DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM INSTRUCTIONS

You will complete 4 Discussion Board Forums over the duration of this course. Each will be completed over a period of 2 modules/weeks and will consist of 3 parts: key topic, thread, and replies.The Discussion Board Forums allow you the opportunity to apply what you have learned from the module/week's readings and quiz.

Each Discussion Board Forum assignment will consist of a key topic, thread, and at least 2 replies to 2 other classmates' threads. All posts must be written in current APA format in a substantive manner and must notcontain spelling and/or grammar errors.

Reserve a Key Topic

Key topics are addressed within each chapter. Select a key topic to research and discuss. Post the topic you wish to reserve in the subject line of your thread. You may choose the same topic as a peer, but the topics must be addressed from different vantage points (perspectives).

The Thread

After you have reserved your key topic, use the Internet to search for at least 5 scholarly resources that relate to the topic and have been published within the last 5 years. Academic articles and journals must be reputable and obtained from professional websites that address the content of this course. Popular magazines and online sources such as Wikipedia are not permissible.

After reading the articles, select 1 article relating to your key topic that you wish to use in your thread. Your thread must be posted in the text box where you originally reserved your key topic; do not submit a second thread. In the event that the formatting could be lost from the text box, attach a Word file to your thread, and adhere to the following format:

1. Key ConceptExplanation: Define your key topic by using a source other than the textbook. Give a clear, concise overview of the essential elements relevant to understanding your key topic. In addition, explain why you are interested in this topic (e.g., academic curiosity, application to a current issue related to employment, or any other professional rationale).

2. Comparison: Compare your research with what you have studied during the module/week in which the key topic/thread is assigned. Note differences or commonalities about your key topic, providing evidence that you have extended your understanding of this topic beyond the textbook readings. This is an opportunity for you to cite the additional articles you originally researched. This section must be at least 200 words.

3. Article Summary:In your own words, provide a clear and concise summary of the article you selected. This section mustbe at least 200 words.

4. Biblical Integration: Include at least 3appropriate biblical references. Explain the relevance of your key topic to God's law and how it can be applied in a Christian context. This section must be at least 100 words.

5. Application: Specifically state how your key topic has been applied to real-world businesses or describe the potential your key topic has to influence today's business world. Your application must possess a professional rationale that demonstrates the significance of your key topic. This section must be at least 100 words.

6. Annotated Bibliography: Cite the articles you researchedin current APA format. An annotation must accompany each citation. Each annotation will consist of a descriptive and evaluative paragraphthat is at least 100 words. The annotations are designed to help your classmates in their understanding of your topic. In addition, provide apersistent link for each article.

The Replies

You will be required to write substantive replies to a minimum of2 other classmates' threads.Each reply must be a minimum of 200 words and include at least 2 scholarly resources. Acceptable sourcesinclude the textbook, the Bible, outside scholarly articles, etc.

Substantive replies, in contrast to perfunctory replies, add value to the forum, enhance learning, and contain references to any new concepts or ideas presented.

The followingsuggestions will aid you in successfully composing substantive responses:

• Compare/contrast the findings of others with your research.

• Compare how the findings of others relate/add to the concepts learned in the required readings.

• Share additionalknowledge regarding the key topic that relates to the thread.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Review your posts and the Student Expectationsprior to submission in order to ensure that your sources are properly cited.

If you need any assistance in writing, format, or persistent links, the Liberty University Online Writing Center will be able to help you.