The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

There are 4 factors that influence the price elasticity of demand:

• The availability of substitutes
• The specific nature of the good
• The part of income spent on the good
• The time consumers have to buy the good

In a 2–4 paragraph Discussion Board post, discuss the following:

• Choose a product you have purchased in the past month from a clothing or shoe store.
• Describe how each of the 4 factors contributed to the elasticity of the good.
• Is the product considered elastic, inelastic, or unitary elastic?
• In a few sentences, what effect does the current supply and current demand have on this product?
• Comment on another student’s posting.

In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.