Visit Dell and Apple's Web sites and analyze the similarities and differences

Assignment 1: Discussion Question

Read the following case study:

Visit Dell and Apple's Web sites and analyze the similarities and differences in how the two computer companies address the items listed below:

Price/quality relationship

Perceived quality/value

Image

Product differentiation

Reducing consumer's perceived risk. These will include time, money, functionality, and cognitive dissonance / post-purchase evaluation.

Criteria Unacceptable Unsatisfactory Emerging Proficient Exemplary

Quality of initial posting, including fulfillment of assignment instructions 0 points

No initial posting.

4 points

Response is not on topic, the message is unrelated to assignment, and post demonstrates poor preparation and lacked substance.

8 points

The initial posting does not adequately address the question(s) posed in the forum; Lacks synthesis of theories and concepts.

12 points

Initial posting demonstrates insightful reflection and answers all given questions; An adequate understanding of theories and concepts is evident in the logical, factual, and relevant information.

16 points

Initial posting reveals a solid understanding of all given questions. A clear synthesis of theories and concepts is evident in the logical, factual, and relevant information.

Quality of responses to classmates 0 points

Does not post any responses to other classmates in this forum.

3 points

Responses do not promote further discussion nor provide new information. Response merely acknowledges the other classmates’ initial posting.

6 points

Provides comments and new information but does not extend meaningful discussion by building on previous posts.

9 points

Provides comments and new information to other posts; extends meaningful discussions by building on previous posts.

12 points

Demonstrates comprehensive analysis of others’ posts; extends meaningful discussions by building on previous posts and offers points of view, supported by research or relevant personal experience.

Frequency of responses to classmates 0 points

Does not participate in the discussion forum.

1 point

Responds to one other student in the discussion question threads.

2 points

Responds to two other classmates’ initial postings.

3 points

Participates on two days of the week. Responds to two other classmates’ initial postings.

4 points

Participates on two or more days of the week. Responds to more than two other classmates’ initial postings.

Reference to supporting readings and other materials 0 points

No reference to any course reading.

1 point

Makes reference to assigned readings but makes no attempt to cite the source.

2 points

Applies single resource to initial response but citations do not conform to an acceptable citation format.

3 points

Applies single resource to initial response. Properly cites (i.e., APA) course materials and/or outside scholarly materials in initial posting only; citations present as needed in responses to classmates.

4 points

Applies more than one resource to initial response. Properly cites (i.e., APA) course materials and outside scholarly readings in initial posting; citations as needed in responses to classmates.

Language and grammar 0 points

No postings for which to evaluate language and grammar.

1 point

Poorly written initial posting and responses including frequent spelling, structure, and/or grammatical errors and/or the use of slang.

2 points

Communicates in friendly, courteous, and helpful manner with some spelling, grammatical, and/or structural errors.

3 points

Contributes structured information with minor spelling, grammatical, or structural errors.

4 points

No spelling, structure, or grammatical errors in any posting. Contributes to discussion with clear, concise comments in an organized manner.

Overall Score Unacceptable

0 or more Unsatisfactory

9 or more Marginal

19 or more Satisfactory

29 or more Exemplary

39 or more