Sport Business Management - BA (Hons)

The aim of this module is to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of current and future trends in big data, analytics and digital innovation in relevant industries, for example sport and esports.  Relevant literature and theory is explored throughout the module with a consistent view of the importance of applying theory and planning in practical contexts.   The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops in which you will be expected to contribute. Case studies from around the world and presentations will also be used in each session and where possible, the use of guest lectures from relevant industries in technology and digital innovation experts.  

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. The module will assist you in creating professional cover letters and guidance with placement applications in order to prepare you for both future careers and placement opportunities.  

Venue Managers – otherwise known as General, Venue or Stadium Managers -are pivotal actors in ensuring the successful execution of multiple events across a variety of industries – for example, Sport and Esports. They require a subtle blend of technical, behavioural and cognitive skills and knowledge, although their core capability –given their operational closeness to the customer –is principally technical (i.e. how to get things delivered on time to specification). Great Venue Managers are the linchpins of successful occasions –the correlation between Venue Manager effectiveness and customer safety having been proven as a principal determinant of success.

The aim of this module is to provide you with an in depth knowledge of sport consumer behaviours and the decision making process. This module will explore the psychological processes that occur in a variety of contexts based on internal factors (e.g. motivations, personality, perceptions and attitudes) and external factors (e.g. groups & cultures).  

The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge, skills and insights to research a ‘live’ issue in your industry with a view to formulating a practicable, impactful and value-added research project proposal which can be actioned in the final year.  

This module is core for all marketing students, irrespective of their pathway. The reason for this is that marketing communications is a key strategic area for any business, as it gives visibility and understanding of an organisation’s products and or services. It utilises a variety of techniques, communication tools and media to deliver these messages, designing campaigns that drive the desired behavioural responses.

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. 

Marketing is usually involved in providing information used in strategic decision-making and is often in the forefront of executing such decisions. It is very important for marketers to have an understanding of strategy and planning as it enables marketing activities to be directed to the specific needs of that organisation. You must appreciate the complexities of preparing and implementing longer-term, customer-focused plans and the significant role of marketing and management in contributing to the core vision of the organisation and the achievement of its plans.

This module introduces you to a range of advance strategic management tools and techniques with which to analyse and thus understand business situations with national and international relevance. In addition, an understanding of competitive behaviour will be informed by a variety of views concerning the sources of competitive advantage, sustainable competitive advantage from a theoretical and industry perspective.These include the implications of developments in the macro environment, industry structure, the organization’s strategic position in an industry, the acquisition and development of resources and capabilities, and the challenge of industry evolution to sustaining competitive advantage.

Exemplary GSM policy, CSR and safety are the hallmarks of successful sporting venues and organisations. In the past major safety breakdowns at English and international football stadiums (e.g. Bradford 1985, Hillsborough 1989, Guatemala City 1996 and Johannesburg 2001), which have caused multiple fatalities have led to the launch of criminal proceedings for the individuals tasked with ensuring crowd safety. Many international jurisdictions enforce a strict code of conduct upon the organisers and authorities charged with holding large-scale sporting gatherings – any breaches of which, could result in serious sanctions and penalties for Global Sports Managers and Organisations. In addition – given sports are run within national, not-for-profit and professional contexts (sometimes by volunteers or modestly salaried administrators) – proper compliance and due diligence systems must be in place to ensure the highest levels of professional and ethical conduct. The furore surrounding the maladministration of FIFA under Sepp Blatter – which included dubious decision- making (i.e. Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022) linked to bribes and kickbacks – brought transnational GSM in football into disrepute.

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.

The nature of today’s global sport industry and the rate of change that impacts upon it makes this module important for you to understand the multitude of contemporary issues that impact upon the industry today. The aim of this module is to provide you with an in depth knowledge of contemporary issues specific to the global sport context. In this module you will explore key macro environmental issues such as governance, corruption, esports and PR to enable you to become effective Global Sport Managers. You will use case studies from around the globe to understand how, as a manager, you can predict, embrace and react to the changes of the industry.

Operational and process breakdowns can seriously damage Sports Venue Management. That is to say; a lack of clear, systematic and symbiotic processes that are operated and understood by well trained and motivated staff immobilises Sports Venue entities. Often Sports Events have excellent conceptual propositions and fine marketing but fail to deliver their ‘customer promise’ by having inadequate systems and processes at a venue level. A great process moves sports events customers, materials or information through a series of added value process stages assisted by enabling factors such as staff, machinery, technology and facilities (at venue level). 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 Sports Venue Managers require; something that will yield tangible benefits to the venues they are deployed at, 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.