Events Management - BA (Hons)

The aim of this module is to provide you with an in depth knowledge of current and future trends in technology and digital innovation in the context of events. Integral to the module will be a focus on learning event management software which can be utilised in ‘real life’ scenarios. The relevant literature is explored, but with a consistent view of the importance of applying theory and planning in practical event, venue and experience contexts.

This module builds upon the learning foundation from the first year level 4 module ‘Building Your Brand’. The module approach demonstrates to you the importance of continual self-development in achieving organisational objectives. You will assess your current skills and competencies with reference to current or future roles and link this to organisational objectives. Analysis and identification of skills and competency gaps, and how these can be overcome, shall be integral to the module.

An important question for business management students is: How can we most effectively manage for both today and for tomorrow?  This module will introduce you to various current contemporary management issues.

The aim of this module is to provide you with ‘real world’ event management experience. Integral to the module will be a focus on group work, enabling you to utilise your event management skills accrued at level 4 to exhibit decision making skills when choosing a viable event to execute, selecting an appropriate venue and promoting the event, and ultimately running their chosen event. The relevant literature is explored, but with a consistent view of the importance of applying theory and planning in practical business contexts.

The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge, skills and insights to research a ‘live’ Events issue with a view to formulating practicable, impactful and value-added research project proposal which will be actioned in the final year. To this end you will be taught the key stages of methods in Events Research (i.e. identify question and objectives, isolate key literature and conceptual frameworks, select appropriate research methodology, collect and analyse data and write up a compelling report).

The aim of this module is to provide you with an in depth knowledge of the critical elements of venue design, and the impact of supply chain decisions on the success of a venue. Integral to the module will be the accrued knowledge of the three key supply chain decision phases and how you can apply this to the event, venue and experience contexts.

This module, where a programme of study enables it, is open to Business School students, who choose to undertake an international Study Abroad mobility experience within their second year of study.   The aim of this module is to enable you to explore your mobility experience through a cross-cultural lens that focusses on the key themes of your discipline in an international context, together with your personal development. This is achieved by activities that draw on research enquiry, creativity, culture, reflection and professional development. 

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree.    The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.  Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace. 

In this module you will be introduced to the theory of human emotion and its application – within the context of Events – to both employees and customers. Following consideration of the psychology of emotion (the pleasure/valence model and neurological science underpinning feelings and behaviour) you will consider how super-performance within Events is driven through driving emotional connectivity, first with employees and second – interconnected – with customers. With regard to staff concepts such as the Emotional Climate of Organisations, Emotional Buy-In and Emotional Intelligence will be considered in relation to creating outstanding service personification for Events (i.e. where the staff really personify the values and culture of the Event).

Consideration then moves onto how organisations – within the context of ‘emotional mobilisation’ – design Evocative Experiences that sear themselves onto the memories and recall of all Event goers. A range of evaluative methods are advanced to help students calibrate and measure the emotional impact of Events, leading to improvements in key sensory cues and ‘moments of truth’ at every stage of the customer journey that continually improve the Events Experience for all participants.

This module provides you with a thorough grounding in the techniques of sales and business development needed to achieve organisational objectives. Whilst the module focuses primarily on the sales process within business to business manufacturing and retail contexts, it also explores business to consumer contexts. Employment in sales related careers within the business to business sector represents 8% of total UK employment – one of the UK’s largest sectors of employment and is forecast to grow by 12% by 2020.

Exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and safety records are the hallmarks of successful events-based organisations. Over recent years safety failures at leisure parks (e.g. Alton Towers in 2016, where a ‘thrill’ ride safety failure caused a number of serious injuries), river cruises (e.g. the Marchioness disaster in 1989 where 23 party goers lost their lives) and security breaches at concert venues (e.g. Paris in 2016 and the Manchester Arena in 2017) have highlighted the importance of having cast iron procedures in this area. In the past major safety breakdowns at English football stadiums (e.g. Bradford 1985 and Hillsborough 1989), which have caused multiple fatalities have led to the launch of criminal proceedings for the individuals tasked with ensuring crowd safety. UK law enforces a strict code of conduct upon the organisers and authorities charged with holding large-scale gatherings – any breaches of which, could result in serious sanctions and penalties.

This module provides a framework with which to undertake a substantial, disciplinary-relevant, research project. This is dependent on the subject you are studying or degree pathway you are pursuing. For example, it may be a study into marketing and public relations, human resource management, accounting and finance, or strategy. The module provides a framework for integrating the principles, tools and methods of your programme, developing your practitioner skills via research methods, analytical tools and techniques. The project requires a high degree of professionalism in time management and managing the supervisory relationship. It is a requirement that the project adheres to the framework of ethical approval applied in the Business School in the year of study.

As a level 6 module, ‘Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ contributes to the course core philosophy by providing you with the opportunity to enhance your skills and develop your creativity, open your mind to innovation and understand the entrepreneurial opportunities these could afford you. This will enable you to compose and construct a series of relevant materials to effectively communicate your ideas and apply your professional skills to develop an entrepreneurial idea.

Operational and process breakdowns can seriously damage Events. That is to say; a lack of clear, systematic and symbiotic processes that are operated and understood by well trained and motivated staff immobilises Events organisations. Often Events have excellent conceptual propositions and fine marketing but fail to deliver their ‘customer promise’ by having inadequate systems and processes. A great process moves Events customers, materials or information through a series of added value process stages assisted by enabling factors such as staff, machinery, technology and facilities. Blockages and breakdowns occur when there is a scarcity of investment in these enabling factors and an imprecise and haphazard design of processes (be they singular, multiple, linear, parallel, core etc.) Mastering Operational and Process Improvement (OPI) is an essential skill Event, Venue and Experience Managers require; something that will yield tangible benefits to the organisations they are deployed in either now or in the future. 

In line with the current growth in events (mega, major, hallmark, local) and associated benefits now widely regarded by potential host locations it is increasingly important for future Sport and Event Managers to understand the legalities related to bidding for such events.