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The Sports Executive Path

Summary

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Summary

Sports management is the principle of organising and running sports and sports activities. It focuses primarily on the business side of sports but also on how sports can have a positive impact on our lives. In sports management, the economic and social effects of sports are measured and studied. The modern sports industry is worth billions of dollars and creates employment for millions of people. Sports management focuses a lot on how to improve the industry and how to maximise profits and success of sporting organisations. Someone working in sports management might be the executive of a professional club, a sports brand or a sporting organisation or league. Sports management is also a useful subject for sports coaches, event planners and any management role.

Sports have always been an important part of human society, and the sporting industry has grown to have a major economic impact on the world too. Throughout history, humans have used sports to have fun, demonstrate their skills and engage in competition. Sports allow us to engage our innate need to compete against others while also promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Sports have always been popular with fans and now, thanks to advances in technology, sports fans are now able to watch sports whenever they like. The increased availability of sports has led to a rapid growth in the industry and the professional sports we see today are a direct result of that.

As the sports industry has gotten more professional, the need for effective sports management has grown. Sports have become more competitive than ever, and the margins for success are normally slim. This means that effective management is more important than ever, as it can make the difference between success and failure at the highest levels of sports. In the future, as the impact of technology and management practices grow, executives with a deep understanding of sports management will be in high demand. Through learning about how the principles of management relate to the sports industry, you’ll be preparing yourself for a successful career in the world of sports.

What You’ll Learn

· What sports management is

· What are sports and how did they develop?

· What is ethnography and how does it apply to sports?

· What is consumer behaviour and how do sports relate to it?

· The impact of sports on society

· The values of sports and sport culture

· How equality can be promoted through sports

· How sports and psychology are linked

· Why integrity and ethics are important in sports and sports management

· Ethical issues in modern sport and the future of sports ethics

· What is strategic management and how can it be applied to gain a competitive advantage?

· The importance of analysis in strategic management

· What is corporate social responsibility and do sports fans care about it?

· How mega events and sports can be socially responsible

· Links between sports and economics

· What is financial doping and is it fair?

· The costs of mega events and are they really worth it?

· The importance of sports sponsorship

· What is sports development and why it’s an important part of elite sport and communities

· Issues facing sports development

· How can a sports development program be improved?

· What is sports marketing and who is the sports consumer?

· What is the marketing mix?

· What is the product life cycle?

· The importance of brand and brand recognition

· What is market segmentation?

· How technology has helped shape sports for the fans, athletes and coaches

· What technologies are being developed to change the future of sports

· The principles of management

· The media’s importance in the sports industry

· Why financial management and financial reports are so important

· Where sports financing comes from and the risk management that comes with it

· The importance of data analytics in modern sport

Words from the Author, Saam Momen:

I have a true passion for teaching. I have proudly taught university courses in Switzerland, USA and Brazil. My career spans over 15 years in the sporting industry with jobs at the London Olympic Bid Committee I possess a Master Degree in Sports Management and an Executive Education diploma at Harvard Business School on The Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports. I hope that throughout this course you are able to have a wonderful learning experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any queries.

Why Choose This Course?

This course has been specifically developed to help broaden your understanding of the sports industry and how management practices can affect it. If you’re looking to work in any level of sports, a deep knowledge of the industry and how it operates is important. A lot of what you’ll find in this course covers real life examples of how sports organisations work and what makes them successful. While some course may be heavy on the theories, we balance things out by showing you plenty of case studies of effective sport management and the practices involved in the industry.

In modern sports, management is more important than ever, especially with so many sports clubs now being run for profit. As the sports industry grows, the need for effective management does too. Sports organisations are increasingly mindful of how their off-field decisions can affect their on-field performances. Management practices need to get smarter as competition between teams increases. The industry needs people with an understanding of the business side of sport more than ever as it continues to grow and develop.

All of the information in this course has been selected to give you the best possible insight into the sports industry and business decisions that affect sports teams, brands and organisations. As well as providing up to date examples, the theories and concepts are also chosen due to their relevance in modern sports business.

You’ll learn about the principles of management and how they can be applied to the sports industry. There will also be chapters on how to prepare and analyse financial reports and why accurate financial reporting is so important. There will be a chance to learn about financing in sports and why risk assessment is necessary for any form of investment. Financial implications of mega events, sports sponsorships and more are all discussed in detail, and you’ll learn about the link between sports and economics.

There will be a chance to learn about strategic management, the competitive advantage and how a strategic management plan be formulated for success. Strategic management is how modern businesses plan to make better use their resources and time, gaining an edge over the competition and increasing profitability and success. Now more than ever, strategic management is an important part of sports, and many sports organisations are focusing on strategic management plans.

The course also goes into details on topics such as technology and how technological advancements are helping to change the sport. You’ll see real examples of past, present and future technologies and how they’ve helped to change sports for the fans, athletes and coaches. The use of technology has wide ranging implications for the future of sports and sports management. This course is a great way to study and prepare for those future trends.

Of course, sports management is more than just the financial aspects. There are multiple chapters here where you’ll be able to learn about the history of sports and how sports can create a positive impact on people and society as a whole. You’ll also be able to discover some of the challenges involved in balancing competition and fair play and why sports ethics are an important thing to consider.

This course presents a balanced and complete view of the sports industry and sports management as a whole. It can be useful to just learn the business side, but without seeing the whole picture, your understanding of the industry will be lacking.

For those who wish to build a successful career in the sports industry, a complete knowledge of sports management is important. This course is designed to give you a broad understanding of the topics being discussed and makes use of case studies to provide context.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • What sports management is
  • What are sports and how did they develop?
  • What is ethnography and how does it apply to sports?
  • What is consumer behaviour and how do sports relate to it?
  • The impact of sports on society
  • The values of sports and sport culture
  • How equality can be promoted through sports
  • How sports and psychology are linked
  • Why integrity and ethics are important in sports and sports management
  • Ethical issues in modern sport and the future of sports ethics
  • What is strategic management and how can it be applied to gain a competitive advantage?
  • The importance of analysis in strategic management
  • What is corporate social responsibility and do sports fans care about it?
  • How mega events and sports can be socially responsible
  • Links between sports and economics
  • What is financial doping and is it fair?
  • The costs of mega events and are they really worth it?
  • The importance of sports sponsorship
  • What is sports development and why it’s an important part of elite sport and communities
  • Issues facing sports development
  • How can a sports development program be improved?
  • What is sports marketing and who is the sports consumer?
  • What is the marketing mix?
  • How technology has helped shape sports for the fans, athletes and coaches
  • What technologies are being developed to change the future of sports
  • The media’s importance in the sports industry
  • Why financial management and financial reports are so important
  • Where sports financing comes from and the risk management that comes with it
  • The importance of data analytics in modern sport
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Introduction
Sports Humanities
Sports Sociology
Law and Ethics in Sport
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Strategic Management
Corporate Social Responsibility
Sports Economy
Sports Development
Sports Marketing
Sports Technology: Innovation and Disruption
Sports Event Management
Finance Management in Sports
Sports Data and Analytics
Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches soft skills such as integrity, ethics, equality, and corporate social responsibility
May be of interest to the business-minded sports fan
Examines the future of sports, including advanced technologies and fan engagement
May be repetitive for some students with backgrounds in sports management
Requires learners to come in with some existing knowledge of sports and competition
May be outdated in a couple of years as the sports industry is rapidly changing

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sports Management: The Essentials Course with these activities:
Review ASA styles
Review proper reference styles to avoid deductions on assignments.
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  • Familiarize yourself with ASA style guide
  • Review headings, font, and page margins
  • Practice formatting citations and references
Review Sports Management Blogs
By reading blogs written by professionals in the sports management industry, you can gain insights into real-world practices and challenges, broadening your understanding of the field.
Browse courses on Sports Management
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sports management blogs through search engines or industry publications.
  • Subscribe to selected blogs to receive regular updates.
  • Read and engage with blog posts, paying attention to industry trends, case studies, and expert opinions.
Watch video tutorials
Video tutorials can provide additional explanations and examples to enhance your understanding.
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  • Search for tutorials on specific topics
  • Take notes during the tutorials
  • Pause and rewind as needed to understand concepts
Two other activities
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Organize assignments and notes
Organizing your materials will make it easier to study and review for exams.
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  • Gather lecture materials, assignments, and quizzes
  • Review and organize each file by topic
  • Use highlighters or colors to mark important information
Solve practice problems
Practice makes perfect! Solving practice problems will improve your ability to apply concepts learned in class.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems in the textbook or online
  • Solve problems without looking at solutions
  • Identify errors and review concepts

Career center

Learners who complete Sports Management: The Essentials Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sports Executive
Sports executives are responsible for the overall management and operation of a sports organization. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to enter this field, as it covers many topics relevant to the industry, including strategic planning, financial management, and the latest trends and developments in the sports landscape.
Sports Consultant
Sports consultants are individuals who are hired by sports organizations to improve the organization's performance, implementing strategic initiatives, and achieving goals. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to enter this field, as it covers many topics relevant to the industry, including strategic planning, financial management, and the latest trends and developments in the sports landscape.
Sports Data Analyst
Data analysts mine data to extract relevant information that can be used to support decision-making and improve performance. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to enter this field, as it covers many topics relevant to the industry, including data analysis, technology, and the latest trends and developments in the sports landscape.
Sports Marketing Researcher
Sports marketing researchers conduct research to understand the needs and wants of sports consumers. This research can be used to develop marketing campaigns, improve products and services, and make other decisions that will help the organization achieve its goals. This course may be useful for individuals in this field as it covers marketing fundamentals, consumer behavior, and data analytics.
Sports Event Coordinator
Event coordinators plan, organize, and execute sports events at any level, ensuring that the events run smoothly. This course, which covers sports management fundamentals, and also has a focus on event management, technology, and branding, could be useful for any individual who wishes to work in this field.
Sports Lawyer
Sports lawyers are attorneys who specialize in the legal issues surrounding sports, including contract negotiations, disputes, and intellectual property. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to enter this field, as it covers many topics relevant to the industry, including law and ethics, financial management, and the latest trends and developments in the sports landscape.
Sports Agent
Sports agents are individuals who represent athletes or sports figures, negotiate contracts, and manage their public image. They need to understand the business side of sports, as well as the ethical issues involved. This course can help with building a deep knowledge in this area.
Sports Marketing Manager
Sports marketing managers use their understanding of sports and marketing to create strategies that help athletes and teams engage with existing and potential fans. This course will help you to build your foundation in sports marketing, as it has significant chapters covering marketing fundamentals, data analytics, and the links between economics and sports.
Sports Journalist
Sports journalists report on sports events, interviews, and other newsworthy topics. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to enter this field, as it covers many topics relevant to the industry, including sports history, ethics, and the latest trends and developments in the sports landscape.
Sports Facility Manager
Facility managers oversee sports facilities' day-to-day operations, including scheduling, maintenance, and, ensuring that all aspects of the facility are running smoothly. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of the field, including chapters on topics such as management theory, data analytics, and financial management.
Sports Manager
Sports managers are a part of the day-to-day running of sports teams or sports organizations. They may work to oversee operational tasks, finances, and other activities that help to keep the team running smoothly. The course “Sports Management: The Essentials Course” may be useful for someone who wishes to pursue this role, with a particular focus on chapters that cover strategic management, financial management, corporate social responsibility, and sports development.
Sports Broadcaster
Sports broadcasters call games and provide commentary for sports events, informing and entertaining viewers. This course may be useful for anyone who wishes to pursue sports broadcasting, as it covers many topics relevant to the industry, including ethics, technology, and the latest trends and developments in the sports landscape.
Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists are mental health professionals who specialize in working with athletes to help them improve their performance, manage stress, and build mental toughness. This course may be useful for individuals in this field as it covers the psychology of sports, the impact of sports on society, and various ethical issues in modern sport.
Sports Philanthropist
Sports philanthropists use their wealth to support sports-related causes. This can include donating money to organizations and events, as well as supporting research and development.
Sports Historian
Sports historians research and write about the history of sports. They may work in academia, museums, or other organizations.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sports Management: The Essentials Course.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of sport and society.
Provides both a broad overview, as well as in-depth knowledge, on the business of sports, useful for students of the course.
A textbook that covers sport organizations, this book can serve as a general textbook that gives readers a foundational understanding of sports management in addition to providing context for the course's topics.
Will provide additional depth to the sections of this course that discuss sports economics.
An additional book on sports, culture, and society, this text helpful resource.
This engaging and accessible book explores the economic aspects of sports, such as the economics of stadiums, the impact of sports on local economies, and the role of sports in society.

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