One’s Self Essay

â€Å"Self† expresses an individual person as the object as his or her own reflective consciousness. It expresses one’s own interest of struggle and gain, as well as having their own consciousness of one’s being or identity. In the story â€Å"Yes Ma’am† by Deirdre McCloskey, and the Ted Talk â€Å"embracing otherness, embracing myself† by Thandie Newton both share a conception of one’s self through being mindful of the impact of society and the role that is expected to be played, but is confident and accustomed in what makes them content with themselves mentally. They differ for the reason that Deirdre explains the gesture differences amongst men and women despite the fact that she uses the women gestures to display her feminine qualities. Thandie speaks about going through hardships while she was growing up as well as obtaining her dancing and acting career. The attempt of trying to be accepted, but was repeatedly rejected by society and not being able to fit. However, she explains that â€Å"self† shapes out interactions with others and the world around us. Also how the connections of self and being judged shape the way people feel about themselves. Thandie expresses the fact of not being born with self but developing one as we are taught about ourselves the details, opinions and ideas from parents, family and friends that influence a person’s character. On the other hand those details opinions and ideas become fact to navigate the construction of ourselves (identity). She states that our self-projection is based on others projections and complicates who one is and who one wants to be. Newton Implies that the things individuals do and are successful at is mocked by others because it is perceived to be the â€Å"right way† to do things: also entitled an organized or controlled society. Thandie Newton articulates that â€Å"self is not a living thing†¦things that are affected by society like jobs, money, cars we drive and jewelry devalue life. † Newton evaluates her quote by stating self remains inside, not being defined of what someone has or what someone have earned but being content with knowing who one is intellectually and emotionally. People must use uniqueness and creativity of the mind to be one’s own person. Thandie talks about throughout her life she has been distanced in character and in the color of her skin. She explains that being a black atheist attending a white catholic school every one look at her as different. Thandie’s mother being black from Zimbabwe, and her father being from Cornwall was a problem growing up in the time period she grew up in. Trying to escape the reality of being different she finds a passion for dancing and acting. Newton expressed that she felt at peace in another world with herself. â€Å"Dysfunctional self could plug into another self, not my own and it felt so good†. She states that the nagging selfhood did not exist when she danced. Thandie says that she would put all of her expression into dancing. She would forget about where she was or even who she was and the problems of being an outcast. Deirdre was once a husband for three decades with two children, and after internal struggle she began the process of gender change. Years after her scholarly work in the field of gender studies Deirdre articulates the gestures of men and women and how they carry themselves. She explains how she watched other women in her culture for characteristic gestures and would do them on the spot. She would perceive the women to check their hair frequently, play idly with their jewelry, rest with hands together, and years after her transition she would use these gestures to be noticed as feminine women. While Deirdre was at a conference someone told her, â€Å"last year your motions were a little abrupt; now they are convincingly feminine†. (175) Deirdre and Thandie both explain the concept of being’s one’s self in different ways. Thandie expresses the point of being judged and looked down upon. In addition, she tries to understand the meaning of one’s self by recognizing who she is, and what she wants throughout her life and career. On the other hand, Deirdre has overcome who she once was and is at ease with being a women, and showing off her feminine characteristics. She has found a self that she is able to be comfortable enough to write a book on her highly personal gender crossing experience. In the book Crossing: A Memoir Deirdre states â€Å"My gender crossing was motivated by identity, not by a balance sheet of utility†. Deirdre expresses that she became a women by her choice of how comfortable she felt not because of what society looked at her as. Self† comes from the identity you give yourself or what others see you as not what you do as a career or what car you drive or how successful you are. As Deirdre talks about attempts to take a physical identity that strangers would accept her as a women and Thandie specks on the struggles of growing up as an outcast who never fit it, both authors share a conception of one’s self through being mindful of the impact of society and the role that is expected to be played, but is confident and accustomed in what makes them content with themselves mentally.

A political conflict Essay

For colored citizens prior to the Civil War, freedom was a distant dream as the age-old human history of slavery heightened within the American heartlands even after the Declaration of Independence. When the American nation proudly held a new constitution, it was supposedly a determined effort to uphold a balance of power symbolizing the freedom from political, cultural and moral oppression yet colored individuals were treated as less civilized citizens and slavery was reinforced by and among the rich landowners capable of maintaining numerous slaves. As slavery provided free labor and flourishing the slave trade, African black slaves exported from Africa increased the slave population in the United States by 4 million (US 1860 Census). The Quakers of Pennsylvania as an antislavery force that gained strength throughout the country paved the way for the gradual abolition of slavery in the US northern states. New York and New Jersey became the last Northern states to abolish slavery (Grant 2001). A political conflict however ensued as slavery supporters insisted lifting any barriers to slave trade while sanctioning the acceptance of slavery based on the biblical scriptures as â€Å"God’s plan to Christianize† the Africans (Hartz 1955). Slavery for the supporters was seen as an economic, social and cultural life which actually lengthened the arguments for the continued adherence to slave labor. Divisive means were also used to promote scientific experiments to demonstrate the superiority of the whites and the inferiority of the blacks (Colley 1859), where anatomical proportions of the brain justify blacks doing hard labor which upon careful contrast does not measure up to the actual inequalities committed within the period. As the debate on slavery grew, disrespect for the law also rose. Sooner than expected, the American slaves who were ill-treated began to resort to acts of violence like burnings barns, arson and even murder. The famous acts of rebellion in Saint Dominique (1790’s) and Virginia (1800’s) paved the way for the 1831 rebellion that killed sixty whites in Virginia tougher slave codes and prohibitions for the slaves that was heavily emphasized in William Lloyd Garrison’s The Liberator as provided by Tocqueville. No amount of compromise could weed out the institution of slavery except upon the culmination of Lincoln’s election in the 1850’s and the legal implementation of the Thirteenth Amendment (Zinn 2001). II. Blacks living in free states Blacks actually lived a precarious existence within the Free states prior to the Civil War as many were still considered slaves. Many of the free blacks, who were skilled craftsmen, were tolerated because of their abilities as their earnings contributed to the general economy yet none of the free blacks ever rose higher than the status of small tradesmen, builders or nautical employees as they soon became a source of revenue as property taxpayers (Toqueville 1969). Forten, a free black girl from the Northern states gained education in Salem and observed that runaway slaves in Boston were treated as mere slaves and returned to their masters instead of being set free (Forten 2000). Although conditions were far better for the Blacks in the Northern states, very few blacks had their voices heard. Segregated facilities still existed in the North and they were usually denied entrance to the best hotels and restaurants (Jordan 1995, 218). Although schools in New England were usually integrated, those in the Midwest were generally not and economic discrimination continued as the Blacks fought to compete with large numbers of recent European immigrants for job opportunities and almost always lost (Cartmell 2004). During this same period, Norfolk’s free blacks frequently helped enslaved African-Americans to buy their freedom, and in a few instances became slave owners themselves (Toqueville 1969). Harsh laws soon prevailed as freedoms enjoyed by free blacks were soon curtailed because they were still unable to vote. The blacks were often stereotyped as unruly citizens that soon led other free blacks to move further north and help their relatives escape from increasing mistreatment. III. Blacks in the Army In the battle for the emancipation of slavery, slaves contributed to their freedom by laboring and rallying behind the scenes. At the onset of war, the free Black Virginians supported the Confederacy even though they were treated as inferiors and lived in a state of fear. Many were motivated to work with the Confederate States with the hope that someday restrictions against them would be lifted while anticipating a post war gratitude from the white counterparts they fought with (Jordan 1995, 216). The efficiency of the army during the Civil War also saw slaves working as cooks, nurses, hospital attendants, blacksmiths, etc and not getting any pay while free blacks however who served the army were paid the same rate as privates (Cartmell 2004, 176). Less than a dozen African Americans actually served in combat, one of those who did was Holt Collier who served as a sharp shooter and cavalryman of the Texas Brigade (Cartmell, 2004). Thus suffice for us to say that the Blacks fought behind enemy lines as soldiers and were inspired by their involvement yet many were denied enlistment. IV. Blacks who remained in the confederate states Prior to the Civil War, black slaves in Louisiana enjoyed certain privileges that addressed their needs as slaves like being able to sue their masters for abuse (Edge and Downs 2003). Free Blacks were free to own property and conduct business while enjoying liberties absent from other Southern states while slaves were permitted to celebrate their African culture at the markets (edge and Downs 2003). In Virginia, Blacks were criticized for being indifferent to the success of the Southern rebellion as a few free blacks pretended to be slaves in order to gain urban employment like Jim Butler who worked at Richmond’s Exchange Hotel (Jordan 1995, 215). For most Blacks during the period, social injustice prevailed distressingly as slaveholdings in the vast majority of the Southern states continued. Treatment bordered from harsh to inhumane as slavery allowed the master to punish the blacks who failed to perform his duties as related in Stampp, â€Å"Now, I speak what I know, when I say it is like ‘casting pearls before swine’ to try to persuade a negro to work. He must be made to work, and should always be given to understand that if he fails to perform his duty he will be punished for it (Stampp 1956). Slave overseers were authorized to whip the non compliant slaves while free blacks were monitored well by patrols. Escapees were either maimed of killed as slaves were at risk of loosing their family members to punishing masters according to Stampp. Slave-breeding was encouraged to encourage the economic interest of Southern planters for easy access to black workers to retain whole black families to work for them (Loveland 1986). As a backlash to the Southerners who mistreated their black slaves, many Southern blacks fought for the Confederate cause as a patriotic duty in part and as slaves in full. Yet for many who knew and acknowledged the Northerners cause, most Black soldiers in the Confederate states fled to the Northern lines and fought with them. The slave’s knowledge proved important in winning the war as their familiarity became an advantage for the Northern regiment. V. Life after the war When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, it heavily marked the end of slavery and thereby freeing nearly four million slaves in America (grant 2001). But the history of unfair treatment of the US on its own people easily portrayed hypocrisy on its citizens as Blacks remained objects of racial discrimination. It goes into reason that politicians used their might to support the rich sectors’ relevant refusal to grant equal rights to blacks. Another point of discussion was the political agenda behind the support for the anti-slavery campaigns when civil rights and voting rights became an important issue. Granting the Black community access to their own rights would naturally mean higher pay for the earners and lower profits for the capitalists. While supportive of the anti-slavery, political leaderships, not wanting to loose the support of their corporate and rich allies despite knowledge of unfair treatment would seek to ignore such acts. Such was the extent and tentacles of power used for gains that demean the spirit of the Declaration of Independence (Hartz 1955). V. The fight for equality for the next 100 years As a wave of democracy rose to deafening heights, Black struggle for acceptance rose to free them from the binding ties of slavery (Markoff 1996, 163). Although slavery was emancipated, marginalized sectors continue to insist on freedom from mockery and racial segregation based on skin color (Loveland 1996). Struggles continued as schools in the South refused to adapt to integration that led to riots commandeered by the blacks held in opposition against the whites who refused desegregation and tolerate intimidation and murders led by its famous Ku Klux Klan movement (Zinn 2001). Few of the KKK’s activities received massive media attention until the murder of a 14 year old Emmet Till in 1955 that led to a confrontation against issues of racism. As women gained equal rights in 1960’s, racial discrimination slowly ebbed that gave way to several centuries of struggle fr the blacks to gain a state of freedom. VI. Conclusion Why slavery had to be ended by extreme force? If it were probably left to the government the rights of the ordinary slaves would have been left as it was. Heavy opposition and criticism did not bring an end to slavery. Even the national government who endorsed anti-slavery Republicans into office to resolve the issue was most of the time indecisive. The slave- owning southerners and the anti-slavery northerners could not see eye to eye on the ultimate extinction of slavery. In the 1850’s open hostilities were already brimming on several states which finally triggered hostile actions. Although many favored and sought some sort of a compromise, the stronger point of rejection for one was triggered by fear that a conspiracy is threatening to bring down the American republic. Disagreements arise to a crescendo as political parties split and Lincoln’s war goals came into light to solve the problem by means of force when no alternative action could be seen to solve the conflict. Greed for power was the root of such warfare nurtured among many that sought to restrict freedom and pursued rampant acts of discrimination. Such tentacles of power used for corporate gains demean the spirit of independence in this nation’s history. Bibliography Cartmell, Donald. 2004. The Civil War Up Close: Thousand of Curious, Obscure and Fascinating Facts. Career Press. Colley, Thomas. 1859. Civilized America. Bradbury and Evans. Edge, John T. and Downs, Tom. 2003. New Orleans. Lonely Planet. Forten, Charlotte L. 2000. A Free Black Girl Before the Civil War: The Diary of Charlotte Forten, 1854. Capstone Press. Grant, Donald L. 2001. The Way It was in the South: The Black Experience in Georgia. Atlanta: University of Georgia Hartz, Louis. 1955. The Liberal Tradition in America: An Interpretation of American Thought Since the Revolution. New York: Harcourt. Jordan, Ervin L. 1995. Black Confederates and Afro-Yankees in Civil War Virginia. Virginia: University of Virginia. Loveland, Anne C. 1986. Lilian Smith, A Southerners Confronting the South: A Biography. Baton Rouge: Lousisiana State University. Markoff, John. 1996. Waves of Democracy: Social Movements and Political Change. Pine Forge Press. Stampp, Kenneth M. 1956. The Peculiar Institution: Slavery in the Ante-Bellum South. Survey Tocqueville, Alexis. 1969. Democracy in America, eds. J. P. Mayer, trans. George Lawrence. New York: Harper Collins. Zinn, Howard. 2001. People’s History of the United States. New York: Harper Collins.

Marx long ago wrote that philosophers

One of most controversial socio-political ideas, which advocators of social change want to incorporate within the context of society, is egalitarianism. Egalitarianism aims to ensure that equality is being observed among men. Equality is viewed in egalitarian stance, in the sense that each individual must be treated equally and fairly wherein economic opportunities are available to all and wealth is distributed evenly. Hence, egalitarianism presupposes that each individual should have an equal social worth and moral status. John Locke posits the basic tenets of egalitarianism, which explicitly state that the validation of our natural rights will lead to the realization of social change. First, each individual has the right to do everything she chooses; in so far that he/she will not infringe other’s rights, in forms of fraud, force, violence, and the likes. Second, each individual has the right to ensure his/her safety, except if she gave up this right or transfer to others or to the government. And most importantly, each and everyone is the owner of themselves and all infants must be nurtured properly until they reach their adulthood by those who biologically create them. Thus, Locke’s concept of egalitarianism is focus on self-ownership. In this milieu, we can infer that egalitarianism proposed by Locke is geared towards social change because even if it gives so much stress on self-ownership, it can never denied that the validation of one’s natural rights is the primary step for equality among men, which happens to be the epicenter of man’s struggle.   Justice is served when there is equality. The basic drive of egalitarianism springs from the contrast between the claim of every human being to an equal status, in respect simply of our common humanity, and the inequality of income and wealth. That equality of status is expressed in our notion of rights inherent in every human being, by reason only of his or her sentient existence. We speak of ‘human rights’, and expect them to be recognized in every land, whatever the structure of its society or the policy of its government, simply because the inhabitants are human beings as are we. Every person who shares with us the experience of voyaging on this planet between birth and death is in like case with us, and in some respects is entitled to an equal consideration. Those respects appear in civic rights, such as free speech, access to justice, the vote, and protection of property. They appear also where duties are imposed, such as conscription, or jury service; even taxation is required to lay an equal burden on households' ability to pay. In all these and other respects, we feel it wrong to accord or deny rights to people according to their parentage, their abilities, their attainments and even (except in extreme cases) their conduct. Increasingly in recent years it has been held that we should make no distinction by gender. We rate the standing of a country in the scale of civilization by the extent to which it observes these rights. Yet even where they are observed most fully, and the people pride themselves on their civic equality, they are divided from one another by great differences in their income and wealth, with all the consequent differences in their way of life. The spirit of humanity works in one way, the market economy in quite another. To many people who look for no revolutionary change, this disparity is shocking. Contrariwise, egalitarianism for Karl Marx is necessary for as long as it is construed that capitalism is eliminated altogether, in which the existence of inequalities among men in the arena of economic market will not be ruled by capitalist establishments. Marx argues that it is permissible to distribute economic goods based on the criterion emphasized by norms, and not by capitalists. Norm is the basis for equal rights because people will not be exploited since the economic earnings that a person will be getting is justified by his/her labor contribution, or as the catchphrase, â€Å"to each according to his contribution†.[1] But since this kind of reasoning is still problematic, Marx posits that this will only be a stepping stone, until a society reaches a higher communist status wherein the law will be â€Å"to each according to his needs†.   Marx furthers that a society, in order to acquire a just society, must not equate norms to any moral principle because incorporating such concept emanates an attitude of enforcement. If Locke claims that self-ownership is the key in actualizing egalitarian perspective, Marx, on the one hand, construes that is the realization of a utopian society. Self-ownership is lacking for Marx because a person is still vulnerable to any kind of exploitations, especially in economic market and labor, wherein those who cannot claim their self will be left to be exploited. He postulates that exploitation (in terms of labor, economic distribution, etc.) will only be annihilated if the society will reach its utopian status because for this status to be realized, it is a principal prerequisite that every member of a society participates in a societal operation that gives value to one’s ability, and with regards to what the individual can contribute in that society it should not be attacked by any prejudices and biases. Everyone is equal even if there is a diversity of abilities or contributions. If equality exists within one’s society, then social change is achievable. It must be noted that social change asks for the re-landscaping of society’s status quo. And in present times, the distribution of wealth and equal opportunities is of major concern. Reference: Henry, B. P. (1991). Egalitarianism and the Generation of Inequality (Reprint ed.): Oxford University Press, USA. [1] Henry, B.P. Egalitarianism and the Generation of Inequality. Oxford Univ. Press, p. 122.

Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 10

Political Science - Essay Example In the United States of America, most of the decisions made by the court have involved civil liberties or human rights. In 1964, a civil rights act was enacted which restricted employment discrimination based on a person’s sex, religion, race, or color. The act provides that a person has a right to sue anybody who infringes on his or her rights or conspire to rob others of their civil rights. In education, the Supreme Court denounced discrimination of any form in terms of color or race in all public schools. This matter was included into the constitution under Equal Protection Clause in the 14th amendment of the constitution. The court held that segregating African American students made them inferior which in turn limited their opportunities to excel in life. For example, in the case between Brown versus Board of Education, the Supreme Court denounced racial discrimination as illegal. Therefore, the Supreme Court unanimously agreed that all schools be desegregated. This direc tive was issued by the Supreme Court to create a better racial balance in United States. In order to correct past discriminatory action based on sex and race, the affirmative action program was introduced. This move directed employers to employ minorities who in the past were discouraged from seeking jobs with them. Much of attention has turned to affirmative action in higher education when University of Texas School of law stated that the school giving admissions to minorities was not constitutional but Supreme Court held that admissions to schools was to be on equal basis and merit. The court made discrimination in private sector illegal and unconstitutional. A good example is the case between Patterson and Mclean Credit Union where the court barred racial discrimination in hiring employees as it was against civil rights(Abraham and Barbara 44-55). The courts have adopted double standard which aid in analyzing

Analyzing Financial Statements of Actual U.S. Companies Term Paper

Analyzing Financial Statements of Actual U.S. Companies - Term Paper Example Finally, the analysis will be relied on to determine in which company to $ 20,000. Back in the seventies, the airline industry in the U.S was highly regulated. During the period, the government implemented strict policies to new entrants. The regulations put by the government set very high standards, which attracted more entry fee. As a result, the entry into the industry became more expensive. Potential entrants withdrew their entry plans. The consequences of the strict regulations were low competition, high prices, reduced quality of the airline services and decline in sales volume. Since the U.S. Government lifted the regulations, the entry of new players has been on the rise. Competition in the industry has increased leading to a rise in services standards. The quality of airline services increased as the competition grew tight. Companies had to improve their competitive standards, and one of the effective competitive strategies is constant quality delivery. Deregulation of the airline industry lead to the reduction of the fare prices, which made the airline s ervices more affordable (Airline Deregulation, Revisited par. 1-7). Currently, most airline companies have a new plan that most analysts refer to as anti-competitive strategies. The consolidation strategy that has seen many airline companies merge is not supported by various authorities such as the Department of Transport. Companies following companies have merged into one: Air Trans merged with Southwest, the American airline merged with U.S Airways, United airline merged with Continental among other examples. The recent consolidation causes many fears as it could lead to monopoly. As a result, in 2013, the District of Columbia and Antitrust Division’s civil enforcement program legally challenged the consolidation strategy on the grounds that free competition and the quality level of services would be compromised (Airline Deregulation, Revisited par.

Humes Moral Judgement Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Humes Moral Judgement Theory - Essay Example The nonpropositional interpretation of Hume's claim states that moral judgement does not express truth or fact, it is merely the expression of a feeling or a feeling itself. The subjective description on the other hand, takes the view of the spectator's moral evaluation simply being the contemplation of the common point of view. The dispositional interpretation understands moral judgements about good and evil have a motivational influence on our actions. Hume also states that moral evaluation involves the spectator's feelings in relation to witnessing the agent's act. Since these feelings are involved, then moral judgment must be subjective. In terms of dispositional interpretation, the agent's action can cause the spectator to either approve or disapprove. For instance, if a character trait is in accordance with the spectator, it will elicit feelings of approval. Moral judgments are subjective because they are based on the feelings of the spectator, and spectators will either approve or disapprove of the agent's actions, and their judgment is the result of whether or not they identify the character of the agent as appropriate or not. These brief explanations of Hume's moral judgement theory illustrate Hume's basic assumption that it is only feeling that generates action and feeling that labels any action as morally right or wrong, good or bad. This is based upon the perceptions of the spectator, rather than the motivations of the agent of the action. While Hume asserts that moral judgements are based upon emotional motivations such as desire, he claims that moral judgements based upon the actions of others do not express beliefs. According to Hume, desires and beliefs are distinct, contradictory states. Desires are not rationally criticisable as they make no reference to truth or reason. A belief on the other hand, is merely a copy of an assessable truth. Here reason alone is motivationally inert and moral judgements cannot therefore be derived from reason. Another aspect of moral judgment is moral sentiment. Sentiment is an emotion caused by thinking about the action to be evaluated without any level of self-interest. Examples of moral sentiment are approval (a pleasure) and disapproval (a pain). Consequently, people can differentiate which traits are virtuous or vicious. The use of emotions and feelings (especially approval and disapproval) towards traits leads to approval of actions. Hence, agreeable traits tend to cause feelings of approval; whereas disagreeable traits tend to create feelings of disapproval. Moral judgment is also affected by sympathy. Hume believes that by observing a person's outward appearance, the spectator can comprehend the passion of the person's mind. When these characteristics resemble or are contiguous with their own, the spectator is more likely to experience sympathetic feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. In conclusion, Hume asserts that people can take different roles in terms of being an agent, a receiver, or a spectator. Since people can observe their own actions and also sympathize with their moral sentiments, it is possible for significant actions to fall into more than one category. Likewise, I agree with Hume that moral approval is based on emotional responses. Human nature is not based on expressed beliefs but on moral judgments substantiated by feelings. Hume's opinions of moral beliefs were radical or even contentious to his own contemporaries in the

Assessment and decision analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assessment and decision analysis - Assignment Example She also stated that the government toughened the penalties for the companies, which violate the rules of dangerous goods transportation. According to Rite, the government is implementing thorough control over the situation. However, such statements did not seem convincing. Thus, Canadian Senate committee insists on the reconsideration of the state’s policy concerning the transportation of dangerous goods. Meanwhile, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is paying special attention to the possibility of implementing strict and corresponding control of the railway system of the country. Canadas Standing Senate Committee considers it is important to implement the thorough inspection of the country’s railway system, the main principles of its regulation standards, the norms and practices. The main goal of a new report called "Moving Energy Safely: A Study of the Safe Transport of Hydrocarbons by Pipelines, Tankers and Railcars† is to improve the safety of railway transportation in Canada. The report under consideration includes thirteen advices on safety transportation and the request to take into account all these advices. The report also contains a call to Transport Canada to provide railway companies with advantageous condition of insurance so that they may cover all the expenses connected with possible unhappy accident. It became clear that Canadian railway system is far from ideal and needs to be re-examined and modernized. One of the investigators, Kirby Jang states: "in Canada, we have a system called centralized traffic control, which provides visual signals, but there is no automated stopping or slowing of trains if the train crew were to exceed the limits of their authority†. He also insisted on the introduction of new safety system: â€Å"we believe that theres a risk of serious train collisions and derailments if

The Main Challenge of Intercultural Relations Essay

The Main Challenge of Intercultural Relations - Essay Example Every person belongs to a certain culture and, therefore, the qualities or characteristics in a given culture depend on the general characteristics of the people. This implies that the average strength and weakness of people in a given culture might be considered as the weakness or strength within the culture. Identifying personal weakness and strength is an important aspect of effective communication. Tolerance is the ability to give other people a chance to express themselves and their ideas. This course has enabled me to acknowledge tolerance as an important element in culture. I also realized that I am a very analytical person. In addition, I realized that I have good listening skills and this is my basic strength in intercultural interactions. Good listening skills enable to give people from different cultural backgrounds the chance to express their views and ideas (Lustig & Koester, 2010). Using this skill, I am able to learn other people and this contributes to effective inter cultural relation. Our culture promotes good listening and analytical skills. However, the culture has some few weaknesses that act as a barrier to effective communication. The course has enabled me to realize that members of our culture are very judgmental. I have also learnt this is the basis of having a negative attitude towards people from different cultures. If people from our culture improve in this area, I believe that we can become more competent in our intercultural interaction and communication.

Iraq and Kuwait relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Iraq and Kuwait relations - Essay Example Will Iraq open negotiations?  Will Iraq open negotiations?  The negotiation platform will only be opened by Iraq if there will be any war that may materialize.For now, I don’t see any war emerging.With the good leadership of Iraq, if there need be, negotiations can be open by Iraq.Question to be answered about the specific research question. According to my specific research questions, the type of study is predictive.b. The dependent variable is Iraq open negotiations with Kuwait. No.d. The case study to be investigated is the relationship between Iraq and Kuwait. It should be given the in-depth study to see whether there can be any conflict.e. Yes. Some of the obvious answers are; Iraq will open negotiations due to the good political will and leadership. Its obvious answer because Iraq has got new leadership now which is willing to negotiate.f. NoIt is my concern that Iraq still needs oil for economic superiority and Kuwait has got this oil.So there may need to invade Kuw ait by Iraq to have this oil. This may happen if the Kuwaiti government may be refused to settle the debt they have. What interest me in this research topic is that the human lives are at stake and the conflict should be avoided at all courses.  According to Beverley Milton-Edwards and Peter Hinchcliffe, political figures, particularly in the White House, understood well that â€Å"given the powerful influence of the Zionist (pro-Israel) lobby in US internal politics, it would be a bold or rash administration that took any action that might stimulate its ire.  Ã‚  

Transformation at the IRS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Transformation at the IRS - Essay Example he group of people to which the task for implementing change has been assigned, e) measures for empowering people supporting the plan of change have to be introduced, f) the success of any part of the plan of change has to be advertised, so that people participating in the plan are empowered, g) alterations and updates of the plan of change are made, if necessary, so that the effectiveness of the particular plan is increased, h) the benefits of the plan of change for the organization should be clearly explained to all members of the organization (Badenhorst-Weiss, Nieuwenhuizen, Rossouw, Brevis, and Cant 2009, p.461). Ziegler (2007) notes that the 8-steps model helps ‘to understand the role of emotions in implementing change’ (Ziegler 2007, p.45). From a similar point of view, Mathew (2011) explains that the particular model reflects the level of communication between the leader and the employees, those who will be asked to support a plan introducing change. At IRS, the implementation of change has been unavoidable; in fact, as noted in the case study, the Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 has been the legislative text enforcing change in IRS. The above text highlighted the key aspects of change in regard to the specific organization. Reference should be also made to the following fact: in IRS efforts for change have started quite early; the last major effort of this type, before the RRA of 1998, has been that of President Truman in 1952 (case study). The implementation of change in IRS has many similarities to the 8 – steps model of Kotter, as presented above. This means that the chances for success of the particular plan are significantly increased. Still, not all steps of the above model have been used in the specific project. Using the 8-steps model, the framework of change in IRS can be described as follows: a) the public in USA had been already notified on the need for change in the organization’s services since 1990 (case study, p.6); although

Contemporary Art from the Middle East Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Contemporary Art from the Middle East - Essay Example The essay "Contemporary Art from the Middle East" discovers the exhibition Illuminance: An Elevation of Mind. The exhibition will feature the work of 12 internationally acclaimed and emerging artists from Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, and Turkey. All of the artists create sculptures and installations that reach beyond traditionalism, appreciating the authentic beauty of the culture which is being depicted. The work that these Middle Eastern artists have done is an aesthetic and intellectual adventure that records a personal journey and cuts a unique cross-section through culture. The exhibition focuses on the method of tracing and mapping a complex history of identity often misunderstood or misrepresented in the West. The exhibition also provides a new perspective that situates their work in an engaging and active space. Each artwork presents itself through multiple viewpoints: a fusion of both past and present, as well as between East and West. Moreover, the exhibi tion will include works by local artists including Adel Abdessemed, Dian Al-Hadid, Afruz Amighi, Yael Kanarek, Naama Tsabar, and internationally recognized artists like Mounir Fatmi, Susan Hefuna, Younà ¨s Rahmoun, Marwan Rechmaoui, Gulay Semercioglu, Mehmet Ali Uysal and Penny Hes Yassour to name a few. Illuminance showcases a variety of exciting ways in which contemporary artists are expressing themselves in the nuances of sculpture and installation art, which also includes collaborative efforts and mixed-media pieces.

Why I Want to Become a Teacher Essay Example for Free

Why I Want to Become a Teacher Essay Everyone has gotten to where they are in life because they had a teacher. By definition, a teacher is someone who gives instruction and communicates skills. The lives most impacted by teachers are those of our children. Teaching makes a difference in children, because it gives them tools to help them be successful in the future. Our children are our future, and they need to be prepared for the future in order to be successful in the working world. The future of our communities and even our nation lies in the hands of our children. The quality of men and women we develop will impact the future of this nation. Therefore, I see teaching as one of the best ways I can help create a greater tomorrow for our great nation. I know that teaching in the school setting will be challenging as well but I am up for it. Although the main commitment to my students will be to teach the school curriculum in a way to meet the required objectives, I would like to use of variety of strategies and be creative in my teaching plans. I hope to arouse the student’s curiosity and foster a desire to continue to learn. Another commitment that I think is equally important is to recognize each student as an individual. Although we will be teaching subjects we also teaching children. I want to understand their academic abilities, personalities, and who will be their main support in regards to school. I want to know what motivates them to do their best and what will hold them back. I believe that teaching is an essential and noble profession. Next to parents, teachers are the most important foundational element in our society. Everything important begins in childhood, especially knowledge, self-knowledge, resilience, and character. Proper preparation is fundamental to living a full, rewarding life. Without self-knowledge, children may follow wrong paths and end up far from their true callings; lost, sad, and unfulfilled. Without resilience, the storms and challenges of life can turn children from their highest path, leaving them far from who they might have been. Finally, character is the intangible force that raises society as a whole, minimizes shocks and collisions between people, and balances self-interest and social good. Ideally, all of this education starts in the home but often the parents themselves may be inadequately skilled in this  regard. School is a necessary complement to and supplement of this learning.

Educating Special Needs Students and the Exceptional Learner

Educating Special Needs Students and the Exceptional Learner The following essay will define intellectual disability, autism, severe disabilities, and multiple disabilities, their causes, and the impact of the disabilities on the education of the student with intellectual disability. Also, identifying areas of curriculum necessary for students with severe disabilities and explain why. The essay will discuss the areas of curriculum and the policies, procedures, and programs for the education of students with intellectual disability, autism, severe and multiple disabilities. Today, students are diagnosed with different types of disabilities. Some of these disabilities are: intellectual disability, autism, severe disabilities and multiple disabilities. An intellectual disability is a disability that affects an individual limitations in several areas of cognitive function that interferes with the individual everyday life. Also, the individual has problems with four types of intellectual processes: abstraction, sequencing, understanding social contexts, and be able to read the emotional states of others. Intellectual disability can affect an individuals memory, learning and problem solving. Individuals who have an intellectual disability have a mild intellectual disability. An intellectual functioning level IQ is below 70- 75. An intellectual disability is seen before the student turns 18. The cause of intellectual disability can be caused by head injury, stroke, meningitis, brain abnormality and disease. The intellectual disability can happen before the child is born or it can happen during childhood. For some children, the cause of the intellectual disability is not known. There are some known causes of intellectual disabilities they are: Down syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome. These known causes happen before the childs birth. There are other causes that happen before a child a genetic condition called Prader-Willi syndrome. There are still other causes of intellectual disabilities that do not happen until the child become older. The definition of Autism is a developmental disorder that shows within the first three years of life of an individual. Autism shows before the child is three years old. The way that autism works it affects the brains normal development of social and communication skills. The cause of Autism is a physical condition that is linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact of the abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain is not known. But, there are some factors that can lead to autism they are: genetic and environmental factors. Autism seems to have a number of genes involved. Some of the genes make a child more prone to having autism. Some health problems are caused by both genetic and environmental factors. These factors may also cause autism. Severe disabilities are defined as an individual with extreme disabilities that functioning and achievement is unusually difficult for the person. The causes of severe disabilities are: genetic, biological and environmental factors. Multiple disabilities are defined as an individual who has impairments like: mental retardation, physical mobility, learning, speech, visual and hearing. The causes of multiple disabilities are from one of the impairments. The impact of the disabilities on the education of the student with intellectual disability is that the student can do well but, the student will need an individual education plan. The determination of how much help is need depends of the intellectual disability. The areas of curriculum necessary for students with severe disabilities are: including students with intellectual disability into general education curriculum. The students with disabilities should use the same curriculum used by their peers who do not have disabilities. The reason general education curriculum is necessary is because it can give students access to learn the same curriculum as their peers. The general education curriculum can increase students social skills and preparation for their adult life. Another area of curriculum is adaptive skills. Adaptive skills are necessary for students with severe disabilities because there are skills individuals need to live, work, and being able to function in society. There are other areas of curriculum that needs to be included: language and communication and motor skills. These skills are necessary skills to help students to function. Transition planning should be included with individuals with disabilities. The reason is because a plan is needed to prepare students for life. The Mobile County School has district policies, procedures and programs for the education of students with intellectual disability, autism, and severe and multiple disabilities. The Alabama Student Assessment Program this program requires that all students to participate in the Alabama Student Assessment Program. The assessment program requires all students must be included in all assessments. Also, students must have their results included in the state accountability system. The assessments are done in English. All students, including students with limited English, must take state assessments as written in English. An Individualized Education Program Team looks at the referral, documentation on intervention strategies and determine if the student will be evaluated for special education services. The Individualized Education Program Team determines should a child be evaluated for special education services, a written notice, that meets the notice requirements. The rules must be given to the parents and the child must be referred to the Building Based Student Support Team (BBSST). The IEP Team determines that the student should be evaluated for special education services, the agency must have the parents written consent for the evaluation. The public agency must develop and implement procedures to identify and evaluate children suspected of having a disability that affects their educational performance and who may need special education, designed instruction and related services. Hearing and Vision screenings must be first evaluations conducted for all children suspected of having a disability. A child who is identified having a developmental delay, has to be reevaluated prior to their ninth birthday. Students for special education services, at age nine, can no longer be eligible in the area of developmental delay. Students can continue special education services, the child must also be eligible in another area of disability. Conclusion Today, there are many types of disabilities and there is information defining the disability, their causes and their impact of the disabilities on the education of the student with intellectual disability. There are areas of areas of curriculum necessary for students with severe disabilities. There are policies, procedures and programs for the education of students with intellectual disability, autism, and severe and multiple disabilities.

Analysis on the Bank Performance of Nigerian Banks

Analysis on the Bank Performance of Nigerian Banks The provisional title of this research project is: Consolidation and bank performance; analysis of Nigerian Banks 2004 to 2006. The choice of this topic emanates from the fact that the current credit crisis and the transatlantic mortgage financial turmoil have questioned the effectiveness of bank consolidation programme as a remedy for financial stability and monetary policy in correcting the defects in the financial sector for sustainable development. Many banks consolidation had taken place in Europe, America and Asia in the last two decades without any solutions in sight to bank failures and crisis. The paper attempts to examine the performances of government induced banks consolidation and macro-economic performance in Nigeria in pre-consolidation and post-consolidation period. The paper analyses published audited accounts of two (2) out of twenty-five (25) banks that emerged from the consolidation exercise and data from the Central Banks of Nigeria (CBN). We denote year 2004 as the pre-consolidation and 2005 and 2006 as post-consolidation periods for our analysis. In doing this, efforts would be made to examine empirically how bank consolidation through recapitalization has affected the performance of Nigerian banks during the period covered by the research. The data for the work are from secondary sources and would be obtained exclusively from the Central Bank of Nigeria and bank publications, both electronic and paper form. CAMEL analysis will be employed to analyse the financial data so as to ascertain the relationship between consolidation and bank performance. The CAMEL analysis is chosen because of its optimal properties, simple computational procedures and is suitable for an empirical work such as the present research project work. Against the findings that would emerge from the intended empirical investigation of this work, appropriate recommendations that are likely to better enhance the effectiveness of banking sector reforms in Nigeria thereby restoring confidence in the system. CHAPTER 1 1.1 Introduction The Nigerian banking sector over the past 20 to 25 years has experienced boom and bust in a cyclical pattern. After the implementation of the structural adjustment program (SAP) in 1986 and the deregulation of the financial sector, new banks proliferated, mainly driven by attractive arbitrage opportunities in the foreign exchange market (Heiko 2007). Prior to the deregulated period, financial intermediation never took off and even declined in 1980s and 1990s (Capirio and Kligbiel 2003). The sector was highly oligopolistic with remarkable features of market concentration and leadership. Lemo (2005) noted that there are ten Nigerian banks that control more than 50% of the aggregate assets of the banking sector; more than 51% of the aggregate deposit liabilities and more than 45% of the aggregate credits. The sector was characterized by small sized banks with high overheads; low capital base averaging less than $10million; heavy reliance on government patronage and loss making. Nigerias banking sector was still characterized by a high degree of fragmentation and low levels of financial intermediation up until 2004. In the light of the foregoing, banks are compelled by the Central Bank of Nigeria to raise their capital base from N2 billion to 25 billion on or before 31st December, 2005. Most banks resorted to mergers and acquisition as a survival strategy, which saw a reduction in the number of banks from 89 to 25. This study contributes to the concept of bank recapitalization by critically examining the impact of bank consolidation on the performance of banks using a sample of randomly selected Nigerian banks. It is the intention of the researcher to give more validity to empirical evidence that have been obtained by previous researchers on the subject matter. Relevance of the study The earliest set of studies evaluates the effects of bank consolidation through mergers and acquisitions comparing pre- and post- merger performance by measuring performance using either accounting or productive efficiency indicators.The results from both indicators have varied and at sometimes been contradictory. This can be explained by performance-influencing variables like size, brand name, diversification and cost reduction, there is still no reconciliation between these indicators. I intend to contribute to the determinants of bank performance by evaluating the possible performance impact of bank consolidation on banks. Consolidation is the key to improving the performance of banks with low capital base, without which they are bound to fail. 1.3 Background of study Aside being the highest contributor to the market capitalization of the Nigerian stock exchange and smooth and stable income provision to money and capital market, banking industry is capable of attracting potential investor which is a source of every economic development. Financial institutions generally, and banking sector in particular play a crucial role in the development process of mobilizing fund from the surplus sector of the economy to the deficit sectors of the economy. Banks help in increasing the quantum of national savings and investment. Consequently, the volume of goods and services produced in the economy increases overtime through the multiplier effect. Banks enhance stable and smooth income to attract potential investors in line with Modigliani and Miller (1958) theory that investors generally have preference for smooth and stable income. According to sloan and Arlond (1970) consolidation is a fusion of the assets and liabilities, in whole or in part of two or more business establishment. Consolidation represents the idea of investment and the coming together of firms; it can also mean larger sizes, larger shareholder bases and larger number of depositors. According to Adamu (2005) bank or corporate consolidation could be achieved by way of mergers/acquisition and recapitalization. It is more than mere shrinking of number of banks in any banking industry. According to Hall (1999) consolidation is a global phenomenon, which started in the advanced economies of the world. For example, the enactment of Riegle-Neal Act, which allows interstate branch banking beginning from 1997 this led to increase in bank mergers in the USA (Akhavin et al and kwan 2004). Consolidation allow a mega bank to enjoy higher profit, increase revenue and low problem loans. Japanese banking industry also experienced consolidation in the 1990s which resulted to economies of scale (Fukuyama, 1993; Mckillop et al 1996). When banks go bust, their capital base is called to question. Cases of bank failures have motivated researchers to investigate the activities of banks in relation to performance in terms of returns. A view is that consolidation has increased the capital base and size of Nigerian banks but does not necessarily bring about higher performance. Criteria Selecting Nigeria Study Consolidation is a term used by the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) to describe the coming together of some banks within the country to become one bank and be able to meet CBNs requirement for capitalization to a minimum of N25billion. When this happens, it is expected to improve services rendered by the banks. In July 6, 2004, a day now referred to as black Tuesday in banking sector of the economy, the CBN Governor, professor Charles Soludo made an obviously unexpected policy pronouncement. The highlight was the increment of the earlier N2billion to N25 billion, with full compliance deadline fixed for the end of the year 2005. In a bid for banks to meet up with the new requirement, some Banks are exploring the option of inviting foreign investors to buy into Banks. Others are looking at the possibility of getting investors to shore up their capital, and some are looking at the capital market option, while others are considering mergers and acquisition. If the process of consolidation is properly implemented the ongoing consolidation of banks in the country will surely improve the banking sector in Nigeria and translate to better banking services and cheap funds.   More importantly, the public will not have fear of distress in any bank, since the consolidated bank will have enough funds. The need to understand the impact of bank consolidation on Nigerian banks either negative or positive necessitated the use of Nigerian banks as sample for this study. 1.5 Aim To analyze the effect of consolidation on the performance of Nigerian Banks 1.6 Objectives To examine the consolidation process of Nigerian banks. To Asses the performance of Nigerian banks before and after consolidation. To evaluate the impact of consolidation on Nigerian banks. CHAPTER 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction This chapter attempts to gain an in-depth view into what is already known in connection with the research topic being studied. It therefore brings to light the different theoretical and methodological approach to the research area, helps develop a practical analytical framework, considers inclusion of variables that may not have been thought about from the inception of the research work and in the long run learning can be gained from mistakes of previous researchers and avoidance of such mistakes would be achieved (Bryman Bell, 2003). The scope of the research is narrowed down through successful study of literature review that was continuous all through the research process. Further, the review of literature will incorporate a wide range of materials sourced from journal articles, corporate websites, government websites, multilateral organisations, text books and online databases which include: Wiley, Science Direct, Emerald and Business Source Premier. Reforms are predicated upon the need for reorientation and repositioning of an existing status quo in order to attain an effective and efficient state. There could be fundamental bottle-neck that may inhibit the functioning of the institutions for growth and the achievement of core objectives in the drive towards enhancing and sustaining the economic and social imperatives of human endeavor. Carried out through either government institutions or private enterprises, reform becomes inevitable in the light of the global dynamic exigencies and emerging landscape. Consequently, the banking sector, as an important sector in the financial landscape, needs to be reformed in order to enhance its competitiveness and capacity to play a fundamental role of financing investment. Many literature indicates that banking sector reforms are propelled by the need to deepen the financial sector and reposition for growth, to become integrated into the global financial architecture; and involve a banking sector that is consulting with regional integration requirements and international best practices. The nexus between consolidation and financial sector stability and growth is explained by two polar views. Proponents of consolidation opined that increase size could potentially increase bank returns, through revenue and cost efficiency gains. It may also, reduce industry risks through the eliminations of weak banks and create better diversification opportunities. On the other hand, it is argued that consolidation could increase banks propensity towards risk taking through increases in leverage and off-balance sheet operations. Advocates Furlong (1994) stated that an early view of consolidation in banking was that it makes banking more cost efficient because larger banks can eliminate excess capacity in areas like data processing, marketing, or overlapping branch networks. Cost efficiency also could increase if more efficient banks acquired less efficient ones. Though studies on efficiency in banking raised doubts about the extent of overcapacity, they did point to considerable potential for improvement in cost efficiency through mergers. Banking reforms involves several elements that are unique to each country based on historical economic and institutional imperatives, for example, in Hungary. Evidence show that the reform in the banking sector was due to high under-capitalization of state owned banks, weakness in the regulation and supervision and deficiencies in corporate governance behavior of banks. Craig and Hardee (2004) conducted investigation on bank consolidation and concluded that as the banking consolidation continues, relationship lending is becoming increasingly rare. As credit scoring and formal, formulaic methods are used more and more, specifically by the large banks, many small businesses may find out that they do not fit the model, especially those enterprises with negative equity. Thus, small businesses may be filling the financing void that is being created by the bank consolidation with non-bank sources of funds. Hughes and Mester (1997) provide evidence to suggest that there are scale economics in banking, bank managers are risk averse, and banks use the level of their financial capital to signal the level of risk. This is an area of interest in Nigerian banking, especially when the return on equity is calculated in another two to three years and then compared with the historical industry average. Rhoades(1996) reported that American banks consolidated in response to the removal of restriction on bank branching across states, while Hughes, J.P; W. Lang; L.J. Mester; C.G. Moon(1998) concluded that the economic benefits of consolidation are strongest for those banks that engaged in interested expansion, and in particular the expansion that diversifies macroeconomic risk. From the literature, it has been observed that well-spaced and implemented financial reforms have the ability to boost financial development indicators. Detractors Hughes J.P; Mester, L.J; and Moon, C.G (2000) also provide evidence that scale economies exist in banking but they fail to account for risk. Thus, scale economies that result from consolidation and diversification do not produce better performance in banking, unless choice makes the banks management more conscious risk and moderates its decisions and actions appropriate larger scale of operation that leads to diversification only reduce liquidity and credit risk under the ceteris bus assumption, and they argued that this is not always the case. The examination of merger and acquisition in European banking and found that industry consolidation was beneficial (by providing social benefits) in the first economic integration stages, but could damage welfare in the more advanced stages as the few big banks safeguard price agreements to forestall foreign competition. The other side to European mergers and acquisitions was because of the possibility of failure. This, of course, ignores the fact that no bank can ever be too big to fail. All it takes for a bank to fail is for bad news? about a bank to get to its stakeholders (especially depositors) and they all walk in at the same time to take their funds! For such bank to survive, it must have sufficient liquid assets to meet all maturing and long-dated obligations (Igangiya, 2006). 2.2 Role of banks In the Economy Banks have an important role to play in an economy, as they are intermediaries between people with shortages and surpluses of capital. The products they offer will include savings, lending, investment, mediation and advice, payments, ownership, guarantee and, trust of real estate. (Bouma et al, 2001). This aspect is critical to this research study as the role of banks in any economy cannot be undermined therefore, the need to explore the effectiveness of their actions and how this ultimately affects the economy. The macroeconomic environment within which firms exist and, operate has an impact upon their activities and governments and other agencies operating at different spatial levels and it can shape behavior and their environment. (Worthington et al, 2001). According to Bouma et al, (2001), as a financial intermediary between market players, a bank has four important functions: First it transforms money by scale. The money surpluses of one person are mostly not the same as the shortages of another person. Banks transform money by duration. Creditors may have short-term surpluses of money, while debtors mostly have a long-term need for money. Banks transform money by spatial location (place). Finally, banks act as assessors of risk. As a rule, banks are better equipped to value the risks of various investments than individual investors who have surpluses available. Also, through their larger scale, banks are more able to spread risks. The major objectives of the banking system are to ensure price stability and facilitate rapid economic development; regrettably, these objectives are still yet to be realised in Nigeria as a result of some infrastructural deficiencies such as basic power, energy, and transportation. Also, the lack of a workable contingency planning framework which provides detailed policy actions to limit crises. The reforms of the banking industry will have an influence on the functions, as it ultimately shapes the way they handle their operations. The reform of recapitalisation and consolidation could mean a larger platform for banks to better carry out their tasks. This literature review takes a look at commercial banks in Nigeria when faced with the reformation of the banking industry, core competences needed by the banks to be successful and the effect on the macroeconomic indicators of the country. 2.3 The concept of capital base The recent call for recapitalization in the banking industry has raised much argument among the bank regulators, promoters and depositors as if shoring up of banks capital base is a new phenomenon in Nigeria. Historically, the failure of pioneer 1930s and 1940s brought about the enactment of banking ordinance of 1952. Banking ordinance of 1952 prescribed an operating license and emphasized on minimum equity capital for all banks (Omoh, 2007). Since then, raising of bank capital has become the hallmark response policy of the Nigerian monetary authorities. Capitalization is an important component of reforms in the banking industry, owing to the fact that a bank with a strong capital base has the ability to absorb losses arising from non-performing liabilities (NPL). Attaining capitalization requirement is achieved through consolidation, convergence as well as the capital market. Thus, banking reforms are primarily driven by the need to achieve the objectives of consolidation, competition and convergence. (Deccan Herald,2004), in the financial architecture. 2.4 The Concept of Bank Consolidation Consolidation is viewed as the reduction in the number of banks and other deposit taking institution with a simultaneous increase in the size and concentration of the consolidation entities in the sector (BIS, 2001:2). It is mostly motivated by technology innovation, deregulation of financial services, enhancing intermediation and increased emphasis on shareholder value, privatization and international competition (Berger et al, 1991). The process of consolidation has been argued to enhance bank efficiency through cost reduction and revenue in the long run. It also reduces industrys risk by eliminating weaker banks and acquiring the smaller ones by bigger and stronger banks as well as creates opportunities for greater diversification and financial intermediation. The pattern of banking system consolidation could be viewed in two different perspectives, namely; market-driven and government-led consolidation. The market-driven consolidation which is more pronounced in the developed countries sees consolidation as a way of broadening competitiveness with added comparative advantage in the global context and eliminating excess capacity more efficiently than bankruptcy or other means of exit. On the other hand, government-led consolidation stems from the need to resolve problem of financial distress in order to avoid systematic crises as well as to restrict inefficient banks (Ajayi, 2005). One of the general effects of consolidation is to the reduction in the number of players, moving the industry more toward an oligopolistic market (Adedipe, 2007). 2.5 Prospect of Bank consolidation In Nigeria The initial public offering by banks through the capital market when completed is likely to increase the level of financial deepening as evidenced in the upsurge in the volume and value of trading in stock market. The reform in the banking industry has been able to attract more foreign investment inflow, especially in the area of portfolio investment; this development if sustained will boost the level of economic activity especially toward non oil sector. The consolidation of banks is likely to attract a significant level of foreign banks entrance into Nigeria which will become a feature in the industry over time. This will bring about more confidence by the international community of the banking sector thereby attracting more foreign investment into the country. As the level of financial intermediation increase, interest rate is likely to fall and increase lending to the real sector that will generate employment and booster growth. 2.6 The Process of Bank consolidation In Nigeria Before any bank can be said to consolidate through merger and acquisition in the Nigeria industry, it must first seek and obtain the approval of the following regulatory and supervisory authorities in the industry. They include the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) (CBN, 2004). Chapter 3: Research Methodology Introduction This chapter sets out the method employed in conducting the research. The choice of method was made based on the nature of the research problem. The purpose of this research is to discover, if any, the impact of bank consolidation on bank performance. Effort would be made to ensure that the methodology and conceptual framework adopted in the research are as relevant to the findings as the concepts and theories of the study. This is because the validity and reliability of conclusions are largely influenced by the research process itself. 3.2 Research Design This study is a causal or explanatory analysis since it seeks answers to questions related to the causes and determinants of bank performance. The research adopts a deductive approach. It outlines theories of director relationship to firm performance and draws hypothesis from them. These hypotheses are then tested using empirical social data to either confirm or reject the contentions. 3.3 Quantitative Versus Qualitative Data A clear distinction must be emphasized between quantitative and qualitative data. The former is concerned with the compilation of the results of research in a standardised mathematical form with the analysis conducted by means of statistics. (Saunders et al, 2003, p.378). Here variables are measured on a selection of scales and can then be arranged in order of arithmetical rigour. Conversely qualitative research is subjective in its approach of examining and reflecting on perceptions of understanding social and human activities (Hussey and Hussey, 1997). Qualitative research is inductive and researchers rarely know the specifics of data analysis when they begin a project (Neuman, 2006). It is concerned with the assemblage of data in a non-standardised, descriptive form, with the examination conducted through the use of theoretical models. 3.4 Data Type Raw or summarized data which has already been collected and stored for other purposes aside from that of the research in question is referred to as secondary data (Saunders et al, 2007). This research will make use of multiple-source secondary data collected from bank financial reports and CBN statistical publications available on the CBN, Guaranty trust and zenith banks websites, some paper source of data will also be used. The data/study will be restricted between the period of 2004 and 2006. The year 2004 is the pre-consolidation, 2005 consolidation while 2006 is the post-consolidation periods. The choice of data type is based on accessibility, cost saving and authenticity factors. Sample Selection The representative sample of the Nigerian banking sector to be used as a sample of the population under study is Guaranty Trust Bank PLC and Zenith Bank PLC. CAMEL ANALYSIS CAMEL is derived from the five components of a banks condition which include Capital adequacy, Asset quality, Management, Earnings, and Liquidity. Ratings are assigned for each component, and a composite rating is assigned for the overall condition and performance of the bank. These component and composite ratings are assigned on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the highest rating (strongest performance) and 5 representing the lowest (weakest performance) (Hirtle and Lopez, 1999). The camel analysis will be used to analyse the performance of banks during the pre-consolidation (2004) and the post-consolidation (2006) periods. Limitation The major difficulty that is likely to be encountered during the course of carrying out this research is the dearth of information, which is usually associated with emerging economies (including the Nigerian economy). Deliberate efforts would therefore be made to obtain information necessary to enhance the quality of the present research. 4.0 CONCLUSION In summary, the research tries to establish that bank consolidation helps in shoring up investment capital, enhances shareholder value, and protects creditors and depositors as well as strengthening banks capacities to attract funds at lower costs enhancing their liquidity positions. An efficient banking system tends to be one of the greatest focuses of the Central Bank of Nigeria since its establishment in 1959. Thus, sufficient capital base has largely constituted the Banks reform policy focus over the years. Hence, it may not be out of place to conclude at this material time that the ongoing reform policy is essential for the attainment of overall macroeconomic stability on a sustainable basis. Accordingly, the Central Bank of Nigeria is admonished to intensify its present efforts geared towards restoration of confidence in the banking system. The research work analyses published audited accounts of two (2) out of twenty-five (25) banks that emerged from the consolidation exercise and data from the Central Banks of Nigeria (CBN). We denote year 2004 as the pre-consolidation and 2005 and 2006 as post-consolidation periods for our analysis. In doing this, efforts would be made to examine empirically how bank consolidation through recapitalization has affected the performance of Nigerian banks during the period covered by the research. The data for the work are from secondary sources and would be obtained exclusively from the Central Bank of Nigeria and bank publications, both electronic and paper form. CAMEL analysis will be employed to analyse the financial data so as to ascertain the relationship between consolidation and bank performance BIBLIOGRAPHY Bernerd, B.P., (2006), The effect of recent changes in the financial sector development in Nigerian, Paper presented at the 15th General Assembly of the African rural and agricultural credit association (AFRACA), Bukina Faso. CBN., (2004), Guidelines and Incentive on Consolidation in consolidating Banking Industry. Charles, C.S. (2004) Consolidating the Nigerian Banking Industry to Meet the Developmental challenges of the 21st century. Paper presented at a meeting of bankers committee Abuja 6 July 2004. Larry, U; et al., (2004) Issues in Financial Institutions Surveillance in Nigeria. A seminar paper by CBN training centre Lagos. Eshodaghor, D.V., (2006), Impact of distressed banks in depressed Economy, Prospects for survival and growth. Bank failure in Nigeria, causes and dimension pp. 17 â€Å" 22. Ezeudusi, F. U., (2002) Marcus, G., (2003), An approach to the consolidation of Banks Merger Issues by regulators., A south African case business paper (4), NDIC Annual Report and Statement of Account . Oviemuno, A.O., (2006) Banking Consolidation in Nigeria and the strategies for Generating better returns. Ogunleye G.A. (2003) The regulatory imperatives of the Universal Banking concept in Nigerian NDIC quarterly, (11) No. (2), pp.20-30 Ochojele, D. I., (2003) The Nigerian banking industry, a review seminar paper. Osaije, E., (1992), Structural adjustment programme in Nigerian economy Victor, Ezeaku., (2003), Consolidation of Nigerian Banking Sector, CBN publication. Analysis on the Bank Performance of Nigerian Banks Analysis on the Bank Performance of Nigerian Banks The provisional title of this research project is: Consolidation and bank performance; analysis of Nigerian Banks 2004 to 2006. The choice of this topic emanates from the fact that the current credit crisis and the transatlantic mortgage financial turmoil have questioned the effectiveness of bank consolidation programme as a remedy for financial stability and monetary policy in correcting the defects in the financial sector for sustainable development. Many banks consolidation had taken place in Europe, America and Asia in the last two decades without any solutions in sight to bank failures and crisis. The paper attempts to examine the performances of government induced banks consolidation and macro-economic performance in Nigeria in pre-consolidation and post-consolidation period. The paper analyses published audited accounts of two (2) out of twenty-five (25) banks that emerged from the consolidation exercise and data from the Central Banks of Nigeria (CBN). We denote year 2004 as the pre-consolidation and 2005 and 2006 as post-consolidation periods for our analysis. In doing this, efforts would be made to examine empirically how bank consolidation through recapitalization has affected the performance of Nigerian banks during the period covered by the research. The data for the work are from secondary sources and would be obtained exclusively from the Central Bank of Nigeria and bank publications, both electronic and paper form. CAMEL analysis will be employed to analyse the financial data so as to ascertain the relationship between consolidation and bank performance. The CAMEL analysis is chosen because of its optimal properties, simple computational procedures and is suitable for an empirical work such as the present research project work. Against the findings that would emerge from the intended empirical investigation of this work, appropriate recommendations that are likely to better enhance the effectiveness of banking sector reforms in Nigeria thereby restoring confidence in the system. CHAPTER 1 1.1 Introduction The Nigerian banking sector over the past 20 to 25 years has experienced boom and bust in a cyclical pattern. After the implementation of the structural adjustment program (SAP) in 1986 and the deregulation of the financial sector, new banks proliferated, mainly driven by attractive arbitrage opportunities in the foreign exchange market (Heiko 2007). Prior to the deregulated period, financial intermediation never took off and even declined in 1980s and 1990s (Capirio and Kligbiel 2003). The sector was highly oligopolistic with remarkable features of market concentration and leadership. Lemo (2005) noted that there are ten Nigerian banks that control more than 50% of the aggregate assets of the banking sector; more than 51% of the aggregate deposit liabilities and more than 45% of the aggregate credits. The sector was characterized by small sized banks with high overheads; low capital base averaging less than $10million; heavy reliance on government patronage and loss making. Nigerias banking sector was still characterized by a high degree of fragmentation and low levels of financial intermediation up until 2004. In the light of the foregoing, banks are compelled by the Central Bank of Nigeria to raise their capital base from N2 billion to 25 billion on or before 31st December, 2005. Most banks resorted to mergers and acquisition as a survival strategy, which saw a reduction in the number of banks from 89 to 25. This study contributes to the concept of bank recapitalization by critically examining the impact of bank consolidation on the performance of banks using a sample of randomly selected Nigerian banks. It is the intention of the researcher to give more validity to empirical evidence that have been obtained by previous researchers on the subject matter. Relevance of the study The earliest set of studies evaluates the effects of bank consolidation through mergers and acquisitions comparing pre- and post- merger performance by measuring performance using either accounting or productive efficiency indicators.The results from both indicators have varied and at sometimes been contradictory. This can be explained by performance-influencing variables like size, brand name, diversification and cost reduction, there is still no reconciliation between these indicators. I intend to contribute to the determinants of bank performance by evaluating the possible performance impact of bank consolidation on banks. Consolidation is the key to improving the performance of banks with low capital base, without which they are bound to fail. 1.3 Background of study Aside being the highest contributor to the market capitalization of the Nigerian stock exchange and smooth and stable income provision to money and capital market, banking industry is capable of attracting potential investor which is a source of every economic development. Financial institutions generally, and banking sector in particular play a crucial role in the development process of mobilizing fund from the surplus sector of the economy to the deficit sectors of the economy. Banks help in increasing the quantum of national savings and investment. Consequently, the volume of goods and services produced in the economy increases overtime through the multiplier effect. Banks enhance stable and smooth income to attract potential investors in line with Modigliani and Miller (1958) theory that investors generally have preference for smooth and stable income. According to sloan and Arlond (1970) consolidation is a fusion of the assets and liabilities, in whole or in part of two or more business establishment. Consolidation represents the idea of investment and the coming together of firms; it can also mean larger sizes, larger shareholder bases and larger number of depositors. According to Adamu (2005) bank or corporate consolidation could be achieved by way of mergers/acquisition and recapitalization. It is more than mere shrinking of number of banks in any banking industry. According to Hall (1999) consolidation is a global phenomenon, which started in the advanced economies of the world. For example, the enactment of Riegle-Neal Act, which allows interstate branch banking beginning from 1997 this led to increase in bank mergers in the USA (Akhavin et al and kwan 2004). Consolidation allow a mega bank to enjoy higher profit, increase revenue and low problem loans. Japanese banking industry also experienced consolidation in the 1990s which resulted to economies of scale (Fukuyama, 1993; Mckillop et al 1996). When banks go bust, their capital base is called to question. Cases of bank failures have motivated researchers to investigate the activities of banks in relation to performance in terms of returns. A view is that consolidation has increased the capital base and size of Nigerian banks but does not necessarily bring about higher performance. Criteria Selecting Nigeria Study Consolidation is a term used by the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) to describe the coming together of some banks within the country to become one bank and be able to meet CBNs requirement for capitalization to a minimum of N25billion. When this happens, it is expected to improve services rendered by the banks. In July 6, 2004, a day now referred to as black Tuesday in banking sector of the economy, the CBN Governor, professor Charles Soludo made an obviously unexpected policy pronouncement. The highlight was the increment of the earlier N2billion to N25 billion, with full compliance deadline fixed for the end of the year 2005. In a bid for banks to meet up with the new requirement, some Banks are exploring the option of inviting foreign investors to buy into Banks. Others are looking at the possibility of getting investors to shore up their capital, and some are looking at the capital market option, while others are considering mergers and acquisition. If the process of consolidation is properly implemented the ongoing consolidation of banks in the country will surely improve the banking sector in Nigeria and translate to better banking services and cheap funds.   More importantly, the public will not have fear of distress in any bank, since the consolidated bank will have enough funds. The need to understand the impact of bank consolidation on Nigerian banks either negative or positive necessitated the use of Nigerian banks as sample for this study. 1.5 Aim To analyze the effect of consolidation on the performance of Nigerian Banks 1.6 Objectives To examine the consolidation process of Nigerian banks. To Asses the performance of Nigerian banks before and after consolidation. To evaluate the impact of consolidation on Nigerian banks. CHAPTER 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction This chapter attempts to gain an in-depth view into what is already known in connection with the research topic being studied. It therefore brings to light the different theoretical and methodological approach to the research area, helps develop a practical analytical framework, considers inclusion of variables that may not have been thought about from the inception of the research work and in the long run learning can be gained from mistakes of previous researchers and avoidance of such mistakes would be achieved (Bryman Bell, 2003). The scope of the research is narrowed down through successful study of literature review that was continuous all through the research process. Further, the review of literature will incorporate a wide range of materials sourced from journal articles, corporate websites, government websites, multilateral organisations, text books and online databases which include: Wiley, Science Direct, Emerald and Business Source Premier. Reforms are predicated upon the need for reorientation and repositioning of an existing status quo in order to attain an effective and efficient state. There could be fundamental bottle-neck that may inhibit the functioning of the institutions for growth and the achievement of core objectives in the drive towards enhancing and sustaining the economic and social imperatives of human endeavor. Carried out through either government institutions or private enterprises, reform becomes inevitable in the light of the global dynamic exigencies and emerging landscape. Consequently, the banking sector, as an important sector in the financial landscape, needs to be reformed in order to enhance its competitiveness and capacity to play a fundamental role of financing investment. Many literature indicates that banking sector reforms are propelled by the need to deepen the financial sector and reposition for growth, to become integrated into the global financial architecture; and involve a banking sector that is consulting with regional integration requirements and international best practices. The nexus between consolidation and financial sector stability and growth is explained by two polar views. Proponents of consolidation opined that increase size could potentially increase bank returns, through revenue and cost efficiency gains. It may also, reduce industry risks through the eliminations of weak banks and create better diversification opportunities. On the other hand, it is argued that consolidation could increase banks propensity towards risk taking through increases in leverage and off-balance sheet operations. Advocates Furlong (1994) stated that an early view of consolidation in banking was that it makes banking more cost efficient because larger banks can eliminate excess capacity in areas like data processing, marketing, or overlapping branch networks. Cost efficiency also could increase if more efficient banks acquired less efficient ones. Though studies on efficiency in banking raised doubts about the extent of overcapacity, they did point to considerable potential for improvement in cost efficiency through mergers. Banking reforms involves several elements that are unique to each country based on historical economic and institutional imperatives, for example, in Hungary. Evidence show that the reform in the banking sector was due to high under-capitalization of state owned banks, weakness in the regulation and supervision and deficiencies in corporate governance behavior of banks. Craig and Hardee (2004) conducted investigation on bank consolidation and concluded that as the banking consolidation continues, relationship lending is becoming increasingly rare. As credit scoring and formal, formulaic methods are used more and more, specifically by the large banks, many small businesses may find out that they do not fit the model, especially those enterprises with negative equity. Thus, small businesses may be filling the financing void that is being created by the bank consolidation with non-bank sources of funds. Hughes and Mester (1997) provide evidence to suggest that there are scale economics in banking, bank managers are risk averse, and banks use the level of their financial capital to signal the level of risk. This is an area of interest in Nigerian banking, especially when the return on equity is calculated in another two to three years and then compared with the historical industry average. Rhoades(1996) reported that American banks consolidated in response to the removal of restriction on bank branching across states, while Hughes, J.P; W. Lang; L.J. Mester; C.G. Moon(1998) concluded that the economic benefits of consolidation are strongest for those banks that engaged in interested expansion, and in particular the expansion that diversifies macroeconomic risk. From the literature, it has been observed that well-spaced and implemented financial reforms have the ability to boost financial development indicators. Detractors Hughes J.P; Mester, L.J; and Moon, C.G (2000) also provide evidence that scale economies exist in banking but they fail to account for risk. Thus, scale economies that result from consolidation and diversification do not produce better performance in banking, unless choice makes the banks management more conscious risk and moderates its decisions and actions appropriate larger scale of operation that leads to diversification only reduce liquidity and credit risk under the ceteris bus assumption, and they argued that this is not always the case. The examination of merger and acquisition in European banking and found that industry consolidation was beneficial (by providing social benefits) in the first economic integration stages, but could damage welfare in the more advanced stages as the few big banks safeguard price agreements to forestall foreign competition. The other side to European mergers and acquisitions was because of the possibility of failure. This, of course, ignores the fact that no bank can ever be too big to fail. All it takes for a bank to fail is for bad news? about a bank to get to its stakeholders (especially depositors) and they all walk in at the same time to take their funds! For such bank to survive, it must have sufficient liquid assets to meet all maturing and long-dated obligations (Igangiya, 2006). 2.2 Role of banks In the Economy Banks have an important role to play in an economy, as they are intermediaries between people with shortages and surpluses of capital. The products they offer will include savings, lending, investment, mediation and advice, payments, ownership, guarantee and, trust of real estate. (Bouma et al, 2001). This aspect is critical to this research study as the role of banks in any economy cannot be undermined therefore, the need to explore the effectiveness of their actions and how this ultimately affects the economy. The macroeconomic environment within which firms exist and, operate has an impact upon their activities and governments and other agencies operating at different spatial levels and it can shape behavior and their environment. (Worthington et al, 2001). According to Bouma et al, (2001), as a financial intermediary between market players, a bank has four important functions: First it transforms money by scale. The money surpluses of one person are mostly not the same as the shortages of another person. Banks transform money by duration. Creditors may have short-term surpluses of money, while debtors mostly have a long-term need for money. Banks transform money by spatial location (place). Finally, banks act as assessors of risk. As a rule, banks are better equipped to value the risks of various investments than individual investors who have surpluses available. Also, through their larger scale, banks are more able to spread risks. The major objectives of the banking system are to ensure price stability and facilitate rapid economic development; regrettably, these objectives are still yet to be realised in Nigeria as a result of some infrastructural deficiencies such as basic power, energy, and transportation. Also, the lack of a workable contingency planning framework which provides detailed policy actions to limit crises. The reforms of the banking industry will have an influence on the functions, as it ultimately shapes the way they handle their operations. The reform of recapitalisation and consolidation could mean a larger platform for banks to better carry out their tasks. This literature review takes a look at commercial banks in Nigeria when faced with the reformation of the banking industry, core competences needed by the banks to be successful and the effect on the macroeconomic indicators of the country. 2.3 The concept of capital base The recent call for recapitalization in the banking industry has raised much argument among the bank regulators, promoters and depositors as if shoring up of banks capital base is a new phenomenon in Nigeria. Historically, the failure of pioneer 1930s and 1940s brought about the enactment of banking ordinance of 1952. Banking ordinance of 1952 prescribed an operating license and emphasized on minimum equity capital for all banks (Omoh, 2007). Since then, raising of bank capital has become the hallmark response policy of the Nigerian monetary authorities. Capitalization is an important component of reforms in the banking industry, owing to the fact that a bank with a strong capital base has the ability to absorb losses arising from non-performing liabilities (NPL). Attaining capitalization requirement is achieved through consolidation, convergence as well as the capital market. Thus, banking reforms are primarily driven by the need to achieve the objectives of consolidation, competition and convergence. (Deccan Herald,2004), in the financial architecture. 2.4 The Concept of Bank Consolidation Consolidation is viewed as the reduction in the number of banks and other deposit taking institution with a simultaneous increase in the size and concentration of the consolidation entities in the sector (BIS, 2001:2). It is mostly motivated by technology innovation, deregulation of financial services, enhancing intermediation and increased emphasis on shareholder value, privatization and international competition (Berger et al, 1991). The process of consolidation has been argued to enhance bank efficiency through cost reduction and revenue in the long run. It also reduces industrys risk by eliminating weaker banks and acquiring the smaller ones by bigger and stronger banks as well as creates opportunities for greater diversification and financial intermediation. The pattern of banking system consolidation could be viewed in two different perspectives, namely; market-driven and government-led consolidation. The market-driven consolidation which is more pronounced in the developed countries sees consolidation as a way of broadening competitiveness with added comparative advantage in the global context and eliminating excess capacity more efficiently than bankruptcy or other means of exit. On the other hand, government-led consolidation stems from the need to resolve problem of financial distress in order to avoid systematic crises as well as to restrict inefficient banks (Ajayi, 2005). One of the general effects of consolidation is to the reduction in the number of players, moving the industry more toward an oligopolistic market (Adedipe, 2007). 2.5 Prospect of Bank consolidation In Nigeria The initial public offering by banks through the capital market when completed is likely to increase the level of financial deepening as evidenced in the upsurge in the volume and value of trading in stock market. The reform in the banking industry has been able to attract more foreign investment inflow, especially in the area of portfolio investment; this development if sustained will boost the level of economic activity especially toward non oil sector. The consolidation of banks is likely to attract a significant level of foreign banks entrance into Nigeria which will become a feature in the industry over time. This will bring about more confidence by the international community of the banking sector thereby attracting more foreign investment into the country. As the level of financial intermediation increase, interest rate is likely to fall and increase lending to the real sector that will generate employment and booster growth. 2.6 The Process of Bank consolidation In Nigeria Before any bank can be said to consolidate through merger and acquisition in the Nigeria industry, it must first seek and obtain the approval of the following regulatory and supervisory authorities in the industry. They include the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) (CBN, 2004). Chapter 3: Research Methodology Introduction This chapter sets out the method employed in conducting the research. The choice of method was made based on the nature of the research problem. The purpose of this research is to discover, if any, the impact of bank consolidation on bank performance. Effort would be made to ensure that the methodology and conceptual framework adopted in the research are as relevant to the findings as the concepts and theories of the study. This is because the validity and reliability of conclusions are largely influenced by the research process itself. 3.2 Research Design This study is a causal or explanatory analysis since it seeks answers to questions related to the causes and determinants of bank performance. The research adopts a deductive approach. It outlines theories of director relationship to firm performance and draws hypothesis from them. These hypotheses are then tested using empirical social data to either confirm or reject the contentions. 3.3 Quantitative Versus Qualitative Data A clear distinction must be emphasized between quantitative and qualitative data. The former is concerned with the compilation of the results of research in a standardised mathematical form with the analysis conducted by means of statistics. (Saunders et al, 2003, p.378). Here variables are measured on a selection of scales and can then be arranged in order of arithmetical rigour. Conversely qualitative research is subjective in its approach of examining and reflecting on perceptions of understanding social and human activities (Hussey and Hussey, 1997). Qualitative research is inductive and researchers rarely know the specifics of data analysis when they begin a project (Neuman, 2006). It is concerned with the assemblage of data in a non-standardised, descriptive form, with the examination conducted through the use of theoretical models. 3.4 Data Type Raw or summarized data which has already been collected and stored for other purposes aside from that of the research in question is referred to as secondary data (Saunders et al, 2007). This research will make use of multiple-source secondary data collected from bank financial reports and CBN statistical publications available on the CBN, Guaranty trust and zenith banks websites, some paper source of data will also be used. The data/study will be restricted between the period of 2004 and 2006. The year 2004 is the pre-consolidation, 2005 consolidation while 2006 is the post-consolidation periods. The choice of data type is based on accessibility, cost saving and authenticity factors. Sample Selection The representative sample of the Nigerian banking sector to be used as a sample of the population under study is Guaranty Trust Bank PLC and Zenith Bank PLC. CAMEL ANALYSIS CAMEL is derived from the five components of a banks condition which include Capital adequacy, Asset quality, Management, Earnings, and Liquidity. Ratings are assigned for each component, and a composite rating is assigned for the overall condition and performance of the bank. These component and composite ratings are assigned on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the highest rating (strongest performance) and 5 representing the lowest (weakest performance) (Hirtle and Lopez, 1999). The camel analysis will be used to analyse the performance of banks during the pre-consolidation (2004) and the post-consolidation (2006) periods. Limitation The major difficulty that is likely to be encountered during the course of carrying out this research is the dearth of information, which is usually associated with emerging economies (including the Nigerian economy). Deliberate efforts would therefore be made to obtain information necessary to enhance the quality of the present research. 4.0 CONCLUSION In summary, the research tries to establish that bank consolidation helps in shoring up investment capital, enhances shareholder value, and protects creditors and depositors as well as strengthening banks capacities to attract funds at lower costs enhancing their liquidity positions. An efficient banking system tends to be one of the greatest focuses of the Central Bank of Nigeria since its establishment in 1959. Thus, sufficient capital base has largely constituted the Banks reform policy focus over the years. Hence, it may not be out of place to conclude at this material time that the ongoing reform policy is essential for the attainment of overall macroeconomic stability on a sustainable basis. Accordingly, the Central Bank of Nigeria is admonished to intensify its present efforts geared towards restoration of confidence in the banking system. The research work analyses published audited accounts of two (2) out of twenty-five (25) banks that emerged from the consolidation exercise and data from the Central Banks of Nigeria (CBN). We denote year 2004 as the pre-consolidation and 2005 and 2006 as post-consolidation periods for our analysis. In doing this, efforts would be made to examine empirically how bank consolidation through recapitalization has affected the performance of Nigerian banks during the period covered by the research. The data for the work are from secondary sources and would be obtained exclusively from the Central Bank of Nigeria and bank publications, both electronic and paper form. 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