DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM

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 not contain spelling and/or grammar errors.
Submit your key topic by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday of the assigned modules/weeks and your
thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of the same modules/weeks.
Submit your replies by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of the assigned modules/weeks, except for
Module/Week 8. In Module/Week 8, submit your replies by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday.
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 Concept Explanation: 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 must be at least 200 words.

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4. Biblical Integration: Include at least 3 appropriate 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 researched in current APA format. An
annotation must accompany each citation. Each annotation will consist of a descriptive
and evaluative paragraph that is at least 100 words. The annotations are designed to help
your classmates in their understanding of your topic. In addition, provide a persistent link
for each article.
The Replies
You will be required to write substantive replies to a minimum of 2 other classmates’ threads.
Each reply must be a minimum of 200 words and include at least 2 scholarly resources.
Acceptable sources include 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 following suggestions 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 additional knowledge regarding the key topic that relates to the thread.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Review your posts and the Student Expectations prior 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.