BUSI 310 Discussion Board Instructions Discussion Board Forum Threads are due in Modules/Weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7. Discussion Board Forum Replies are due in Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. The learning theories upon which this class is based are actualized in the threads. To gain the most from this class, you must: · Read both the threads of your classmates and the articles which are used to write the thread. · Draw classmates into discussion of the topic by asking questions. · Expect to spend some time each day reviewing all threads and replies (even those in which you are not involved). · The research and writing done for each forum is to prepare you to research and write upper-level research papers in current APA format. Each posting, whether threads or replies, must be written without grammar or spelling errors and must utilize proper APA in-text and reference citations. · This is a formal writing assignment, so use 3rd person throughout the forum threads and replies. Discussion Board Forum Threads: The requirements listed below are the minimum requirements. Completing only the minimum amount of work cannot earn higher than a "C" for an assignment. 1. Review the key terms listed at the end of the Chapter you are working on. You will select one of the key terms. No duplication of articles or concepts is allowed. Each student must cover a different concept. You may reserve a topic beginning at 12 a.m. (ET) on Monday of the odd-numbered modules/weeks (1, 3, 5, and 7). Topics reserved prior to then will be deleted. 2. Conduct a search of Liberty University’s Online Library resources to find 3 peer-reviewed articles that are no more than 3 years old and closely relate to the concept. These articles must be found through the Liberty University Library; no general internet search is allowed. No duplication of articles or concepts is allowed. Each student must cover a different concept. Note: Blogs, education sites, commercial sites, Wikipedia, About.com, editorials, and book reviews are just a few of the types of materials that not acceptable for this exercise. You must look for articles from reputable peer-reviewed magazines and journals. 3. After reading the articles, select the 1 article that you wish to discuss. Your thread must include the information listed below in the following format and be posted directly in the discussion board: · Definition: a brief definition of the key term followed by the APA reference for the term; this does not count in the word requirement; · Summary: Choose 1 of the articles and summarize it in your own words. This must be about 125 word minimum. Be sure to note the article's author as well as his/her credentials and the reason his/her opinions, research, or findings should be respected regarding the key term. · Discussion: Using a minimum of 400 words, write a brief discussion in your own words of how the article relates to the selected key term. A discussion is not rehashing what was already stated in the ar ...

1. BUSI 310
Discussion Board Instructions
Discussion Board Forum Threads are due in Modules/Weeks 1,
3, 5 and 7. Discussion Board Forum Replies are due in
Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. The learning theories upon which
this class is based are actualized in the threads.
To gain the most from this class, you must:
· Read both the threads of your classmates and the articles
which are used to write the thread.
· Draw classmates into discussion of the topic by asking
questions.
· Expect to spend some time each day reviewing all threads and
replies (even those in which you are not involved).
· The research and writing done for each forum is to prepare
you to research and write upper-level research papers in current
APA format. Each posting, whether threads or replies, must be
written without grammar or spelling errors and must utilize
proper APA in-text and reference citations.
· This is a formal writing assignment, so use 3rd person
throughout the forum threads and replies.
Discussion Board Forum Threads:
The requirements listed below are the minimum requirements.
Completing only the minimum amount of work cannot earn
higher than a "C" for an assignment.
1. Review the key terms listed at the end of the Chapter you are
working on. You will select one of the key terms. No
duplication of articles or concepts is allowed. Each student must
cover a different concept. You may reserve a topic beginning at
12 a.m. (ET) on Monday of the odd-numbered modules/weeks
(1, 3, 5, and 7). Topics reserved prior to then will be deleted.
2. Conduct a search of Liberty University’s Online Library
resources to find 3 peer-reviewed articles that are no more than
3 years old and closely relate to the concept. These articles
must be found through the Liberty University Library; no

2. general internet search is allowed. No duplication of articles or
concepts is allowed. Each student must cover a different
concept. Note: Blogs, education sites, commercial sites,
Wikipedia, About.com, editorials, and book reviews are just a
few of the types of materials that not acceptable for this
exercise. You must look for articles from reputable peer-
reviewed magazines and journals.
3. After reading the articles, select the 1 article that you wish to
discuss. Your thread must include the information listed below
in the following format and be posted directly in the discussion
board:
· Definition: a brief definition of the key term followed by the
APA reference for the term; this does not count in the word
requirement;
· Summary: Choose 1 of the articles and summarize it in your
own words. This must be about 125 word minimum. Be sure to
note the article's author as well as his/her credentials and the
reason his/her opinions, research, or findings should be
respected regarding the key term.
· Discussion: Using a minimum of 400 words, write a brief
discussion in your own words of how the article relates to the
selected key term. A discussion is not rehashing what was
already stated in the article, but rather the opportunity for you
to add value to the discussion by integrating the other research
performed. This is the most important part of the thread.
· Biblical Integration: You must integrate your key term with a
biblical truth. To do so, you may choose to answer a question
provided at the end of each chapter or utilize another Bible
verse. Integration of biblical truth is not simply listing a Bible
verse but connecting the Scripture to the concept being covered.
This section must be a minimum of 100 words.
· References: All references must be listed at the bottom of the
thread in current APA format.
Be sure to use the headers (Definition, Summary, Discussion) in
your thread to ensure that all aspects of the assignment are
completed as required.

3. Attachment: Attach 1 Microsoft Word document containing the
full text of all articles reviewed for the assignment neatly
formatted. This is required to allow everyone to review the
articles. Articles must be attached to the thread.
Any form of plagiarism (including cutting and pasting) will
result in 0 points for the entire discussion board (100 points)
and may result in further penalties.
To post your thread, click Create Thread and then type your key
term in the subject line. Complete your submission in the text
area.
Late postings receive 0 credit.
Submit your thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the
assigned module/week.
Discussion Board Forum Replies:
In Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 you will be required to post a
substantive reply of at least 250 words each to a minimum of 3
classmates’ threads. Expect to enter on-going dialogues with
your classmates and be prepared to answer questions about your
own selected topics. Student interaction on the Discussion
Board is the key to success in this course.
· You must use at least 1 peer-reviewed reference (not used in
the original posting) in your response.
· Use 3rd person.
· Do not simply revisit what was discussed in the thread.
· Only the substantive part of the response will be counted
toward the word count.
Submit your replies by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the
assigned module/week.
Submit your replies for Discussion Board Forum 4 by 11:59
p.m. (ET) on Friday of Module/Week 8.
Page 1 of 2
BUSI 310
Discussion Board Grading Rubric

4. Discussion Board Thread (60 points)
Points Possible
Criteria
54–60
A
Superior work in all areas - Student consistently exceeds
minimal expectations in all areas regarding content, analysis,
participation, timeliness, and writing style.
Specifically:
· Information is very well organized with well-constructed
paragraphs
· Information clearly relates to the main topic and includes
several supporting details.
· All sources are accurately documented in current APA format.
· The required scholarly sources are cited numerous times.
· Minimal to non-existent spelling, grammatical, or APA errors
exist.
· The required length is exceeded.
48–53
B
Good work in most areas - Student demonstrates minor
deficiencies in some areas regarding content, analysis, or
writing style.
Specifically:
· Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs.

5. · Information clearly relates to the main topic and includes
supporting details.
· The requireds scholarly sources are cited more than once
· Limited spelling, grammatical, or APA errors exist.
· The required length is met.
42–47
C
Fair work in most areas – Student exhibits need for
improvement in most areas regarding content, writing style,
and/or participation.
Specifically:
· Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well
constructed.
· Information clearly relates to the main topic but includes few
supporting details.
· Each of the required sources are cited at least once.
· Few spelling, grammatical, or APA errors exist.
· The required length is met.
0–41
D, F
Failing – Student shows evidence of refusal or inability to meet
minimum standards of undergraduate level work.
Specifically:
· The information appears to be disorganized.
· The required number of scholarly sources are not used or not
accurately documented.
· Numerous spelling, grammatical, or APA errors exist.

6. · The required length is not met.
Total
Instructor’s Comments:
Discussion Board Replies (40 points)
Points Possible
Criteria
36–40
A
Superior work in all areas - Student consistently exceeds
minimal expectations in all areas regarding content, analysis,
participation, timeliness, and writing style.
Specifically:
· Information is very well organized with well-constructed
paragraphs.
· Information clearly relates to the main topic and includes
several supporting details.
· All sources are accurately documented in current APA format.
· The required scholarly sources are cited numerous times.
· Minimal to non-existent spelling, grammatical, or APA errors
exist.
· Response to 3 threads is made by the published deadline for
the assignment and meets the required length.
32–35
B
Good work in most areas - Student demonstrates minor
deficiencies in some areas regarding content, analysis, or
writing style.

7. Specifically:
· Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs.
· Information clearly relates to the main topic and includes
supporting details.
· The required scholarly sources are cited more than once.
· Limited spelling, grammatical, or APA errors exist.
· Response to 3 threads is made by the published deadline for
the assignment and meets the required length.
28–31
C
Fair work in most areas – Student exhibits need for
improvement in most areas regarding content, writing style,
and/or participation.
Specifically:
· Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well
constructed.
· Information clearly relates to the main topic, but few
supporting details are provided.
· Each of the required sources are cited at least once.
· Few spelling, grammatical, or APA errors exist.
· Response to 3 threads is made by the published deadline for
the assignment and meets the required length.
0–27
D, F
Failing – Student shows evidence of refusal or inability to meet
minimum standards of undergraduate level work.

8. Specifically:
· The information appears to be disorganized.
· The required number of scholarly sources are not used or not
accurately documented.
· Numerous spelling, grammatical, or APA errors exist.
· Response to 3 threads is not made, does not meet the
published deadline for the assignment, and/or does not meet the
required length.
Total
Instructor’s Comments:
Page 2 of 2
BUSI 310
Discussion Board Example
Below is an example of a Discussion Board Thread. Although
this example does not meet the requirements of the assignment
in this class, it provides an excellent starting point for your
discussion board thread.
Discussion Board Thread
Re: Social Loafing
Definition:
“Management: A Practical Introduction” defines social loafing
as “the tendency of people to exert less effort when working in
groups than when working alone.”
Williams, B., & Kinicki, A. (2006). Management: A practical
introduction. (2nd ed.). <<New York>>: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Summary:

9. Dorothy Cotton is a respected psychologist and a frequent
contributor to publications in her field of study. In her article,
“Social loafing is the bane of work groups,” Cotton discusses
some real life examples of social loafing and its effects on
group production. The author investigates some possible reasons
for the phenomenon of social loafing. Cotton makes mention
that each member in a group has less accountability and that
group members are less personally invested in the project,
resulting in less concern for the final product. Cotton also lists
some people groups that tend to be more prone to social loafing.
An interesting fact is that those who feel they have superior
skill tend to produce less in a group. The author concludes her
article by recommending some suggestions for combating social
loafing in groups. Firstly, each group member should be chosen
carefully by picking people who are invested in the project.
Secondly, each member should be accountable for a specific
assignment. It is important for groups to minimize social
loafing as much as possible in order to increase productivity
and maximize the potential of each contributing group member.
Discussion:
Social loafing is a very relevant topic in the business field as it
relates to groups of employees and the performance a manager
can expect from that group. For each task, there are an optimum
number of employees needed to maintain efficiency while
completing the task as rapidly as possible. Managers must
calculate the right combination of workers for the project at
hand so that each member is invested in the task and each is
accountable for his contribution to the group. For example, my
manager at a landscaping maintenance company I worked for
knew exactly how many workers were needed for each specific
job site we maintained. For residential sites, two workers were
most efficient; while on commercial job sites, typically three
workers were involved. The significance of these numbers was
evident on Saturdays, when all twelve employees would work
the same commercial property and be finished in half a day

10. when it would take three employees one full day to accomplish
the same work. While it may be easier for each employee to do
his work because some responsibility is shifted to the extra
employee, it would be more efficient to use less man hours to
accomplish the task and save the company more money.
I agree with Dorothy Cotton that a major factor of social loafing
is the shift of accountability for each of the members. It is easy
for group member to think that the more people involved the
less of a contribution each person needs to make. This opinion
represents an attitude that shows a lack of personal
responsibility and personal investment in a project. In order for
a group to function properly, each member must feel that his
individual input contributes to the success of the project as a
whole. In this way, each member plays a critical role in the
completion of the project, requiring accountability of each
member.
In her article, Dorothy Cotton also suggested that superior
workers tend to produce less in a group setting because they
feel they should not perform at their normal level if others in
the group can not match that standard. From personal
experience, I think that this situation is not always true. At the
risk of sounding arrogant, I feel as though I have been in a
similar situation in a Business 101 course group project. I found
myself as an upper classman having to exert extra effort to
maintain the quality of our project by editing the work of
several freshmen who had less experience writing college level
papers and whose study habits were not fully formed. In this
way, because my grade in the course was at stake, I made extra
effort to maintain my normal quality level. In this situation,
social loafing may not have been evident in the final product
but when the process leading to that end result is examined, the
effects of social loafing were certainly seen. Social loafing is
definitely an issue that managers should understand and be
prepared to combat. If this phenomenon is not accounted for it

11. could have devastating effects on the business and the
individual group members.
References:
Cotton, D. (2005). 'Social loafing' is the bane of work groups.
The Standard, B3. Retrieved November 07, 2006, from
LexisNexis Academic.
Atoum, Adnan Omar, & Farah, Adnan M. (2003) Social loafing
and personal involvement among Jordanian college
students. In The Journal of Social
Psychology, 133, p785. Retrieved November 07,
2006, from Expanded Academic ASAP via Thomson Gale:
Chidambaram, Laku, & Tung, Lai Lai. (2005) Is out of sight,
out of mind? An empirical study of social loafing in
technology-supported groups. In Information Systems
Research, 16, p149. Retrieved November 07,
2006, from Expanded Academic ASAP via Thomson Gale:
Williams, B., & Kinicki, A. (2006). Management: A practical
introduction. (2nd ed.). <<New York>>: McGraw-Hill/Irwin
Page 1 of 2