Reading Between the Blurred Lines of Fisher v. University of Texas

After more than eight months of anticipation and speculation, the Supreme Court finally issued its opinion in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin. Contrary to fears held by some and hopes held by others, the Court did not use the case as an opportunity to overrule Grutter v. Bollinger, thereby prohibiting the consideration of race in higher education admissions decisions. Instead, the Court vacated the Fifth Circuit’s decision upholding the University of Texas’ (“UT” or “University”) race-based admissions policy and remanded the case “for further proceedings consistent with [the] opinion.” At first glance, the majority opinion authored by Justice Anthony Kennedy appears to be a straight forward tutorial regarding the parameters of strict scrutiny by which courts are to examine the constitutionality of race-based admissions plans. After concluding that the Fifth Circuit failed to analyze the UT plan under the proper constitutional standard due to the deference shown to the University during its narrow tailoring analysis, the Court decided that “fairness to the litigants and the courts that heard the case requires that it be remanded so that the admissions process can be considered and judged under a correct analysis.” While the University and other affirmative action supporters may view the Court’s decision as an optimistic signpost for the future of race-based admissions policies, this Essay fears that, unfortunately, such optimism may be misplaced. It argues that a closer reading of the opinion reveals troubling language and sentiments that could detrimentally impact both the UT admissions plan, specifically, and the future of racial diversity in higher education, more broadly

Implementasi Pembelajaran Problem Solving di Kelas IV Sekolah Dasar Negeri 02 Sadaniang

This research is motivated teacher can not provide a learning problem solving. One problem is the lack of ability of the students in solving a problem that is characterized among other things: 1) Solving the problem of the introduction of custom homes, 2) Designing problem-solving plan on language differences West Kalimantan, 3) Analyzing the introduction song of West Kalimantan. Based on the analysis of data, the general concluded, among others: 1) design study model of learning with problem solving categorized as "very appropriate", through the assessment phase, design phase and the production phase model of problem solving learning model for the formation of attitudes of cultural diversity. 2) Prototype application of learning models problem solving categorized as "very appropriate", in this case the activities performed: preliminary activities, core activities, activities cover problem solving learning model for the formation of attitudes of cultural diversity. 3) The attitude shown students to the cultural diversity categorized as "very good", among others: the enthusiasm of the students in analyzing the introduction of the song West Kalimantan, student responses in designing the plan of solving the differences of regional languages ​​of West Kalimantan, the response of students in solving problems concerning the introduction of home custom

PRESERVATION PLANNING AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

One of historic preservation planning’s greatest tools is the preservation plan itself, which coordinates the various interests and activities of planning into one comprehensive document. While a growing number of localities are publishing preservation plans, comparatively little analysis exists that focuses on preservation plan implementation and effectiveness. The intention of this thesis is to further contribute to the critical reflection of this discipline, through a case study-oriented analysis that focuses on preservation planning history and plan implementation in several cities, in order to determine the usefulness of such plans and methods of improving successful implementation. The case study cities analyzed in this thesis are: Providence, Rhode Island, Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Staunton, Virginia. The selected preservation plans vary in form, content and implementation, and also represent a diversity of localities. These case study plans were analyzed not only through study of the plans themselves, but by examining implementation and success of preservation activities in each locality after its publication. As a result, the analysis presented here includes both a “quantitative” study of outcomes, directly linking plan recommendations with future results, as well as a qualitative assessment of success in each city, primarily based on insights expressed by local preservation professionals through interviews. Themes that are explored here include the planning process, citizen involvement, educational outreach and preservation incentives

The Development of Case-Based Module to Improve Students Learning Outcomes in Citizenship Education

This study aims to determine the development of case-based modules through a module-based design development case material on Diversity of Tribes, Religion, Race and Intergroup in the Frame of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and to see how the implementation and acquisition of learning using case-based modules with research subjects of class VIII students who have studied the material. The research method used in this study is a development research method by combining Borg & Gall's development model with the Dick & Carrey learning design model. Data obtained through interviews, observations and tests applied to the subject of the study. The flow of this research is carried out through three main stages, namely (1) Product development plan phase, which includes analysis of learning objectives, learning analysis, identification of student characteristics, formulating objectives and planning of learning media, (2) Stage of product development, which includes product development, developing test instruments, developing learning strategies, developing and selecting instructional materials, designing and developing evaluation drafts, revising learning packages, and (3) testing and revision stages, which include small group trials, initial product revisions, medium scale tests, revisions second test of result product, and large-scale trials. The results showed a high percentage of the feasibility of learning activities, namely 84.26% in teacher activities and 83.33% in student activities. Learning gain that can be achieved by using case-based modules is the activity of students in learning activities and an increase in the percentage of mastery learning in the pretest and posttest implementation, from 20% to 46.67%. And viewed from the aspect of increasing understanding of the attitudes that must be had regarding the diversity of tribes, religions, races, and intergroup obtained through assessment instruments attitudes as a whole reached an average of 4, which means that some students consider each aspect important to ethnic diversity, religion, race, and intergroup

Class-Based Affirmative Action: Creating a New Model of Diversity in Higher Education

This Note proposes that class-based affirmative action policies should be further implemented in university admissions. While the benefits of class-based policies are clear, most institutions have been hesitant to implement such initiatives for fear of subsequently reducing minority enrollment. Although class-based plans have the potential to limit minorities‘ participation in higher education, if the proper variables are taken into account by admissions offices, these plans would provide a much needed boost to both minorities and disadvantaged white applicants, creating greater socioeconomic diversity while maintaining racial diversity. Thus, this Note concludes that the implementation of class-based policies would not represent the end of race-based affirmative action. Rather, these policies would represent an important modification of race-based policies to achieve the same basic diversity goals while not sacrificing opportunities for well-qualified white students. Part I of this Note will discuss the history of both race-based affirmative action and class-based affirmative action, with a focus on the seminal case law and current public policy debate. Part II will examine the legality of class-based affirmative action policies, and explain why such policies offer a significant advantage over strictly racial policies. Finally, in Part III, this Note will identify the characteristics of an effective class-based affirmative action policy, and propose specific factors and metrics universities should consider when designing an appropriate plan

Diversity of Edible Flora and Biotourism Potential Development of Botany Adventure in Turgo, Mount Merapi National Park Yogyakarta

Turgo Hill is one of the areas of Mount Merapi National Park included in the Nature Tourism Zone which is intended for recreational purposes, tourist visits, and other activities. This research activity was carried out based on a case study conducted by Generasi Biologi Indonesia (Genbinesia) in the activities of Botany Adventure in Turgo Hill. This study objectives to determine the diversity of edible flora, analyze the potential of botany adventure bio tourism and plan strategies for special interest in botanical bio tourism in Turgo Hill. The research method used for the inventory of edible flora is carried out by exploring methods in 2 locations based on the elevation of 500 meters respectively. Analysis of potential bio tourism used descriptive methods through field observation, asked the questionnaires, and interviewed participants. The bio tourism strategy plan is compiled with the SWOT technique. The results of the study show that the diversity of edible flora along the tracking routes as many as 60 species. Based on the analysis of potential, Botany Adventure Biotourism activities are feasible in Bukit Turgo with a feasibility index of 92.15%. The highest potential is supported by the attractiveness of natural resources, accessibility, and the availability of clean water. SWOT search recommends strengthening and developing external factors to improve botanical special interest bio tourism activities in Bukit Turgo by providing special vehicles that mobilize participants, complementing facilities, especially souvenir kiosks, religious facilities, other tourism facilities, and promoting the promotion of activities

Teaching How to Select an Optimal Agile, Plan-Driven, or Hybrid Software Development Approach: Lessons from Enterprise Software Development Leaders

Over 20 years after introducing and popularizing agile software development methods, those methods have proven effective in delivering projects that meet agile assumptions. Those assumptions require that projects be small and simple in scope and utilize small, colocated teams. Given this success, many agile advocates argue that agile should replace plan-driven methods in most or all project contexts, including those projects that deviate significantly from agile assumptions. However, today’s reality is that a diversity of agile, plan-driven, and hybrid approaches continue to be widely used, with many individual organizations using multiple approaches across different projects. Furthermore, while agile advocates argue that the primary barrier to agile adoption is the inertia of traditional organizational cultures, there are, in fact, many rational motivations for utilizing plan-driven and hybrid methods based on individual project characteristics. For information systems students, this creates confusion in two ways: 1) understanding that there is no single best way to develop software in all circumstances but, rather, teams should choose an optimal project approach based on project characteristics, and 2) unpacking and analyzing the wide range of project characteristics – including multiple dimensions in functional requirements, non-functional requirements (NFRs), and team characteristics – that impact that choice. This paper addresses both sources of confusion by utilizing case studies from 22 interviews of enterprise software development leaders. The paper analyzes each case utilizing a “home grounds” model that graphically portrays key project characteristics and their impact on the optimal choice of software development project approach

Strategic management, competitive advantage and the balanced scorecard in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry : a co-operative group case study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Agribusiness at Massey University

Kiwifruit is New Zealand's biggest horticultural industry. The industry, which is lead by Zespri Group Limited, the statutory monopoly for the country's kiwifruit export, is the second most important producer of kiwifruit in the world. In a relative stable world kiwifruit industry, New Zealand has enjoyed buoyant returns in the last seasons. However, it is starting to feel the pressures for consolidation and globalisation, as well as other opportunities and threats. This situation is forcing kiwifruit service providers to plan strategically for the future and change. In this context, Satara Co-operative Group Limited came to life in June 2002, as one of the biggest post harvest operators in the industry, controlling 16.5% and 10% of kiwifruit and avocado volumes, respectively. However, although the hybrid cooperative started after a merger with a new strong corporate identity, it had neither a complete strategic analysis nor a written strategic plan to follow. Separately, a strategic management implementation tool called the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) has had worldwide acceptance and success in the last 10 years. In light of Satara's current strategic circumstances, the tool arises as a feasible and timely strategic solution for the organization. This research investigated whether Satara Co-op Ltd has a competitive advantage in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry through a complete strategic analysis. The research also studied whether the organization's competitive strategics could be implemented through the Balanced Scorecard framework. The research was based on the case study methodology that used extensive secondary data research, personal interviews and visits to relevant industry stakeholders, including: Zespri Group Ltd, Seeka Kiwifruit Industries, New Zealand Fruit Growers Federation, Aongatete Packhouses, Trevelyans Packhouses, and New Zealand Avocado Industry Council, amongst others, as well as in depth interviews to Satara Co-op Ltd executive and managerial positions. The case study data was analysed using pattern matching and explanation building. The results showed that it was not possible to conclude based on tangible data whether Satara Co-op Ltd had a competitive advantage. However, when available tangible data was added to intangibles and stakeholder's statements about the organization, along with the application of the SELECT framework, it was possible to determine that Satara's competitive advantage was based in its cooperative structure, scale and geographic diversity as well as its future diversification capabilities under different scenarios. The case study results also acknowledged that Satara Co-op Ltd strategies could be implemented through the Balanced Scorecard framework, as its strategies and available information allow the implementation of the framework building blocks, which are objectives, measures, targets and initiatives in four perspectives, namely financial, customer, internal processes and learning and growth. Satara strategies also match in various degrees the BSC extension framework, the strategy map, with its sub categories of revenue growth, productivity strategy, customer value proposition, internal businesses strategic themes and learning and growth drivers. This allowed the construction of a corporate strategy map, which was presented to the organization. Because the BSC and the organization's improvements due to the framework implementation could not be tested during the time allocated to this research, recommendations were drawn in respect to how the organization's competitive advantage and its competitive strategies will deliver to shareholders vision through the implementation of the corporate BSC presented and further score cards development at different levels in the organization. Keywords: strategic management, competitive advantage, cooperative, kiwifruit, avocado, packhouse, coolstore, Balanced Scorecard and strategy map

Management, conservation and farming of saltwater crocodiles: An Australian case study of sustainable commercial use

Opinions differ about what types of policies are likely to be most effective in conserving wildlife species. For example, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) is based on the premise that curbing the commercial use of endangered species favours their conservation, whereas the Convention on Biological Diversity envisages the possibility that such use may contribute to the conservation of species. In Australia, as illustrated in the case of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the governments of the Northern Territory and Western Australia have favoured the latter policy in recent years, whereas Queensland has favoured the former approach. The saltwater crocodile management plan of the Northern Territory provides an instructive case study of the consequences of adopting a commercial use strategy to promote wildlife conservation. The methodology used in this study, which involves a survey of crocodile farm managers and managers of cattle properties in the Northern Territory as well as secondary data, is outlined, after providing background on the conservation status of saltwater crocodiles in Australia and the saltwater crocodile management plan of the Northern Territory. In the results section, after outlining the nature and structure of the Northern Territory crocodile farming industry, evidence is presented on whether or not the crocodile management plan of the Northern Territory encourages pastoralists to conserve crocodiles on their properties. This study concludes with a discussion of the overall conservation effectiveness of the crocodile management scheme of the Northern Territory and considers its possible implications for saltwater crocodile management in areas of Asia where the species occurs