DB5

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 Friday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often.

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.

Assignment Details

This assignment has 3 parts.

1. What competencies were you able to develop in researching and writing the course Comprehensive Project? 
   • How did you leverage knowledge gained in the intellipath assignments (Units 1–4) in completing the Comprehensive Project? 
   • How will these competencies and knowledge support your career advancement in management?
2. Reflecting on the discussions, readings, intellipath content and assignments in this course,  what are the most important process improvement or quality initiatives to help businesses achieve and maintain competitive advantage in today’s technology-enabled global business environment? Why? 
3. What are some examples of situations that present potential ethical and legal issues relative to continuous improvement and quality initiatives? How would you develop solutions to address those issues?

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 Criteria

Percentage

Post explains issues, elaborates on all parts of the topic, and contributes to group understanding of topic

40%

Multiple substantive responses reflecting participation are evenly spread throughout the discussion period (2 or more per week), sharing opinions, observations, and experiences, asking questions, and making suggestions

40%

Comments are appropriately addressed, well written, timely, relevant, and coherent, displaying accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation

20%

Describe management quality initiatives such as TQM and Six Sigma.

Evaluate the quality control tools used to analyze and improve processes.