The talk about 'the system'—Clarifying objective performance and subjective perceptions in our economic-political-social systems.

In this study, we share a classroom-based project that will be referred to as "the Talk about the system." The "system" is a loose term used to signify the combination of economic, political, and social composites where our decisions take place. Our business students will be future business decision makers. Therefore, it is important that their assessment of the economic situation be as objective as possible. If unduly pessimistic, they will pass up on projects that could have created jobs for others; if too optimistic, they may waste resources that could have been used more efficiently in other ways. Further, subjective feelings and appreciation of the system are also important, as they indicate a personal reflection that arises when thinking about how we do in life: "Is it me, or the system?" The mechanics of the exercise are very straightforward and were inspired by investment analysis exercises where students must handle overwhelming amounts of information. Five areas are targeted: the economic-political system, the government's role, the individual's responsibility, culture and religion, and "the world we create" –fiction, as in movies and literature. A few items (books, readings) are assigned to groups of three-four students each, at least one for each of the areas. Each group produces a 2-3 page write-up that is collated. The final requirement is an individual reflection (3-4 pages) on the collated group materials. This exercise has been successfully carried out several times already. Both the students and the instructor found that the goals set were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]