Description
Graduate Programs Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards (DB) are a key component of online learning. They foster active participation of learners and dialogue with fellow learners and instructors. Graduate-level courses require learners to create original posts to course DBs and to engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the course. Original posts and responses should be substantive, and if references are made to the works of others, APA guidelines for in-text citations and references apply.
Minimum Weekly DB Expectations
Post an original and thoughtful Main Post to the DB prompt.
Respond to at least 2 other posts from learners and/or the instructor (Response Posts).
The first contribution (Main Post or Response Post) must be posted before midnight (Central time) on Friday of each week.

Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week.
More on DBs
At the end of each unit, DB participation is assessed based on level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion. DBs allow learners to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB are accepted after the end of the unit. Learners must demonstrate an appropriate depth of understanding of course content to receive credit for having submitted substantive posts. Typically, this is achieved with 3–4 strong paragraphs for Main Posts and 2–3 strong paragraphs for Response Posts.
Assignment Details

Help with this discussion is in Chapter 4 of Managerial Economics: Foundations of Business Analysis and Strategy.
Your company is considering expanding into a foreign market. Choose a multinational competitor that operates in an oligopoly in the United States. Then, address the following:
Examine the company’s operations to determine its techniques to estimate and forecast its competitive advantage.
Review and assess the contributions of your peers, and share your thoughts about the source of this company’s competitive advantage.
In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.
Grading Rubric

Discussion Board Grading Rubric – 60 Points

Assignment CriteriaProficient DescriptorPoints
Quality of Main Post
24 Points Total
Student’s main post meets or exceeds the following requirements:
Responds completely to all parts of the discussion question  
Communicates content information accurately and/or logically 
Delivers a thoughtful response demonstrating insights and reflections
Connects to both key content concepts and personal experiences (if applicable)
Meets or exceeds the required length 
/24 pts.
Response to Peers
20 Points Total
Responds to a minimum of two peers (10 points per response)
Substantive response
Furthers the conversation with peers. Examples could include: 
Provides additional resources 
Connects to key concepts
Shares personal or professional experiences
Contributes new information or perspective

Presents a competing viewpoint
Meets or exceeds the required length
/20 pts.
Support from Learning Resources
6 Points Total

At least one post refers to course learning resources./6 pts.
Professional Writing
10 Points Total
Response is well-organized, clear, and free of grammatical and mechanical errors.
Posts demonstrate courtesy and respect for others.