The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom
discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of
students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every
student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question
as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others
throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed
based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the
discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and
thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by
responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution
must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two
additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are
highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is
the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through
sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB
question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a
conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of
each unit.

As a midlevel manager of a company, you are trying to get approval on a new
piece of equipment that will make your department more productive. Yesterday,
over the phone, you asked the accounting manager for help in writing your
proposal, which is meant to justify the spending of money on this investment.
She specifically mentioned making sure to cover only those costs and benefits
that would be relevant to the decision, and not take into account
irrelevant costs and benefits. You are not quite sure what she meant, so you
plan to meet with her in the morning to discuss the topic.

• Explain your understanding of what relevant versus irrelevant costs and
  benefits are that might be considered when making a decision.
• When trying to decide between buying a new 8-cylinder auto versus a hybrid
  auto:
  • Identify at least 1 example of a relevant cost and a relevant benefit.
  • Identify at least 1 example of an irrelevant cost and an irrelevant benefit.

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.

The following grading criteria will be used: