Business Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Business Proposal - Essay Example Operating as an acquirer, PayPal processes payment for commercial users at a fee before transferring the money to the other party whom it further charges yet another fee. The receiver of the money gets it in a preferred currency including respective local currencies after converting at the prevailing market rates as determined by the foreign exchange rates. This report introduces the service into the market. In doing this, the report analyses the potential market and the probability for profitability. The product introduction is the basic marketing procedures that involve market determination. This requires effective consideration of the opportunities and threats presented by the market and the strengths and weaknesses of the product that the marketer must consider before positioning the product. The market that the service target is an oligopoly implying that it has various firms offering similar services; the new product will therefore face intense competition from the existing companies. However, the various companies have a marginal control of the market thereby creating room enough for the growth of the new player. With effective marketing, the new service will possibly claim a share of the market and even become a monopoly. This will rely on the marketing features employed by the marketers both at introduction and in subsequent marketing operations. E-commerce is real time and it required a competitive payment system that would match the transactions carried out. In essence, the payment systems needed to be instant. This is a feature, which was yet to be realized. PayPal thus positions itself as the only intermediary capable of processing and availing the money to the appropriate parties within the time that transactions are made. The demand for online payment solutions has increased with the advent of electronic commerce. Most companies currently have websites and support electronic transfer of goods and

Struggle for Free

Struggle for Freedom Essay In the short story Flight by Doris Lessing and Dubliners: An Encounter by James Joyce, have many of the same literary techniques employed through the themes and imagery. Thematically, these two short stories are very similar because they both are about youth growing up which leads to escape or freedom during the childhood and adolescence years. Lessings story is about a grandfather who is possessive of his granddaughter and does not want her grow-up. Because of this, he tries to control her because he does not want to be alone, and most importantly because this was his last granddaughter out of four to mature. As for Joyces story, it is mainly about the relationship between Father Butler and the boys, where the boys are faced with boredom at school and are spurred by excitement found in magazine stories about the American Wild West, two young boys skip school to take a trip to The Pigeon-house. Their school boy lark and youthful egocentricism are destroyed by an encounter with an aging pervert who tells them that boys were too young to have sweethearts. In addition, both of the authors use descriptive words to create imagery, which also shows how the two stories are similar. Some examples of descriptive imagery from Flight are: and Dubliners: An Encounter is It will become apparent that this is what these stories are about when evidence is provided by referring to the each story to support these statements in the text. Similarly, the themes in both short stories illustrate flight in one case and freedom in another, during their adolescence years of the characters. This shows how the characters move on to live their life in Flight or the transition from boys to men (bigger boys) in Dubliners: An Encouter. An example of this is in Flight, when the grandfather disapproves of the granddaughter (Alice) going out with the postmasters son (Steven). With this, he runs to his daughter (Lucy) and argues that Alice is just a young girl and that she needs to stop Alice from making a mistake. On the other hand, the grandfather is the one who has made the mistake with all the watching over her, he has overlooked that she is a young woman who has fallen in love. The dialog that shows his unease at her growing up and making new life changes is below: Lucy, he said urgently. Lucy . . . Well, what is it now? Shes in the garden with Steven. Now you just sit down and have your tea. He stumped his feet alternatively, thump, thump, on the hollow wooden floor and shouted: Shell marry him. Im telling you, shell be marrying him next! pg. 386 In addition, the age of Alice is brought up, which shows that Alice is in her adolescent years and is ready to take flight. This is found when the grandfather says: Shes eighteen. Eighteen!. A similar situation occurred in Dubliners: An Encounter is when the narrator (one of the boys) says the following: The adventures related in the literature of the Wild West were remote from my nature but, at least, they opened doors of escape. The summer holidays were near at hand when I made up my mind to break out of the weariness of school life for one day at least. It is known that the story took place in their childhood years going on to their adolescent years, because the quote shows that the boys are growing up since they did not charge the younger boys. This shows that they were also growing up. As quoted in the story: Mahony began to play the Indian as soon as we were out of public sight. He chased a crowd of ragged girls, brandishing his unloaded catapult and, when two ragged boys began, out of chivalry, to fling stones at us, he proposed that we should charge them. I objected that the boys were too small, and so we walked on, the ragged troop screaming after us Swaddlers! Swaddlers! thinking that we were Protestants because Mahony, who was dark-complexioned, wore the silver badge of a cricket club in his cap. Part of this that made this so effective was the imagery. Another similarity is the imagery, and through the literary techniques, the authors utilized. From beginning to end, there are many examples of imagery; nonetheless, not all will be mentioned. With Lessings story, one can read a description that she has used and easily visualize what she is talking about. In the introduction, she describes the dovecote and it is birds with the words: tall wire-netted shelf on stilts, young plump-bodied bird, cold coral claws. Later on, there is a description of Steven thought of by the grandfather, which quotes: red-handed, red-throated, violent-bodied youth. At the end of the story, she describes the sky and the land in the eyes of the grandfather with the words: cloud of shining birds, shrill cleaving of wings, dark ploughed land, darker belts of trees, bright folds of grass, and cloud of motes of dust. As for Joyces story, he gives detailed descriptions of imagery of the day of the adventure. One scene that has several descriptions of imagery used the words: long grass, mild sunny morning, frail canvas shoes, tramload of business people, tall trees, little light green leaves. Joyce also describes Dublins commerce area as: curls of woolly smoke, brown fishing fleet, big white sailing vessel. Effective Transition Sentence Linking Ideas: Main Points connected to thesis: Back up the text referencing to story What causes these similarities and/or differences? What effect (or cost) do they have on the subjects? On society? What do the similarities and/or differences show about your subjects? About society? Concluding, This should make it a very suitable story for young people preparing for exams: Alices situation will be one that you face now or will face soon. How do you feel about this prospect? Is it scary, or exciting or both? Leaving home and becoming independent are things which most people face sooner or later.

The Good Earth: Wang Lung - A Man Of Determination And Loyalty :: essays research papers

The Good Earth: Wang Lung - A Man of Determination and Loyalty Pearl S. Buck shows her readers the many faces of Wang Lung in her book, The Good Earth. Wang Lung is a rice farmer who gains all his wealth through the land. He struggles to move from poverty to a well respected wealthy man. Wang Lungs character portrays a man's unselfishness, determination, and loyalty towards his family and friends.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Wang Lung's caring and generous nature towards his family and friends make him a well-liked person. During the drought Wang Lung feeds the family members first and leaves what little is left for himself. Though it is hard, Wang Lung manages to survive the drought. He feeds the family small portions of rice which are left over from the season. When the food runs out and the furniture and equipment are sold, Wang Lung decides to make a harsh decision. He decides to lock up and move south. There he hopes to find food and money for his family. After a 100 mile train ride, they end up in the south. Wang Lung is delighted to find rice for only a penny. While Wang Lung uses the ricksha to make money for rice, the family eats and begins to regain strength. When all is well, Wang Lung returns home to start his life all over.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Also during the drought Wang Lung spares food and money for his uncle, uncles's wife and their son. The uncle is a poor old gambler who would rather gamble his money away than to spend it on his family. During the drought he shows up in Wang Lung's fields begging for money. At first Wang Lung refuses to dish out money to his uncle. After a time of arguementing Wang Lung finally gives in. He states It is cutting my flesh out to give to him and for nothing except that we are of a blood.(46) Wang Lung is upset that he had to give money to his uncle. Wang Lung didn't have to give to his uncle, but by doing so he kept peace with his him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Wang Lung's persistence to succeed carries him to a higher level in life. With such an attitude he is determined to regain his wealth after the drought. On the way home from down south, Wang Lung used the gold he had taken from the man in the Great House to buy things for the land. He bought seeds to plant and a new beast to plow the fields. Wang Lung figures this will give him what he

Factor affecting pulse rate Essay

Our heart is a muscle. It’s located a little to the left of the middle of our chest, and it’s about the size of our fist. There are lots of muscles all over our body — in our arms, in our legs, in our back etc. But the heart muscle is special because of what it does. The heart sends blood around our body. The blood provides our body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs. It also carries away waste. Our heart is sort of like a pump or two pumps in one. The right side of our heart receives blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs. The left side of the heart does the exact opposite: It receives blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the body. Every time when blood travels through heart it produces a sound called lub-dub. Lub happens when the upper chambers of the heart contract to squeeze the blood downward into the ventricles. A dub happens when the lower chambers contract. Every time the lower chambers of the heart contract, the blood in the left ventricle rushes upward into the aorta. It quickly speeds away from the heart causing the aorta to expand as it passes. As the blood races along, some of it pushes into the first artery that branches off from the aorta. Some of the blood enters the next artery. The blood from each contraction of the heart produces a bulge in the artery. This bulge of the arteries is called a pulse. One pulse is equal to one Heartbeat. The rate at which heart beats is called pulse rate. It can be varied by various factors such as:- Body Build and Size. A short, fat person may have a higher rate than a tall, slender person. The larger the size, the slower the rate. For example, a grizzly bear has a heart rate of about 30 beats a minute while a hummingbird’s is about 200 beats per minute. Gender: a woman’s heart rate is generally faster than a man’s. Age: generally the younger a person is, the faster the heart rate. An infant’s heart rate is about 120 beats per minute; a child’s is around 100; an adult’s is between 70 and 80; an elderly person generally hovers in the 60s. Exercise and Muscular Activity. An  increase in pulse rate will occur with increased activity to meet increased oxygen and nutrient demands. A regular aerobic exercise program can lower the resting pulse. A person, who exercises a great deal, such as an athlete, will develop bradycardia that is a normal, health condition. The body slows the heartbeat to compensate for the greater volume of blood pumped with each beat. Emotional Status. Fear, anger, and anxiety will all increase the pulse rate. Hormones: influence heart rate, especially epinephrine, norepinephrine, and thyroid hormones, all of which can increase the rate. Pathology: certain diseases affect heart rate, causing it either to slow or to race. Medications and drugs: Stimulants will increase the pulse rate; depressants will decrease the pulse rate. For example, Digitalis slows the rate, while epinephrine (Adrenalin) increases it. Caffeine can also cause palpitations or extra beats. Blood Pressure. As the blood pressure decreases, the pulse will frequently increase. Elevated Body Temperature. The pulse increases approximately 10 beats per minute for every 1 F (0.56 º C) increase in body temperature. These conditions cause a temporary increase in the heartbeat and pulse. Pain. When the patient is in pain, the pulse rate will increase. Hypothesis I think that exercise will vary the pulse rate because when we are working out or exercising, oxygen is released from our body more rapidly as the cells metabolize and use up the oxygen quicker, and so our body requires a greater amount of oxygen. Due to which our heart rate increases to carry oxygenated blood to our muscles and organs. Hence, increasing our pulse rate. Variables Independent Variable: In this the independent variable is exercise because the pulse rate is varied by the exercise we do. Dependent Variable: In this the dependant variable is the pulse rate because it is dependent on exercise and many other factors that are kept constant. Constant Variable: In this all other factors excluding exercise are kept constant. This allows us to measure the effect of exercise on pulse rate and minimize confounding effects due to any other factors that may influence heart rate. Apparatus and Procedure Stop watch 1. Sit down comfortably on a chair, locate the pulse and calculate the number of pulse per minute. 2. Walk gently measuring different feet and calculate the pulse rate after each distance. 3. Repeat these steps twice and calculate the average number of pulses per minute and record. Observation table 1. Person-1 Pulse rate after walking 1 2 3 Average pulse rate At rest 74 72 77 74 100 feet 74 77 78 76 200 feet 77 79 76 77 300 feet 81 85 82 82 400 feet 87 84 89 86 500 feet 93 91 96 93 2. Person-2 Pulse rate after walking 1 2 3 Average pulse rate Pulse rate at rest 70 75 73 72 100 feet 73 72 77 74 200 feet 78 74 80 77 300 feet 79 81 83 81 400 feet 85 82 88 85 500 feet 91 94 98 94 3. Person-3 Pulse rate at rest 1 2 3 Average pulse rate Pulse rate at rest 73 72 75 73 100 feet 77 84 87 82 200 feet 94 96 93 94 300 feet 104 106 107 105 400 feet 104 110 108 107 500 feet 106 109 104 106 Conclusion BY observing my graphs I came to the conclusion that exercise raises the pulse rate because When the body is exercising the muscles respire to produce energy, so the muscles can contract. Oxygen is needed, the oxygen is carried in the haemoglobin of the red blood cell. The heart and lungs need to work harder in order to get a greater amount of oxygen to the muscles for respiration. In muscle cells digested food substances are oxidised to release energy. The heart rate rises because during exercise, respiration in the muscles increases, so the level of carbon dioxide in the blood rises. Carbon dioxide is slightly acid; the brain detects the rising acidity in the blood, the brain then sends a signal through the nervous system to the lungs to breathe faster and deeper. Gaseous exchange in the lungs increases allowing more oxygen into the circulatory system and removing more carbon dioxide. The brain then sends a signal to make the heart beat faster. As a result this, heart rate would rise. My graph confirms my hypothesis in that as the length of exercise is increased, the number of beats per minute rises. Hence the result shown by our experiment seems to be correct. Therefore I think that the procedure we used was reliable. Although there are some sources of error but these do not makes much difference and can be ignored. Sources of error As experiment is fully performed by humans so there are some human errors involved in the experiment. Firstly, we didn’t use pulse rate meter so there may be some errors in counting the pulse rate making some changes to our  result. Secondly, the person might not have properly relaxed so; factors like stress, excitement can affect the pulse rate making changes to our result. Thirdly, it took time to count the pulse rate after exercise, because of which the increased pulse rate might have come to normal in this meantime. Improvements By making some improvements in our experiment we could get more better and exact result. For example Instead of counting the pulse we could have used pulse rate meter to calculate pulse rate. Secondly, we could have taken pulse rate of more persons for better and accurate result.

Social Costs and Externalities of Indonesian Palm Oil

Indonesia is the leading producer and exporter of palm oil across the globe. Oil palm is of high economic status throughout Indonesia, Africa, and most of the East because of its abundance in the region, richness of nutritional and mineral components, and high yields of edible and technical oils. The extensive development of oil palm industries in many tropical countries is due to its extremely high potential productivity. The steady demand of the oil has existed for integration into processed oods, personal care products, and home-cooked meals.Correspondingly, with increased interest in substitution of fossil fuels, palm oil is being demanded for biofuel energy production. The issues with palm oil extraction are many; One including that the high demand from developed nations has lead to the push of cultivation into the rainforests, destroying habitat. Additionally, the production and extracting gives opportunities for small land-holders to participate in the cash economy, but often time big banks and companies acquire their land without notification or compensation. Migrant workers and imported laborers are said to legally conflict with extraction processes.Regardless, a large majority of the rural- poor, working class of Indonesia relies on income from palm oil production. With that, the entire population could be lifted out of poverty. The central obligation Indonesia holds is to lift their unemployed and impoverished majority from those circumstances and boost sustainable economic growth. Since the economy of the country is heavily dependent primarily of the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors, the opening up of forests and further extraction of their natural esources are the most reliable sources toward reaching their financial goals.In relation, externalities and social costs must be taken into account because local production, global markets, and climate change are ever connected in the race to seize reproductive function of renewable resources. Wit h that in mind, Indonesia is the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world as a result of their deforestation, peat land degradation, and forest fires for their expanding industry of palm oil extraction (Business Watch Indonesia, 2007).Meanwhile, Indonesia is a low-lying coastal area and is vulnerable to the climate ffects that they, in fact, are contributing their greenhouse gases to. Additionally, with Indonesia's longitudinal positioning on the equator, it is most susceptible to the sink dynamics resulting from climate change. However, because there is an influx of demand for palm oil for food and industrial consumption, Indonesia has Jumped onto the opportunity to expand their already leading production to meet demand and bring rise to each worker's GDP.Indonesia holds close to 50 percent of share-hold global production on palm oil and to keep up with their plans on extending the ountries production from 22 million tons to 40 million tons by 2020, they are using thi s opportunity to establish programs for promotion of biofuels (Buschmann, The Case of Indonesian Palm Oil, 2011). While rich countries put forth effort to specialize in environmentally friendly production and are implementing boundaries of sustainability in their own economies, they are attracted to productions that are environmentally harmful in developing regions.This shifts the environmental costs from importer to exporter and ultimately leads to unequal ecological exchange from ttempting to make the shift to renewable energy and meet the standards of the Kyoto and Montreal Protocols within their own boundaries. Wealthy nations are continuously working to cut emissions with increased awareness of global climate change. However, the Kyoto Protocol fails to commit those high producing developing nations to those same standards, (BWI, 2010). This is an issue in that rich nations emission reduction is based on their economic development and status.What such nations are not willing to assist in is the sustainable development and growth of the eveloping nations they are importing from through fair trade, technology transfer, and overall financial and technical assistance. Without respect to the natural capital or the environment, Indonesia is doing quite well in terms of progressing as an economically sustainable country. Palm oil and its global importance in the newer- found relation to biodiesel is a valuable asset in providing a brighter quality of life in regards to revenue for more than three million Indonesian workers and their families (Waltermann & Streubel, BWI, 2010).Commonsensically, more people working in a rowing biofuel-centered sector would lead to increasing incomes and overall economic achievement. In the case of Indonesian palm oil, there is a central assumption that represents complex, crisscrossing issues that encompass the different levels of action from a varying range of contributors with multiple interests. This means that although the loc al production is paying the native workers, local production, international trade, and global climate change are all interconnected.The directives put in place by developed economies look to reach a final level of renewable energy consumption. Palm oil is seen for its energetic, technically renewable â€Å"biofuel† use and can have a positive effect on economic growth for both palm oil producers as well as energy producers, at the expense of exploited natural resources and forest habitats. There are undoubtedly counterproductive consequences accompanying the demand for sustainable crude palm oil and the general switch from fossil fuels to â€Å"renewable† fuels.By converting national accounts to â€Å"green economies† (budgets with money for renewable energy allotted into them), there is an alleviation on the debate of translating environmental concerns into conomic variables, but only when applied to sustainable concepts. This is faulty because it rides on the idea that all forms of capital can substitute each other regardless of how the stock of the capital is composed. This means that well-off the while overextending a resources productive capacity (OECD, 2005) The concept of environmental Justice or â€Å"strong sustainability' has limitations on the previously noted substitution of capital.Because there are boundaries on forests' reproductive capacity, the continuity of economic systems are at risk. Most â€Å"westernized† overnments have reached the manufactured and natural capital equilibrium, where they have the ability to access both forms of the goods, and any rise in one will have an expense on the other. Forest products, and in this case palm oil from the Indonesian forests, are shown to have short-term economic gains by conversion of forest to agricultural use in the over-exploitation of the products. This typically leads to long-term loss in income and biological productivity.Also in the case of Indonesian palm oil an d forest loss, the production is exceeding the value of ready-for- production, mature sources. The graph below demonstrates the progression of palm oil production and how Indonesia was able to reliably supply roughly 57 percent of the annual increase with its vast land resources and a suitable climate. However, it is clear that production has extended beyond the mature supplies and gone into areas beyond suitability to reach demand from international markets and an increased interest by native small farm-holders to erect their own private plantations (USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, 2009).Social and external costs are largely associated with export and import rates, overnment investment and tax systems in the international market. One abrogating externality is the non-tariff trade barriers applied by developed importers. To assure some security when and if free trade is effective and ecological standards go down, these barriers work to restrict the exporters in the market when s upply cannot meet demand. On the other hand, for small farm-holders to establish their plantations, they must qualify for subsidizing credit provided by the Government of Indonesia and prioritize with other startup costs.Because of this possibility the palm oil roduction sector has experienced strong development and expansion across the country, with an average of 8-13% annual growth rates in palm areas over the last decade (USDA, 2009). The Indonesian government, over the past decade, has provided these loans to encourage smallholders' expansion, at rates below market interest. Alongside the enabling of non-commercial plantation ownership, the Government has advocated ownership with programs that provide smallholders with improved seed, fertilizers, and techniques for growth.Additionally, land-use permits ave been reevaluated to allot more time for companies to control profits earned by a plantation. These interventions have brought positive change in the market significantly; non- commercial palm oil farms now account for 44 percent of the total area in the country, second to private commercials (Foreign Agricultural Service, 2009). A major effect of these implementations is the establishment of processing plants. Because fresh fruit bunches require processing within 48 hours of harvest, oil refining plants have been constructed near major concentrations of harvest land.Construction and operation of each plant represents a significant fixed cost for the developer, and typically ends up servicing both commercial and smallholder palm producers that surround it† (Foreign Agricultural Service, 2009). The investment in in contributor in the success of Indonesia's palm oil business. At the expense of the environment's health, and with the push from changes in government economic and political policies, historical highs have been reached leading Indonesia to the number one spot in exporting and producing of palm oil.Nonetheless, without regard to its ommunal u se and benefits to the servicer, service emissions are still added to the atmosphere, more resources and forests are eliminated, reducing the amount of the fruit available for use by the farmers and ruining the habitat of accompanying wildlife. Further success rates in the palm oil sector I believe, at this point, rely on the clarification of one all-encompassing issue. That is, whether or not ecological economies can lead to different assessments of how economic growth, open trade, and the environment can be positively or negatively associated.Investors and roducers have optimistic expectations of improving their economies despite being built on the depletion of a natural capital and possibly misleading those civilians toward a downward trend.

New Balance Company

New Balance Company Mission and Vision New Balance is one of leading producers of sporting footwear worldwide. The company’s mission is to demonstrate â€Å"responsible leadership† and â€Å"build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host† (Veleva 1). The company’s vision is to remain a socially and environmentally responsible company that is managed in accordance with philanthropic principles.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on New Balance Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Objectives One of primary objectives of the company is to develop an efficient CSR (corporate social responsibility) leadership. It implies creation of the CSR department. Strategic Philosophy The company is aimed at becoming (or rather remaining) a leader in the field of sporting footwear production and promoting such concepts as social and corporate responsibi lity among other producers. New Balance is committed to contribute to development of communities as well as its employees. The company’s motto to do the right thing translates into New Balance’s philosophy to change the world for better. Central Issues The company, as any other manufacturer, has to address issues in four major areas: overall governance, community support, operations, and products/services. At that, such areas as human and labor rights, transparency, greenhouse gas emissions regulation and health and safety of products get the company’s special attention. Hence, it has been found that major strengths of the company (according to New Balance’s employees) are history, values and integrity. Nonetheless, it was also found that employees felt lack for an integrated approach to leadership. The company introduced various incentives that contributed to development of the company, employees and communities but those incentives were not integrated i nto a particular paradigm. Another example of this is the company’s policies on greenhouse emissions and recycling. The company has done a lot in this sphere but successful incentives have not been made known to the public or even to the employees. Likewise, the company has employed revolutionary strategies in the field of product safety diminishing the use of hazardous materials but it remain unknown to the public. It is also necessary to note that the company lacks transparency. Admittedly, being a privately owned business, New Balance does not need the same degree of transparency as a public company. Nonetheless, contemporary consumers are willing to buy from transparent companies and this is a challenge for New Balance.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Recommendations One of the most important things to do is development of strong CSR leadership. The company should have the department responsible for identifying issues and coming up with effective solutions. The department should also shed light on numerous incentive of the company. There should be a particular plan of incentives. Employees should know what is the company doing and why it is doing this or that. All these incentives should be known to the public. Notably, employees as well as communities are totally satisfied with the company’s operations (Veleva 13). The company does not need to change HR policies or incentives contributing to development of communities. However, New Balance has to highlight these policies as it will set new standards in the industry since other companies will have to follow to keep their employees and customers. Apart from this, the company should become more transparent as this is the latest trend and consumers see transparency as one of elements of social responsibility. The company has to provide annual reports on its operations. The company’s values and structure can also be highlighted. Veleva, Vesela. New Balance: Developing an Integrated CSR Strategy. Retrieved from The University of Western Ontario, Richard Ivey School of Business. Print.

Critically analyse the ways in which the personalisation agenda might impact on the protection of vulnerable adults. The WritePass Journal

Critically analyse the ways in which the personalisation agenda might impact on the protection of vulnerable adults. Abstract Critically analyse the ways in which the personalisation agenda might impact on the protection of vulnerable adults. : 47). As personalisation is contrary to this, problems are likely to arise since social workers are required to develop creative ways of working by a critical, politicised and geographical view of our culturally plural society (Gardner, 2011: 30). This is much more difficult to achieve when adopting the personalisation agenda as social workers are required to take a step back and allow vulnerable adults to take control. HCPC standards, legislation policy and guidance The current HCPC standards that are required of social workers are also likely to conflict with the personalisation agenda since social workers are required to act in the best interests of their service users (HCPC, 2012: 3). Accordingly, enabling vulnerable adults to live independently may not be acting in their best interests as certain individuals will require constant supervision and will need the help and support from social workers. Hence, even if it appears as though a person is capable of taking control of their own life, this may not always be the case and so it is important that social workers continue to take a pro-active role in the lives of vulnerable adults. Thus, under the No Secrets (Adult Protection) guidance managers with the responsibility of overseeing and supervising the investigation of, and response to, adult abuse are required to ensure that all appropriate agencies are involved in the investigation and the provision of support, and that good standards of prac tices are maintained (Department of Health, 2000: 16). However, personalisation is likely to have an impact on such responsibilities as it will require a change in the way welfare services are being delivered and the ways vulnerable adults are being supervised. Direct Payments, Exploitation and Fairer Charges As personalisation allows the individual to have a greater choice, the government will have less control over individual budgets. Accordingly, those in need of care will thus have a choice whether to accept direct payments in order to purchase their own social care services or allow local authorities to arrange their care (MNDA, 2010: 2). Whilst it has been said that this new approach helps those in need of care to attain a program suited to their individual needs (Age UK, 2013: 1), this can actually have dangerous consequences. This is because the service user may be at risk of abuse   and exploitation by family members and unscrupulous carers (8). However, provided that this risk can be managed appropriately it has been said that the personalisation agenda may actually provide individuals with a fairer charging system (Duffy, 2011: 4). However, this will not be the case for everyone and whilst some individuals may end up with a better deal, others may be expected to meet the cost s of their care themselves. Arguably, whilst this system is workable in meeting the needs of certain individuals, it may actually penalise others. In addition, as put by (The Policy Press, 2011: 96) it increases the costs of disability, encourages institutionalisation and works against independent living and person-centred support. This is not what was intended by the establishment of the personalisation agenda and unless these inherent risks can be managed, it is likely that vulnerable adults will suffer.   Conclusion Overall, it is evident that the personalisation agenda is likely to have a significant impact upon the ways in which vulnerable adults are likely to be protected in the future. This is because, the main objectives of personalisation are to enable vulnerable adults to take control of their own lives and live independently. This agenda, nevertheless, conflicts with the current practices that are being adopted by social workers in protecting vulnerable adults and as a result of this many changes are likely to be required. Whilst it is clear that a balance needs to be struck, it is likely that this will prove extremely complex when trying to put this into practice. Yet, it remains to be seen, if any, what measure will be taken by social workers in ensuring that the personalisation agenda is being employed, whilst at the same time maintaining the protection of vulnerable adults. References Age UK. (2013) Personal Budgets More control over Your Care, [Online], Available: ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/help-at-home/self-directed-support/ [13 January 2014]. Carr, S. (2010) SCIE Report: Enabling risk, ensuring safety: Self-directed support and personal budgets Enabling Risk and Personal Budgets, Social Care Institute for Excellence. Department of Health. (2000) No Secrets: Guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse Home Office. Department of Health. (2007) Putting People First; A shared vision and commitment to the transformation of Adult Social Care HM Government. [Online], Available:   cpa.org.uk/cpa/putting_people_first.pdf [10 January 2014]. Department of Health   (2009) Transforming Adult Social Care Local Authority Circular. Duffy, S. (2011) A Fair Society and the Limits of Personalisation. Sheffield: Centre for Welfare Reform. Gardner, A. (2011) Personalisation in Social Work, SAGE, Social Science. Gray, A. M. and Birrell, D. (2013) Transforming Adult Social Care, The Policy Press. HCPC. (2012) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics Health Care Professions Council, Your duties as a registrant, [Online], Available: hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10003B6EStandardsofconduct,performanceandethics.pdf [10 January 2014]. Hopton. J. (2012) Anti-discriminatory practice and anti-oppressive practice; A radical humanist psychology perspective Critical Social Policy, volume 17, no. 52. IPC. (2010) Safeguarding vulnerable adults through better commissioning A Discussion Paper for Commissioners of Adult Social Care, Institute of Public Care. Lansley, A. (2010) Speech to the 5th International Carers Conference The Royal Armouries, Leeds. MNDA. (2010) Direct Payments and Personalisation, Information Sheet No 22B, [Online], Available: mndassociation.org/Resources/MNDA/Life%20with%20MND/Information%20sheet%2022B%20-%20Direct%20payments%20and%20personalisation.pdf [13 January 2014]. The Policy Press. (2011) Supporting People: Towards a Person-centred Approach, Social Science.