected by the policy of central banks.
  3. What are the factors determining the rate of exchange between two countries, one or both of which have a paper standard? How is equilibrium in the balance of payments maintained under such conditions?
  4. Describe the principal types of loans made by commercial banks. What are the principles that should govern commercial banks in their lending? What have been the developments in the lending policy of commercial banks since the War.
  5. The Goldsborough Bill would make it the duty of the Federal Reserve Banks to restore commodity prices as represented by the index number of the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to the average level existing between 1921 and 1929, and to maintain prices at that level. What has been the attitude of the Federal Reserve officials toward this bill? Explain fully.
  6. What possible principles may guide a central bank in its credit policy? Explain the difficulties that have confronted the Federal Reserve officials since the War.

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4-B. Labor Problems.
Professor BARNETT.
(Course 4B will not be given in 1931-32.)

[GEORGE ERNEST BARNETT, Ph.D., Professor of Statistics. A.B., Randolph-Macon College, 1891; Fellow, Johns Hopkins University, 1899-1900, and Ph.D., 1901.]

Three hours weekly through the year. Mon., Tues., Wed., 10.30. Gilman Hall 314.

In the first part of this course the problems growing out of modern industrial employment will be studied, e.g., child labor, industrial accidents, unemployment. It includes a critical discussion of the ameliorative measures which have been adopted in the leading industrial countries. Special attention will be given to an analysis of the principles underlying the schemes of social insurance against sickness, old age, and unemployment, so generally put into effect in recent years in European countries. In the second part of the course the history, structure and functions of American trade unionism are considered. Particular attention will be given to the working of representative systems of collective bargaining and an analysis of the conditions under which these systems have attained their greatest strength. An appraisal of rival forms of wage fixation, such as individual bargaining, governmental intervention and shop committees will conclude the course.

Prerequisites: Political Economy 1-C and 12-B.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Political Economy 4-B
Mid-year Examination

January 30, 1933

  1. On what principles, should an economic man divide his income between expenditure and saving?
  2. On what principles, should he divide his expenditure among different objects of expenditure?
  3. How and why should he divide his savings between investment and insurance?
  4. Describe briefly the various causes of unemployment.
  5. Discuss the effects of shortening the hours of labor.
  6. Why are the risks of unemployment, old age, etc. a part of the labor problem?
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 4-B

May 29, 1933

  1. Define “trade union” and distinguish trade unions from such associations as medical societies, bar associations.
  2. Describe the relations among the various units (local unions, national unions, etc.) making up the structure of American trade unionism.
  3. Classify and discuss the methods of enforcement used by trade unions against employers.
  4. Discuss “picketing”.
  5. What is the object of trade unions to the injunction?
  6. What is “scientific management” and how has it influenced the employer in his attitude toward labor?
  7. Outline the chief lines of approach to the governmental adjustment of industrial disputes.
  8. Is the labor market a good market?

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6-B. Corporation Finance and Investments.

[GEORGE ERNEST BARNETT, Ph.D., Professor of Statistics. A.B., Randolph-Macon College, 1891; Fellow, Johns Hopkins University, 1899-1900, and Ph.D., 1901.]

In the first part of this course the theory and practice of corporation finance will be considered with particular reference to the problems presented in the United States. The more important topics taken up include: advantages and disadvantages of corporate organization; classification and examination of the characteristics of stocks and bonds; the choice of different types of securities to be issued; methods by which these securities are floated; the methods and forms of syndicate underwriting; policy with reference to dividends and surplus; refunding of debt and provisions for amortization; receivership and reorganization. The second part of the course will be devoted to the study of investments. The more important topics covered in this course include: an analysis of the essentials of a good investment; an historical study of the rate of interest and of periodic fluctuations in the rate; definition of the essential legal characteristics of the various debt instruments and especially of the mortgage; historical and analytical description of the more important forms of investment, such as Government, State and municipal bonds, securities of private corporations, and real estate mortgages; theories of valuation and amortization.

Prerequisites: Political Economy 1-C, 2-C and 11-B.

Three hours weekly through the year. Professor BARNETT. Mon., Tues., Wed., 10.30. Gilman Hall 313.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 6-B

Monday, January 25, 1932.

  1. Discuss the relative advantages of the partnership and the corporation as legal forms of the business unit.
  2. Why has no-par common stock largely replaced common stock with a par value?
  3. A corporation was liquidated. After the creditors were paid there were assets to the amount of $200,000. The capital stock consisted of $200,000 common and $100,000 preferred. How much would a common stockholder receive?
  4. When should a corporation pay a cash dividend?
  5. What is a bond? Define the various classes of bonds.
  6. The bonds of X. R.R. are convertible into common at 80. A buys $10,000 of the bonds at 120. At what price for the common would conversion be profitable?
  7. A syndicate was formed to acquire and sell $10,000,000 of 6 per cent bonds. A selling commission of one per cent was allowed. The bonds were bought at 97 and sold at 100. Smith and Jones subscribed to $100,000 and sold $50,000. All the bonds were sold. Disregarding the expenses of the sale, except the commission, how much were Smith and Jones entitled to receive from the syndicate managers.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 6-B

May 31, 1932

  1. Define “pure rate of interest” and outline the movement of this rate from 1897 to date. What is the explanation of these changes?
  2. Define reversibility and discuss its various forms. Explain the process by which banks furnish reversibility.
  3. Define the various forms of risk and explain the methods of avoiding them.
  4. A man about to retire at age 65 with no dependents has $100,000 in capital. Discuss the problem of its investment.
  5. What are the lending principles applicable to measuring the internal risk on government bonds. In the light of these principles, compare the risk on Bolivian bonds and United States bonds.
  6. Define the factor of safety — cumulative and non-cumulative — and the factor of change. Set up an illustrative comparison between two railroad bonds, assuming the proper figures for your purpose.
  7. List the various forms of taxation which a Maryland investor must consider, and explain how they affect different classes of investors.

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11-B. Principles of Accounting.

[HOWARD E. COOPER, M.S., Instructor in Accounting. B.S., University of Denver, 1925; M.S., Columbia University, 1927; Registrar, School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance of the University of Denver, 1922-26, 1927-28; Assistant Professor of Banking, University of Denver, 1927-28.]

A study is made of financial statements as the goals of accounting endeavor, of the analysis and recording of business facts in the accounting books and records, and of the methods of opening and closing the books for a single proprietorship, partnership and corporation as well as the use of controlling accounts, and consignment accounts. Many practical problems are assigned to give facility in the handling of accounting records and a ready appreciation of their significance.

Prerequisite: Political Economy 1-C.

Three hours weekly through the year. Mr. Cooper. Mon., Thurs, Fri., 1.30 p.m. Gilman Hall 312.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 11-B

February 1, 1932

Please write your answers to these questions legibly and in ink.

    1. Discuss the purposes and content of a balance sheet.
    2. Discuss the purposes and content of a profit and loss statement.
    1. Why does a ledger need adjusting at the close of a fiscal period?
    2. What does a trial balance prove?
    1. What is the function of a journal; of a ledger?
    2. Name five temporary proprietorship accounts and two vested proprietorship accounts.
    1. What accounts appear in a post-closing trial balance?
    2. Illustrate what you regard the best way to journalize a transaction involving the discount of the proprietor’s own note at the bank. (Use for illustration a 60 day $1500 note discounted at 6%.)
    1. What is a controlling account?
    2. Illustrate how a sales journal can be set up to provide for the proper posting to a ledger when an accounts receivable controlling account is made use of.
    1. State the fundamental equation of accounting in two forms.
    2. Explain the effect upon your equation of each of the following:
      1. Purchase of machinery on account
      2. Sale of merchandise for cash

7-10. Making use of information below, prepare:

    1. Profit and Loss Statement for year 1931.
    2. Balance Sheet for Dec. 31, 1931.

TRIAL BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1931

Cash 3,150
Initial Inventory 85,250
Accounts Receivable 76,200
Furniture and Fixtures 1,900
Reserve for Depr.-Funiture & Fixtures 380
Delivery Equipment 1,500
Notes Payable 25,000
Accounts Payable 62,500
D.M. Craven, Capital 83,205
D.M. Craven, Personal 2,400
Sales 325,000
Purchases 310,000
Purchase Returns & Allowances 1,250
Freight-In 4,250
Selling Expense 5,280
Delivery Expense 1,125
Administrative Expense 6,380
Discount on Sales 825
Discount on Purchases 1,420
Interest Received 825
Interest Paid 1,320
499,580 499,580

ADJUSTMENTS:

Merchandise on hand 12/31/31 $92,600
Unpaid freight bills $480
Of the interest received, there is unearned $125
Delivery Expense-Supplies on hand $475
Accrued Interest on Accounts Receivable $150

Accrued Depreciation:

Furniture and Fixtures 10%
Delivery Equipment 20%

Bad Debts allowance ½ % of Sales

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 11-B

June 6, 1932

  1. Explain the accounting for Notes Receivable Discounted.
  2. Distinguish between a sinking fund account and a sinking fund reserve account. Where do each appear on the balance sheet?
  3. Explain one method of accounting for consignments both from the standpoint of the consignor and consignee.
  4. Distinguish between stock discount and bond discount and discuss their treatment on the accounting records.
  5. Explain the imprest method of handling petty cush disbursements.
  6. Explain in detail what is meant by reconciliation of a bank statement.
  7. A and B are engaged in a partnership the capital of which is $20,000 divided equally between A and B. They agree to admit C to a one-third interest upon investment of $12,000. Set up the complete journal entries concerning the admission of a new partner.
  8. X, Y and Z are engaged in a partnership. The balance sheet is as follows:
Cash 10,000 Liabilities 5,000
Other Assets 40,000 X Capital 25,000
Y Capital 15,000
Z Capital 5,000
50,000 50,000

They decide to dissolve the partnership. The other assets are sold for $25,000, Z personally is insolvent. How should the affairs be wound up?

9 — 10 The Baltimore Corporation is formed with an authorized capital stock of 1000 shares of common stock and 500 shares of preferred each with a par value of $100 per share. The common stock is subscribed at 95 and paid one half down and the balance in 30 days. The preferred stock is subscribed for and sold at 110. Set up the journal entries to show the disposition of the capital stock.

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12-B. Economic History.
Associate Professor MITCHELL.

[BROADUS MITCHELL, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Economy. A.B., University of South Carolina, 1913; Fellow, Johns Hopkins University, 1916-17, and Ph.D., 1918.]

Three hours weekly through the year. Mon., Tues., Thurs., 1.30 p.m. Gilman Hall 314.

In the first part of this course a study is made of English economic history, the purpose being to show not only the industrial development of the English people as such but the way in which the economic motive has influenced the whole of social life. Particular attention is given to the characteristic forms of economic organization — the manorial system, the guild system, the entrance of capitalism and the causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution. Special reference is made to those features of English economic history which have influenced industrial life in the United States. The second part of the course is a survey of the economic history of our own country. Here the same effort is made, as in the case of England, to show the bearing of economic considerations on political evolution, especially in the direction of the growing importance of the Federal Government.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 12-B

Dr. Mitchell

February 1, 1932

  1. Describe the manorial system as to its chief economic features.
  2. The same for the Guild System.
  3. In what ways were rural and town workers better off in the middle ages in England then at present in America?
  4. What were the circumstances which provoked the announcements of “Gresham’s Law”?
  5. By what stages did the independent craftsman of 1700 become the wage worker of 1850?
  6. What were the causes and main consequences of the Industrial Revolution?
  7. Name and discuss briefly the social movements which followed the Industrial Revolution.
  8. Do you notice any great tendency in Economic history? If so, what?
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 12-B

May 30, 1932

  1. Discuss the place of Alexander Hamilton in American economic history.
  2. That were the chief economic consequences of the War of 1812-14?
  3. Give an outline of banking in the United States from 1791 to 1913.
  4. Discuss the economic causes of the Civil War.
  5. Describe the currency agitation following the Civil War.
  6. Tell what you know of the panics of 1837 and 1873.
  7. Describe the growth of “big business” and the problems which this development has brought.
  8. That are some of the present-day evidences of departure, in American economic life, from our traditional laissez faire
  9. What economic measures would you suggest as probably assisting the country to emerge from the present depression, and as avoiding future depressions?

__________________________

14-B. Corporation Accounting.

[HOWARD E. COOPER, M.S., Instructor in Accounting. B.S., University of Denver, 1925; M.S., Columbia University, 1927; Registrar, School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance of the University of Denver, 1922-26, 1927-28; Assistant Professor of Banking, University of Denver, 1927-28.]

This course presents the accounting principles involved in the organization, operation and liquidation of corporations. Detailed consideration is given to the principles of valuation involved in each item appearing on the corporate balance sheet with special emphasis on depreciation; also to the principles involved in the accounting for: the voucher system, installment sales, factory costs, foreign and domestic branch offices, combinations and consolidations, consolidated balance sheets, interpretation of balance sheets, and estate and trust accounting.

Prerequisites: Political Economy 1-C and 11-B.

Three hours weekly through the year. Mr. COOPER. Mon., Thurs., Fri., 2.30 p.m. Gilman Hall 312.

Courses 16-B, 17-B and 18-B listed below are reading courses open respectively to students who have completed Political Economy 3-B, 6-B or 4-B and are specially recommended by the instructors in those courses. Students will be furnished with a prescribed list of readings and will meet with the instructor one hour each week for discussion. Six points credit will be allowed for the completion of each course.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 14-B

January 28, 1932.

Please write your answers to these questions legibly and in ink.

  1. Set up in detail a schedule showing the cost to manufacture, using your own figures.
  2. What changes would you expect to be made in the accounting system upon the introduction of a voucher system:
    1. What is meant by the term “going concern valuation”?
    2. What is the general principle used in the valuation of current assets; of fixed assets?
    1. When would you consider it desirable to appreciate the value of fixed assets on your books?
    2. Illustrate by means of journal entries how it could best be accomplished.
  3. In setting up a reserve for bad debts at the close of the first year of operation of a concern, what information would you seek?
  4. Discuss fully the retail method of inventory valuation.
    1. Enumerate six causes of depreciation.
    2. Distinguish between the problem of depreciation and replacement.
  5. How would you handle the replacement of a part of an asset on the accounting records?
  6. How would you account for the cost of rearrangement of machinery in a factory?
  7. What is depletion and how is it calculated?
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 14-B

June 4, 1932

  1. Explain in detail how a trial balance in terms of foreign currency should be converted into dollars so that it will balance.
  2. Discuss briefly the methods which might be used in the analysis of Balance Sheets.
  3. Discuss the accounting problem involved in case in which goods are shipped from a home office to a branch at a figure other than cost.

(a) What is the purpose of a statement of funds and its application?

(b) What is the purpose of a statement of affairs and a deficiency account?

  1. If you were asked how to determine the value of the good will of a corporation, what information would you require and how would you proceed?
  2. Distinguish between (a) principal and income and (b) real and personal property in accounting for the affairs of an estate.

(a) Describe two methods of carrying the investment account of a subsidiary on the books of the holding company.

(b) Under what circumstances does the consolidated good will on a consolidated balance sheet change?

8 — 10

The following are the balance sheets of Company A, a holding and selling Company, and Company B, a manufacturing company. A large part of the products of Company B is sold to Company A. The inventory of Company A curries a profit of $1000 over cost to Company B. The investment of Company A in the stock of Company B was made one year ago, at which time the surplus of Company B was $2000. Company A acquired a 75% interest in Company B.

Prepare a consolidated balance sheet. Be careful to prepare accurate working papers. Submit the working papers with your solution.

A.

Cash 5000 Accounts Payable 4000
Accounts Receivable 3000 Accounts Payable to Co. B 2000
Merchandise 6000 Capital Stock 10000
Capital Stock—Company B
(carried at cost)
8000 Surplus 6000
22000 22000

B.

Cash 1000 Accounts Payable 3000
Accounts Receivable 3000 Capital Stock 8000
Accounts Receivable—Co. A 2000 Surplus 4000
Merchandise 4000
Equipment 5000
15000 15000

__________________________

20-B. Marketing.

[ROY J. BULLOCK, M.B.A., Instructor in Marketing. A. ., Doane College, 1925; M.B.A., Harvard University, 1927; Associate Professor of Business Administration, University of Oregon, 1927-28.]

A comprehensive study of the machinery encountered in present-day business that is utilized in the distribution of merchandise from the producer to the consumer, together with the policies governing its use. Attention is given to such subjects as retailing, wholesale trade, advertising, buying, cooperative marketing and the various types of functional middlemen, with particular regard to the place occupied by each in the general marketing structure. Detailed examination is made of the distribution of the more important commodities. A considerable amount of time is spent in the discussion of problems taken from business practice that pertain to the topics under consideration.

Three hours weekly through the year. Mr. BULLOCK. Mon., Tues., Wed., 8.30. Gilman Hall 312.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 20-B

Tuesday, January 26, 1932.

  1. Identify:
    1. Fashion cycle
    2. Wagon Jobber
    3. Drop shipment
    4. Emotional buying motives
    5. Fabricating materials
    6. Broker
    7. Selling agent
    8. Commission agent
    9. Intensive distribution
    10. Mill supply house
  2. What advantages has the chain store over other types of retail institutions? What problems are more difficult for the chain store than for other retailers? Are your generalizations borne out by the history of the chain store movement?
  3. Discuss the present problems of the wholesaler giving attention to the economic and social changes that have contributed to these problems and expressing your estimate as to the future in this field.
  4. “What is needed is a greater appreciation and understanding of the underlying economic basis for the rise in the cost of distribution.” List and explain these underlying economic causes.
  5. The Child Steel Company, which manufactured tubular steel products for automobiles, was forced into receivership in 1921. The embarrassment of the company was attributed to its dependence on a single industry for disposing of its product; when the slump occurred in the automotive trade in 1920, so many cancelations of orders were received by the company that it was left with inventories and commitments for raw materials which it could not continue to finance. In order to keep the plant running under the receivership, it was found necessary to look for orders outside the automotive industry, and a large order for tubular parts was obtained from a bedstead manufacturer which could be filled with only minor changes in the equipment of the plant. This order was handled so satisfactorily that in August, 1922, the receiver was considering the practicability of adding to the company’s line one or more new products in order to level its production curve and assure its future success. In considering this step the receiver was faced with the following question?
    Would it be wise to attempt to develop the company’s market in a wider field than the automotive industry? If so, what new products should be produced? If it should be decided to continue manufacturing bedstead parts, should the company enter into competition with bedstead manufacturers by fabricating finished products, or should it continue the policy of selling parts to bedstead manufacturers?
    Among the products manufactured by the Child Steel Company prior to its receivership were such tubular steel automotive parts as exhaust pipes, air pumps, manifolds, windshield tubing, and wheel rims. Distribution was secured partly through supply wholesalers but chiefly through a small force of technically trained salesmen who sold directly to manufacturers.
    The advertising program of the Child Steel Company in 1921 consisted of one-page advertisements appearing once a month in both the Iron Age and a weekly automotive journal which had a circulation among retailers and manufacturers. Circular letters also were sent once a year to all automobile manufacturers who were not using Child products. An engineering department was maintained for the purpose of cooperation with the users of the firm’s products.
    Before the depression of 1930, the Child Steel Company had sufficient orders for automotive products to keep its factory running at capacity. The few orders which were received in the latter part of 1921 and early in 1922 from customers outside the automotive industry were handled without additional equipment. Under the receivership the overhead of one month always was charged against the following month’s business; hence it was stated that the company was limited to selling products for which it could secure immediate payment and which would cover current overhead charges. In addition to the production of bedstead parts or finished bedsteads, it also was proposed that the company manufacture bicycle frames, wire tennis racket frames, vacuum cleaner handles, lawn-mower handles and rolls, tables for ice-cream parlors, and tubular parts for various sorts of electrical equipment.
    The company could continue to manufacture tubular parts to be sold to bedstead manufacturers without installing additional equipment. The manufacture of complete bedsteads, however, would require a reorganization of the plant in order to provide at the minimum, for assembling, painting, and finishing departments. Although ordinarily the connecting bars were made of angle iron, these pieces, as well as the head and foot pieces, for bedsteads, could be made of rods and tubular steel which the company already produced, but it would be necessary either to buy the springs from other manufacturers or equip a part of the Child plant for the production of springs.
    It was expected that it the company manufactured a finished product, a more stable and permanent market could be secured than if it continued the manufacture of parts which were sold to other manufacturers. It had been found that in times of depression the effect of price cutting in the steel trade was especially severe on those manufacturers who depended on other manufacturers for their market, whereas it seemed probable that by selling a finished product for retail distribution the company would be less likely to suffer from wide fluctuations in its market.
    If the policy of manufacturing bedsteads were adopted, it was planned to establish the Child brand by advertising and to sell directly to retailers. It had not been decided whether the company should try to secure national distribution or confine its efforts to one or two localities.
    There were numerous steel bestead manufacturers in the United States. One of the largest of these manufacturers advertised and distributed its beds nationally. It was one of the few companies that had its own tubular steel plants. Although several other firms in the bedstead trade also secured national distribution, a large part of the business was obtained by local manufacturers, each of whom concentrated his distribution in a local district und bought tubular steel and angle iron parts from iron and steel manufacturers. Many of these small firms did not advertise. Although a majority of the companies sold directly to retailers, several sold to wholesalers.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 20-B Marketing

June 1, 1952

  1. Identify:
    1. Trade-mark
    2. One price policy
    3. Merchandising
    4. Basis contract
    5. Trading up
    6. Trade mark act of 1920
    7. Price maintenance
    8. Consumer recognition
    9. Selling agent
    10. Elastic demand
  2. Define quantity discount, protective discount, and deferred discount. Explain the usefulness of each in sales strategy.
    1. Describe in detail the ways in which the Agricultural Marketing Act was intended to aid agriculture.
    2. What are the chief obstacles that must be overcome if the cooperative marketing of agricultural products is to be successful? What is your opinion as to the future of cooperative marketing in this country?
    1. What factors determine whether or not a manufacturer of fabricating parts or fabricating materials should advertise his product to consumers?
    2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a private brand from the point of view of a grocery chain.
  3. Adam Smith in the “Wealth of Nations” makes the statement that division of labor is limited by the extent of the market. To what degree does this generalization justify modern marketing practice?

__________________________

21-B. Sales Management.

[ROY J. BULLOCK, M.B.A., Instructor in Marketing. A. ., Doane College, 1925; M.B.A., Harvard University, 1927; Associate Professor of Business Administration, University of Oregon, 1927-28.]

The first part of the course deals with management of the marketing functions of a business from the point of view of its administrative officers. Attention is given to such matters as sales organization, market analysis, prices and terms of sale, selling methods and management of sales force. The second part of the course is a study of the administration of retail accounting, store location and layout, purchasing policies, retail organization, advertising and display, and store operation. In both parts of the course the work will consist primarily of the study of problems encountered in business practice, supplemented by outside reading and research.

Three hours weekly through the year. Mr. BULLOCK. Mon., Tues., Thurs., 9.30. Gilman Hall 310.

EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 21-B

Friday, January 29, 1932 – 9 a.m.

I.

What general rules can you give for districting sales territories?
What is the relation between sales potentials and sales quotas?

II.

“Industry in general is just now beginning to recognize that merchandising is a specialized function.” Define merchandising. What types of problems would a merchandise manager deal with? In what respect is “trading down” a merchandising problem?

III.

(a) What general sources of information are available for sales research and market analysis?

(b) Draw up a set of general rules for procedure in making a market analysis.

(c) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of an outside agency. For research work.

(d) Compare the mail questionnaire with the personally presented questionnaire for use in market survey work.

IV. and V.

Tosdal, Problems in Sales Management, page 255, Problem 37. Grade Manufacturing Company. Discuss each of the six possible methods of distributing the product mentioned on page 259 and recommend the one you think is best.

EXAMINATION
Political Economy 21-B
(Sales Management)

Friday, June 3, 1932 — 9 a.m.

I.

Identify:

  1. Drawing account
  2. Functional Foremanship
  3. Bonus
  4. Budget
  5. Decentralized control
  6. Sales foremanship
  7. Dealer helps
  8. Departmentization on basis of outlet
  9. Line and staff organization
  10. Rex Cole

II.

    1. Should a separate department be established to do sales planning and research? Where should it be placed in the sales organization? Why?
    2. What should be the relation of the sales department to the credit department?

III.

    1. Discuss the personal interview as a means of selecting salesmen. Outline methods for improving its effectiveness.
    2. Should a company make written contracts with the salesmen it employs?

IV.

    1. Discuss the value of test campaigns to the manufacturer.
    2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of flat expense allowances for salesmen?

V.

“Sales departments vary widely in the functions which they perform and in the work for which they are responsible.” — Tosdal, Problems in Sales Management, p. 536. Illustrate the meaning of this statement. How do you account for such variation?

__________________________

22-B. Commercial Law.

[ROGER HOWELL, Ph.D., of the University of Maryland, Lecturer  in Commercial Law.]

The course will offer a study of certain branches of law which are of especial importance in the business world, from a practical point of view with the purpose of giving the student a general working knowledge of the problems met and of the general principles applicable thereto. Special attention will be devoted to the law of Contracts, Agency, Bailments, Sales, Negotiable Instruments, Partnership, Corporations, Bankruptcy, and the Administration of Estates of Insolvents and Decedents.

Two hours weekly through the year. Dr. HOWELL, Thurs, Fri., 8.30. Gilman Hall 314.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Mid Year Examination
Political Economy 22 (Commercial Law)

January 27, 1932.

  1. A, who was engaged in the wholesale furniture business, sent a circular letter to all retail furniture dealers in Baltimore, saying: “I enclose a complete list of all furniture in my show rooms and warehouse; you can inspect the same on January 11, 12 & 13, 1932. I invite you to send in a sealed bid for the entire stock. Bids will be opened at noon on January 15th, and if you are the highest bidder, I will advise you.” B submits the highest bid and demands delivery of the stock. A refuses, and B sues A Judgment for whom?
  2. A, in Galveston, sold to B of Liverpool 1000 bales of cotton under a written contract which provided that the cotton was “to be shipped on the Steamship Eastern Star”. A shipped 900 bales by the Eastern Star and 1000 bales by the Steamship Western Star. At Liverpool he tenders B first the 900 bales shipped by the Eastern Star, which B refuses. He then tenders the 1000 bales shipped by the Western Star, which B also refuses. All the cotton was of the same grade. The price of cotton has fallen sharply, this being the chief reason for B’s refusal to take it. Is B within his rights in refusing to accept each of A’s tenders?
  3. X, Y & Z are engaged in business under the firm name of the Prime Hat Company. In their business they use order blanks on which the firm name is printed at the top. A gives a verbal order for $500. worth of goods to X, who enters the order in duplicate on the firm order blanks, keeps one copy and gives the other to A, but does not sign either. Subsequently the firm refuses to fill the order and A sues. Judgment for whom?
  4. A sells his grocery business to B, B agreeing orally to pay therefor a lump sum in cash and to pay all outstanding obligations incurred by A for goods and merchandise for the store. B paid the cash and took possession. C has a claim against A for some canned goods sold to A on credit white A was running the store. This claim has not been paid. Can C hold B for it?
  5. On Monday morning at 9 o’clock A in Baltimore sends the following telegram to B in Chicago:— “Will sell 100 shares Steel common at 45. (Signed) A”. This telegram reaches B at noon, Monday. On Tuesday morning B writes and mails a letter to A accepting the offer. This letter reaches A Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Meanwhile the market had rallied and at the close of the Stock Exchange at 2 p.m. Wednesday Steel common was selling at 50. A refuses to deliver the stock and B now sues him for damages. Is A libel?
  6. A, a contractor, contracts with B, a property-owner to do the excavation work for the foundation of a building for $4000. The contract provided that the foundations were to go down to a depth of 30 feet. At 15 feet solid rock is unexpectedly encountered, making the work much more expensive than A had expected: he tells B he is going to quit. B offers him $2000. additional to complete the work. A accepts, and completes the work. B refuses to pay more than $4000. Is A entitled to the additional $2000.?
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Final Examination
POLITICAL ECONOMY 22
(Commercial Law)

June 2, 1932

  1. A is agent for P to sell books. He sells a set to T, allowing easier terms than he was given authority to allow. P on learning of the transaction sends the books to T, but notifies him that he must pay for them on the terms which A was authorized to allow. T keeps the books, but refuses to pay except on the terms allowed him by A. Which prevails, T or P?

(a) A, an investment broker, is given specific instructions by P to buy certain securities. A has information which causes him to think these securities are a bad investment, and buys others instead. The investment results in a loss to P. What are P’s rights against A?

(b) A is P’s agent in a foreign country for the sale of P’s goods. A war is declared which seems likely to interfere with his chance of selling the goods in accordance with his instructions. He proceeds to sell them at once for the best price obtainable. The sale results in a loss to P. What are P’s rights against A?

  1. P employs A to rebuild his house under a contract by which A agrees to furnish competent workmen at a certain daily rate and to charge for material at cost, plus 10 per cent. The work is to be done under the supervision of P’s architect. Needing an engine on the work, A hires from T an engine for $150 a week, to be operated under the direction of T’s engineer. The engineer negligently allows the pressure in the boiler to become too great and it explodes, injuring X. X sues P, A, T, and the engineer. What are his rights against each?

(a) B writes to S, a manufacturer of tables, saying: “Please ship me one #x27 Sturdimake table this being the description of one of S’s makes of tables in his catalogue). I want a table that will hold a weight of at least 1000 pounds.” S ships such a table and it breaks under a strain of 900 pounds. There is no representation in the catalogue as to the weight which any of S’s tables will hold; S’s #29 table, however, would have held the weight desired. Is there any breach of warranty by S?

(b) Would it make any difference in the above case if the table sent had been defective and had broken under a strain of 200 pounds?

(a) S sells to B all the bricks in a certain yard for an agreed price, it being understood that B may remove the bricks any time within 3 months, but must pay the price before removal. In whom is the title after the agreement but before removal or payment? Suppose B neither removes the bricks nor pays?

(b) Suppose that in the above case, the price was fixed at $15, per thousand for bricks of first quality and $10 for those of second quality, it being understood that S should have his experts examine them and determine the relative quantities of each and that B would accept this determination. In whom is title after the agreement but before the examination by S’s men?

(c) Suppose the sale was of 10,000 first quality bricks only, there being a much larger quantity in the yard, at an agreed price, it being understood that B’s experts should select the bricks. In whom is title after the agreement but before the selection?

(d) Would it make any difference in either of the last two cases if the contract expressly declared an intention that title should pass to B at once?

  1. S contracts with B to manufacture, sell and deliver to B and put in running order a certain machine. He does so. B finds it unsatisfactory and notifies S that he rejects it. He continues to use it, however, for 3 months, continually complaining of its defective condition. He then takes it down and notifies S to come and get it. S comes back with a demand for the purchase price. What are the rights of S and B?

Sources:

The course announcements:

The Johns Hopkins University Circular. New Series, 1931, No. 3 (Whole Number 423). The College of Arts and Sciences of The Johns Hopkins University 1931-1932, pp. 36-37.

The Johns Hopkins University Circular. New Series, 1931, No. 5 (Whole Number 426). School of Business Economics, 1931-32.

The examination questions:

The Johns Hopkins University. The Eisenhower Library. The Ferdinand Hamburger, Jr. Archives. Department of Political Economy Series 6. Box 2 “Curricular Materials”; Folder “Exams 1930-1935”.

Image Source: Johns Hopkins University yearbook, Hullabaloo 1932.

Categories
Business Exam Questions Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins. Examination questions for undergraduate marketing. Roy J. Bullock, 1937-1938.

The mingling of business with economics in some economics departments went on well into the middle of the 20th century (the contrary movement of “economics departments” being added to business schools/colleges and schools of public policy is another, later story). Moving on through the undergraduate course offerings in the Johns Hopkins department of political economy 1937-1938, we encounter the course in marketing taught by Roy J. Bullock. The course description and semester examination questions have been dutifully transcribed and are found below.

__________________________

Life and Career of Roy Johnson Bullock

1903. Born October 5 in Crete, Nebraska.

1925. A.M. Doane College (Nebraska). Phi Beta Kappa.

1927. M.B.A. Harvard Business School.

1927-28. Associate Professor of Business Administration, University of Oregon.

1933. Ph.D. in Political Economy, Johns Hopkins.

1934-1940. Faculty member of the department of political economy.

1941. Director of Johns  Hopkins School of Business.

1942. Joined the Office of Price Administration in Washington, D.C.

1945-48. Served with the U.S. military government in Germany.

1948. Begins Congressional career as a member of the staff of the Joint Committee on Foreign Economic Cooperation.

1951. Served as economic expert for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, later promoted to senior staff consultant.

1957. Served on staff of the congressional delegation to the United States.

1970-1972. Staff administrator of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

1972. Retired from congressional service.

1980. Died February 14 at his winter home in Marco Island, Florida.

Source: Obituary for Roy Johnson Bullock in The Washington Post, February 18, 1980.

__________________________

Fun Poster:  The Johns Hopkins Department of Economics’ timeline 1875-2016. (Archived copy at the Wayback Machine).

__________________________

Course Description
Marketing
1937-1938

20 B. Marketing. Dr. Bullock. Three hours weekly, through the year. Th., F., S., 9.30. Gilman Hall 312.

A comprehensive study of the machinery encountered in present-day business that is utilized in the distribution of merchandise from the producer to the consumer, together with the policies governing its use. Attention is given to such subjects as retailing, wholesale trade, advertising, buying, cooperative marketing and the various types of functional middlemen, with particular regard to the place occupied by each in the general marketing structure. Detailed examination is made of the distribution of the more important commodities. A considerable amount of time is spent in the discussion of problems taken from business practice that pertain to the topics under consideration.

Source: The Johns Hopkins University Circular (1937).

__________________________

Final Examinations
Marketing
1937-1938

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
MID-YEAR EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 20 B

Dr. Bullock

January 31, 1938

I

Define or identify:

  1. Merchandising
  2. Economical Emulation
  3. Intensive distribution
  4. Trade-mark piracy
  5. % of selling price = % of cost
    100 – % of selling price
  6. Price-lines
  7. Stockturn
  8. Functional middleman
  9. Selling agent
  10. Hedging

II

National Hardware Stores, Inc.

In 1917, it was announced that the National Hardware Stores, Inc. had been organized under the law of the State of New York, to operate a chain of retail hardware stores. As a nucleus it planned to purchase selected unit stores in the eastern states and later to open new stores as well as to purchase other established stores throughout the country. The plan contemplated the operation of a perpetual inventory control of merchandise stocks in all the retail branches by means of an electrical tabulating machine in the central office; for each sale ticket a specially designed card was to be punched to show salesman’s number, code number of the merchandise, quantity, and selling price. Operating statements and balance sheets were to be prepared monthly for each store.

It was the policy of the company to deal in standard brands of merchandise, purchased centrally so far as practicable, but with permission to store managers to buy goods peculiar to their local requirements. Goods were to be sold at standard resale prices, without price cutting.

A sales promotion department was to be organized at the control office to furnish a regular service of direct advertising to select lists of customers of each store, to prepare newspaper and street car advertising and window displays, and to train store salesmen. As regards the owners of the stores, it was stated: “It is the policy of the corporation to buy men into its organization rather than to buy out their businesses.”

The corporation made a prolonged study of communities and stores within a 12-hour railroad radius of Now York City preliminary to the commencement of operations. Then several stores were purchased. In July, 1922, however, it was announced that receivers in bankruptcy had been appointed for the company. Its assets then were stated as $75,000 and its liabilities $100,000.

What were the inherent weaknesses in the company’s plan?

III

Waldemar Machine Company.

The chief products of the Waldemar Machine Company were automatic screw and chucking machines. The company also manufactured a line of shop equipment, including such items as steel benching, stock racks, and tool racks.

The company’s total annual sales were in excess of a million dollars; of that amount about 10% was represented by sales of shop equipment. In 1925, both the automatic machinery and the shop equipment were being sold by the same salesman. At that time it was proposed that the company should relieve the machinery salesmen of the responsibility for selling shop equipment and provide some other method of distribution for that line.

Waldemar machines were made in about 15 sizes and three types. They ranged in price from $5,000 each to $15,000 each. Firms producing large quantities of similar parts constituted the market for these machines. It was important that salesmen for the machines have engineering experience. They were expected to visit all large prospective customers several times a year but to devote, the major part of their time to firms actually in the market for machinery. The salesman obtained detailed information from such firms as to the particular jobs for which automatic machinery was required and submitted this information to the home office for production estimates and proposals. The salesman customarily negotiated with production officials and had to be able to advise them as to applications of the machines, small tools to be used with them, and other technical matters. The salesmen were paid salaries and expenses and, as an incentive, small commissions on sales in excess of specified amounts.

After a sale had been consummated and the machinery installed, the company provided a demonstrator to instruct the customer in use of the machinery. No separate charge was made to cover the cost of demonstration. The demonstration period varied from a few hours to several weeks.

The problems of selling shop equipment were totally dissimilar to those of selling automatic machines. Items of shop equipment were comparatively inexpensive and the potential market for them was much wider than that for the machines, although machinery users also were prospective customers for shop equipment. Even when the same firm bought both lines, however, different individuals usually were responsible for their purchase. The technically trained salesmen for the machines, moreover, tended to be disinterested in the equipment line.

In view of those facts the company in 1925 decided that thereafter it would not have its machinery salesmen sell the shop equipment. Its shop equipment sales, however, did not seem to be large enough to justify the employment of salesmen for that line alone. The company decided, therefore, to sell this line by means of manufacturers’ representatives specializing in a few lines of industrial equipment. Some of these representatives sold on consignment and some bought the goods outright; the company deemed it important to have local stocks. In general it was the company’s experience that sale on consignment gave the best results, since under that method of sale the company had a larger measure of control over its goods.

Criticize the decision of the company.

IV

Landon Company.

The merchandise manager of the Landon Company early in 1934 had the following operating statistics of the neckwear department presented to him by the controller’s office. For the use of the merchandise manager, the controller included with the company’s statistics the common and the goal figures of the National Retail Dry Goods Association for neckwear departments.

Item

1932

1933

1934

Store

NRDGA

Store

NRDGA

Store
Common Goal Common Goal

Mark-up, %

38.06 39.1 41.2 38.67 41.1 42.1 39.48
Mark-down, % 9.04 7.3 5.4 11.71 8.4 4.5

12.25

No. of stock-turns

8.8 7.5 10.1 7.6 8.8 11.3 6.4
Expense, % 37.45 39.8 33.8 44.21 39.9 37.5

Sales, % of previous year

85 86 97 75 100 113

59

What use could the merchandise manager make of this information?

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
FINAL EXAMINATION
IN
POLITICAL ECONOMY 20 B
(Marketing)

1 p.m.
May 30, 1938

I.

Explain briefly the meaning or significance of:

  1. Process materials
  2. Push selling
  3. Pittsburgh Basing Point System
  4. Robinson-Patman Act
  5. 2%, 10 days, net 30, 60 extra
  6. Old Dearborn Distributing Co. v. Seagram-Distillers Corp.
  7. Activity standards for salesmen
  8. Hedging
  9. Period discount
  10. Centralized control

II.

Evaluate the recent legislation legalizing resale price maintenance in most of the United States from the point of view of the independent retailer, the chain store, and the manufacturer of a nationally advertised article.

III.

The following statement appeared in Sales Management September 1929, p. 425 in an article signed “A Chicago Sales Manager”:

“I may say that my company has been a leader in our industry for more than thirty years. Our goods have been nationally advertised for about half this time, and practically all of our distribution has been through wholesalers. In 1921 we experimented with direct selling to large retailers, but discontinued the practice the next year. We still sell [to] the retailer through the wholesaler, and, principally in the larger cities, this method has been satisfactory.

“During my employment by the company we have sold all of our wholesale accounts on the same price basis. We have tried to confine our goods to the best class of wholesalers, and our merchandising has suffered little from price-cutting. We have maintained our position in the industry, and have a profitable and slowly growing business.

“A representative of a large mass distributor called on our president about a week ago. For about two days he talked with the four of us collectively and individually. He proposed that we sell his chain store organization a volume of goods that represents about 12 per cent of our present output, at prices which average at least 9 per cent below our net prices to our wholesalers. There is assurance, but no guarantee, that this volume will be maintained or increased. The buyer also submitted some interesting figures to support his allegation that we would not lose any money on the additional volume.

“He justified the special discount in several ways. When we objected to it on the ground that we are making less than 3 per cent net on our output, he argued that the greater part of our overhead is already taken care of by our present volume, and that we could not justly charge this expense against the additional business. If this claim is correct, a large part of the special discount may be justified.”

Discuss.

IV.

What economic justification is there for a wholesale price differential such as was provided in the N.R.A. code for the Wholesale or Distributing Trade?

What questions of social policy are involved?

V.

What methods of sales promotion should the following companies undertake? Give consideration to the characteristics of the product and the buying habits and buying motives of consumers in reaching your conclusion.

Katches

In 1928 a Boston inventor perfected an improved device called “Katches” for attaching license plates to automobiles. Katches simplified the task of attaching license plates to automobiles, because the device was in one piece, and thus did away with the necessity for bolts and nuts and lock washers. Furthermore, Katches would not rust and could always be attached or removed by one turn of a screw driver. This new invention cost 3 cents a pair to manufacture. The inventor expected to sell them to the retail trade for 6 cents a pair, and suggested that the latter resell them for 10 cents a pair. Since most license plates were changed at the beginning of the year, he expected that the sales of this produce would be very seasonal.

Owl-Fiber Rug Company

The Owl-Fiber Rug Company manufactured rugs made of spun paper yarn, and wool and cotton yarn, for sale to department stores and wholesalers. These rugs were made in a number of attractive patterns, and gave very satisfactory service in actual use. They were mainly sold to small-home owners for inside all-year-round use. Rugs manufactured by this company competed not only with all-wool rugs and oiled-surface floor coverings such as Congoleum, which were more expensive than fiber rugs, but also with other wants of users, such as furniture and electrical appliances. The manufacturers of oiled-surface coverings had advertised their products very extensively, one company having spent more than $1,000,000 in a five-year period. The Owl-Fiber Rug Company, on the other hand, had done little advertising.

Claybon Company

The Claybon Company was one of four large manufacturers of cheesecloth. Cheesecloth was mainly used for polishing, dusting, and straining cloths, as well as for surgical work and for making curtains and nettings. There were 13 principal grades of cheesecloth, the retail prices of which varied, when sold as piece goods, from 7 cents a yard for the coarser grades to 20 cents a yard for the finer grades. In addition to what was sold as piece goods a considerable amount of cheesecloth was sold in packages. Packaged cheesecloth was sold in five standard grades in 5 and 10 yard lengths. Companies charged 1 cent a yard more for packaged cheesecloth than for roll cheesecloth to cover the extra charges of packaging.

Source: Johns Hopkins University, Eisenhower Library. Ferdinand Hamburger, Jr. Archives. Department of Political Economy. Curricular Materials. Series 6. Box 2. Folder “Department of Political Economy — Exams, 1936-1940”.

Image Source: Johns Hopkins University graphic and pictorial collection. Portrait of Roy Johnson Bullock, 1940. Colorized by Economics in the Rear-view Mirror.

Categories
Exam Questions Johns Hopkins Principles Undergraduate

Johns Hopkins. Exams for the five sections of principles of economics, 1937-1938

 

This post is the first of transcribed mid-year and end-year course examinations in political economy at Johns Hopkins University for the academic year 1937-1938. Principles of economics was taught in five sections: three for the College of Arts and Sciences, one for the School of Business Economics and one for the School of Engineering.

Related earlier material from Johns Hopkins:

Exams 1921-22;  Exams 1923-24Exams 1932-33

A report of activities of the department of political economy for 1935-1936 has also been transcribed and posted earlier.

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Course Description

1 C. Elements of Economics. Three hours weekly through the year. Section 1: Dr. Bullock, Th., F., S., 8.30. Maryland Hall 110. Section 2: Associate Professor Mitchell, M., Tu., W., 8.30. Maryland Hall 110. Section 3: Associate Professor Weyforth, M. Tu., W., 11.30. Gilman Hall 314. Section 4: Dr. Cooper, M., Tu., W., 10.30. Gilman Hall 311. Section 5: Mr. Deupree, M., Tu., W., 8.30. Gilman Hall 314.

Note: Students in the School of Engineering will be assigned to Section 1; students in the School of Business Economics to Section 3; and students in the College of Arts and Sciences to Sections 2, 4, and 5.

This course teaches the elements of the science, aiming to show the principles upon which economic society is organized and operated. Particular attention is given to the theory of value and the theory of distribution together with their application to leading economic problems. Such subjects as Money and Banking, Rent, Wages, Interest, Profits, Industrial Combinations, International Trade, are treated in the course. It is part of the purpose of the course to indicate the application of scientific principles to current economic problems.

Required of all students before graduation.

Source: The Johns Hopkins University Circular (1937). Vol. LVI, No. 486 (April, p. 61).

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Elements of Economics
Mid-year and End-year Examinations
1937-1938

Elements of Economics. Section 1
Dr. Roy J. Bullock

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
MID-YEAR EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

Dr. Bullock

Wednesday
February 2, 1938, 9 a.m.

I.

Define or identify:

1. Property
2. Utility
3. Laissez-faire
4. Intensive margin of cultivation
5. Cumulative preferred stock
6. Time preference
7. Craft gild
8. Marginal revenue
9. Vertical combination
10. Demand

II.

What would be the difference between monopoly and competitive price under the following conditions:

    1. Elastic demand and increasing costs
    2. Elastic demand and rapidly decreasing costs
    3. Inelastic demand and increasing costs
    4. Inelastic demand and decreasing costs?

Illustrate each with a diagram.

III.

President Roosevelt has proposed a revision of the Federal Anti-Trust Laws. What reasons are there for being dissatisfied with our existing anti-trust laws? Are there any reasons for changing the objectives that have guided our anti-trust policy in the past? In what respects is the trust problem a price problem? Discuss.

IV.

Assume the following data with regard to a grain farm for the years 1930 and 1936:

1930 1936
Number of bushels produced 5,000 7,000
Total expenses of production $4,500 $8,000
Price of grain per bushel $.90 $1.30
Rate of return expected on farm investments 5% 4%
    1. What was the economic rent of this farm in 1930? in 1936? As a tenant what rent could you have afforded to pay in each year?
    2. Does the rent paid by the former have any effect on the price of grain at the primary market? Explain.
    3. As a buyer of land how much would you have been willing to pay for this farm in 1930? in 1936? Why?
    4. If grain alcohol became a commercial success as a substitute for gasoline, what would be the probable effect on the economic rent of this farm?

V.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the individual proprietorship, the corporation and the partnership from the point of view of the organizer of a business. Why has the corporation gained in relative importance during recent years?

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
FINAL EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

Dr. Bullock

Friday, June 3, 1938 – 9 a.m.

I

Explain briefly the meaning or significance of:

1. Legal tender
2. Favorable balance of trade
3. Interstate Commerce Act of 1887
4. American Federation of Labor
5. Fiat money
6. Stoppage at the source
7. Elastic currency
8. Committee for Industrial Organization
9. Taxation according to benefit
10. Workmen’s compensation law.

II

(a) Explain clearly how commercial banks are able to make loans greatly in excess of their cash resources.

(b) Explain the difference between the equation of exchange and the quantity theory of money.

III

A popular slogan of recent years has been, “More business in government, less government in business.” Developments have been in the opposite direction to that advocated. Have these developments been the result of party politics or are they in accord with underlying economic tendencies? Evaluate the slogan in the light of current conditions.

IV

Appraise national legislation to stablish a minimum weekly wage and a maximum number of hours work per week with regard to its probable effect on laborers income and on the business cycle.

V

(a) “The restoration of the pound sterling to its pre-war value was equivalent to the imposition of a heavy tax upon the British exporting industries.” Explain. Did the increase in the value of the pound make it easier or more difficult for other countries on the gold standard to sell in the British market? Explain.

(b) Explain and illustrate the difference between a tariff schedule designed as a revenue measure and a schedule aimed primarily at protection.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Elements of Economics. Section 2
Associate Professor Broadus Mitchell

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
MID-YEAR EXAMINATION
Political Economy 1 C

[Monday, Jan. 31, 1938. 9 a.m. Dr. Mitchell]

  1. What is the general theory of the competitive economic system?
  2. (a) Show how prices are determined under conditions of competition.
    (b) What are some of the forces which, in fact, interfere with this perfect operation of competition?
  3. On what economic theory do inflationists rely? Explain this theory briefly.
  4. State and explain the marginal utility theory of value.
  5. Identify briefly: the Physiocrats, Colbert, Kirkcaldy, James Watt, P. S. DuPont, Salmon P. Chase, R. B. Taney, Friedrich Engels, holding company, consumer‘s surplus, elastic demand.
  6. (a) Discuss the chief means used in this country to cope with the problem of unemployment.
    (b) What is meant by “technological unemployment”?
  7. Explain the changes made in the Federal Reserve System as a result of the depression of 1929.

 

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
FINAL EXAMINATION
IN
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

Dr. Mitchell

May 30, 1938
9 a.m.

  1. (a) Give the purposes, structure, and method of operation of the Federal Reserve System.
    (b) Why, in your opinion, did it fail to prevent the depression of 1929 and the subsequent closing of the banks of the country?
  2. (a) Explain the differential or Ricardian theory of rent.
    (b) What were the influences responsible for Henry George’s book, Progress and Poverty?
    (c) What is the Socialist’s criticism of the single tax proposal?
  3. State and discuss the Wage Fund Theory and the Exploitation theory of wages.
  4. (a) How do pure profits arise?
    (b) What developments in American economic life appear to make our old reliance upon the profit motive inappropriate now?
  5. In what sense is it true that the cost known as interest would be present even in a collectivist economy?
  6. What forces are responsible for the present increased demand for industrial unionism as against craft unionism in the United States?
  7. Contrast the teachings of Robert Owen with those of Karl Marx.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Elements of Economics. Section 3
Assoc. Professor William O. Weyforth

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
MID-YEAR EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

Dr. Weyforth

February 3, 1938
9 a.m.

  1. What is meant by the doctrine of “laissez faire”? That were the conditions under which the doctrine was developed? Explain the arguments in favor of the doctrine, and the factors responsible for a departure from the doctrine in recent years.
  2. What are the essential features of the corporation as a form of business organization? How do you account for the rise of the corporate form of business organization in recent years? Distinguish the following: common stock, preferred stock, bonds.
  3. What are the “factors of production” and the “agents of production”? What is meant by the “best combination of the agents of production” as applied to any business enterprise. Distinguish between the average total unit cost of production and the marginal cost of production. Illustrate by diagram.
  4. Explain what is meant by an individual demand schedule for any commodity. Show the relationship between such a demand schedule and the theory of marginal utility. Upon what principles does a consumer tend to divide his expenditures among different commodities? How is the total demand schedule in any market for a certain commodity related to the individual demand schedules?
  5. Show how the market price is determined by supply and demand under conditions of competition. Show how an increase in supply, demand remaining constant, will lead to a decline in price. Would the decline in price be greater where the demand is elastic or inelastic? Explain the problem by the use of diagrams.
  6. In what way is the monopolist able to control price? What is the theory of monopoly price? Explain the statement that the monopolist will tend to fix the price at the point where the marginal revenue curve intersects the marginal cost curve.
  7. What is meant by monopolistic competition? State some of the circumstances under which it tends to appear. Explain the difference in the shape of the demand curve for the product of an individual producer under conditions of pure competition and those of monopolistic competition.
  8. Explain the distinction between industries of constant cost, increasing cost, and decreasing cost. What are the factors primarily responsible for these differences, that is, under what circumstances are we likely to have each type of industry? How can we have an industry of increasing cost and at the same time constant or falling prices for the product of that industry over a period of years.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
FINAL EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

Dr. Weyforth

June 2, 1938
9 a.m.

  1. In the regulation of public utilities, what are the important economic problems involved in the determination of a fair price to be charged for the services rendered?
  2. Show how bank deposits subject to check serve as a medium of exchange. Explain how the volume of such deposits may be affected by the loan and investment policies of banks.
  3. What are business cycles? Explain the theory that fluctuations in general business activity are due primarily to fluctuations in the volume of investment. What are the possibilities of public spending as a means of remedying business depression?
  4. Explain the theory that under conditions of competition the rate of wages in any occupation tends to correspond to the marginal productivity of labor in that occupation. According to this theory how do you explain the relatively higher wages paid to skilled workers as compared with unskilled workers?
  5. Explain how, other things being equal, the growth of population will affect the rent of land. How is this explanation related to Henry George’s proposal. for a single tax on land?
  6. Show how interest rates are determined by the supply of and the demand for loanable funds. What are the sources of the supply of and demand for loanable funds? How may banking policy affect interest rates? What are the limits of banking policy in this respect?
  7. What are the factors that give rise to profits? What functions do profits perform in an economic system of free enterprise?
  8. What are the characteristic features of capitalism? What do you mean by socialism? by communism? What is “utopian” socialism? “scientific socialism”?
  9. Explain the law of comparative cost as applied to international trade.

    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Elements of Economics. Section 4
Dr. Howard E. Cooper

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UMIVERSITY
MID-YEAR EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

[Dr. Cooper]

January 31, 1938
9 a.m.

Please write your answers to these questions legibly and in ink.

  1. “The Production of wealth may take the form of the creation of form utility, of place utility, or of time utility.”
    Explain and give examples of each.
  2. What would be the effect on our industrial system of too much saving, of too little saving?
  3. “The division of labor promotes production by economizing labor, increasing its efficiency, and making more effective use of capital.” This is all helpful from the point of view of capital. How about the laborer?
  4. What is the concept of marginal utility?
  5. What are some examples of elastic demand?
    What are some examples of elastic supply?
  6. Distinguish between increasing costs and decreasing costs.
  7. What is the meaning of imperfect competition?
  8. What are some of the limitations on monopoly price?
  9. Suppose the quantity of money held by everyone were to be doubled. Would we be twice as wealthy? Explain.
  10. Discuss briefly some of the factors which influence the rate of interest.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
FINAL EXAMINATION
IN
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

Dr. Cooper

Monday [May] 30, 1938
9 A.M.

Please use ink and write clearly.

  1. In what ways does the Federal Reserve System seek to control credit?
  2. (a) What is the significance of the double budget made use of by President Roosevelt?
    (b) Trace briefly the National Debt of the United States?
  3. (a) What is meant by combining business risks to prevent their harmful effects? Illustrate.
    (b) What is meant by passing risks to the shoulders of others more able or willing to bear them? Illustrate.
  4. Define the following:
    (a) a pool
    (b) a trust
    (c) a holding company
    (d) a consolidation
    (e) a merger.
  5. The newspapers frequently carry statements to the effect that local patriotism requires that you patronize local merchants and industries in order to keep money at home. Criticize.
  6. What factors lead to fluctuations in foreign exchange?
  7. Would you advocate an early return to the gold standard? Give reasons for and against.
  8. Discuss briefly the factors affecting the supply and demand for labor.
  9. Distinguish between the craft or trade union, and the industrial union. Which do you think will be the union of the future? Why?
  10. Marx held that the tendency toward concentration, and the increasing numbers and misery of the laboring class would lead us into Socialism. Taking into consideration the long time period, is it possible that he was right?

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Elements of Economics. Section 5
Dr. Robert G. Deupree

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
MID-YEAR EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

Dr. Deupree

February 1, 1938
1 p.m.

  1. Define: wealth, utility, income, capital, functional distribution.
  2. Contrast: the manorial system, guild system, and domestic system.
  3. Distinguish between the following forms of the business unit: Individual proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, and corporation.
  4. Discuss the economic effects of division of labor.
  5. Explain the marginal utility concept.
    How does it relate to price?
    Explain marginal cost of production.
    How does it relate to price?
  6. Distinguish between production under conditions of increasing, decreasing, and constant costs, giving examples of each.
  7. A monopolist finds the following cost and demand schedules prevailing in the market for his commodity:
Quantity Cost per unit Selling price per unit
1,000,000 1.00 1.00
750,000 1.07 1.10
500,000 1.36 1.40
250,000 1.49 1.50

What would be the monopoly price in this market? Why? Are there any limitations upon the monopolists’ power to fix price? Explain.

  1. Show how economic rent arises on urban lands. Does the law of diminishing returns apply to urban lands? If so, in what manner? Explain what is meant by the extensive and intensive margins of cultivation in agriculture and their relation to economic rent.
  2. What is the time preference theory of interest?
    How would the rate of time preference be affected by:
  1. a steady growth of the national income?
  2. extravagance in consumption?
  3. old age pensions paid by the government?
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
FINAL EXAMINATION
POLITICAL ECONOMY 1 C

Dr. Deupree

June 1, 1938
9 a.m.

  1. Identify or define:
    1. Karl Marx
    2. Thomas Malthus
    3. Gresham’s law
    4. Knights of Labor
    5. Rochdale system
    6. Law of large numbers
    7. Hedging
    8. Processing taxes
    9. Gold export point
    10. Mint par of exchange.
  2. a. Discuss money.
    b. Define a commercial bank and discuss its functions.
    c. Define a central bank and discuss its functions.
  3. Summarize the major provisions of and evaluate any two of the following:
    a. Banking Act of 1935
    b. Social Security Act
    c. Trade Agreements Act
    d. National Labor Relations Act
    e. National Industrial Recovery Act
    f. Clayton Anti-trust Act
  4. a. Sketch the basis of the conflict between the American Federation of Labor and the Committee for Industrial Organization. Discuss the relative merits of the arguments.
    b. How would you account for the wages paid a particular group of workers — for example, carpenters in Baltimore?
  5. a. What are the basic Socialist proposals?
    b. Distinguish: Socialism, Communism, Fascism.
  6. How would you meet the unemployment problem in the United States? Give reasons for each step you propose.

Source: Johns Hopkins University, Eisenhower Library. Ferdinand Hamburger, Jr. Archives. Department of Political Economy. Curricular Materials. Series 6. Box 2. Folder “Department of Political Economy — Exams, 1936-1940”.

Categories
Economics Programs Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins. Activities of department of political economy, 1935-1936

 

Annual reports by university presidents often include chapters submitted by individual faculties, schools, and/or departments about their instructional, research, and outreach activities. Economics in the Rear-view Mirror is as good a place as any to serve as a digital depository of such dispersed material that can document time-lines for individual economics departments and economists. It would be boring for both the curator and subscribers to be subject to a long continuous stream of such material from any one department, so from time to time, I’ll just add additional years and gradually complete the time-series of reports.

_____________________

1935-1936
POLITICAL ECONOMY
[at Johns Hopkins University]

The instruction in Political Economy was directed by Professor Hollander, who met students daily in seminary organization for formal study and for cooperative research. The courses were designed to afford systematic instruction in general economic principles, intimate acquaintance with special fields of economic activity, and, most important of all, knowledge of and ability to employ sound methods of economic research. Dr. George E. Barnett, Professor of Statistics; Dr. William O. Weyforth, Associate Professor of Political Economy; Dr. Broadus Mitchell, Associate Professor of Political Economy; Dr. George H. Evans, Jr., Associate Professor of Political Economy; Dr. Howard E. Cooper, Associate in Political Economy; and Dr. Roy J. Bullock, Associate in Political Economy, assisted in the conduct of the work.

ECONOMIC SEMINARY

The papers and reports presented to the Seminary were as follows: Gregory King, the Political Arithmetician, by Professor Barnett; The History of British Preference Shares, by Dr. Evans; The Baltimore Wholesale, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Market, by Mr. Deupree; Tench Coxe and the Federal Constitution, by Mr. Hutcheson; Hamilton’s Early Financial Papers, by Dr. Mitchell; Constitutional Restrictions on Economic Liberty, by Dr. Kahn; The Historical Development of the Massachusetts Municipal List, by Mr. Hickman; Food Marketing and Public Policy, by Dr. Bullock; The Baltimore Clearing House Association, by Mr. Hales; Real Property Tax Delinquency in Maryland, by Miss Wolman; The Trade Acceptance in America, by Mr. Wilcox; The Banking Principle and the Currency Principle, by Dr. Weyforth; The Settlement of Frederick County, Maryland, by Mr. Douglas; The Literary and Economic Influences upon Alexander Hamilton, by Mr. Rappeport; Tench Coxe’s Plea for a National Economy, by Mr. Hutcheson; Real Property Tax Delinquency in Baltimore, by Miss Wolman; Administrative Control of Labor Relations, by Mr. Ziskind; The Fiduciary Nature of the Savings Bank, by Mr. Hickman; The Street Railway Industry, by Mr. Saks; The History of Marsh Market, by Mr. Deupree; The Origin of the Baltimore Clearing House, by Mr. Hales; Industrial Corporate Surplus, by Dr. Cooper; The Concept of Self Interest in Adam Smith and Related Writers, by Mr. Lovenstein; The Growth of Municipal Indebtedness in the United States, by Mr. Shattuck; Investment Affiliates in Recent American Banking, by Mr. Peach; Small Scale Enterprise in the Anthracite Coal Fields, by Mr. Lanyon.

Appreciable progress has been made by members of the Seminary in the study of special aspects of the several questions chosen for investigation. The income of the Lessing Rosenthal Fund for Economic Research has been of aid in connection with Mr. W. Braddock Hickman’s study of “The Legal Control of Savings Bank Investments in Massachusetts” and with Mr. Harold Hutcheson’s study of “Tench Coxe.” The Fund was also drawn upon for temporary advances toward defraying the cost of publication by the Johns Hopkins Press of Dr. Evans’ “British Corporation Finance,” of Dr. Wyckoff’s “Tobacco Regulation in Colonial Maryland,” and also a second impression of five numbers of the Economic Tracts, out of print.

The Hutzler Collection has continued to add to its works disclosing the development of American economic thought and American economic history. During the present session we have also acquired an admirable copy of the rare first edition of Graunt’s “Bills of Mortality,” and photostat copies of important writings of Gregory King and Charles Davenant for use in the forthcoming series of Economic Tracts. The recataloguing and the rearrangement of the collection, in progress for the past two years, will be completed in the coming months.

Professor Hollander lectured one hour a week on the Development of Economic Theory and one hour a week on Theory and Practice of Public Expenditure.

Professor Barnett lectured one hour a week throughout the year on American Trade Unionism.

Associate Professor Weyforth lectured one hour a week throughout the year on Industrial Fluctuations.

Associate Professor Mitchell lectured one hour a week throughout the year on The Slave South.

Associate Professor Evans lectured one hour a week during the first half-year on Index Numbers.

Dr. Cooper gave a series of lectures in the second half-year on The Interpretation of Financial Statements.

Dr. Bullock gave a series of lectures in the second half-year on Marketing of Consumers’ Goods by Manufacturers.

Members of the staff were called upon for public service in various capacities. Professor Barnett continued his service as a representative of the American Economic Association on the Advisory Committee of the Census. He was also appointed chairman of the Nominating Committee of the American Economic Association and Vice-President of the American Statistical Association. Dr. Weyforth was reappointed to the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Public Accountants. Dr. Mitchell served as consultant to the Director, Division of Review of the N. R. A. from November 1935 to March 1936. He was elected for the second time to membership on the Executive Committee of the American Economic Association.

The following undergraduate courses were given:

1. Elements of Economics. Three hours weekly, through the year. Associate Professor Weyforth, Associate Professor Mitchell, and Associate Professor Evans.

2. Statistics. Three hours weekly, through the year. Associate Professor Evans.

3. Money and Banking. Three hours weekly, through the year. Associate Professor Weyforth.

6. Corporation Finance and Investments. Three hours weekly, through the year. Professor Barnett.

11. Principles of Accounting. Three hours weekly, through the year. Dr. Cooper.

12. Economic History. Three hours weekly, through the year. Associate Professor Mitchell.

14. Advanced Principles of Accounting. Three hours weekly, through the year. Dr. Cooper.

16. The Money Market. One hour weekly, through the year. Professor Hollander.

18. Wages and Employment. One hour weekly, through the year. Professor Barnett.

20. Marketing. Three hours weekly, through the year. Dr. Bullock.

21. Advanced Marketing. Three hours weekly, through the year. Dr. Bullock.

22. Commercial Law. Two hours weekly, through the year. Dr. Howell.

23. Mathematics of Finance and Statistics. Three hours weekly, through the year. Dr. Richeson.

 

EVENING COURSES IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS

During the past twenty years The Johns Hopkins University has offered a series of Evening Courses in Business Economics under the general direction of the Department of Political Economy. Such instruction is made available at hours and under conditions designed to meet the convenience of those likely to make use thereof. While designed in the main to offer instruction to young men and women actually engaged in or contemplating entrance into business, industry and commerce, the courses are planned to meet the needs also of those who have a more general interest in the subjects. The following courses were offered during the year:

Current Economic Problems, Professor Hollander; Investments, Professor Barnett; Money and Banking, Associate Professor Weyforth; Political Economy, American Economic History, Associate Professor Mitchell; Business Statistics, Corporation Finance, Associate Professor Evans; Corporation Accounting, Dr. Cooper; Elements of Business Administration, Marketing, Dr. Bullock; Elementary Accounting, Dr. Bryan; Mercantile Credit, Mr. Clautice; Auditing Principles and Practice, Federal and State Tax Accounting, Mr. Baker; Advanced Commercial Law, Dr. Watkins; Salesmanship and Salesmanagement, Mr. Ramsen; Advanced Auditing and Accountant’s Working Papers, Mr. Stegman; Applications of Psychology to Business, Dr. Bentley; Advanced Accounting Problems, Mr. McCord; Principles of Advertising, Mr. Corner; Commercial Law, Mr. Thomsen; Specialized Accounting, Cost Accounting, Mr. Smith; Business English, Public Speaking, Dr. Lyons.

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ECONOMICS

The academic year 1935-36 marked the fourteenth year of operation of the School of Business Economics. The School was established to take care of the increasing need of specialized academic training for men contemplating a business career. In planning the curriculum of the School of Business Economics there was kept in mind the need for an adequate training in certain fundamental subjects, as well as for specialized instruction in economics and business subjects. Accordingly, during the first two years the studies are rather closely prescribed and are selected so as to furnish an essential background for a career in any field of business. In these years the curriculum is very similar to that which would be taken in the College of Arts and Sciences. In the third year greater latitude is allowed the student in the selection of subjects, and in the fourth year nearly all the subjects are elective. During these last two years it is intended that there should be intensive specialization in studies in business economics.

Students in the School of Business Economics are called upon, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics, to submit in the last year of residence an essay dealing with some business or economic subject. A wide range of choice is permitted to students in the selection of subjects. A suggested list of topics is submitted to them, but they are not restricted to such topics. It is believed that one of the principal benefits that a student may derive from the writing of such an essay is the experience obtained in the independent gathering and organization of material; and the industry and zeal of the student is likely to be enhanced if the subject on which he is working is one of special interest to him. The subjects on which essays were written in the year 1935-36 included the following: Interest as a Cost to Manufacture; The Chain Store Movement in Men’s Wear Merchandising; Control and Planning of Department Store Merchandising; Accounting Presentation for the Executive; Production Indexes; Should Public Utility Holding Companies be Eliminated?; Advertising Agencies in the United States; Investment Value of Low, Medium, and High Priced Common Stocks; Public Policy Toward Chain Stores; The Federal Securities Act of 1933 and Its Amendments; Revaluation of Fixed Assets; The American Paper Industry; The Baltimore Consumer Market. Several students wrote on the Analysis of Financial Statements, each one selecting a different corporation as the basis of his study.

In 1936, 17 students were graduated. These students were awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics.

PUBLICATIONS

George E. Barnett.

Review of History of Labor in the United States, 1896-1932, volumes III and IV, in American Economic Review, June 1936, pp. 339-342.

George Heberton Evans, Jr.

British Corporation Finance 1775-1850; A Study of Preference Shares. (Baltimore, The Johns Hopkins Press), pp. 208.

Jacob H. Hollander.

Two Letters on the Measure of Value by John Stuart Mill, 1822 (Editor). Fourth number of fourth series of Reprint of Economic Tracts. (Baltimore, The Johns Hopkins Press, 1936), pp. 24.

Broadus Mitchell.

American Radicals Nobody Knows, in South Atlantic Quarterly, October 1935, pp. 394-401.

Economists and the Depression, in Social Frontier, April 1936, pp. 215-217.

Articles in Dictionary of American Biography, as follows: vol. XV—Enoch Pratt, pp. 171-172; John Rae, pp. 321-322; vol. XVI—Edward Van Dyke Robinson, pp. 42-43; Jacob Schoenhof, pp. 450-451; XVII—Stephen Simpson, pp. 183-184; Lysander Spooner, pp. 466-467; XVIII—Philip Evan Thomas, pp. 442-443; Robert Ellis Thompson, pp. 469-470; Daniel Augustus Tompkins, pp. 581-583.

—and reviews as follows:

Parmelee, Farewell to Poverty, in Social Frontier, January 1936, p. 122.

Lawrence, Stumbling into Socialism, in The Annals, January 1936, pp. 281-282.

Ely and Bohn, The Great Change, in The Annals, November 1935, pp. 191-192.

Douglas, Controlling Depressions, and Fledderus and van Kleeck, On Economic Planning, in New Republic, August 28, 1935, p. 81.

Harvey, Samuel Gompers, in Journal of Political Economy, February 1936, pp. 106-107.

Baker, Concerning Government Benefits, in The Survey, June 1936, p. 188.

Keynes, The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, in Virginia Quarterly Review, July 1936, pp. 453-457.

William O. Weyforth.

Review of A New Monetary System of the United States (Related Studies), in Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv, November 1935, pp. 308-309.

Jacob H. Hollander,
Abram G. Hutzler Professor of Political Economy.

 

Source: Johns Hopkins University. University Circular. Annual Report of the President, 1935-1936, Vol. 481, (November 1936), pp. 99-103.

Categories
Exam Questions Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins. Graduate economics exams, M.A. and Ph.D., 1933

 

 

This post began innocently enough as simple transcriptions of the single A.M. and the two Ph.D. examinations in political economy for 1933 from the Johns Hopkins Archives. Because the names of the examinees are included on the typed carbon copies of the examination questions, I dug a little bit deeper to find out more about these degree candidates. From the official commencement programs, we are able to determine that these written examinations were in almost all cases administered as “exit examinations” a month before the degrees were actually awarded, so the exams were not “prelim” exams to establish degree candidacy and also not part of a dissertation defense. This seems late in the game for a final hurdle of this nature.

The commencement programs provide the titles of the theses/dissertations submitted for the degrees. Digging further, I was even able to find pictures of all the examinees.

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The Graduate Degree Examinees
Johns Hopkins University, May 1933

Lawrence Nelson Bloomberg, of Virginia, A.B. University of Richmond 1930. Political Economy.
A.M. Johns Hopkins University, Thesis.“Goodwill: Its Nature and Valuation.” [p. 8 of 1933 Commencement program]
PhD Dissertation. “The Investment Value of Goodwill.” [p. 11 of 1934 Commencement program]

Born September 27, 1909 in Richmond, Virginia; died August 13, 1989.
1940 worked in Washington, DC at the American Bankers Association.

Image Source:  Senior year photo of Lawrence Nelson Bloomberg in the University of Richmond yearbook, The Web–1930.

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Roy Johnson Bullock, of Maryland, A.B. Doane College 1925; M.B.A. Harvard University 1927. Political Economy. Ph.D. dissertation “A History of the Chain Grocery Store in the United States.” [p. 11 of 1933 Commencement program]

Born October 5, 1903 in Crete, Nebraska; died in Marco Island, Collier County, Florida Feb. 14, 1980.
1940 Census: teacher at Johns Hopkins University.
1942: worked in the Office of Price Administration, Washington, DC.
1961: senior staff consultant to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also, the commencement speaker at Doane College’s 1961 commencement. Awarded honorary doctor of laws degree.

Image Source: Portrait of Roy Johnson Bullock (approximately 30 years old).  Johns Hopkins University. Sheridan Libraries. Special Collections. Johns Hopkins University graphic and pictorial collection.

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Abner Komaroff, of Palestine, B.V.A. American University of Beirut 1930.
Ph.D. Dissertation, “The Foreign Trade of the United States in Citrus Fruits.” [p. 12 of Commencement program 1933]

Image Source: Portrait of Abner Komaroff (approximately 20 years old).  Johns Hopkins University. Sheridan Libraries. Special Collections. Johns Hopkins University graphic and pictorial collection.

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Harold Edwin Peters, of Maryland, A.B. Johns Hopkins University 1930.
Ph.D. Dissertation, “The Foreign Debt of the Argentine Republic”. [p. 13 of Commencement program 1934]

Born October 15, 1908 in Baltimore,   died February 22, 1978 in Baltimore.
Apartment developer since the mid-1930’s, after teaching economics for a year at the College of Charleston. (Graduate of Calvert Hall College, then Johns Hopkins where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in 1930).

Image Source: Portrait of Harold Edwin Peters (approximately 25 years old).  Johns Hopkins University. Sheridan Libraries. Special Collections. Johns Hopkins University graphic and pictorial collection.

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Evelyn Ellen Singleton, of Maryland, A.B. Goucher College 1930. Political Economy.
PhD dissertation, “Workmen’s Compensation in Maryland”. [p. 13 of Commencement program 1933]

Born October 9, 1909 in Lancaster, PA; died May 29, 2002.
Married Robert William Thon, Jr. (see next graduate) April 1, 1936 in Elkton, MD.

Image Source: Portrait of Evelyn Ellen Singleton (approximately 20 years old).  Johns Hopkins University. Sheridan Libraries. Special Collections. Johns Hopkins University graphic and pictorial collection.

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Robert William Thon, Jr., of Maryland. Political Economy. PhD Dissertation “Mutual Savings Banks in Baltimore.” [p. 14 of 1933 Commencement program]

Born Dec. 23, 1908 in Richmond, VA; died September 1983 in Baltimore MD.
Occupation: banker

Image Source: Portrait of Robert William Thon, Jr. (approximately 50 years old).  Johns Hopkins University. Sheridan Libraries. Special Collections. Johns Hopkins University graphic and pictorial collection.

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EXAMINATION IN POLITICAL ECONOMY
for Master of Arts Degree
May 18, 1933

Mr. Bloomberg

  1. Discuss Adam Smith’s canons of taxation.
  2. Describe Malthus’ principle of population and the changes which it underwent.
  3. What arguments are used to justify the sale of a manufactured article at a lower price abroad than at home?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the general Property Tax?
  5. Explain and criticize the quantity theory of money.
  6. How are freight rates determined?

 

 

EXAMINATION IN POLITICAL ECONOMY
(Economic Theory)
May 18, 1933

Miss Singleton
Messrs. Thon, Bullock, Peters, Komaroff

  1. What is the relation of Political Economy to economic history in scope and in method of investigation?
  2. What important economic doctrines had been clearly formulated prior to the year 1800?
  3. Discuss the personal contacts and doctrinal contrasts of Quesnay and Adam Smith.
  4. Contrast the theories of distribution formulated by (a) Adam Smith, (b) David Ricardo, (c) Alfred Marshall.
  5. What has been the development of the principle of population since the time of Malthus?
  6. Discuss the origin and development of the wage fund theory.
  7. What have been the most important contributions of the Austrian economists?
  8. Discuss the law of increasing returns and its application to modern business.
  9. Criticize the various theories of entrepreneur profits that have been proposed.
  10. What are the present conspicuous gaps in economic theory and by what means are they to be repaired?

 

EXAMINATION IN POLITICAL ECONOMY
(Applied Economics)
May 19, 1933

Miss Singleton
Messrs. Thon, Komaroff , Bullock, Peters

  1. Discuss the history, theory, incidence and the defects of the General Property Tax.
  2. Discuss modern industrial combinations in the light of: (1) An assignable limit to the growth in the size of the modern industrial unit; and (2) the imminence of Socialism.
  3. Discuss the policy of selling protected manufactures in foreign markets at less than domestic prices.
  4. Is a compulsory Board of Arbitration practicable, and what principles should govern its decisions?
  5. Criticize the principle of fixing railway rates according to “What the traffic will bear”, in the light of the recent tendency towards cost of service rate.
  6. Outline the history of (a) metallic and (b) paper money in the United States since the adoption of the Federal constitution.
  7. Discuss the use of the chief forms of averages; for example, the mean, the median and the simple average.
  8. Outline the history of English legislation relating to joint stock companies.
  9. State the chief points in controversy between the Banking School and the Currency School.
  10. Discuss the economic justification for the chief forms of labor legislation.

Source: Johns Hopkins University. Eisenhower Library. Ferdinand Hamburger, Jr. Archives. Department of Political Economy. Series 6/Series /, Subseries 1, Box 3/1, Folder “Department of Political Economy, Graduate Exams 1933-1965”.

Image Source: Johns Hopkins University yearbook, Hullabaloo 1951.