Cancer UK Organisation - Research Paper Example

Events Project Management Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Aims and Objectives of the Event ‘Race for Life’ 5 Feasibility Study (Screening) 5 Stakeholders Analysis 6 Cancer Patients 6 Carers and Families 7 Local Councillors 7 Health and Well-Being Boards 7 Cancer Charities 7 Local and National Media 8 NHS 8 Council of Governors 8 Colleges 8 Opportunities and Risks 9 Marketing Plan 10 Budget Plan 11 Project Plan 11 Event Project Schedule 13 Evaluation Methods to Be Utilised 14 Summary and Recommendations 15 References 16 Introduction ‘Race for Life’ is an event that is organised under Cancer Research UK organisation. In this respect, it is determined that ’Race for Life’ is a registered charity, which has been established in the United Kingdom. Cancer has been termed as one of the leading causes for death worldwide. In accordance with the recent observations, it is observed that a majority of people are dying due to cancer. In order to combat this particular disease, Cancer Research UK has established the charity organisation. ‘Race for Life’ is the event under this particular organisation that has been organised only for the women suffering from cancer. This event is regarded as the largest fund-raising event pertaining to the women only in the UK. It incorporates entirely a series of the 5k along with 10k events that are assisting the program to raise fund for the cancer patients. The popularity of the event i.e. ‘Race for Life’ can be determined by taking into consideration the increased number of participants since its start up in the years 1994. The event essentially includes within it the activities such as walking, running and jogging related to 5k and 10k. Apart from this, the funds being collected from the event are distributed and utilised with respect to cancer treatment (Cancer Research UK, 2014). This report intends to provide an outline of project management planning regarding the development of the prevailing event i.e. ‘Race for Life’. In this regard, the report will provide a strategic plan for involving males and older people within the future events under the domain of Race For Life. The event project management plan will delineate the prevailing opportunities and risks, marketing plan, budget and project plan related to the scheduled event as well. Aims and Objectives of the Event ‘Race for Life’ In accordance with the present aim of the organisation, it is ascertained as beating cancer comprehensively. The prime objective behind organising the event is that sooner the funds are raised the earlier will be the aim fulfilled. The aim of strategic planning for the development of the event i.e. ‘Race for Life’ is to involve males and older people. This will further enable to create awareness about the criticality of the disease along with facilitating to spread the event. On further note, this new development will help the event to raise accelerated fund in a shorter time. As observed that the event utilises its funds in the cancer treatment pertaining to all the races, therefore involving the youth and older individuals will prove beneficial for its wider adaptability and viability. Feasibility Study (Screening) Constantly, a general question arises in everyone’s mind that, ‘what is the importance of the cancer research charities and why is it feasible to invest in such charities?’ The answer to this thought reflects that in recent scenario, cancer is the disease that has taken a great toll on the society. The prior reasons for cancer have been found to be excessive smoking, drinking and tobacco intake among others. In order to check cancer, it is necessary to create awareness amidst the society about the positive impact of reducing of such intake. Besides, it has also been ascertained that the availability of the cancer treatment has stood out to be a concerning factor. Cancer treatment is not only limited to drugs administration but certain other allied steps can be taken to ensure cure as well. In order to improve the treatment of cancer emphatically, advance techniques are required. Radiotherapy or surgery as a treatment methodology involves new techniques and huge investments. Furthermore, the latest diagnosis and the differentiated ways pertaining to the monitoring of the success or the failure of the entire treatment process also involve huge investments (Cancer Research UK, 2014). It has been in general determined that deriving treatment through the aid of science is a slow-progressing method and it requires constant evaluation. In order to mitigate the requirements for successful testing related to cancer treatment, monetary investment is required. Therefore, the establishment of Cancer Research UK has helped the society as well as the medical professionals by taking initiative pertaining to the fundraising event. Eventually, this scenario lays emphasis on the feasibility of ‘Race for Life’ event. As discussed, this event looks forward to the involvement of only women, it opens up scope for the participation of male and old people in future planned events. This strategic plan will enable to further create wider awareness amidst the society (Malaghan Institute of Publication, 2008). Stakeholders Analysis In order to maintain an effective communication and emphatic engagement, it is necessary to communicate effectively the feasibility of the strategic planning to the stakeholders related to the event ‘Race for Life’. In order to have a brief understanding about the stakeholders, it is necessary to list down the prospective stakeholders. For the framed strategic planning of involving the male and the older people, the documented list of the shareholders are mentioned hereunder: Cancer Patients The sufferers of cancer are the most vital stakeholder as the treatment is being executed upon them. They are the ultimate users, who will be benefited by the execution of the `event. In this regard, it can be further determine that direct communication with the patients might act as an effective tool to create awareness amidst them. The intended strategic planning within the event is being solely organised for them. Carers and Families This segment is important as they provide support to the sufferers. Correspondingly, the intended particular event will provide them physical as well as monetary support for better treatment of their family member. Local Councillors The presence of the local councillors is important for the successful execution of the event being organised. Councillor’s permission is required for selecting venue and conducting the event. Apart from this, the councillors would assist in creating awareness amidst the society. Health and Well-Being Boards Considering the Health And Well-Being Boards as one of the key stakeholders, it can be stated that they usually help in the effective operations of the event. Besides, such board mainly sets certain rules and regulations that are necessary to be adhered for execution of the event successfully. Moreover, the involvement of the health boards also assists in spreading awareness within the society at a wider extent. Cancer Charities The other cancer charities can be taken as one of the stakeholders as it will provide an edge to make the event more reliable and appealing. Other cancer charities will also assist in the development of the event by providing information with regard to the medical aids and advanced treatment plans. Local and National Media Media always remains a vital constituent for any sort of event creation. It frames an important stakeholder as it acts as one of the best mediums for creating awareness amidst the society. Media can play an important role in advertising campaigns and other related activities associated with Race for Life event. In order to spread the message at a wider circle, involvement of the media is required. NHS It has been considered that the National Health Service (NHS) staffs are strong as well as powerful influencer with regard to the public perception on the health services. In this respect, it can be determined that the NHS creates a profound impact on the beliefs and the perceptions of the society. Therefore, NHS as a stakeholder will provide extensive benefit in the execution of the event effectively. Council of Governors The council of governors is the governing body that administers the health polices within the locality to combat health issues. Their involvement as a stakeholder will enable to endure proper advertisement of the event and its ultimate aim of minimising cancer risks from the society. Colleges For making any campaign, college students frame one of the best and enthusiastic sources. Thus, college youth can participate as volunteers in the event to ensure it meets its desired objectives. College students can actively participate in creating awareness amidst the society. Opportunities and Risks Considering the project management plan with respect to the involvement of males and older people, there exist certain advantages as well as the disadvantages. As the event ‘Race for Life’ essentially involves women as the participants, it creates a sort of biasness pertaining to the involvement of the male participants. This planned event will promote the interest of the male as well as the older generation. Apart from this, the intended strategic event mainly creates opportunities for the older people to get involved in a social work. This further creates awareness among the society comprising everyone about the cancer treatments and therapies that are available. This positive involvement of the participants can result in sufficient cooperation amidst the society. It further can ensure that the participation will create an impact on a wider base. Transparency along with openness is required with respect to any kind of the event. Participation of everyone within the event will ensure enhanced transparency of the event within the society. Considering all the available opportunities, there is a possibility of risks as well. In order to plan and execute the concerned event successfully, it is required to mitigate the determined risks. Ensuring effective communication can be termed as a risk factor. This is so because, if the message of the event is not properly conveyed to the societal members, it might create a hurdle in the execution. Usually, people endure the perception that such events are only for cost cutting purpose and will not provide any patient care as being intended. The underlying risk pertaining to the perception can be mitigated by providing proof about the usage of the available funds. In addition, it must be made clear in front of the society that the Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) allied with the cancer related activities face significant financial challenges pertaining to ensuring sustained facilities to their intended targets i.e. cancer patients. Marketing Plan Marketing activities are generally conducted with an aim of creating awareness amidst the people dwelling within the society. These activities essentially take into consideration various mediums and strategies that will be implemented in order to create the maximum awareness amidst the society. Regional and local marketing can be adopted to spread the massage with regard to the event within a wider area. Moreover, in order to promote regional and local marketing, social media and local channels are amid the best options. Social media being the most adaptable medium will ensure effective communication of the event. The dated schedule, frequency, guests’ involvement and contact numbers for the volunteers to support the event among others must be included in the marketing plan (McAllister & Webb, 2012). Apart from these, the advertisement of the event will entail mediums such as radio and television. This will enlarge the communication reach within an extensive base. By involving in relationship with the national media, the information pertaining to the event will reach the people outside the local community. Sponsorship is important to organise the event successfully as the monetary challenge can be mitigated by involving leading organisations for sponsorship. The sponsors that will be included for organising the event ‘Race for Life’ include Nivea, ScottishPower, Clarks, Vaseline and Tesco among others. Brand energy is the intended characteristic, which is looked within the sponsors. Apart from this, symbiotic relationship, keenness for supporting the test and integrated approach among others are a few features required to endure effective sponsorship. Budget Plan Event Budget (In Pounds £) EXPENSES Estimated Meeting Coordinator 3500.00 Supplies (Clothes, Shoes, Hand-outs etc) 4550.00 Awards & Ribbons 1050.00 Pens 500.00 Brochures 700.00 Miscellaneous 5000.00 Food/Beverage (Packets) 5000.00 Internet & Power Charges 500.00 Sponsorship 10000.00 Venue 3500.00 TOTAL EXPENSES £34300.00 Project Plan Gantt Chart: Project Activities Months Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Determining the Event’s Aims and Objectives Conducting Feasibility Study of the Event Seeking Local Councillors’ Permission and Cooperation Sponsorship Arrangement And Venue Selection Starting Advertisements and Event Promotional Campaign Finalising The List Of Participants And Volunteers For The Event Executing the Event on the Scheduled Dates Post-Event Evaluation Event Project Schedule Period Scheduled For the Event ‘Race For Life’ From May-June’ 2014 Day Timings Activities 10th May 9.30 am Opening speech of the sponsor 10.00 am-1.00 pm ‘Race for Life’ event is conducted 26th May 9.30 am Speech given by the local governor 10.00 am-1.00 pm Race will be conducted including the males and the older people 15th June 9.30 am A few mementos will be distributed to the volunteer participants 28th June 10.00 am-1.00 pm The outcome of the past events and the progressive report with regard to the cancer treatment Evaluation Methods to Be Utilised In keeping with the evaluation method, it reflects various methodologies that are required to analyse the effectiveness of the event. It involves pre and post-evaluation techniques. Pre-evaluation assists in the analysis of the loopholes if any within the entire event management. In this regard, the pre-evaluation technique further provides information about the requirement of any strategy for mitigating the loopholes. In case of the post-evaluation method, it is conducted with a motive to analyse the outcome of the event being organised. The event ‘Race for Life’ needs evaluation to determine the participant rate and its popularity within the society (Shone & Parry, 2004). The pre-evaluation method incorporates within it press clippings, photographs and slides, video tapping, sound recordings and surveys among others. By analysing these techniques, it will provide a conception about the viability of the event to be organised. The planned project of ‘Race for Life’ event would mainly aim at the involvement of males and older people in the campaign with a motive to eradicate cancer from the society. Evaluation techniques act as a key determinant to attain the aims and the objectives. In accordance with the post-evaluation technique, general meeting, outside evaluation, feedback forms and comments among others are considered as the key techniques that will be executed. In this respect, it can be determined that the post-evaluation technique would facilitate to ensure the effectiveness and the impact of the event ‘Race for Life’. General meeting would be conducted to have an understanding about the outcomes of the events. Apart from this, the feedback from the social networking sites would also enable to gather information about the impact of the event (Shone & Parry, 2004). Summary and Recommendations It has been determined from the event project management plan that in order to organise an event i.e. ‘Race for Life’, which is a fund raising activity to support the cancer patients, there are certain integral constituents that need to be managed. The plan further discussed about the aims and objectives of the event. The key aim and objective of the planned event will be to involve male and older people as participants within the event to create equality and to promote societal awareness with regard to the cancer treatment. In accordance with the intended plan, it has been determined that cancer as a disease is taking a toll on the health of the society. Therefore, in order to initiate feasible treatment related to cancer and spread the available treatment amid the individuals, this event is a step towards the attainment of the deeper objectives. Apart from this, the plan reflects the feasibility of the event and its importance in the context of the social awareness. In addition, the prepared event plan also conveys the stakeholder analysis and the underlying risks and opportunities with respect to the management of the entire event. Amid the key stakeholders, it is derived that cancer patients, local councillors, media, NHS and cancer charities are key participants towards ensuring all-encompassing success of the planned event. Consequently, keeping in view different aspects, associated with the scheduled event, it can be recommended that while deciding upon the content of the advertisements and publicity, it is necessary to focus on the intended group i.e. males and the older people. Moreover, local councillors need to be actively engaged in each scheduled day of the event along with concerned health officials which would enable enhance the reach of the event amid the masses in successfully. References Cancer Research UK, 2014. Race for Life. Support Us. [Online] Available at: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/find-an-event/charity-runs/race-for-life [Accessed March 15, 2014]. Cancer Research UK, 2014. Race for Life. Raise Money. [Online] Available at: http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/raise-money/index.html [Accessed March 15, 2014]. Malaghan Institute of Publication, 2008. Why Cancer Research? Our Research, pp. 1-6. McAllister, S. & Webb, C., 2012. Cancer Research UK Race for Life at Good Bites...on branding inside out. Race for Life, pp. 1-14. Shone, A. & Parry, B., 2004. Successful Event Management: A Practical Handbook. Cengage Learning EMEA. Read More