AIU ACG610 Unit 3 - Discussion Board

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.

Convenience stores are looking at more competition from supermarkets, drugstores, and membership-warehouse clubs that have added gas pumps and faster checkouts. Therefore, cost cuts are needed to increase convenience stores' competitive edge. Some retailers have found that it is cost-effective to stock only one brand of a product. Others found that stocking particular products cost the convenience store so much that it incurred a loss on the sale of that particular product. Using accounting software takes all of these costs into consideration and shows where nonprofitable products are losing money. It helps convenience stores increase sales and decrease costs.

Select one of the major convenience store in your town and research the store product, and list all of the types of costs that can be associated with a product.
Since cutting cost are needed to increase convenience stores' competitive edge, in your professional judgment and based on your experience, which costs can be cut without affecting daily operations of the store. Please discuss your reasons for cutting the selected costs.
Using accounting software takes operating costs into consideration and shows where nonprofitable products are losing money. How does this software tool help to more accurately assess an item's profitability? Do you think that this software is beneficial for convenience stores? Why or why not?
Do you think this software is beneficial?
Can you recall a personal situation in your career in which a company that you use to or currently are working for cut unnecessary costs? How cutting costs workout?

Grading Rubric
Select one of the major convenience store in your town and research the store product, and list all of the types of costs that can be associated with a product. 20%
Since cutting cost are needed to increase convenience stores' competitive edge, in your professional judgment and based on your experience, which costs can be cut without affecting daily operations of the store. Please discuss your reasons for cutting the selected costs. 20%
Using accounting software takes operating costs into consideration and shows where nonprofitable products are losing money. How does this software tool help to more accurately assess an item's profitability? Do you think that this software is beneficial for convenience stores? Why or why not? 20%
Do you think this software is beneficial? 15%
Can you recall a personal situation in your career in which a company that you use to or currently are working for cut unnecessary costs? How cutting costs workout? 15%
Substantive responses to students posts (at least two replies) 10%
TOTAL 100%

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.

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