Assignment Description
Graduate Programs Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards (DB) are a key component of online learning. They foster active participation of learners and dialog with fellow learners and instructors. Graduatelevel courses
require learners to create original posts to course DBs and to engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the course. Original posts and responses
should be substantive, and if references are made to the works of others, APA guidelines for intext citations and references apply.
Minimum Weekly DB Expectations
Post an original and thoughtful Main Post to the DB prompt.
Respond to at least 2 other posts from learners and/or the instructor (Response Posts).
The first contribution (Main Post or Response Post) must be posted before midnight (Central time) on Friday of each week.
Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week.
For DB assignment prompts with a Part One and Part Two, Part One should be addressed in the first week of the unit with a Main Post and minimum of 2 Response
Posts, and Part Two should be addressed in the second week of the unit with a Main Post and a minimum of 2 Response Posts.
More on DBs
At the end of each unit, DB participation is assessed based on level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion. DBs allow learners to learn through
sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content. Because it is not possible to engage in twoway dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB are
accepted after the end of the unit. Learners must demonstrate an appropriate depth of understanding of course content to receive credit for having submitted substantive posts.
Typically, this is achieved with 3–4 strong paragraphs for Main Posts and 2–3 strong paragraphs for Response Posts.
Discussion Board Question
After presenting the CEO with your strategy based on a successful joint meeting held with the executive director of research and development and the executive director of sales,
the CEO has informed you that in fact she wants you to develop this plan according to the phases of the project management life cycle: starting, planning, executing, and
providing closure for a project.
In your opinion, what are the limitations of the project management life cycle theory?
How would you improve the project management plans of two other project managers if you were the project manager of their respective projects? Be supportive and
constructive.
In your own words, post a substantive response to the Discussion Board question(s) and comment on other postings. Your response should address the DB
question(s) and move the conversation forward. You will be graded on the quality of your postings, including mastery of the concept as well as critical thinking. If
asked for your opinion, do not simply state that it is a good or bad idea; elaborate on your reasons and argument. Include enough detail to substantiate your
thinking as well as your position on the questions or comments.
Grading Criteria
30% Identify the limitations of the project management life cycle theory in
relation to your and 2 other project managers’ plans.
15% Tell why the project management life cycle theory may be limited or
oversimplified.
40% How would you improve the other project managers’ plans if you were the
project manager for their respective proposed projects?
15% Provide constructive feedback to at least 2 other project managers.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials
