Chesapeake Health Education Program
Project Management
In addition to the formal learning opportunities outlined in the Local Programs and National Conferences sections, CHEP also undertakes partnerships with specific groups to address urgent or "just in time" learning needs. For most conferences, CHEP provides a very active role in the planning, funding and execution of an event. Some conferences, however, require a modified focus and CHEP assumes a more accommodating role. Project Management, leadership and funding activities are primarily retained by the partnering agency, individual, or professional group. In this manner, CHEP's role is ancillary which allows the partner to direct major organizational and planning activities. The benefit is that the agency manages its own resources and decisions for the event. These partnerships are a unique blend of existing agency resources and supportive services needed to make a conference successful. Partnership resources are therefore "managed" which is in contrast to the role of CHEP in the conference division.
The Project Management structure has implications on both the work load and the revenue process. Resources for services are outlined in a statement of work with the partner and only services needed are provided. Funds that are received are not part of the corporation's earned income accounting process and responsibility for these funds is retained by the management partner. The advantage to this structure is that CHEP can tailor services to meet only those needs required to complete an educational event while the partner retains full control of funding and planning. This ability to supplement services is one of the most valuable features of the corporation and one that has leveraged scarce resources for agencies who need assistance on an "as needed" basis. CHEP's ability to form "ad hoc" partnerships and offer an array of services on a time-limited basis is a key service underlying the sharing philosophy.