Love and Marriage in Renaissance Literature Essay - 973 Words

Love and Marriage in Renaissance Literature In medieval Europe, the troubadours (poets of the southern part of France), like Guilhem IX, or Cercamon, first began to write poems about humble men falling in love with women who were admirer and adored by their lovers. Furthermore, intense love between men and women became a central subject in European literature, like between Tristan and Iseult, Lancelot and Guinevere, or Aeneas and Dido. But it was not question of marriage. Actually, marriage and love did not match very well together but then Renaissance literature developed the concepts of love and marriage and recorded the evolution of the relation between them. In the Renaissance poetry, Donne, in†¦show more content†¦Besides, the widows had a large common law right which became very well protected in the 16th century. So the financial need to marry was present, it meant that the alliance was a possibility to increase the families richness. However, a certain link between marriage and love began to appear in the Renaissance period, with the great William Shakespeare, for example. Indeed Shakespeare created lovers whose main concern was not what they would inherit, but rather the love thy felt for each other. In many of his plays, Shakespeare created couple who sometimes were not allowed to love each other and above all whose main concern was not the well being of their families. Thus, Lysander and Helena (in A Midsummer Nights Dream) Romeo and Juliet, or Othello and Desdemona, married for love rather than financial conveniences and inheritances. In Shakespeares plots, there were usually two forms, but the lovers were always disapproved by their families and societies. Anyway, in one of these two forms, the families tried to select the future wife thanks to economic features mainly. It did not represent a forced marriage because the family wanted them to be well together that was why they brought the couple together. And the concept of freedom of choice was developing. However it was not equally dispensedShow MoreRelatedLove and Marriage in Renaissance Literature1228 Words   |  5 Pagesfalling in love with women who were admirer and adored by their lovers. Furthermore, intense love between men and women became a central subject in European literature, like between Tristan and Iseult, Lancelot and Guinevere, or Aeneas and Dido. But it was not question of marriage. Actually, marriage and love did not match very well together but then Renaissance literature developed the concepts of love and marriage and recorded the evolu tion of the relation between them. In the Renaissance poetry,Read MoreThe Reflection of Life During the Renaissance in Literature1601 Words   |  7 PagesLife in the Renaissance has been greatly reflected through the literature of its time. Many authors from this time reflected life in the Renaissance through their works. Several authors who strongly demonstrated this reflection include William Shakespeare, Thomas Elyot, Christopher Marlowe, Walter Raleigh, and Christine de Pizan. They accomplished this by producing various literary works, such as Hamlet, â€Å"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love,† â€Å"The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd,† Le Livre de laRead MoreEssay on Attitudes Toward Love in French literature838 Words   |  4 PagesThroughout the centuries, literature has provided a way to express oneself, while at the same time, allowing the reader to experience a different kind of life through the stories. As a creation of humans, literature tends t o reflect the ideals and thoughts of its writer, while also providing a glimpse into the society, in which the writer penned the story. Perhaps one of the greatest and most intriguing human emotions is love and this theme is present in literature from its beginning to the presentRead MoreClass And Social Structures During The Medieval Period993 Words   |  4 PagesClass and social structures changed frequently throughout the medieval period, the renaissance, and the eighteenth century, and this change caused much anxiety in preserving the noble class. During the medieval period, the three classes were challenged by the emergence of the merchant class which rose to the same level as the nobles during the renaissance. Finally, in the eighteenth century, this noble class was pushed out of power and then returned, throwing the class into turmoil. These changesRead MoreHarlem Renaissance Essay1106 Words   |  5 PagesCollege in 1917 where she began her literary career. Hurston was cl osely associated with the Harlem Renaissance being one of the pre-eminent writers on the twentieth century in African American literature. Her famous novel â€Å"Their Eyes Were Watching God† was especially influential to the movement on racial equality at the time. Her Novel both reflects and departs from the ideas on the Harlem Renaissance in several ways. In order to understand the significance of Author Zora Neale Hurston’s novel â€Å"TheirRead More Comparing Love and Marriage in Canterbury Tales, Lanval, Faerie Queene, and Monsieurs Departure675 Words   |  3 PagesLove and Marriage in Canterbury Tales, Lanval, Faerie Queene, and Monsieurs Departure Medieval and Renaissance literature develops the concepts of love and marriage and records the evolution of the relation between them. In Chaucers Canterbury Tales, Christian love clashes with courtly love, as men and women grapple with such issues as which partner should rule in marriage, the proper, acceptable role of sex in marriage, and the importance of love as a basis for a successful marriage. WorksRead MoreThe Harlem Renaissance1317 Words   |  6 Pagesis the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance is the cultural movement of the 1920’s. The movement essentially kindled a new black cultural identity through art, literature and intellect. The Harlem Renaissance started during the Roaring Twenties. It took place in Harlem, New York. It became most prominent in the mid to late 1920’s and it diminished toward the early 1930’s (Henderson). The Harlem Renaissance was initially called the New Negro Movement or the New Negro Renaissance. It was the resultRead MoreGender Equality During the Renaissance Essay1198 Words   |  5 PagesThe Renaissance was simply â€Å"the green end of one of civilizations hardest winters† (Robert 10). In other words, catastrophic events swept through Europe such as the black plague, warfare, and starvation causing a high population of death rates. After an era of destitution, the Renaissance was a period of â€Å"rebirth† where individuals could express their intellectual thought through art, science, literature, and education. It’s true that people during that time express humanist ideals of individualRead MoreThe Essay Of Groom Service And The Return 803 Wo rds   |  4 Pagesare two short story which have the common theme of â€Å"love† and the common situation of â€Å" the marriage†. Although the two stories have common themes and situation related to acceptance, acknowledgement, and recognition, the difference between the two story influence the meaning a lot. The common theme of story is â€Å"love†. The protagonist in â€Å"Groom Service†, Bernard, had the ability to survive with his hunting skill, but did not dare to seek his own love. He seeks acceptance from Marie and her family. OnRead MoreDifferences Of Shakespeare And Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare1668 Words   |  7 PagesShakespeare is regarded as a very influential writer in British literature and has been an inspiration for literature beyond his time. This play has been recreated for the cinema in many versions of film. One version of film in particular is by the director Kenneth Branagh in 1993 (IMDb). Both the Much Ado About Nothing play and the Much Ado About Nothing film have differences, updates, and similarities that relates back to Renaissance time or to current 21st century culture. The original text that

Essay about The Values and Beliefs of Human Services

Latoya Richardson The Values and Beliefs of Human Services October 11, 2010 BSHS 322 Communication for Human Services Mrs. .Amy Donaldson Introduction In order to be a Human Service agent you must have discovered your values and beliefs. When you discover your values and beliefs you are underlying what you can do for your clients, what attributes you can offer them, and setting up a foundation for providing great care. Values and Beliefs All clinical interviewing is embedded in a system of values and beliefs that shape the clinical work we do (Dillion, 2003).When adapting to the world we all become familiar with what we believe in and value as a person. These keynotes, determine who we are as an individual. When considering†¦show more content†¦When reading the information, at first it was straightforward to be able to have a question mark of debt about why these people we being referred to an agency when there was no indication what was happening with these people. Without the proper report, history, or diagnosis several things may perhaps have been mistaken. One the person may have been recommended to the wrong agency, incorrect treatment, and denied being seen for services. This is why we as professional must learn the different cues for communication. Over 65 %, of the population uses nonverbal cues (Dillion, 2003). Learning different cues, gestures, facial expressions, and body movem ents can assist with clinical gestalt. When an individual, can understand a person through no expressive dialect we have learned how to break a barrier. The population, which receives the majority of clinical gestalt of discrimination, is the elderly. With the increased number of older adults in the population, more and more clinical psychologists are including this group are among their clients (Lacks, July 1982) It can become easy sometimes to look at a person and make assumptions for the person that you are interviewing. For an example like the elderly woman who was sixty-six years old. When reading the first section a person may have thought to themselves they have been married for awhile. On the other hand, when reading the second exercise it became clear that they were only married forShow MoreRelatedPersonal Values Paper950 Words   |  4 PagesPersonal values play a big part in our lives. The development of our personal values is an ongoing process, and is subject to change based on what we feel is most important to us. Life is full of twists and turns and may cause us to readjust our priorities. However, as a human servic e professional it is important to understand what our values are and how we can benefit those that we serve. I value doing things that help me live a healthier lifestyle. I understand that it is important to take careRead MoreChallenges of Being an Advocate and Neutral Facilitator777 Words   |  4 Pagesbeing integrated into various spectrums of the human services field; but what happens when these two methods of helping present challenges for one another? While ethical, moral, and legal challenges of potential dual relationships are common, there are specific approaches that can be implemented which can help alleviate these stressors. The author will present a personal perceptive on the integration of advocacy and mediation within the human services field, as well as her personal philosophy andRead MoreThe Interdependence Of The Health System1557 Words   |  7 Pageshealth services to the population†. Different people/authors may define the components differently, but the purpose is the same which is â€Å"to promote, restore, and maintain health†. Shi Singh (2014) pro posed a systems framework that is intersected to better describe the structure of the US health care services. It is comprised of five key components namely system foundations, system resources, system processes, system outcomes, and system outlook. 1. System foundations refer to values, beliefs, historicalRead MoreEssay on Encouragement in the Criminal Justice System 1469 Words   |  6 Pagescan still result due to ethnic group, family values and personal experiences. Culturally speaking, a criminal justice professional will find it very difficult to encourage clients of different cultures if the professional views clients in an ethnocentric manner. Assessing clients in accordance with the professional’s values will severely limit their ability to help and encourage their client. Failure to consider differences in culture and in values will lead to misunderstandings and decrease theRead MoreI Am Today As An Adult1395 Words   |  6 Pages Life transitions or turning points, no matter when they occur in our life, can shape our values and define our beliefs. When working with clients understanding our own life transitions, values we hold, and having our own self awareness can assist with giving our clients the best services possible. Learning about our client’s life transitions can also assist us to help them through difficult times. My own personal life transitions, developmental stages and theory, and themes in my own developmentRead MoreValues Reflection Paper744 Words   |  3 PagesValues Reflection Paper Brandy Alston University of Phoenix Managing Criminal Justice Personnel CJA/474 Professor Leroy Hendrix October 30, 2013 Values Reflection Paper Introduction Values are closely similar to what life means, life is relevant when an individual has accomplished a stimulating obligation for themselves. Values are deserving of an individual’s best accomplishment, values are merits for living or for dying. Values are accomplishments every individualRead MoreValues and Ethics That Influence Social Care1144 Words   |  5 PagesValues and ethics that influence Social Care Values can be defined as: â€Å"Emotionally charged beliefs that influence how we behave an which are influenced by a range of factors and experiences throughout our lives F.Sussex P.Scourfield (2004 The things, beliefs, ideas are peoples values as they consider them important and will defend if they feel they are being threatened. Things individuals value can either be tangible or non-tangible, tangible values would be actual items whereas non-tangibleRead MoreList Key Legislation And Codes Of Practice1177 Words   |  5 Pages1995 †¢ The Human Rights Act 1998 †¢ Age discrimination act 1975 (Reference; Archice 8 March 2011) The human Right act 1998 was published by the government legislation. ‘The human Right act 1998’ has been taken place in the UK law. This means all the individuals that live in the UK are protected by ‘The Human Right Act 1998’. Everyone all around the world has the access to human rights and all the individuals have a responsibility to uphold human rights for others. Within the UK, the human rights actRead MoreThe Core Value Of Social Work1025 Words   |  5 PagesThe first core value of social work is service. The purpose of service is to simply help those in need. It is our duty to find the help and support that individuals need in order to function properly, both individually and socially. Social workers have the ability to see potential in individuals and it is our job to help individuals find that potential. It is also our duty to address social issues. In order to do provide the services needed for individuals, social workers must use their own sourc eRead MoreVolunteers of America: Organization Overview908 Words   |  4 Pagesnot only a nonprofit community organization but also a ministry of service that is committed to helping people in need to rebuild their lives and reach their total potential. The organization is effective in helping people in need to rebuild their lives through its huge workforce that consist of approximately 16,000 paid professional employees. Moreover, the organization also accomplishes its mission through various human service programs such as housing and healthcare. Throughout its history, Volunteers

Developments in the travel and tourism industry Free Essays

Select two recent or current developments in the travel and tourism industry and explain how these developments have affected career opportunities and job roles within the industry. In this first part of the question, I will talk about how technology has affected careers and job roles within the travel tourism industry. Technology has been the biggest development on the travel tourism industry within the last ten years. We will write a custom essay sample on Developments in the travel and tourism industry or any similar topic only for you Order Now It has allowed many companies to offer improved service to customers and help with the start up of many other businesses. Computers have been used for many years especially within the airline industry for tasks such as check in and ATC (Air Traffic Control), but now computers are being used in travel agents and tour operators. This could have affect on jobs, as computerisation will lead to less paper work. Computers are also used to access the Internet and customers are seeing the benefits of using this method of booking. Online booking also cuts out paying the travel agent commission; prices are also generally lower on the Internet. A new type of travel agent is appearing on the Internet, which specialises in e-commerce (electronic business) and example of this type of organisation is Expedia. Organisations such as this can be used to book all the principles of a holiday in one place. This also affects jobs, as only two or three people will need to be employed to ensure the systems work properly. This could affect many travel agents; some have already closed, as they cannot compete with the competition that is being given from online organisations. Some companies may choose to integrate, but this can also lead to a loss in jobs, as the amount of staff required maybe lower. As I mentioned previously, computers have been used in the airline and airport sector for many years. Airlines now use computers in a different way. Thanks to the advances in technology, passengers can now check in using a kiosk within the terminal building and at Waterloo Station, London, when travelling with British Airways. It is also possible to check in online 24 hours before a flight departure. The introduction of check in kiosks will inevitably mean that fewer customer service agents will be required. Not all development within the industry will lead to loss of jobs; one example of this is Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. More staff will be employed when British Airways moves all of its flights and services from Terminal 1 4 to Terminal 5. More staff will be employed to work within shops, stations and facilities that will be available to customers when the terminal opens in 2008. Aircraft are also becoming more technologically advanced, two of the world biggest aircraft manufactures, Boeing and Airbus are developing new aircraft that will changed the way passengers travel. The Airbus A380 will become the largest civil aircraft in the world; and will have a maximum captivity will be 840 passengers. Singapore Airlines among others will be modifying the cabin to included bars, shops and gyms that will require staff to attend and maintain while in the air. There will be more career opportunities such as cabin crew and aircraft pilot when the new aircraft are introduced into service. An extension of aircraft is the possibility of space travel. Staff that will be employed for space travel will have to be trained to a higher level of health and safety and will be specialised in the working of and running of the craft. Visitor attractions have been using technology to their advantage. The safety of rides in theme parks can closely be monitored with computers, if a hazard occurs it can be located quickly and action can be taken. This will reduced the amount of mechanics needed to look after the rides. Technology has also allowed rides to have a higher thrill factor without compromising the safety of riders. Thorpe Park is the first theme park in the world to have a ten-loop roller coaster. It is kept safe with the use of computers, so that the ride operators can ensure high levels of safety. How to cite Developments in the travel and tourism industry, Papers

American And Indian Culture Essay Example For Students

American And Indian Culture Essay There are a lot of differences between American And Indian Culture Essay and values. As we know today, the American culture is a mixture of different cultures. India, on the other hand, has its own culture and values. I would like to introduce the culture and value differences between these two countries. Americans believe that they can really control their future. They are more specific to plan things. Indian people, however, believe that everything goes by Gods will. They make short term plans. However, Americans always like to plan things ahead. They think they can/should control and dominate nature and the world around them. Americans are more goal-oriented, where as Indian people are more people oriented. They make their goals around people of the family. They even change their goals sometimes if they do not suit the needs of their family or family members. On the other hand, Americans are always ready to do anything to get the job done or achieve their goal. One major difference between the two cultures is family values. American people tend to have a series of short-term relationships, and many do not commit with one person for a long time. Indians, however, believe in long term relationships. They are more family-oriented and respect human relationships. They care for their family and are always ready to do anything for them. Extended families are traditional in India, while nuclear families are prevalent in the U.S. Change is a good value and indicative of improvement and growth. Americans thinking about change is very positive. They like mobility, migration, movement and change in their life style. Indian culture, on the other hand, looks upon change as negative. They like stability. They work hard to maintain their status quo. Americans place great emphasis on time and its value. They believe time is money, and try to make every day productive. They do not like to waste time. They always like to do their work on time. Unfortunately, Indians are careless about the value of time. Time does not mean much and carries little importance for them. Indians are more formal than American people. Americans believe to formal is to be stuffy and arrogant and affected. This casual egalitarian attitude is meant to make everybody (foreigners) feel at home and welcome. American people are more practical but Indians are more efficient. Americans believe in more action and fewer words. Every decision is to be based on practicality, not upon aesthetics, or on consensus so everybody is made to feel good. Indians are known for their hard work, vitality and dynamism. There is an old saying Dab ke wah te Raj ke kha (work hard and eat to your satisfaction) that is very appropriate for Indians. Due to their hard work, Indians are very successful in other countries; they work as teachers, doctors, engineers, drivers, shopkeepers and run restaurateurs. They are less rigid. They have learned to assimilate the new culture pattern. Where as, the core of western culture is individual. They may be less hard working than Indians, but they have more resources. As you can see, here are many differences between the American and Indian cultures. Americans are independent and relaxed, while Indians tend to be extremely family-oriented and hard working. Americans enjoy mobility and change, while Indians seek stability. Even though each culture has both negative and positive aspects, both would benefit greatly from learning about one another. Americans like privacy and are very independent. They believe the individual is paramount. Americans do not like to work in groups, but Indian people are collectivist people. .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 , .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .postImageUrl , .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 , .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04:hover , .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04:visited , .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04:active { border:0!important; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04:active , .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04 .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf6957342217dbb45424e293505cc4a04:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: George Berkeley: His View Of God Essay They always enjoy working as members of a group. Americans tend to think about themselves and place their needs above all else. American teenagers, for example, do not always consider consequences before they act. They just care about having fun. Indian teens have to think of many things before they make any decision. They must consider the effect their action will have on their family, and how society will react. Family reputation is very important to them, and they must be careful not to do anything to put down the family name. Family values are much more important for them. Family comes first and individuals own identity is second. Americans take pride in their own accomplishment, not in name. They believe that a person should be self-reliant and not be dependent on others. On the other hand, Indians are very dependent on others. Children are not brought to be independent. They are taught form very young age that there are others .

Fractal Geometry Essays (585 words) - Fractals, Fractal,

Fractal Geometry Fractal Geometry Fractal geometry is a branch of mathematics having to do with fractals. Fractals are geometric figures, just like rectangles, circles and squares, but fractals have special properties that those figures do not have. In geometry two figures are similar if their corresponding angles are congruent in measure. Fractals are self-similar meaning that at every level the fractal image repeats itself. An example of self-similarity would be a triangle made up of triangles that are the same shape or are similar to the whole. Another important property of fractals is fractional dimensions. While in Euclidean geometry figures are either zero dimensional points, one dimensional lines, two dimensional planes, or three dimensional solids, in fractal geometry figures can have dimensions falling between these whole numbers, that is being made up of fractions. For example a fractal curve would have a dimension between one and two depending on how much space it takes up as it twists and curves. The more a flat fractal fills a plane the closer it is to being two-dimensional. As few things have basic shapes, fractal geometry provides for the complexities of these shapes and allows the study of them better then Euclidean geometry which is only successful in accommodating the needs of regular shapes. Fractals are formed by iterative formation, meaning one would take a simple figure and operate on it in order to make it more complex, then take the resulting figure and repeat the same operation on it, making it even further complex. Algebraically fractals are the result of repetitions of nonlinear-equations. Using the dependent variable for the next independent variable a set of points is produced. When these points are graphed a complex image appears. One does not have to try very hard in order to experience fractals first hand in the real world as they are ever present in nature. For example in the instance of a river and it's tributaries, each tributary has it's own tributaries so that it's structure is similar to that of the entire river. Many of these things would seem irregular, but in fractal geometry they each have a simple organizing principle. This idea of trying to find underlying theories in what seem to be random variations is called the chaos theory. This theory is applied in order to study weather patterns, the stock market, and population dynamics. Fractals can also be used in order to create computer graphics. It was found that the information in a natural scene can be concentrated by identifying it's basic set of fractals and their rules of construction. When the fractals are reconstructed on a computer screen a close resemblance of the original scene can be produced. The first person to study fractals was Gaston Maurice Julia, who wrote a paper about the iteration of a rational function. This work was essentially forgotten until Benoit Mandelbrot brought it back into the light in the 1970's. Mandelbrot, who now works at IBM's Watson Research Center, wrote The Fractal Geometry of Nature that demonstrated the potential application of fractals to nature and mathematics. Through his computer experiments Mandelbrot also developed the idea of reconstructing natural scenes on computer screens using fractals. In conclusion fractals are irregular geometric objects made of parts that are in some way similar to the whole. These figures and the study of them, Fractal geometry, allow the connection between math and nature. Bibliography Bibliography M. Barnsley, Fractals Everywhere, 2d ed, 1992 T. Vicsek, Fractal Growth Phenomena, 1992 http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/edu/fractal/fgeom.html Mathematics

How to Use Italian Reflexive Pronouns

How to Use Italian Reflexive Pronouns If you want to use reflexive verbs in Italian, then you have to be familiar with reflexive pronouns, too. Reflexive pronouns (i pronomi riflessivi) mi, ti, si, ci, vi, and si look just like direct object pronouns, except for the third-person form si (which is the same in the singular and in the plural). In a reflexive sentence, the action of the verb refers back to the subject. Examples: I wash myself. - Mi lavo.They enjoy themselves. - Si divertono. In reflexive sentences, Italian verbs, like English verbs, are conjugated with reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns (i pronomi riflessivi) are identical in form to direct object pronouns, except for the third person form si (the third person singular and plural form). Â   The following table includes the reflexive pronouns in Italian. Italian Reflexive Pronouns SINGULAR PLURAL mi myself ci ourselves ti yourself vi yourselves si himself, herself, itself, yourself (formal) si themselves, yourselves (formal) Just like direct object pronouns, reflexive pronouns are placed before a conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive. If the infinitive is preceded by a form of dovere, potere, or volere, the reflexive pronoun is either attached to the infinitive (which drops its final –e) or placed before the conjugated verb. Note that the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject even when attached to the infinitive: Mi alzo. - Im getting up.Voglio alzarmi./Mi voglio alzare. - I want to get up. The pronouns Mi, ti, si, and vi may drop the i before another vowel or an h and replace it with an apostrophe. Ci may drop the i only before another i or an e: Voi varrabbiate facilmente. - You get angry easily.I ragazzi salzano alle sette. - The boys woke up at seven oclock.A casa, mannoio. - At home, I get bored. To see how reflexive pronouns work with reflexive verbs, see a sample conjugation of lavarsi (to wash oneself) in the table below. Lavarsi - To wash oneself Mi lavo ci laviamo ti lavi vi lavate si lava si lavano Italian Workbook Exercises Questions | AnswersReflexive PronounsA. Complete the following with the appropriate present indicative reflexive forms of the indicated verbs. Io ________ Enzo. chiamarsiQuelle ragazze ________ alle otto. alzarsiLoro ________ vicino alla porta. sedersiDaniele ________ lentamente. vestirsiNoi ________ facilmente. addormentarsiIo non ________ mai. arrabbiarsiVoi ________ sempre. lamentarsiFrancesco ________ di Teresa. innamorarsi Questions | AnswersB. Complete the sentences with one of the verbs given below.chiamarsi, diplomarsi, fermarsi, laurearsi, sentirsi, specializzarsi, sposarsi Io ________ Valentina. Tu come ________?Andate dal dottore quando non ________ bene?Maria frequenta luniversit. Vuole prima ________ in medicina, e pio ________ in cardiologia.Gli studenti italiani ________ alla fine del liceo. Poi vanno alluniversit.Ugo e Vittoria ________ se trovano una casa. Italian Language Study Resources: Italian Language LessonsItalian Audio PhrasebookItalian Language Audio Lab Related Articles: Understanding the Italian Present Conditional TenseGive Me a Hug! Understanding Italian Reciprocal Reflexive VerbsItalian Reflexive VerbsHow To Use Reflexive Pronouns in Spanish

Research methodology design and process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Research methodology design and process - Essay Example In this context, the need for research in nursing is no longer just driven by the epistemological requirement of the field, but it is also necessitated by the perceived need for policies that will enhance patient satisfaction. In this regard, this paper will look into research and research methodology as it is adopted in some studies within nursing. This paper will be divided in to six sections. The first part is the introduction. This section presents the focus of the paper as well as the structure of the entire study. The second segment deals with the identification of the area, which is to be researched or audited and the justification for the choice of the topic. This part will present the rationale behind the chosen topic for the research. The third part will be discussing the search strategy used in identifying sources of research. Continuing, the fourth part will deal with the research methods adopted by some studies within nursing regarding the issue of nursing led care in ca ncer health services. The fifth part will look into the impact of the selected studies to the field of nursing. Finally, the sixth section will present some research suggestions pertinent to the topic chosen. At the end of the paper, a better understanding of the rudiments of research and research methodology as it is adopted and applied in nursing is attained. 2. The Identification of the Topic and the Justification for the Choice As the field of nursing is wide and various issues are being raised, the researcher decided to look into the topic of nurse led care in cancer with focus on adult patient’s satisfaction. There are several reasons that prodded the researcher to prefer this topic over other concerns that are encountered in the field of nursing. These are (1) the researcher is working as an oncology nurse. This is the primary reason why the researcher has opted to work on the topic nurse led care among adult cancer patients and patient satisfaction. My experiences in work serve as a motivation to understand further the extent of patient satisfaction among adult cancer patients, especially when it is nurse led. (2) Another reason is that there is an increasing awareness among patients regarding the importance of their perception pertinent to their health care (Kleeberg et al., 2008; Williams and Healty 1998). Since, knowing patient satisfaction will help in developing approaches that will further improve their predicament. Patient satisfaction is crucial for cancer patients as they are vulnerated not only by the cancer, but they are made vulnerable byseveral psychological, emotional, and educational challenges (McClement and Hack, 1999; Stiefel and Rafazi 1994; van Gruenigen et al., 2006). Accordingly, there is a constant necessity to know cancer patients’ satisfaction in order to provide them with the appropriate health care they need as they deal with their illness. Finally, (3) recent developments in biomedicine have helped patients in gaining better chances in dealing with their cancer. However, the developments in biomedicine also carry with it increasing complexity. In this regard, there is a need to know patient satisfaction of adult cancer patients as they face not only their illness, but also the complex health care services they use (Lis et al., 2009). As there is a perceived necessity in apprehending patient satisf

Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Literature - Essay Example Othello’s being an Alien in Venice and the gulf of culture, race and complexion—that exists between him and the Venetians—in an important theme in the tragedy in Othello. The theme of race and the themes of isolation and alienation can be combined because it is because of the race that the character of Othello considers himself alienated from the Venetian society. Shakespeare forced his audience to see Othello with the â€Å"bodily eye† of Iago. Othello tries to attach himself to the Venetian society on the basis of universal virtues such as love and loyalty. However, Iago’s attempt in realizing himself as an alien makes him to a step that takes him to his tragedy. Therefore, it is quite clear that Othello has evidently awareness of his race and color as different to Desdemona. This racial difference becomes a cause for his consideration that Desdemona has illicit relationships with Cassio. He also considers himself alienated from a society, which is not his. He tries to be a part of that society but he is always aware of his being different due to which, he is alienated and isolated. Like Othello, the themes of isolation and alienation in Everyday Use can also be assembled with the theme of race. The family of Maggie and Dee has an African background while Maggie remains stick to her traditions and culture while Dee wants to stay away from her culture, which is quite impossible. Dee belongs to African culture and she cannot deny this fact. Dee makes many friends, out of which, no one is sincere to her according to Maggie. Due to this fact, Dee is alienated from the society in which, she lives because of her racial identity for having an African background. Dee wants to connect to another culture and wants to leave her due to which, not only she becomes an alien to the new culture she wants to adopt but to her own culture

Importance And Role Of Economic Information Essay

Importance And Role Of Economic Information - Essay Example This mutual understanding is for the reason that businesses do not require to end up in price wars among competitors that ultimately eludes the profitability of the businesses. Owing to the interdependence and resulting price stickiness characteristic of industry, the demand for the product turns elastic in case the price is increased as compared to industry participants. If the competitors will attempt to increase the price as compare to other participants and this will result in losing revenue as demand will switch to other competitors. While in case of lowering price customers show inelasticity as all industry participants reduced price taking all firm to competitive positions again. Even in case of a high increase in marginal cost, the considerably low impact has to be transferred to customers. Since profit is maximized at a point where marginal cost equals marginal revenue therefore as long as marginal cost cuts marginal revenue in vertical position price will remain at P. Furth er, in case MC cuts marginal revenue vertically the price is retained same and a benefit is not passed on the customer.Further, competition is supported in other aspects such as branding, services accuracy etc, ABB has developed a competitive advantage with fast delivery services supported by online operations as compared to competitors in certain areas in order to retain differentiation from competitors. Other competitors based on respective capacity compete on aspects such as quality or differentiated range of products offered.  ... Further, incase MC cuts marginal revenue vertically the price is retained same and benefit is not passed on the customer. Further, competition is supported in other aspects such as branding, services accuracy etc, ABB has developed competitive advantage with fast delivery services supported by online operations as compare to competitors in certain areas in order to retain differentiation from competitors. Other competitors based on respective capacity compete on aspects such as quality or differentiated range of products offered. All these factors ensure increasing barrier to entry for new entrants while retaining competition. Therefore, securing industry from competition authorities to charge participants with accusation of cartelization; practice that is followed in oligopoly. Hence, being abreast not only with respective business position economically ABB has to remain updated as well as linked with the strategies of competitors to retains the competitive business positions. IMPOR TANCE AND ROLE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION Financial information and respective understanding forms the back bone of the business. Importance of financial information is not only critical for top management that are concerned for decision making with respect overall business goals but at the same time financial information is critical for every department (Brealey, Myers, Allen, & Mohanty, 2007). For instance, marketing department’s investment in the advertisement and sales campaign are concerned to fetch sales that add considerably to profitability. Similarly, HR department also evaluates performance of departments, respective employees and comparison of efficiency of company employees with other

The Concept Of Just Punishment Philosophy Essay

The Concept Of Just Punishment Philosophy Essay In his paper A Non-utilitarian Approach to Punishment, H. J. McCloskey argues that a utilitarian account of punishment dictates unjust punishments which are unacceptable to the common moral consciousness (239). In your paper, (a) outline the argument McCloskey provides for this conclusion and (b) raise two objections to his argument. If you support his argument, then respond to the objections that you or other critics mount. The concept of a just punishment is captivating and is debated among many philosophers today. Punishment is defined as the intentional infliction of suffering on an offender for a moral or legal wrongdoing. In this essay I will go into great detail of McCloskeys article, and discuss how his argument that a utilitarian account of punishment is unjust and retributive theory is the only way punishment can be considered just. I will also introduce objections to McCloskeys theory that attempt to disprove that in order to justify punishment you have to connect punishment with moral wrongdoing, and the offender must get a punishment he deserves. I agree with McCloskeys argument, and will offer my opinion in responding to the arguments posed against his theory. To the average mind, punishment should generally be justified based on utilitarian grounds. It seems to make the most sense that satisfying the greater good is obviously relevant when determining which type of punishments should be inflicted. The question arises which punishments are just, and this must be answered before we can determine which punishments are morally permissible. Although crime is bad, a punishments purpose is to prevent it more so than cancel it. To punish crime is an imperfect state of affairs. Punishments such as whipping, imprisonment, and death are considered evils. Although crime is an evil and prosecutors deserve to be punished, these punishments need to be justified based on their utility. A society with no crime and no punishment is obviously better than one with both. McCloskey argues that good results come from punishment, because it is attempting to set a precedent not to commit the crime in the future which will cause the greater utility. Punishment is justified because it is useful as opposed to because society should be able to illustrate indignity towards the offender, or if one says the punishment cancels out the crime, or because as a human being himself, he has the right to be punished. H.J McCloskey says that these justifications are implausible in a way that utilitarian justification is not. He argues that morality of punishment is by a retributive theory, specifically the theory where evils should be distributed according to desert, and that the vicious deserve to suffer. Just punishment is deserved punishment. In order to deserved to be punished, the offender must have committed an offence that that a morally accepted as an offence. If an innocent man was being punished, this would definitely not be justified. Punishing a person not responsible for his behavior, such as a person with a mental problem would also be seen as unjust. Whether punishments actually work is irrelevant in determining if they are just or not. In the 18th century people were hung for shoplifting, where in todays life this would be considered severely unjust. According to utilitarians this type of outrageous punishment could only be permissible if it somehow turned out that it would achieve greater utility. Morality suggests that in order for punishment to be just, it has to be merited by the offence being committed. It must involve care in determining if the offender is truly responsible, and it implies a moderate punishment, that shouldnt be excessive. It should not surpass what fits the severity of the crime being committed. The point is that an outsider should be able to say that the person being punished deserved that type of punishment. One shouldnt say that good has come out of one being punished. It seems logical to say that the punishment was useful but not deserved, and deserved but not useful, and one cannot say that a punishment was solely undeserved. Unjust punishment is whether collective or scapegoat punishments that result in inefficient trial procedures, corrupt police methods, or mistaken tests, as is punishment for things that have nothing to do with the crime. Just punishment is one that fits a retributive theory. it points to a very important consideration in determ ining the morality of punishment (its justice) and explains what punishments are just, and why they are just. A utilitarian would say that any punishment, regardless of severity, would be just if in the long run it created greater utility for a greater number of people. Utilitarians dismiss appeals about moral consciousness that relate to ones emotional response. McCloskey disagrees with utilitarians in this sense. He argues that our moral consciousness gives us answers we don not accept as defensible after hard observation, and the judgments which we do accept after serious manifestation are the ones being appealed. Before a utilitarian questions this approach, he must ensure that he is secure from similar criticism. One could argue that a utilitarians would appeal the theory of utility is based on an uncritical emotional acceptance of what at first seems to be a moral principle, but after sever examination, could involve great evils. If a utilitarian were to argue that utilitarian ism does not involve unjust punishment, and the answer is that whether or not unjust punishments are useful, it is logical to think that at some point they will become useful, in which case a utilitarian is committed to. A utilitarian would argue that it could be necessary to punish a lunatic, mentally challenged person or an innocent person being framed as being guilty, which McCloskey and I do not agree with. If a person is not in control of his actions, he should not be punished for an offence he didnt know he was committing An objection to McCloskeys theory would be the utilitarian theory. Utilitarians only justify punishment after balancing the good and evil produced with the outcome. McCoslkey says that in order to justify punishment you have to connect punishment with moral wrongdoing. The offender must get a punishment he deserves. McCloskey brings up an example to justify his objection to the utilitarian theory. He uses an example of a town that has a racial conflict, and where a black man rapes a white woman, and riots, white mobs, and with the help of the police, killing of black men occur as a result. If a utilitarian were there he would convict the initial black rapist instantly, if he knows this will prevent the riots and killings, so as a utilitarian he has the duty to bear a false witness in order to punish the innocent person. A utilitarian only performs acts that bring about the most utility. McCloskey argues that it is not morally permissible to perform this kind of act, making the utilit arian justification incorrect. An innocent man should not be framed and punished for something he didnt do, regardless of what the outcome would be. Thus the retributive theory of punishment with its criterion of justice as an end in itself gives place to a theory which regards punishment solely as a means to an end, utilitarian or moral, according as the common advantage or the good of the criminal is sought.

The Life of Kate Chopin :: essays research papers

The Life of Kate Chopin   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Born originally as Katherine O’Flaherty, Kate Chopin came to life on February 8th, 1851 in St. Louis, Missouri to Thomas and Eliza O'Flaherty. The family she was born into was known as one of St. Louis’ wealthiest family’s because of her father’s well-known success as merchant involving the sale of boats and wholesale grocery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1855 Thomas O'Flaherty died suddenly from a work-related railroad accident. Kate lacked male role models in her life after her father died. She was raised by three generations of women, including her maternal great-grandmother, Madame Victoria Verdon Charleville, who instructed Kate in music lessons, French lessons, and storytelling. Additionally, Kate attended the prestigious Sacred Heart Academy, which promoted intelligence and independent thinking: this helped Kate begin her lifelong love of reading and writing. When Kate was eleven, Madame Charleville died, and Kate's half-brother George was killed while fighting in the Civil War for the Confederate side.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the age of nineteen Kate O’Flaherty married Oscar Chopin, the son of a wealthy cotton-growing family in Louisiana. The union between these two individuals produced six children (five boys and two girls). Oscar was French Catholic, as was Kate. In 1882, Oscar Chopin died of malaria also known at the time as swamp fever. Kate managed her husband's business for approximately a year and then returned to live near her mother in St. Louis. A year after her return, her mother passed away. To support herself and her family, Kate began to write. She was immediately successful and wrote short stories about people she had known in Louisiana. Her first novel, At Fault, was published in 1890 when Kate was forty. When The Awakening was published in 1899, the story created a scandal because of its portrayal of a strong, unconventional woman involved in an adulterous affair. It was inspired by a true story of a New Orleans woman who was infamous in the French Quarter.

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future Essay

What has Global warming, Ozone Layer Depletion, Soil Erosion, Air Pollution, Carbon Emissions, and other environmental issues have to do with Social Psychology? One of the reasons for writing this paper, is to answer that question by showing the relationship between the environment in which we live and social psychology. I will endeavor to do this by looking at a root cause behind our ecological dilemma, as well as offering possible solutions and suggestions for social behavioral changes that each one of us could employ, as not only caring human beings, but as Christians fulfilling our God-given mandate to rule over the earth He created in the capacity of caretakers and stewards. As explained by Dr.  David G Myers in his excellent book entitled â€Å"Exploring Social Psychology†, the study of social psychology is a study in which â€Å"social psychologists scientifically explore how we as humans think about, influence, and relate to one another† [ Myers 2009 p. 1]. He goes on to quote novelist Herman Melville’s poignant observation, which states, â€Å"we cannot live for ourselves alone, for our lives are connected by 1000 invisible threads† [Myers 2009 p. 1]. And therein lies the root cause of our ecological problems. Because of our social orientation [being our personality psychology or â€Å"psychodynamics† which forms our â€Å"worldview† by the way we’ve been taught to think and act within the society in which we grew up], most people and societies, if not all, are inherently self-centered. A perfect example of this societal â€Å"self-centeredness† is clearly seen here in the United States of America, more so than in any other place in the world. The unrestrained, unbridled, and unprecedented consumerism and waste has sadly become this countries â€Å"social norm†. Generally speaking, we as humans, tend to give little thought, either intentionally or unintentionally, about how our attitude, actions, and behaviors might affect others in the society in which we live: or for that matter, the rest of the world. Because our lives are connected by 1000 invisible threads, our attitude, behavior, and actions cannot help but effect others. We are connected in many different ways, but primarily we are connected by being members of one and the same human race, sharing an earth which we all call home. Therefore, social psychology and the sustainable future of our environment are connected in the sense that as human beings, sharing the same earth, social psychologist can positively influence societies to bring about change through implementing strategies within a society through educational and other means, that would address the need for â€Å"other-centeredness†, as opposed to â€Å"self-centeredness† within our societies. This hopefully, through educational campaigns, would over time alter social norms throughout global societies, and help to positively shape our attitudes, behaviors and actions toward the environment in which we live, and encourage a more sustainable environmental future. The purpose of environmental education, is to bring â€Å"social awareness†of how each individual’s attitude actions and behavior, can and does have an environmental affect [whether positive or negative], not only themselves and their own environment, but on the environment of others also. So, environmentally speaking, this means that each individual person, group, society and nation’s environmental habits and lifestyle [which is mainly guided by the â€Å"social norms†of the country and the culture in which they are living], can have a global environmental impact. Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 4 Social, psychologically formed thought processes, cause individuals and groups within a society or culture, to behave in ways that are considered normal to them, even though they’re ttitude, behavior and actions are environmentally devastating. One of the ways I can illustrate the fact of how our attitudes, behaviors, and actions [another words what we do and how we live], can and does affect others environment [even though they may be living on the other side of the world], is by looking at the worldwide issues of air pollution and its causes. Air is something that every living thing needs, as the famous 70s hit song sung by the British group†The Hollies† states, â€Å"all I need is the air that I breathe. Another translation of that song humorously states â€Å"I need to be able to breathe. † That we need air to breathe is an axiom, a self evident truth, for without it we die. In actual fact, air is one of the reasons why Earth is the only planet within our solar system that can sustain life, and in which life can be found. Air supports life, but the air has to be clean for life to be sustained. We don’t really need to be told that the air is polluted these days because we can see it. This is especially true if you happen to live in the city of Los Angeles, which for many years has been the butt of â€Å"smog† jokes, and recently topped the American lung Association’s bad air list of â€Å"most polluted cities in America† [GMA news 2012]. Why is the air polluted so badly? How did it get that way? The city of Los Angeles, like many other places in the world today are to a great degree responsible for producing much of the â€Å"bad air† in their cities. However, â€Å"bad air† is now being found in cities and other places where there is no air polluting factories or industry to blame. This is because air pollution does not recognize international boundaries, and like the proverbial trapeze artists, pollution in the form of toxic emissions can and do â€Å"fly through the air with the greatest of ease. † Because of this, â€Å"bad air† has † turned up† in places where it did not originate; such as National Parks and wilderness areas in remote parts of the United States. This is due to the fact that one countries air polluting practices can have a dramatic effect on another countries air quality located on the other side of the world. Toxic pollutants and emissions rise from factory smokestacks, power plants, and exhaust emissions , from countries who have no â€Å"clean air act† and therefore are under no threat of penalty or prosecution for noncompliance. These toxic emissions, are the result of unrestrained air polluting practices by countries who show little or no interest in environmental conservation. This toxic pollution rises into the wind currents and jet-streams, which carry the poisonous air hundreds, or even thousands of miles away to another part of the world, where it then affects the air quality of the place where it settles, creating health hazards and pollution within that cities population and location. So, the irresponsible polluting behavior and actions of one group/country, can have a drastic negative effect on another person/s, group/s, country/or countries, causing them to suffer debilitating health hazard consequences for which they were not responsible in creating. So you see in this one small illustration, how another person/s, group/s, or even other countries irresponsible attitude, actions, and behavior toward environmental conservation issues, can inadvertently and negatively affect another person/s, group/s, or even a whole country’s population’s health and well being. Many first world countries have environmental laws that heavily penalize companies for noncompliance, and therefore helps to limits air pollution to varying degrees. Yet there are more countries who don’t have any environmental laws, restrictions, or boundaries in place, and who Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 6 do not recognize or practice environmental conservation. And so these developing countries by their â€Å"who cares, it’s business as usual† attitude and behavior, become one of the major contributors of â€Å"bad air† on a global scale, through their uncontrolled, unrestrained, release of toxic emissions into the atmosphere where it becomes an international traveler. However, air pollution caused by toxic emissions is only one of the environmental concerns facing humanity today. Another environmental concern, which we are being constantly reminded of through the news reports, newspapers, Internet, etc. is the issue of â€Å"global warming†. This is also known as â€Å"climate change†. Scientists use the name, or term global warming, so as to identify what types of climate change is actually happening i. e. , the planet is not getting cooler but warmer, ergo, global warming. One of the reasons they state this is happening is due to the excessive amount of a gas known as CO2. This is carbon dioxide, which is something that we, after taking in oxygen through the air, actually exhale. While CO2 is an odorless, tasteless, inert gas, it is also a byproduct of combustion, which is generally contributed to automobile emissions. However, while CO2 is a byproduct of automotive engine gasoline/diesel/natural gas combustion, it is also a byproduct of combustion associated with the burning of coal and oil to generate electricity and heat buildings. In fact, anything that burns will have CO2 as one of its emission byproducts. Because of the increase of automobiles, trucks, factories, etc. here is an excessive amount of carbon dioxide constantly being released into the atmosphere. Along with the deforestation of whole rainforests [note: trees absorb CO2 gases and convert CO2 into oxygen by the process of â€Å"photosynthesis†. This is one of God’s brilliant ideas for replenishing the oxygen we use. However, by cutting down all the trees in the forest, we re destroying the earth’s Co2 converter], Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 7 and the combination of other greenhouse gases , which come from agricultural and industrial sources, global warming is the result. However, there is also another detrimental effect of having too much CO2 in the air that has to do with one’s respiratory health, and is known by a condition called hypoxia, or hypoxiation. [West, 1995 p. 22] This is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole, or region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. This is due to the fact that the body is deprived of oxygen because CO2 in the lungs is inhibited from being released, and so accumulates causing too much CO2 to be where oxygen needs to be, and therefore death ensues as a result. West, 1995 pp. 22]. The use of CO2 displacing oxygen is great for firefighting is actually a preferred fire extinguisher in place of chemical powder for distinguishing fires, but it’s no good for breathing. The world climate is changing because CO2 is in excess, and humans are the reason why it is so. So far we’ve looked at some causes of air pollution and how it can originate from one part of the the world an d through air currents effect everybody globally. But in discussing social psychology in the sustainable future air pollution is only one component of many. There are many environmental concerns for a sustainable future, which also include water pollution. Just as we need clean air to survive, so also we need clean water for both drinking and food. In actual fact, it is quite possible for a person to go many days and even weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Clean water is essential for drinking as well as sustaining aquatic and marine life in our rivers and oceans. However, with the high human demand for oil, environmental catastrophes and disasters such as the â€Å"Exxon-Valdez oil spill†off the coast of Alaska in 1989, and most recently the BP oil Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 8 spill of 2010, have polluted the life-sustaining ocean waters and left a path of ecological destruction, which much like the fallout from an nuclear bomb, may take forever, if ever, to recover. Even now as I write this, we’re told by BP officials and their advertising campaigns, that the waters in the Gulf are back to pre-oil spill status. However, a recent study reported by Brian Williams on NBC national news states that marine life such as dolphins are seriously ill and due to â€Å"health problems consistent with exposure to oil. Illness ranging from lung disease, kidney malfunctions and liver disease has been found throughout dolphin population which cause has been attributed to the ingesting of oil† [NBC nightly news March 23 2012]. Basically what we’re being told through the million-dollar advertising campaign by BP, is not true. We are still reaping the consequences caused by the massive oil spill where oil spewed out from the ground unrestrained for months. On top of water pollution, the sea is being devastated daily by the huge nets and â€Å"Longlines† of commercial fishing vessels. Longline fishing is a commercial fishing technique. It uses a long line called the main line which can be up to 50 miles long, with thousands of baited hooks attached at intervals of approximately every 20 yards. Hundreds or even thousands of baited hooks can hang from a single line. Although â€Å"Longliners† commonly target tuna, cod, halibut, unfortunately a baited hook is not very selective and many other species are caught and killed inadvertently. This is very troublesome, especially for those animals, mammals, and fish species that are on the endangered list, i. e. The Leatherback Sea Turtle. [Seaturtles. org 2003] Can you imagine a 50 mile long fishing line with corks set at every 20 yards, or huge Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 8 dragnets, scraping the bottom of the sea for its fish, crap, shrimp and other marine life. This is all done to fulfill the growing populations appetite for seafood. Yet he growing need for bigger harvest is only one part of this very important ecological problem. Another part is the damage that is caused by the implements used in harvesting. I have personally seen the damage to the bottom of the sea caused by the nets being used to harvest fish from along the bottom of the sea beds. These nets are called â€Å"drag-nets† for good reason, as they scrape the bottom of the ocean’s floor so that nothing escapes. As they scrape along the bottom of the sea, they â€Å"drag† every kind of a marine life you can imagine into the net. The ocean floor then looks like it’s just been â€Å"plowed†. Thus, these â€Å"drag-nets† leave behind a path of destruction in their wake, by destroying all aquatic plants, and marine life forms and the environment in which they live. Another issue that is caused by fishing trawlers using dragnets, is waste. Nets are by no means † selective† as anything and everything gets caught in the net. Once these nets are hauled in, much of what is caught in the nets is not used, but thrown out for reasons of either being under size, wrong variety, or in some way illegal etc. Some of the seafood is kept, and the other is thrown out to die. The fish and marine species that are caught in the nets or on the long lines as a â€Å"byproduct†, sea turtles, including the extremely endangered â€Å"Leatherback sea turtle†, various sharks, including some species which are also endangered, and also others. Seeing there is no international laws to reduce â€Å"bycatch†, we can expect that many more species will be added to the endangered list as part of the long-term decline, caused by these devastating fishing practices. So apart from destroying the environment which sustains our fish and marine life in our oceans, rivers and waters through pollution, waste and harvesting practices, we continued the Psychology and Sustainable Future 9 devastation by â€Å"overfishing† the waters to to the extent that fish that were once found in abundance 50 years ago, are now at the point of extinction and have been placed on the endangered list. Two of the fish species I would like to talk about here were, up till recently, very common. One is the Atlantic cod, and the other the Giant Bluefin Tuna. These two fish species once abundantly populated the Atlantic Ocean until the implementation of gill nets, drag nets, and now the dreaded long-lines of commercial fishing vessels. In a relatively short amount of time, the use nets and long lines have devastated the cod and tuna populations worldwide through â€Å"overfishing†. Even though size limits and harvesting amounts have been supposedly set by international bodies, Atlantic Cod, Bluefin Tuna, and many other fish species are â€Å"under the gun†, and may never recover, especially the majestic bluefin tuna, which is much coveted by â€Å"sushi chefs† and is considered a delicacy in Japan. Maybe it is for this reason that Japan, under the guise of supposedly abiding by the international fishing laws, have reportedly and consistently ignored the international laws for size limits and harvesting amounts. Through their longline fishing vessel fleet have continued at a ever increasing rate to catch bluefin tuna, to the point that they, could be considered to be the major contributing factor, as to why this fish species is numerically declining to a point of having to be put on the endangered fish species list. [Glover, Charles. The End of the Line. 2008]. It is a well-known fact that the Mitsubishi Corporation. Not only owns several long line ships which go out to sea for months at a time and don’t come back until their freezes are all full of bluefin tuna, but is the major purchaser of bluefin tuna. As well as fishing for bluefin tuna with their own fishing vessels. They have also been known to purchase as much bluefin tuna as they Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 10 can, from other fishing vessels. These vessels are known as â€Å"Pirate Fishing Vessels†, ignore international fishing laws and catch all they can in what you might call an â€Å"undercover operation†. These pirate fishing vessels have, within the past 10 years, come under a lot of scrutiny by the Greenpeace organization: who sail the seas searching for these pirate fishing vessels so as to â€Å"catch them in the act. † Of illegal fishing, netting, long lining etc. [Greenpeace. org 2011]. Although many nations, including the United States, supposedly participate as international management bodies to maintain global tuna populations, the species continues to decline at an alarming rate and are now on top of the endangered species list because it’s numbers have depleted to such a point that it may never be able to recover. As you can tell air and water pollution combined with overfishing is a concern of mine, mainly because I see it is preventable, but for the selfish, self-centered, all-consuming greed of people from all walks of life I could continue on for quite some time, however I must bring this article assignment to a conclusion by talking about causes of environmental damage. As much as we like to blame tornadoes and hurricanes for most of the environmental damage, the biggest cause of environmental damage is man himself. Mankind is now the number one cause of all the destruction happening on Earth. We are the major cause of environmental disasters, beginning with the industrial exploitation of the resources of the Earth, which has become especially bad since the population of the Earth has trippled in the last fifty years to a point which, even with more efficient means of distribution, there is simply not enough food to go around. Obviously the reasons for the possible future scarcity of food, water, among other things, is the wasteful lifestyles that we have become accustomed to, especially here in the United States. All you need to do is look around in any restaurant here in the United States and see the huge Social Psychology and a Sustainable Future 11 amounts of food being thrown out in the trashcan while people on the other side of the world starve. It’s been noted in the book, exploring social psychology by David G Myers, that the human demand for things such as land, timber, fish, and fuels is increasingly exceeding the Earth’s regenerating capacity. [Myers, 2009 p. 378-379]. My point is this, with the present consumption of resources by our, wasteful habits and devastating harvesting techniques, coupled with the destined growth of population, further pollution, global warming, and environmental destruction, seem inevitable unless there is change. For the average American who lives with luxuries unknown by even royalty just a century ago, our lifestyle of unrestrained, unbridled, ever wanting more consumerism will be brought to a screeching halt unless there is change. Let’s face it our wasteful lifestyles cannot continue forever. For beyond the sunny skies of comfort and convenience. Dark clouds of environmental disaster at gathering. Sciences have accredited this coming ecological, environmental disaster to increasing population and increasing consumption. [Myers, 2009 p377]. I come to this conclusion; due to my observations of the wasteful practices I see around me every day of my life here in the United States I offer this small yet effective illustration of the environmental conservation. In Australia where I was raised, we grew up with â€Å"tank water. † Where you rely on the rain to fill a tank that is used for your drinking water, bathing, and bathroom uses etc. Under these conditions you learn to conserve and not waste water in every way possible. One of the ways I taught my children to conserve water was not to leave the tap running when they were brushing their teeth. They were instructed to turn the tap on to wet the brush, then turn the tap off while they apply the toothpaste to the brush and brush their teeth. After they had brush their teeth, they could then turn the tap on to rinse out their mouth and clean their toothbrush. Idiosyncratic? Not really. Just letting my children learn not to waste water and to appreciate the God-given resources we have available to us.

High Fidelity essays

High Fidelity essays On the surface, High Fidelity is a story about breaking up and getting back together again. Only, thanks to director Stephen Frears narrative technique, we dont realize this until the credits start to roll. He plunges into the life of Rob Gordon, played by John Cusack, on the night his girlfriend, Laura, leaves him. Robs subsequent depression and self-analysis is the focus of the film; getting the girl back becomes secondary. Robs frustration from his break up with Laura reminds him of all of his other failed relationships, specifically, his Top Five All Time Break Ups List. His recounts of each girl are interspersed throughout the first half of the film. We only learn about Laura as we learn about Robs past. Consequently, the main part of the narrative is either flashbacks or direct commentary by Rob to the audience. This might seem to be a weakness, but it is in fact a vehicle for Frear to move the present plot forward. It is only through understanding Robs past, that we can understand his current angst. In addition, the slow revelation of the causes for his and Lauras break up reinforces Robs own mental journey. We learn things as Rob himself is ready to deal with them. For example, it is only when Liz, a mutual friend, marches into Robs record store and yells profanity at him, that Rob begins to think of what Laura probably told Liz. He finally lets the audience in on some of the things he did to cause the break up. Yet Rob still hasnt fully grasped what happened between him and Laura. It is a great strength, and in fact the very nature of the film, that we are limited to Robs mental struggle. All of the information is slowly laid out, to him, and to us. In his struggle to understand his current break up, Rob becomes obsessed with his past relationships, and decides to go out with them all again and ask them what w ...

The Catcher in the Rye literary analysis essays

The Catcher in the Rye literary analysis essays The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a story about childhood, and of finding ones self in society. It is the story of Holden Caulfield and his everyday encounters and problems with other people in society. The story depicts a week in the life of Holden, a week full of events and encounters that permanently change his life forever. In the Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger uses the character of Holden Caulfield, conflict, and setting to convey the theme that although the world may seem to be full of phonies or difficult and boring people, one must find a way to overlook his individuality and coexist in society. The first literary technique J.D. Salinger utilizes is the character of Holden Caulfield. Although Holden can be analyzed from many different vantage points the most prevalent characteristic of Holden is his lack of maturity and his journey into adulthood. Holden is a very insecure teenager desperately trying to connect with someone. Because he is immature he has problems understanding the adult world and has difficulty relating to his peers. He feels very much alone and doesn't know how to create a connection because he is very idealistic and has no tolerance for people. He labels anyone whom he considers not to be completely genuine as a phony, claiming that they do and say things for the sole purpose of being socially accepted and polite. However, Holden demonstrates his immaturity by partaking in many of the actions that he considers to be phony. He admits that sometimes it is necessary to take part in these actions and ultimately become a phony in order to exist in the ad ult world, which is why he is so strongly opposed to it. As the story progresses, however, Holdens actions and convictions begin to change into a more mature way of existing. One conviction that changes throughout the novel is Holden's belief that he can change the world. In the beginning of the story the reader gets the impre...

Rhetoical analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rhetoical analysis - Essay Example The author uses rhetorical techniques of logos, facts, and analogy, to effectively convince the readers, and make them aware of the limitations of the embryonic stem cells in human use. The author uses analogy as a strategy of making the readers relate to the issue she is addressing. In this case, Swenson has referred to The Emperor’s New Clothes, a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, which she knows is quite popular among the audience. This is about an emperor, who considered that his clothes were the best, compared to those of other people. He therefore, goes in public to display his new clothing, yet this was an imaginary instance in his mind. In reality, he had nothing on, and a child notices this and acknowledges it. Swenson uses this scenario to link with the case of the scientists working on the embryonic stem cell. He wants to make his audience to understand that, the whole embryonic stem cell project by scientists is in vain, imaginary, and likened to a fairy tale, just like the emperor’s imaginary valuable clothes. By using analogy, he compares the scientific project and the emperor’s incidence, as having similar outcomes, which is false hope. This ensures that this comparison remains memorable among the audience, thus making it easy for them to relate with (Swenson WEB). Secondly, the author uses evidence or support, to back her argument in the issue. This helps to make the audience consider the argument as having a solid ground. Swenson uses different forms of evidence to support her argument. For instance, she directs the audience to a website that will provide them with more information about the success of adult stem cells and cord blood treatments in treatment of many types of conditions. This supports her argument that only adult stem cell and cord blood treatment are successful in curing various conditions, and not the embryonic stem cell. She also revisits other incidences where embryonic stem cells failed to

Cultural diversity in the workplace. the positve and negative effect Essay

Cultural diversity in the workplace. the positve and negative effect - Essay Example Cultural diversity incorporates differences based on race, ethnicity, sex, social class, nationality, religion, color and sexual identity (Thomas and Ely 2001, p. 229). Members of a cultural identity share common worldviews, values, norms, goals and cultural heritage, cultural markers being communicated through communication style, shared meanings and dialects or languages. Cultural identity is socially constructed, complex, and dynamic and is associated with some power position, status, and a certain degree of prestige. For instance, in Western society males have a more powerful status and higher positions in political system than females, just like whites have a more powerful position than people of color, heterosexuals are more powerful than homosexuals, etc (Thomas and Ely 2001, p. 229). The discussion of the diversity in the workplace began early in 1990’s. The US workforce was changing rapidly. Traditionally it was represented mostly by white males. However, since 1970s ever more women and minorities joined the workforce. In 1993 it was expected that by the year 2000 only one in seven of new employees would be a white male. The old way of assimilating diversity (people were expected to hide their cultural differences to fit into the company’s dominant culture) was abandoned. Diversity started being treated as an asset bringing â€Å"a broad range of viewpoints and problem-solving skills to the company† (Black Enterprise 1993, p.1). Workforce 2000 Today survey showed that by 1991 â€Å"issues of cultural diversity and women in the work force were becoming increasingly important in decision-making and strategic planning – especially strategic planning†. 60 percent of the respondents said their management viewed diversity as an asse t, not as a problem (Black Enterprise 1993, p.1). However, Ben Harrison questioned the reliability of those 60% emphasizing that most managers didn’t have a clue as to what diversity meant. He explained that

Effectiveness of leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Effectiveness of leadership - Essay Example It is possible that every become leaders, but it is difficult that everybody becomes effective leaders. Most of the persons act as a leader either at their family or at work, at some time of their life. Leadership styles are different for different people because of the individual differences. Some people may adopt authoritarian approach whereas some others adopt democratic style of functioning. Rewards and punishments are the main weapons in the hands of a leader in order to motivate the subordinates. Power is an essential component of leadership.There are passive leaders and active leaders. A passive leader will never act for the betterment of either the organization or the community which he leads. Some of the ancient monarchs who got leadership of a country simply because of their tradition, are the best examples of passive leaders. But an effective leader always incorporates the positives of these approaches in his leadership style. Leadership is an art which requires lot of ski lls like temperament, patience and preparation. It is not possible that a short tempered person or a person with lack of control over his emotion may become an effective leader. Emotional intelligence is the core of effective leadership. An effective leader is the one who takes quick and effective actions or decisions. There are endless qualities which can be attributed to an effective leadership. This paper tries to analyse some of the essential qualities of an effective leader.'Leadership' is a term which has so many definitions and used differently at different instances. Leadership can be generally defined as the behaviour of an individual when he was able to direct and control a group of persons towards a goal. Leadership can be of different types. Some people adopt autocratic or authoritarian style of leadership in which they never allow the opinions of the group members led by him; instead he will force the group members to functions in a specific manner as directed by him wi thout any questions or doubts. It is a kind of dictatorship. On the other hand some other leaders adopt democratic style of functioning while leading a group. Such leaders always value the opinions of the group members and they consider the needs of the group members on a humanitarian basis. There are also a third kind of leaders who incorporate both autocratic and democratic approaches in their functioning. The behaviour patterns of a leader vary from person to person and situation to situation. Same leader may function differently on different occasions. The behaviour pattern of a leader is often influenced by the personality of the leader. The term power always associated with leadership. Without power it is difficult for a leader to function properly. If a leader was unable to exercise the power, he will be labelled as a leader by position. In any case, the success of a leader often measured on the basis of the effectiveness of his performances. In order to become effective in their mission, the leaders should have certain qualities and skills in order to lead a group of individuals Essentials of effective leadership "Effective leaders are alike in crucial way: they all have high degree of emotional intelligence" (Goleman & Maccoby, p.3) Emotional intelligence is an essential quality required for an effective leader. The group which he leads often consists of individuals of different personality and behavioural traits. Only a leader with emotional intelligence can identify each individual member of the group very well and utilize them in an effective manner to execute the objectives of the group project. "The renowned researcher in human organizational behaviour David McClelland found that when senior managers had a critical mass of emotional intelligence capabilities their divisions outperformed yearly earnings goals by 20%" (Goleman & Maccoby, p.5) Emotional intelligence make a leader capable of increasing the productivity of the organization

Women at point zero and Dolls House Essay Example for Free

Women at point zero and Dolls House Essay She declares that as a prostitute [she] [is] not [herself], [her] feelings did not rise from within [her] (85). She [makes] no effort, [expends] no energy, [gives] no affection and [provides] no thought (86) when she sleeps with men. The parallelism displays the stealth and disgust Firdaus feels when she is making love with them. This reminds the reader that she shared no intimacy with the men, and she only sleeps with them in order to earn her daily bread. The diction shows that her life is void of feelings and emotions; she appears to be robotic. In contrast, Nora in A Dolls House hides her true feelings and pretends to be desperately in need for help because she wants to stop her husband from reading the letter that could damage their relationship. She needs to act like a docile wife who [couldnt] get anywhere without [his] help (85). she knows that hes so proud of being a man (36). She also lies to Torvald and conceals the truth about her loan because she knows that the truth will hurt his ego. This portrays how well she understands the standing of men in society. She finally has the courage to say No! (98) and this transforms her into a confident woman. The aggressive tone displays the anger and rage in Firdauss heart. After she thrusts aside her anger by killing the pimp she could walk with her head high with the pride of having destroyed all masks to reveal what is hidden behind (96). The real Firdaus is seen after she finds the strength to fight back. The word choice and mood reveals the feelings of happiness Firdaus experiences after she puts aside all the disguises and masks. Firdaus is still vulnerable to men because she has something to lose. When she kills the pimp and later tears up the princes money, Firdaus finally proves that she has control over herself. Moreover, in A Dolls House, Nora also [takes] off [her] fancy dress (96) when she realizes that [she has] been [Helmers] doll-wife (98) and had never had any personal opinions. She realizes that [she] must educate [herself] (99) and try to find out [her] own answers (100). Throughout the play Nora uses exclamatory and childish language. The use of direct language in her dialogues in the climax of the play shows the emergence of a strong and independent woman. Throughout her life she had avoided to face the hardship and realities of life by putting on a disguise but she now realizes that she has been living a lie. She casts aside her fai ade and becomes a changed person. Both Firdaus and Nora execute controversial acts in order acquire freedom. While Firdaus does the unthinkable when she murders a pimp, Nora also breaks the image of the typecast nineteenth century European wife when she leaves her family in order to discover truths about herself and live life on her own terms. Firdaus realized from the beginning that she was a blind creature that could neither see [herself] nor anyone else (41), nevertheless she didnt break free till the end. On the other hand, Nora realization is an on-going process throughout the play. The letter just acts as a catalyst to instigate her to make the divisive decision in the end. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Miscellaneous section.

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. 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.