Assignment 1: Discussion QuestionRead the following case study:Visit Dell and Apple's Web sites and analyze the similarities and differences in how the two computer companies address the items listed

Assignment 1: Discussion Question

Read the following case study:

Visit Dell and Apple's Web sites and analyze the similarities and differences in how the two computer companies address the items listed below:

Price/quality relationship

Perceived quality/value

Image

Product differentiation

Reducing consumer's perceived risk. These will include time, money, functionality, and cognitive dissonance / post-purchase evaluation.

CriteriaUnacceptableUnsatisfactoryEmergingProficientExemplary

Quality of initial posting, including fulfillment of assignment instructions0 points

No initial posting.

4 points

Response is not on topic, the message is unrelated to assignment, and post demonstrates poor preparation and lacked substance.

8 points

The initial posting does not adequately address the question(s) posed in the forum; Lacks synthesis of theories and concepts.

12 points

Initial posting demonstrates insightful reflection and answers all given questions; An adequate understanding of theories and concepts is evident in the logical, factual, and relevant information.

16 points

Initial posting reveals a solid understanding of all given questions. A clear synthesis of theories and concepts is evident in the logical, factual, and relevant information.

Quality of responses to classmates0 points

Does not post any responses to other classmates in this forum.

3 points

Responses do not promote further discussion nor provide new information. Response merely acknowledges the other classmates’ initial posting.

6 points

Provides comments and new information but does not extend meaningful discussion by building on previous posts.

9 points

Provides comments and new information to other posts; extends meaningful discussions by building on previous posts.

12 points

Demonstrates comprehensive analysis of others’ posts; extends meaningful discussions by building on previous posts and offers points of view, supported by research or relevant personal experience.

Frequency of responses to classmates0 points

Does not participate in the discussion forum.

1 point

Responds to one other student in the discussion question threads.

2 points

Responds to two other classmates’ initial postings.

3 points

Participates on two days of the week. Responds to two other classmates’ initial postings.

4 points

Participates on two or more days of the week. Responds to more than two other classmates’ initial postings.

Reference to supporting readings and other materials0 points

No reference to any course reading.

1 point

Makes reference to assigned readings but makes no attempt to cite the source.

2 points

Applies single resource to initial response but citations do not conform to an acceptable citation format.

3 points

Applies single resource to initial response. Properly cites (i.e., APA) course materials and/or outside scholarly materials in initial posting only; citations present as needed in responses to classmates.

4 points

Applies more than one resource to initial response. Properly cites (i.e., APA) course materials and outside scholarly readings in initial posting; citations as needed in responses to classmates.

Language and grammar0 points

No postings for which to evaluate language and grammar.

1 point

Poorly written initial posting and responses including frequent spelling, structure, and/or grammatical errors and/or the use of slang.

2 points

Communicates in friendly, courteous, and helpful manner with some spelling, grammatical, and/or structural errors.

3 points

Contributes structured information with minor spelling, grammatical, or structural errors.

4 points

No spelling, structure, or grammatical errors in any posting. Contributes to discussion with clear, concise comments in an organized manner.

Overall ScoreUnacceptable

0 or moreUnsatisfactory

9 or moreMarginal

19 or moreSatisfactory

29 or moreExemplary

39 or more