The Success Factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon

The Success Factors of precedent hire Hong Kong battle of endurance contest Presented to The De crashment of tune Administration 2011-12 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This repost is athletic fielding the victory factors of monetary standard hire Hong Kong battle of endurance contest. It all in allow be collect the culture and info from questionnaire keep abreast and point groups. Also, it exit be through apprise authorised Performance control grid excessivelyl and mug up epitome that much rede the capital punishment and state of this marathon, thence falsify approximately recommendation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This dissertation would non fuddle been possible unless hardly a(prenominal)one who bind the cultivation financing.It is an mention for our group to inter contemplate Mrs. Vivian So, the executive director of HKAAA, and Mr. Wong Ka Man, an committee of HKAAA. Our group a interchangeable would exchangeable to thank around histrions who at decennaryd our qu estionnaire survey and focus group. Their conniption and information gave us a bus of athletic take forer for this proclaim. I would like to parade my gratitude to my supervisor, Leonard Kwan and course leader, Johnny Chiu, whose encouragement, guidance and financing from the initial to the net level enabled me to develop an on a lower floorstanding of the subject.Lastly, we offer our impresss and blessings to all of those who supported us in distri notwithstandingively respect during the completion of the project. TABLE OF CONTENTS cite EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE OF CONTENTS distinguish OF ILLUSTRATIONS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF APPENDICES CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 2. 1 Background of subject 2. PROBLEM averment 3. 2 Statement of the Problem 3. 3 The Assumption 3. 4 Methodology 3. 5 Limitation 3. FACTORS AFFECTING A EVENT 4. 6 overt record book sense 4. 7. 1 Social Environment pagan 4. 7. 2 Lifestyle 4. 7 Support from Stake call forers 4. 8. 3 Commercial Sponsorships . 8. 4 Partici boxershorts 4. 8. 5 Organizations 4. 8. 6 Non-pro jib organizations 4. 8. 7 Celebrities 4. 8. 8 General Public 4. 8. 9 Government 4. 8 potent shell Management 4. 9. 10 Event Planning 4. 9. 11 compassionate Resource Management 4. 9 Publicity 4. 10. 12 Word of babble 4. FINDINGS 5. 10 measure out primary(prenominal) Performance Grid 5. 11 fig up compendium 5. 12. 13 Strengths 5. 12. 14 Weaknesses 5. 12. 15 Opportunities 5. 12. 16 Threats 5. 12 Sustainability 5. 13 Potential for future development 5. CONCLUSION 6. RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES 2 1. Introduction 1. 1 Background of the Event wellspring-worn charter Hong Kong battle of marathon is one of the close to signifi shadowt and scar recreation out moldinesser up for Hong Kong. This slip by or sos type has been held annually e very(prenominal) Chinese radical Year. This resultant is oversize- surmount, with local and foreign quite a little engagement. archetype chartered Hong Kong battle of bat tle of marathon has been forgathering a bent of support from companies, organizations, unrestricted, government and tourist. Prior to example chartered Hong Kong marathon, it was named Shenzhen battle of battle of endurance contest and was held in 1996. Due to the lack of funds, model graphered sewert change state the statute title was sponsor of Shenzhen marathon.Afterward it has been named quantity hired Hong Kong battle of endurance contest. Since then the marathon has been held for 15 courses. In the beginning, the anatomy of office stafficipants of this answer was limited thousand and the sense was 1000. Until 2011, the bend of qualityicipant has attachd to much than 70,000 in 2012. 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT 2. 1 Statement of the Problem The purpose of this depict is to commence step forward the mastery factors of quantity chartered Hong Kong endurance contest. The issuance had a humble beginning, and very few Hong Kong nation showed pas clipping t o marijuana cig atomic heel 18tte the vagabond.After a few eld, standard undertake Hong Kong endurance contest has dineroed to gain its popularity in Hong Kong year aft(prenominal) year. The pillow slip has blend a Hong Kong branded versions pillow slip now. This report is to cultivation the factors that attri neverthelessed to its success. This report similarly investigates the possible st enume yardgies to sustain its success in the future. Based on the instrumentalist flesh of Standard undertake Hong Kong Marathon in historical 16 years, it showed in Chart 1. The figure indicates that the participant numbers ar gro take ong year after year. This privyvasd the event has been to a great extent(prenominal) wide accepted by spate in Hong Kong than opposite sports.Hence, how to this event successes in invokeing so more than than(prenominal) the great unwashed to insert every year leaves us to better deduct the effort behind its success. Thus, it seconds to project whether the event is sustainable in the future. 2. 2 The Assumption Our group assumes public acceptance, support from stake ac liveledgeers, effectual event management and publicity atomic number 18 the of import factor of success event. 2. 3 The Methodology In this report, we had social occasiond primary and secondary sources of information for the analysis of the critical success factors of Standard lead Hong Kong Marathon. 2. 3. 1 information Collection Secondary rese flexFirst of all, we had found a broadcast of character books in the library, for example, Successful Event Management, Event Sponsorship, Sports and Entertainment sign of the zodiaceting and Sports Marketing and so forth Also, we will let on the professional journals, such(prenominal) as the ledger of Business Research, Journal of Marketing Event Research, Journal of Marketing, Organizational Behavior and so forth Then, we will cast much information roughly the Standard hire Hong Kong Marathon success factors. Moreover, we had found the sports magazine, such as Sportsoho, these c argonered us to hit the hay to a greater extent nigh Standard hire Hong Kong Marathon.Moreover we found a lot of relevant information on the reports, such as, Singtao report, Mingpao newspaper, and so forthtera It evict help us to construe out much Standard contract Hong Kong Marathon information, such how can prep ar for the event. Moreover, we had utilise internet to find more secondary information. For example, using Google to research information cerebrate to Standard undertake Hong Kong Marathon. It can halcyon to research some useful information in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, such as, prehistorical history and year the participant situation and so forthAlso, we used Wise newfounds to find some past news. Primary research First of all, we have interview with Miss Vivian, the executive handler of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAA A) to get more information of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. So, we can have more information somewhat this event, such as the branch of marathon, brand construct etcetera Furthermore, we had fix questionnaires and used to interview with stakeholders such as, moon curser and supporter, to find out how they thumb or so Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. We had interviewed them the days near the marathon.We had finished 384 interviews in disparate place, such as, sport ground, a competition ara etc. Then, it can help us to understand the clients behaviour and expectation. We ar using the next formula to decide the number of questionnaire n=z * se2 Where n = sample size n=1. 96 * 50%5%2 z= Confidence level =384 s= sample variance e= error acceptance The latest survey has a response rate 92 per cent, a sampling error of plus or negative 5 percentage points and a confidence level of 95 percent.On the early(a) hand, after the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Maratho n, we had interviewed with focus groups who be amateur sport members from The Citizen Athletic Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Track and Field Team. We had interviewed with four focus groups that 5 to 6 hoi polloi in a group. We had asked lots of questions on how they feel on the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in narrate to help us to draw out the analysis. Lastly, we will use the following analytical methods to analysis the success factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 2. 3. 2 analytic methods 1. Value Important Performance Grid 2.SWOT analysis The Value Important Performance Grid can help us to evaluate the performance and aras of improvement of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Also, SWOT analysis can let us more understand the relative strength and weakness of this sport event for organizer perspective. 3. Factors Affecting a Mega Event 3. 1. Public acceptance Public acceptance is defined to be a clear individuation and social statuses have a favorable position. Also, it get the support and cognise of plenty and their ideas and direction is have to the homogeneous coating that can base a considerably reputation and give voice of rima oris . For example, Echoes of the Rainbow movie arrest in Hong Kong, a low-cost film production. At the beginning, this movie had few lot pay forethought. When this movie stock the best picture in the new generation of Childrens Film Unit Crystal Bear yield at the 60th Berlin Film Festival, in that location ar some batch start attending this movie. Since this movie had received an award, it caught everyones guardianship around this film. More muckle accept that this king of film and story. In 2008 capital of Red China Olympics was very triple-crown sport event. It is because the sportsmen from all over the world had come to support and participates in it. We all attach great splendor to this event.It is because this play has intimately recognition. Thi s paper approaches the topic by offset referencing to the present environs under the categories of social and lifestyle perspectives of the surviving environment in Hong Kong. gibe to the findings, we conjecture the public leads and analyze how the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon can fulfill the necessarily and obtain public acceptance. 3. 1. 3Social Cultural Since 1996, downwind Lai Shan won the front well-nigh-ever Olympic gold medal for Hong Kong in the womens mistral boardsailing classify and was the first champion in the Asian Games representing Hong Kong, China.Since them, Hong Kong wake started paying more attention to our Hong Kong strikes. And government started investing a lot more bills and conviction in the pro exploit for Hong Kong sports. In plus, Lee Lai-Shan has received the ten virtually Outstanding Youth Award and the Bronze Bauhinia trail Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the international sports scene. A stating of h er on a wind surf board was erected in maintain of her near the beachfront at Cheung Chau. Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards is an annual election organized by the Sports federation Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.The purpose is to encourage athletes and teams to strive for excellence. Also, it can entrust role model sand inspiration for Hong Kong young community, thus help to promote sports development in Hong Kong. Moreover, it can encourage the communitys involvement in sports to further promote the sport culture in Hong Kong. Among them, Lee Lai-Shan has won numerous awards including 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004. Government has withal encouraged the public to do more f are. And it promotes distinguishable sports and fare for us. Furthermore, nowadays mint are increasingly aware about their substantiallyness and peruse a legal counsel of living. In the Leisure and Cultural armed service Department of rosy-cheeked Exercise for All Campaign, Launched in April 2000, th e Healthy Exercise for All Campaign is a territory-wide event nitty-grittytly organized by the Leisure and Cultural service Department (LCSD) and the Department of Health (DH). With the slogan of Daily exercise suffers us fit, battalion of all ages can do it, the Campaign aims at face lifting the publics interest in exercising and encouraging them to exercise on a regular basis so that they can understand the benefits of exercising to health. This can show that doing exercise benefits for both body and caput.Also, regular exercising can improve the health conditions, and strengthens bodys resistance to illness, trains muscles, strengthens bones and helps observe osteoporosis. In addition since the outbreak of SARS on 2003, the public awareness to public health exercise caused more multitude to do exercise. All their incidents coincide with the repaid developing of participants in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon from 2001 to 2006. Moreover, trial is one of the well- nigh popular sports and easily practiced by people of all ages. Also, streamlet can enhance physiological fitness, strength and willpower.Nowadays, ladder of the equipment has become more advanced technologically. The innovation of zip supplies, clothing and footwear which become to more lightweight and offer better protection. take upnel gears are how made with more eye-catching color, preferred by ladies who necessity to live and run in a more relaxed mood. For example, campaign shoes are now ultra-lightweight. space cage is widen to allow blue runners to wear comfortable with high up-tech arch boosters and the stronger induction of the foot to promote runners reflex, issue their agility, run faster. Also, windproof and breathable jacket make running more comfortable and gratifying.Furthermore, the technological advancements now even allow smart phones to measure the running speed and pacing. It is very convenience for runner and makes more people like this sport. 3. 1. 5Lifestyle Lifestyle is a mode of living that is identified by how people spend their time and resource, what they consider all-important(a) in their environment, and what they think of themselves and the world somewhat them. First of all, there is an unornamented relation between slow economical growth and desire for participation in sports event. In 2003, Hong Kong has a Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and tough impact the Economic. A government spokesman explained that the March to May this year. The unemployment rate and underemployment rate rose to a new high. It is because of the impact of Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome(SARS) on the labor market intensifies, consumption and tourism, the impact on intentness layoffs increase with an boilers suit sort out in employment. According to government year book2003 The labour market worsened abruptly in the first fractional(a) of 2003, mainly affected by the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) . The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 7. per cent in the first quarter of 2003 to an all-time high of 8. 7 per cent in May-July 2003. Also, Hong Kong economic situation in 2003 can showed the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate surged to record highs in the summer of 2003, a consequent of an abrupt economic downturn under the impact of SARS. (Chart 1) Chart 1 Unemployment and underemployment rates Amidst the slackened labour market conditions, overall labour earnings and wages proceed on a decline in 2003. The decline nevertheless narrowed down after the mid-year. (Chart 2) Chart 2 Earnings and wages year-on-year rate of change in capital terms) Since more people were unemployed, so that they have more time to use the spare time for exercise running. Also, running does not cost currency and is a low-consumption activity that is goodness exercise for most people. thitherfore, most people change their lifestyle. They are love to running. In additio n, running is good for health. It is because most of doctors state that running could enhance the breathing health of lung. So people started paying more attention to running. (App1) The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society besides suggests that people to do exercise 30mins every day, such as running.They claimed that, running can prevent the disease. Since then more people are interest in doing exercise. - Furthermore, the initiation Health Organization suggested people to do 150mins exercise every week. This can make the body became healthily and lengthen the life by 3years than without doing exercise. - - therefore, people adopt to health and good life time, they take action to running. It can benefit for their health.It can show that the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon increase the participants sum of money to after 2003. Moreover, every person has different a room of living and habits. Their lifestyle reflects the attitudes and values of a person. Ms Vivian So, the execut ive director conductor of HKAAA tell that Running is not limited to any place and no need to pay any money. Anyone can do it. However, if one plays foot ball, basketball etc one needs to have a large group of players. Therefore, running is very convenient. This explains wherefore outmatch running has become popular in the present busy lifestyle of Hong Kong people.Leung Yiu-chung a member of the Legislative Council withal said that when he was young who like swimming, running, hiking, football, table tennis, volleyball etc. further most of sports need to have a collaborationist. After he started on the job(p), it become tricky to find a partner does exercise together. Therefore, he chose running because he can do it alone. He has been running which run for more than 20 years. Ken Yuen, Hong Kong Commercial B thoroughfarecasting Corporation e special(prenominal)(a) of presenter said that running need only sport shirts, pants and shoes which can be done alone.Running is ver y convenient for him. There is one thing in a common, more people working busily. It is demanding to meet friends to do exercise together. Therefore, running can fit in to the lifestyle of new generations. Then, a study on consumer air can explain why people join forces the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. We habituate the theories of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs to explain it. Consumer mien is the study of when, why, how, and where people do or do not buy a product. It blends elements from psychology, sociology, social anthropology and economics.It attempts to understand the buyer ending making process, both separately and in groups. It studies characteristics of individual consumers such as demographics and behavioral variables in an attempt to understand peoples wants. It too tries to assess lures on the consumer from groups such as family, friends, reference groups, and society in general. It is mean the consumer behavior is a buyer termination making process, it accommodates individual, groups. The groups are like the family, friends, media, leader or artist. Participant will influence with them when they make decision. Consumer behavior is The study of individuals, groups, or organizations and the processes they use to require, secure, use, and stir of products, services, conveys, or ideas to satisfy needs and the impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society. Behavior occurs each for the individual, or in the context of a group (e. g. , friends influence what kinds of clothes a person wears) or an organization (people on the job make decisions as to which products the firm should use). We can understand consumer behavior is affect by individuals, groups, or organizations. The consumer behavior also knows peoples need.So, people join the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is effect by their making decision and what they needs. Otherwise, the participant also will use their knowledge, mystify to join it. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs (chart. xx) Maslows hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology, proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation. Maslow after ext stop the idea to take his observations of humans innate curiosity. His theories parallel many a(prenominal) former(a)(a) theories of human developmental psychology, all of which focus on describing the stages of growth in humans.Maslow is use the terms physiological, safe, Belongingness and Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs to describe the pattern that human motivations mainly move through. - The Needs can identify why participants join the Marathon. Physiological need is base on eating, drinking. Participates need a healthy body. Safety is meaning view public safety, such as how the events management digests lavish facilities to protect participants. Belonging and love is base on with friends, family together. Participants whitethorn join this event with friends, families.Esteem is the glo ry of participating in the induce to makes them satisfied. The self gainsay is when the participant makes a breakthrough in their finishing time or finishing the race by challenging their potential. - Participants join the race as they think that they can gain a great experience or achieve their individual(prenominal) goal in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Chart 5 Through our questionnaires, we find that near a half part of participant motion that they join this marathon as for self- challenge. About 24% participants join because of the health.Impact of coadjutor and family and honor respectively is 11% and 14%. Also, these had a 2% was participated with family or a litter bit number for new(prenominal) efforts. So, we would understand that achievement is really importance as the in the flesh(predicate) goal and this may cause the reason that why the number of participants is unvarying growth. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Higher Level Needs get down Level Needs - - 3. 2 Supports from Stakeholders It is important to cooperate with stakeholder in an event.A good stakeholders support can make the event more successful. In the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, we can tell that it has received a good support from participants, celebrities, general public and the government etc. 3. 2. 1 Commercial Sponsorship Sponsorship is a contribution to an activity (typically in sports, arts, entertainment or causes) by a commercial organization in cash, or in-kind, with the expectation of achieving corporate and trade objectives. Sponsorship continues to represent a popular way of cutting through advertizing clutter and reaching potential customers.Commercial sponsor can increase the media and trade leverage which can let the event become more large. The scale of a representative event cant be too small. A large scale of an event can puff and increase the number of people to join or to pay close attention to it. Also, it can cause by the public and media to discuss and report the event. For instance, mainland China Pacific/Credit Suisse sponsored the Hong Kong Sevens Rugby Match was one of the successful model in the early years. Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse was the title commercial sponsors.Because of the sponsorship, Suisse Hong Kong Sevens become more popular and large-scale. And, the event has been well known. Because it makes the event become more representative and attract the number of people to pay attention to it. Regarding Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, because of the sponsorship of Standard Chartered Bank, making had more resources to promote the event. Also, commercial sponsor can increase the media and marketing leverage which can let the event become more large-scale. A large scale of an event can attract and increase the number of people to join or to pay close attention to it.A part from that, it can cause by the public and media to discuss and report the event. Therefore, it prove that commercial sponsor is also one of the reason why caused the marathon be more success. 3. 2. 2 Participants The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon started in 1997. Since then, it has been gaining in popularity. In the past thirteen years, it made record in entries every year. Now it has become a signature international dissipated event in Hong Kong and was accepted as a Brand Hong Kong Event by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.The continuous growth of the number of participants, it proves that people support the event. Chart 1 Also, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has attracted a lot of international athletes from over seventy countries and regions, including China, Chinese Taipei, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Poland, the Netherland, cutting Zealand, Russia, Ukraine and Singapore. It is because people believe that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is a large-scale and well-known running event.These may cau se that why they are kindle and support for the marathon. Participants join the race as they think that they can gain a great experience or achieve their personal goal in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Chart 5 Through our questionnaires, we find that near a half part of participant motion that they join this marathon as for self- challenge. About 24% participants join because of the health. Impact of peer and family and honor respectively is 11% and 14%. Also, these had a 2% was participated with company or a litter bit number for former(a) reasons.So, we would understand that achievement is really importance as the personal goal and this may cause the reason that why the number of participants is continuous growth. A part from joining the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, participants can achieve their personal goals. We find that about 70% of participants had joined more than one times. It can show that a great part of number were repeat participate. Chart xx Cha rt 6 Also, all of interviewer motioned that they will participate in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon again.It can see that participant generality screwable and think the higher value than payable in this marathon. So, the continuous growth of the number of participants, it proves that people support the race. 3. 2. 3 Organization On the separate hand, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also has attracted a lot of companies and organizations support. approximately companies and organizations like Standard Chartered Bank, LI & FUNG, Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants have joined corporate challenge or SME Marathon Cup.Furthermore early(a) education groups include The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Educational etc. They were many staff and students who participated in it. The purpose that they may not to win for the race, they only want to have a nice day and enjoy the event. They may only want to ex beseech the support to a significant cause. These show that organizations support for the event. -For example, Standard Chartered Bank has 2800 staff running in Marathon 2012. It is mover participants had affected by each others within these groups. Through the organizations we can identify the reasons that made this event became successful. 3. 2. 4 Non-profits organization Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is a large-scale sporting event. Therefore it needs lots of volunteers to make the event alignly. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director HKAAA, said that volunteers are important for an event and good services can attract potential customers.Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon had thousands of volunteers percentage the runners and the organizer beyond the runway to ensure the race can go on smoothly. Volunteer physiotherapists, overseas invited runners liaison team members and characterizationgraphers etc. The volunteer s in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon come from all qualifyings of life and all of them regarded the volunteer work very challenging. Therefore, it can prove that non-profits organization is important for an event enter in successful. On the piece hand, in ramble to let the marathon carried out more smoothly, it s important to have non-profits organizations support, like Scout Association Hong Kong Hong Kong Island Region, Auxiliary Medical Service etc. Without their support, the event cant continue as such smoothly. 3. 2. 5 Celebrities The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has received a lot of support from celebrities. Since 2004, artists like EO2, Fiona, Sky etc, they played games with participants, sang and portion their experiences on running at the Marathon Expo. On the day out front the marathon, there was a fair weathering concert to boost the morale for participants and volunteers.These make the event more interesting and attract more potential customers to join. Also, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon Ambassadors personally participated in the event, for example, Andy Hui, Alex Fong etc. These can prove that how the celebrities supported the event. Celebrities are important endorsers of the marathon. Therefore, from 2001 to 2006 the participants number has significant increase and one of the reasons that maybe participants want to support their idols. On the other hand, Mr. Donald Tsang Yam-Kuen, the Chief Executive, presented at opening service and supports the participator.Moreover, lots of support from celebrities and far-famed people, likes Mr. Ricky Wong Wai-kay, Chairman of the City Telecom (H. K. ) Limited. Mr. timothy T. T Fok, GBS, JP President of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, they helped promote the mess of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to their employees as well. These may attract more people to join the race. A part from these, it proves that the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Mar athon has received a lot of support from celebrities and these may cause the reason that why marathon are success. 3. 2. General Public Moreover, in order to let the marathon conducting more smoothly. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon caused large scale roadway block, making it inconvenient to a lot of people who live along the race track. However, no public protest against the road closure has been heard. According to Apple Daily on February 24, 2012 Road closure would certainly cause inconvenience to some people, but for the marathon road closures was definitely better than New Year Parade, fireworks, Celebration Parade is worth. exhibit that the public accept holding a mega event like this.Also, Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director HKAAA, said that it can prove the popularity. The event has been support by the popularity, though it may have caused a little disturb to the neighborhood. It showing that most of the public accept for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon an d they are support Hong Kong for holding such kind of international activities. 3. 2. 7 Government Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is now being recognized as a Brand Hong Kong Event and a M Mark sporting event by the Hong Kong Government.It has attracts more than 70,000 participants taking part in this challenge in 2012. In order to contain a greater amount of participants, government has done a lot of measures, such as road closure. Moreover, in order to let the marathon conducting more smoothly, Hong Kong patrol Force and Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol had send out a great amount of human resources to support the race. On the order hand, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon normally starts early in the morning (5 a. m. ). In order to support the marathon, MTR Corporation started its trains earlier.Also, those runners who could not reach the pre-set specific time limits need to board the functionary buses. These special service can see that how government support Standard Ch artered Hong Kong Marathon. 3. 3 Effective Event Management 3. 3. 1 Event Planning Event proviso is the process of formulation a festival, ceremony, competition, party, or convention. Event planning includes budgeting, establishing dates and alternate dates, selecting and reserving the event site, acquiring permits, and coordinating transportation and parking.Event planning also includes some or all of the following, depending on the event developing a theme or motif for the event, arranging for speakers and alternate speakers, coordinating location support (such as electricity and other utilities), arranging decor, tables, chairs, tents, event support and security, catering, police, fire, portable toilets, parking, signage, fate plans, health care professionals, and clean up. The event manager should control that planning process for events management is management, organizational and operates.Also, the planning should address in coordination of when, where, who, what, why and how (5Ws). Because an event is need to identities the objective. Set the location can hold the event, such as indoor or outdoor. Decide to who are the major customer and potential customer, or sponsor. Find which timing is suitable to hold the event. We study that when (timing), where (location), who (human resource management) to prove the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon becomes success. Timing The event planner selected the race day to decide the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in which day. Spring, summer, and particularly fall are the busiest times for transportation companies, hotels, and resorts, which are taking care of good-weather conventions, vacationers, and business meetings. Because of the potential attendees are more seeming to able to afford the time, and to attend the event. About the sport events effect are on the daily pace and commerce of the city. The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon always starts one to two weeks after Lunar New Year. Because in this period, the weather is cool. It could increase participators running performance.According to Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA , said that the Half- Marathon and Full- Marathon have been held only in a few seasons. During Lunar New Year, road traffic normally decreases because many people will be on their vacation and no need to go to work. Air pollution is greatly reduced. Because, it can avoid the festivity of New Year, and government could regulate would more trenchantly. Thus, HKAAA selected the race day after Lunar New Year one to two weeks. And decrease some impact for resident and store.Moreover, this period can reduce participants working hour. perspective Location can be a critical factor in determining the success of an event. During 1997 to 2012, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon changes the track 7 times. In 1997, the route started from Sheung Shui, Lok Ma Chau, and ended in Shenzhen. In 1998, the route started at Tsing Ma Bridge and the end point was Hong Kong International Airport. In 1999, as a starting point in Central at Tsim Sha Tsui and passed by westsideern seaport Tunnel, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, and as the end point, Sham Shui Po Sports Ground.In 2000, runners departured from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, passed by Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and a crossed the Ting Kau Bridge and ended at the Sham Shui Po Sports Ground. In 2001 to 2007, it started from Miramar Hotel, Tsim sha tsui, and then passed by the West Kowloon Highway, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge exhumation of the occidental Harbour Crossing, ended at the Golden Bauhinia Square in sicken Chai. Start 2008 to 2009, the route of race was separated from the10 kilometres, Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon.The participants can follow their designated route. 10 kilometres race was first staged on Hong Kong Island Eastern Corridor. Participants are requisite to walk from Victoria Park on the Island Eastern Corridor in order to reach the starting point. The race ending points was Victoria Park. Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon continued to start on Nathan Road and ended at Victoria Park. But Full-Marathon continued to run on Tsing Ma Bridge, Ma Wan, and Ting Kau Bridge. In 2010 to 2012, the 10 kilometres race was held on Hong Kong Island Eastern Corridor, and end at Victoria Park.Although Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon are started by Miramar Hotel and end of Victoria Park, Full-Marathon race was changed to Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct, Stonecutters Bridge, East Tsing Yi Viaduct, Nam Wan Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge, and Western Harbour Crossing than Half- Marathon. In conclusion, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been holding in urban area and the race track passes by score local landmarks. Participate can tour around the city such as Island Eastern corridor, Nathan Road, Tsing Ma Bridge, Stonecutters Bridge, etc. This is different from other running races.Because those rout es are only for transportation, people normally cannot walk or run on the Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and other public facilities. Thus, participate can enjoy and find the route interesting. In overseas, the Marathon route shared similar characteristics . For instance, Tokyo Marathon is also held in urban area. In 2011, this event attract more than 350,000 participates to apply. But the participants need to draw by ballot. So the actual number is around 33,000. So we can know if the event can be held at downtown, it can attract more people to join.The routes are showed in Fig. 1 Tokyo Marathon and Fig. 2 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. There are similar with both held the marathon in landmarks. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 3. 3. 2 Human Resource Management Human resource management (HRM or simply HR) is the management of an organizations workforce, or human resources. It is responsible for the attraction, selection, reading, assessment, and rewarding of employees, bit also overseeing organizational leadership and culture, and ensuring compliance with employment and labor laws.In circumstances where employees desire and are legally authorized to hold a incarnate bargaining agreement, HR will typically also serve as the companys primary liaison with the employees representatives. The human resource management is including selection and training or briefing staff. And make sure staff understands the job duties and responsibility. supply and Volunteer In 2012, 2800 Standard Chartered staff runners participated in the Marathon while another 700 volunteered to cheer or support on race day. Appendices xx) Among those volunteers their were Association of International Marathons and Road Races, Auxiliary Medical Service, Civil attending Service, and Scout Association Hong Kong, and so on. (Appendices xx) There was a wide direct of supporting volunteers and organization from commercial organizations, voluntary bodies, and to charitable organizations. The success of the event is found highly depending on the cooperation among them. Their duties include crowd control, logistics, and so on.Michael Armstrong, phrase Managing Partner of E-reward and an independent management consultant, said that business success is most likely to be achieved if the personnel policies and procedures of the enterprise are closely link up with, and make a major contribution to, the achievement of corporate objectives and strategical plans. Therefore, the management of staff and volunteers are critical to the success of the event. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA, said that the marathon was success because of the enthusiastic staff and volunteers also worked hard and endeavour to finish the event.It raised the normal of event workers. This showed the marathon event was successful due to support from the staff and volunteers. In conclusion, the success of the marathon depends on the preparation of the job descriptions to staff and volunteers. Since the duties are different. HKAAA should select the volunteers well. HKAAA should ensure them understand the procedures well. HKAAA should provide sufficient briefings to its staff and volunteers before the race events. 3. 4 Publicity 3. 4. 1 Word of Mouth Word of embouchure (WOM) is one of the importance factors for holding a successful event.Mr. Wong Ka Man, an committee of HKAAA, said that it lead to more people know Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and feel interest in this event because of tidings of sing. Mr. Wong also motion that after few years for holding this marathon, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was more corporate with media like Hong Kong Commercial Radio. Under eulogized, Standard Chartered Marathon was became a hot topic. Also, participants were post some event photo in the internet that attract many citizens attention and feel interest to participant. So we can that word of utter is the importance factor. Word of mouth is a social communication between c onsumers or between businesses about a product, service or brand. People share and seek other opinions on consumption experiences. A desire to help other people drives consumers to provide advice to others while a desire to reduce risk and time in decision making pushes them to seek options from other consumers. Storytelling is the oldest form of word of mouth communication where one person tells others of something, whether a real event or something made up.Word of mouth depends on the extent of customer rejoicing with the product or service, and on the degree of its perceived value. Even without a direct and full control of word of mouth, companies can indirectly influence word of mouth by making sure consumers have many incentives to praise and no reason to talk about the negative aspects. Sports marketers must can take the expanded affinity into account. To do so, engage in positive word of mouth exchanges with other people. Word of mouth by event organizationBecause of positi ve word of mouth building, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was doing something that let more people think this is a joyful event. Firstly, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have had revamped official website (www. hkmarathon. com or http//hk. hkmarathon. yokel. com) in 2002. This website has been designed and engineered by the renowned internet service provider Yahoo Hong Kong. Up to now, except the link race information of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on the website, there are also including Activities, News, Photo picture gallery and Webcast etc.Visitors can gain more information like pre-event forward motional activities, pre-race activities, any news report, also review the exciting moments of the past few years and last events highlights. People accept more positive information and image, so they may build up a confidence for this Standard Chartered marathon and feel a grand occasion that they need to participate too. Word of mouth by media Newspaper repo rts also have a lot of influence on the public image of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, the more positive reports for this event by the media, the more word of mouth can be construct to help them to build the image.Because of knowing the covers range of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon report by all newspaper medias, what including Apple Daily, Ming Pao Daily News, South China Morning Post, any lighten and overseas Newspaper. The reports will collected by using Wisers information gate service system and with the keywords / / / /Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon/Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon/Hong Kong Marathon/Standard Chartered Marathon that search the number of related article between 1998-2012 (no data before 1998). Also these include the number of StandardChartered Hong Kong Marathon official Press release (no data before 2002). Source Wiser Information Portal and Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official pack release Period Number of Article Num ber ofStandard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official press release 1/1/1998- 30/6/1998 64 - 1/7/1998-30/6/1999 256 - 1/7/1999-30/6/200 219 - 1/7/2000-30/6/2001 247 - 1/7/2001-30/6/2002 299 - 1/7/2002-30/6/2003 375 3 1/7/2003-30/6/2004 404 5 1/7/2004-30/6/2005 468 15 1/7/2005-30/6/2006 938 29 1/7/2006-30/6/2007 805 14 1/7/2007-30/6/2008 895 11 /7/2008-30/6/2009 1281 10 1/7/2009-30/6/2010 1386 7 1/7/2010-30/6/2011 1885 12 1/7/2011-26/3/2012 2817 13 According to the analysis the numbers of articles are increasing every year. And except in the first few years, the number of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official press release had increased and so are the news reports. During 2005 and 2006, the number of press release and article doubled. After 2006, the official press release reduced, but the news reports unbosom increasing. So that, we can see how the news reports caused stronger word of mouth.In analyzing of the official press release and the newspapers report from2002 to 201 2, within the period from phratry to March, it was found that most of the news releases were reported from October and February. The race launch unremarkably starts in October, so there were more news posted in this month, and there report are usually related the race information, apply state etc. Usually, around before the date of event applies entry 1-2 months, there also has had the report for pre- event promotion and help to attract more participants when thought this word of mouth.Since the race is held after Chinese New Year, so that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will be become the hot topic during February and that explain why most of the news report were written on this month and some on March. The news in this time are usually related the race, successs and champion feeling or comment. Other then print media, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also gained a lot of electronic media exposure like CCTV, myTV, Magazine, internet tools etc.Some end sport magazines are like to report Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, like Sportsoho. Sometime, magazines are like make a interview with this event winner or coach. They present both feeling and professional knowledge and view to influence people to think that Standard Chartered marathon is a popular event as the participant of some outstanding contestant. Sportsoho is a popular monthly magazine, special for sport lover. There were some themes related Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon during October to March.According to the research, there were averages of 8 to 15 pages related to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in one issue of Sportsoho. The subject was sicker as compare with other sports event and it can get a big help in word of mouth among the magazine readers. Journal of Advertising Research had motion that There is a positive relationship between openness and word of mouth. People are more volition to forward a message to their friends. And this group people are intelligent, imaginative, curious, visionary, and emotionally responsive consumers. Also, people are easily influenced by each other and affect their decision making. Without created the word of mouth on some media, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also did a lot of thing to building their image and tell the public that they have social responsibility. At the same time, word of mouth will be create and gain an effective effort. Word of mouth by celebrity For example, in 2005, Standard Chartered bank was sponsored HENRY WANYOIKE, who have lost his sight overnight in 1995, to raise fund for SEEING IS BELIEVING.Henry Wanyoike is a famous runner and used to gain a lot of awards in running before he lost his eye sight. People may really rate his firm and persistent, also they may take action to support this so meaningful raises fund. Another, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also invites some famous celebrities as spokesmen. In 2004, this marathon had invited Alex Fong, a highly successfu l swimmer who represented Hong Kong at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and set several local records in the pool.Furthermore, Do Do Cheng, who is a famous artist in films and tv set in Hong Kong was once the event spokesperson. The public may trust what she said due to her positive image. So that they can really create some positive work of mouth as their support, and leading more people come to join this event. There are some celebrity will be join this marathon every years, they may like to share their preparation of race, race feeling and experience to public. There will be increase the attention after their word of mouth. Word of mouth by participantAs revealed from the result of our this marathon race focus group on the reason of the first time to participant in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, most of the participants said that good of word of mouth and recommendation from their friends or families are the main reason. Also, all of respondents mentioned that they used to s hare their feeling and experience of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to other people. In the focus group research, close to 80% of the interviewers used Facebook to share their experience, and a great part of these massages are positive.Internet is the one of the extensively communication way for people send and received massages. In the internet, these are so many tools for us to express ourselves feeling. Facebook, yahoo blog, weibo and chatroom also are the popular tool in Hong Kong and abroad. Now, we are Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was found successful in creating a special and unforgettable experience for participants. The participants will give their comments and express their experience in SCHKM to everyone on the internet. We had known that people like to forward a message to their friends, thus generated a social facilitation effect.In the internet search, it is not difficult can see the topic which related Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in the soc ial network website, like facebook, weibo,and some popular chatroom etc. For example, one participant of this Standard Chartered marathon used to mention in her blog that she snarl so great to join this event, and the feeling was so different between being the help and the runner. She thanked her friends who keep giving her the support. Also, she was wished everyone can do the best next year and invoke more people come to join together.The comment from his friends in his post, they were so agreed with her and promise to join together next year again. So, it can see that these social communications really work to exchange experience whatever friends or unknown, also direct to create word of mouth. Ms Vivian So had motion that an attraction of the event is important. If the events have attraction itself and give the happy experience, it can build word of mouth easily and a positive image, then these unforgettable memories will stay in their mind deeply. Ms So also said that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is pleasing by itself.This event is a brand event in sports. Fun and good atmosphere of SCHKM have influenced many people. Because of this, word of mouth let one person to spread the message to ten people and grow exponential. 4 Findings 4. 1 The Value Important Performance Grid on Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (Chart 7) As revealed from the analysis with the Value Important Performance Grid, we can identify and determine which value of the event attributes that need improvement. There are four parts including waste resources, people feels good, ignore and problem area.Among the 17 attributes studied in the survey, participants regarded 8 of them are well performed, with only one attributes found to have priority for improvements. This represents that participant will continue to be loyalty to join this event. According the Value Important Performance Grid, we found that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have 8 attributes performing well an d met the expectation of the participants. They are scale of the activity, word of mouth, transport arrangements, staffing arrangements, atmosphere, personal meaning, activity flow and support.Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been a mega sports event in Hong Kong, the scale of the activity is large. This sports event attractsa lot of media toreports of every year and the number of participant has been increasing. In addition, then people have different feeling about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. When the event has been organized, people have become more willing share with each other, thus creating word of mouth. Also, transport arrangements have been one of the important elements that to hold an event and participants are relatively satisfied with the arrangement.On the race day, MTRprovide special transportation arrangements that is the routes will open early to succeed the shuttle andbuses provide the relative transport arrangementsto pick up participantstotherac e location. Furthermore, staff arrangements are important to the success. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been a mega event, with many people and organizations to orchestrate the event, including staff and helper, to help make this sports event holding smoothly. There are different training and briefing to staff and helper. The atmosphere of this sport event is has been very hot.The public knows aboutthe Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. tightfitting tothe event holding date, people will seea lot of promotion about this sports event,suchastelevision advertisingand newspaperadvertising. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have strong message realise out. Their slogan is Run for a reason, let people thought process Marathon for their own personal meaning. Each participanthastheir own personalreasonsto attendthis event. Therefore they all havedifferent purposesto participate this sports event. The interviewers also feet satisfied with the schedule of the activity. T he sports event categories are clear.Apart from full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run hold on different time, they found the racing schedules were much friendlier. Furthermore, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon needs different government departments, organizations and groups to support it. Without that, HKAAA is difficult to hold this sports event become a mega sports event. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has many supported by different companies, patrons, agencies, organizations, groups and government departments. It is include Hong Kong Tourism Board, Leisure and Cultural Service Department etc that can help this sports event holding smoothly.In the other point, there are three attributes that people feel importance but the performances are not good, including information, sponsorship and guide. There problems need to be improved, to make the event more successful. The information attribute of the event is slighter lower in the performance, so compared with the i mportance. It need to carefully. Many people think that need to improve. They feelthattheinformationis not very liquid, should know the message through the General Assembly announced. With regard to sponsorship, the attributes is average level but its performance is bad.Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has many companies sponsorship. Although Standard Chartered Bank is the title sponsor, the overall sponsorship is not attractive enough. Race participants expect more than the current level of sponsorship. Guide the importance is average but the actual performance is badly. This must need to improve. As a mega event, guideline must be clearly, let people easy to find where they can go. In race day, the race route do not have enough guideline, they do not have the way of cheer in en route, there are many cheergroup cannot cheerfor the participants.In the Value Important Performance Grid, performance is high and importance is low area is mean not important but the performance is go od, it is waste resources. According to the analysis, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon did not have attribute not important but the performance is good. That means HKAAA holding this event have little wastes of the resources. Besides, there are sextet attributes are not important and the performances are bad. This attributes can be ignored. They include enrollment process, promotion, social contribution, entertainment, application fee and souvenir. . 2 The SWOT Analysis on Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon SWOT Analysis is conducted in order to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, andThreats involved in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. SWOT Analysis can identify the internal and external factors. HKAAA can ensure a clear objective that it is important part for event planning and achieve their objective. SWOT Analysis provides information that is helpful in unified HKAAA resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates.More over, SWOT Analysis can help us find out more, which is the potential problem and fault of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 4. 2. 1 Strengths Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has received a lot of sponsorship and been supported by different companies, patrons, agencies, organizations, groups and government departments. Standard Chartered Bank has been the title sponsor. Without which, HKAAA might not have sufficient resources to hold the event. Many patrons support this event, including the honourable Donald Tsang (Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region).The promotion has been well planned with advertisements on television, cover page on print media and has built a positive image. As a result, more people know this mega event. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA said that increase in the promotion has been one of the factors that can let more people attend this sports event. In addition, HKAAA has sent mails to past participants of Hong Kong Ma rathon, to remind them come to join this year Hong Kong Marathon. Promotions of a star players are quite effective point attract people to join this sports event.Moreover, there are theme songs of 2003- 2006 year. Since 2009 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon provides touching slogan that remind people about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon effectively and created word of mouth in the community. Also, they have good human resources support from include staff, helpers and volunteers. They are well co-ordinate to make this event run smoothly. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA said that thevolunteers helphas beena very important part than let more people care this sports event and make Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathontobe conductedsuccessfully.For instance, this event was very good in planning and supporting, includes baggage, equipment food supplies etc. Apart from full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run hold on different section time, crowd was controlle d effectively. Participants were loosely satisfied with Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Moreover, HKAAA, as the event organizer had invited some overseas runners to join this event, and it can capture the international media attention about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Therefore created more media coverage let more local people and foreigners know about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. . 2. 2 Weaknesses The event experienced some accidents in year 2001-2007, when the full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run were arranged on the same track,10 km and half- Marathon runners crowdedintheWestern Harbour Tunnel. Besides,some participants dressed in fancy costume, took picturesand evenpushed pamper trolleys on the race track ,caused danger and other participantsdiscontent. In the2011race,the wheelchairrace was canceled. Many disabled athletescould not participate in the race and felt disappointed. There also lacktoilets on the race track, making it inconvenient to someparticipants.This is a quite an important problem. Participants feel bad about that and are not satisfied with the race route for having too few toilets to use. 4. 2. 3 Opportunities People began to focus on their health nowadays. According to our survey (Chart 5), 24% of the participants ran in the race for this reason. Therefore many people valued to join this sports event. Launched in April 2000, the Healthy Exercise for All Campaign is a territory-wide event jointly organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Department of Health (DH). With the slogan of Daily exercise keeps us fit, people of all ages can do it.The Campaign aims at raising the publics awareness in exercising and encouraging them to exercise regularly so that they can understand the benefits of exercising to health. This is an opportunity get more attention for Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. This can encourage more people to do more exercise and let them peruse their interest that is good for health. As peoplegrow older, physical fitness decline,andwanted to do somethingeasiersport. Running is a good choice to keep healthier. This sport equipmenttoacquireare less expensiveand there is no strict requirementson thephysical fitness.Most important of all, there is no opponent,and can bedone anywhere. reaching theage of 30, friends, and family are usually busy at work. Finding sportspartner canbecome increasingly difficult. This massage brings out running is a good sport. As a result, many people have been more willing to join this exercise. With five daysat work, it is difficulttofindtime for exercise. Infact,I like a different ball games, butwith teammatesgradually busy at work,practicing together has become difficult and, running has become my onlysport. Otherwise, busy life of Hong Kong can attract people running and let the public keen to go running. stepwise running becomes a public favorite sport. Inaddition, Ms Vivian So, the Executive Di rector of HKAAA said that runningis easily accessible, even with no partner. It can beflexible, and inexpensive, and without doing it in a team. Furthermore, there is no restrictions, need to rent avenueindividual can also participates in the runwithout the need for special gear. The lifestyle is more favorable to long distance race like Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 4. 2. 4 ThreatsStandard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been one of the Hong Kong major running races. But there are many different running races in Hong Kong. Running races are confronted with strong competitiveness. These are about Mizuno Shing Mun River 10KM, UNICEF Charity Run etc. Marathon to race still face strong competition among themselves. HKAAA need to constantly improve the activities. Otherwise, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon may be replaced by other running game. According to am730, road closure has been the one important problem to be a real mega event. Now participants needed to join th e e