Sport Business Research Articles

Relationship of the Leadership Styles of Sports Business Managers and Their Levels of Crisis Management

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between sports managers' levels of crisis management and their leadership styles. Additionally, it was investigated whether managerial traits including age, gender, marital status, and length of employment affect the managers' leadership and crisis management capacities. The research's target population consists of people managing sports in Istanbul in 2023. The convenience sampling method was used to select 212 people from the identified universe who willingly agreed to take part in the study. An online data collecting instrument that included a personal information form, a self-leadership scale, and a crisis management scale was used to gather data for the study. On a computer, the collected data was examined using the statistical program SPSS 22.0. Correlation analysis was used to look at the connections between sports managers' leadership philosophies and how well they handle crises. The significance level for statistical procedures was set at 0.05. The study found that while sports managers' crisis management is at a moderate level, their leadership styles are displayed at a high level. Only two of the eight leadership attributes examined in the study were shown to have an effect on crisis management: setting self-reminders and focusing on intrinsic rewards. It was shown that these dimensions increased crisis management by 51.3%.

Economic sustainability: a solution to the financial problems of football clubs

PurposeFinancial problems of football clubs during economic crises (such as COVID-19 pandemic) highlight the necessity of achieving economic sustainability. In addition, the economic sustainability of football clubs is accepted as a principle of the development of sports business. Therefore, it is reasonable to conduct a study with the aim of examining economic sustainability in the field of sports club management.Design/methodology/approachThe present study adopted a qualitative approach to research and used semi-structured interviews in order to develop a framework for the economic sustainability of football clubs. A total of 13 members of football clubs in the Iranian premier league participated in this study.FindingsThe findings highlighted the fact that a number of factors, including media and social networks, entrepreneurship and development of club business, commercialization of the club, privatization, investment and ownership, strategic communication plan, financial management and management instability, promoted the economic sustainability of football clubs and improved their financial performance.Originality/valueThis study highlighted the importance of the changes in the structure of football clubs and the strategic plans for promoting entrepreneurship and commercialization. Moreover, it underlined the major role of the environmental and management components of football clubs in their financial sustainability.

Applications of Data Literacy to Course Design in Sport Performance Analytics

With sport now fully immersed in the era of big data, there is a need for sport managers who are data literate and, therefore, capable of collecting, managing, evaluating, and applying data to the range of problems and scenarios encountered by industry personnel. However, many in the sport management academy remain unacquainted with the development and delivery of sports analytics courses, unsure of the methods and means by which they can equip students with the necessary skills. This is particularly true in sport performance analytics, the version of sports analytics popularized in the book and movie Moneyball and representative of data analyses applied to the competitive side of sport. Although prior literature has provided pedagogical guidance for instructors in the areas of general data analytics or sport business analytics, sports analytics in this traditional sense has largely been ignored. Using the data literacy framework, this manuscript outlines procedures for designing and delivering an applied course in sport performance analytics. It further provides prospective implementers with effective instructional tools and an overview of the challenges likely to be encountered in this arena.

Analysis of the Development of Chinese Retired Athletes

News papers such as "champion athlete selling MEDALS" and "a retired professional athlete crowdfunding funds for medical treatment" are common this year. With a large number of athletes out of work after retirement, finding suitable re-employment opportunities for former athletes has become a serious problem. This paper specifically studies the causes of the difficult development of athletes after retirement, and gives corresponding suggestions according to the causes, so as to help non-top athletes get better development after retirement. Because of the long-term isolation from social training, and the lack of corresponding cultural knowledge, athletes can not be in line with the society after retirement, and even can not find a suitable job. The training methods can be changed and the corresponding cultural content can be increased to pave the way for the retirement development of these athletes. There are three good jobs for retired athletes: (1) Physical education or school physical education teacher; (2) Entertainment or media through sports; (3) Devote to the construction of sports business and develop private gyms.

Digital social engagements and knowledge sharing among sports fans: Role of interaction, identification, and interface

This study adds to our understanding of the role that information and communication technologies play in facilitating social connections between sports fans and the organizations that cater to them. We examine the features that encourage frequent IT-mediated social interactions among fans, which in turn increases fan engagement. Participation at a high level is essential for effective knowledge dissemination through digital media and social networks. The current research uses UCINET 6 to analyse focus group network data. Nine specialists, including five marketing academics and four sports fans, were convened to explore the relationship between the influencing factors. On average, the panellists were 32 years old, and they had been avid sports viewers for at least seven years. Based on the findings, digital interventions are being implemented to improve some crucial characteristics that affect fan engagement in the sports business. Interaction, identification, and interface were found to be the most important elements to support effective digital social engagement and information sharing in the sports ecosystem. This study adds new insight to our understanding of the brand consumer-consumer-brand triad in an IT-mediated sports communication network.

Proposing a Framework for the Digital Transformation Maturity of Electronic Sports Businesses in Developing Countries

Digital transformation has become the top priority for 80% of sports companies worldwide, but statistics show that between 70 and 95% of all digital transformation projects fail due to the significant and varied challenges that sports businesses face during the digital transformation process. This is because strategy, not digital technology, drives digital transformation, and without a mature digital transformation model, success is unlikely. Moreover, the digital transformation model of developing and developed countries is not the same, and it cannot be adopted as a blueprint. Therefore, the aim of this research was to propose a framework for the digital transformation maturity of electronic sports businesses in developing countries. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 15 stakeholders of electronic sports businesses in Iran. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews, and three main perspectives were identified: (1) enablers, (2) digital resilience and capabilities, and (3) digital transformation maturity stages. The enablers were formed by six sub-themes, including governance and leadership, strategy, culture, and skills, innovation, technology, and data. Digital resilience and capabilities were formed by four sub-themes, i.e., business model and ecosystem, digital customer experience, digital employee experience, and digital processes. Additionally, it was found that the digital transformation maturity stages were based on four stages: digital beginners, digital followers, digital conservatives, and digital leaders. The findings indicate that moving towards digital transformation and achieving digital resilience in electronic sports businesses will be impossible without synergy between enablers and digital resilience and capabilities. This framework can be useful for electronic sports businesses to evaluate their current digital status and effectively guide them towards a desirable digital status. Furthermore, electronic sports businesses can prioritize their efforts and resources for digital transformation by focusing on targeted capabilities and enablers and ensure the more effective and efficient allocation of resources towards digital transformation.

Beyond the Arena: How sports economics is advancing China's sustainable development goals

In recent years, China has made tremendous progress. The general quality of living of the population has risen. As the China economy grows, so too will the middle class, laying the groundwork for the expansion of the sports business. At the same time, reaching a certain level of success in the sports sector would benefit the economy. In some Western developed nations, for instance, the sports industry's economic impact has already surpassed that of the traditional economy. The economy has reached a new plateau because of it. The sports business in China has matured to a certain extent, but it is still in its infancy. The growth of the sports business has not been without its share of challenges. In this paper, we focus on how the sports sector in China contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. To begin, the foreign sports industry's growth process, development status, influencing factors, and existing issues were compared and analyzed in order to gain insight into its conditions, characteristics, and contribution to economic growth. This research also explores the role of the sports industry from 1990 to 2020. This study considers the determinants of carbon emission (CO2): GDP per capita, technological development, social globalization, energy consumption, and the sports industry. The study employs the unit root test, ARDL bound test, AARDL estimation, NARDL test, and MTNARDL test to check the outcomes of variables in this analysis. The effect of GDP per capita, technological development, social globalization, energy consumption, and the sports industry has a positive and negative impact on carbon emission (CO2) in China. In terms of outcomes, this study suggests how a country can maximize green economic growth.

Exploring the Entrepreneurial Intention, Expectations of Success and Self-efficacy among the Students of Physical Education and Sports Sciences in Pakistan

The purpose of the study was to explore the entrepreneurial intention, expectations of success, and self-efficacy among students of Sports Sciences in the district of Bahawalpur. The descriptive research method was used to collect data from the students of the Department of Sports Sciences of different colleges of Bahawalpur. A total of 300 students who have completed their intermediate level and enrolled in the graduate study were selected as a sample of the study by using a random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to conduct this study. One base of the analysis of the study, this study concluded that the majority of the students had a moderate level of entrepreneurial intention, with a higher intention among male students than female students. The findings of the study further depicted that students studying sports sciences with entrepreneurship education and training. This research further gives detailed insights into students' perceptions and experiences with entrepreneurship in the sports business.

Collaborative Governance in Optimizing Nontax State Revenue in the Sports Sector Case Study: Implementation of the 2022 South Sumatera National Recreational Sports Festival (FORNAS VI 2021)

Funding is a problem that often arises in the implementation of national and international sporting events in Indonesia. Due to limited funding sources from the APBD and APBN, funding the implementation of the 2022 South Sumatera National Recreational Sports Festival (FORNAS) VI 2021 is another problem. Optimization of Nontax State Revenue (PNBP) can be a solution to problems in financing national and international sporting events through a collaboration scheme. In collaboration, the role of stakeholders is essential because each stakeholder cannot work alone. For example, collaborative governance in the implementation of FORNAS includes collaboration between the Indonesian Community Recreational Sports Committee (KORMI), the Organizing Committee of FORNAS IV 2021, the South Sumatera Provincial Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), the Public Service Agency for the Fund Management Agency and Sports Business (BLU LPDUK), State-owned Enterprises (BUMN), Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMD), and private companies. The central government, in this case, the Ministry of Youth and Sports through BLU LPDUK as a unit, took the initiative to establish cooperation with the South Sumatera Provincial Government in the management of commercial funds in the implementation of FORNAS VI through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and continued with the Commercial Fund Management Cooperation Agreement with the Implementing Committee of FORNAS VI 2021 South Sumatera in 2022 for the management of commercial funds for FORNAS VI activities. This is carried out to optimize PNBP funds as a source of funding for FORNAS VI 2021 South Sumatera activities in 2022. Therefore, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, through BLU LPDUK, can continue to increase cooperation and collaboration with all local governments both at the provincial and district/city levels at each sports event so that the optimization of PNPB for the field of sports can be further massive and able to embrace many related stakeholders. This study aims to find out how the implementation of stakeholder collaboration optimizes PNBP and to analyze the driving and inhibiting factors of collaboration. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research method with a case study approach. Data collection techniques are used in the form of literature studies, observation, and documentation.
 Keywords: collaborative governance, cooperation, stakeholders, sports, nontax state revenue

A new paradigm for sport education programs: an equity-minded and anti-ism framework

ABSTRACT The purpose of this manuscript is to examine the implications of the current ideological underpinnings of sport education programs (SEPs) in the United States (U.S.) and present a new equity-minded and anti-ism sport education (EASE) framework that reflects a paradigm shift towards equity-mindedness, anti-ism, cultural responsiveness, inclusive excellence, and transformational leadership. The sport industry has transformed from modest recreational activities for leisure entertainment at the local levels into a multi-billion-dollar global corporatized industry with far-reaching economic, political and sociocultural impacts. Despite the growth in popularity of SEPs, a major area of concern is the lack of critical reflection on their sociopolitical and cultural origins of the curriculum and corresponding metrics of success. Thus, we argue current SEPs (e.g. sport management, sport administration, sport leadership, sport business, parks and recreation, and sport entertainment, hospitality, and tourism) perpetuate colorblind racism, sexism, and classism based on their philosophical foundations. In an effort to reflect a responsiveness to an increasingly global and multicultural sport industry, we present a new EASE framework for preparing professionals to ignite transformational change in and through sport in the twenty-first century.

Data as capital and ethical implications in digital sport business models

Professional sport has entered the digital economy as organisations adopt data-driven business model innovations. The purpose of this article is to highlight the potential ethical vulnerabilities sport organisations and their leaders face when adopting digital sport business models. Here, we treat data as a species of capital that can be converted into economic capital once it undergoes a computational transformation via a data-driven business model innovation. We argue for two advantages in this approach. First, it helps make transparent the mechanisms through which digital sport business models work. Second, it reveals how the extraction and application of big data exacerbates inequitable power relationships between sport organisations and supporters – the big data divide – that leads to ethical vulnerabilities for sport organisations and their consumers. We suggest that sport consumers might be particularly vulnerable to digital data risk as a consequence of their high levels of brand loyalty and involvement, which tend to encourage trust in the sport properties soliciting, analysing, and monetising their data. Platform broadcasting partnerships, e-ticketing in smart stadiums, and cryptocurrency-based fan tokens are used as examples of data-driven business model innovations based on the conversion of data to capital, demonstrating how sport organisations risk violating the trust of supporters when using digital strategies. The article concludes with directions for future research to deliver an ethically informed data-driven sports industry.

STRATEGIES OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE MARKETING OF COMPANIES IN THE SPHERE OF SPORTS

The main goal of the research is to study and evaluate modern socially responsible marketing strategies of global sports brands for the development of proposals for the domestic sports business. The article examines the role and significance of the social responsibility of business in modern marketing strategies of companies. The essence of socially responsible marketing and types of marketing strategies have been studied. The key marketing strategies that are relevant under modern market conditions are distinguished. It was determined that charity, sponsorship, and active participation in environmental protection programs are the most popular forms of social responsibility of sports companies. The largest and most popular sports companies were chosen on the basis of the rating evaluation results of the world's sports brands. According to the official websites of the world's leading sports companies, the content of strategic marketing initiatives that take place in their management practice was analyzed. It was found that all global sports brands have a high level of activity in the field of social responsibility of business. Among the most popular marketing strategies, these companies use the production of goods from ecological raw materials, the strategy of transformational cyclicality and energy efficiency, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among potential and contact audiences, the involvement of consumers in programs for the preservation and restoration of natural resources, the observance of human rights, the strategy of inclusiveness and equality for all categories of consumers. Studies of the Ukrainian market of sports brands have shown that many new companies have appeared in the country in recent years, however, their level of social business responsibility remains low compared to global sports brands. In order to create favourable conditions for the success of Ukrainian sports companies on the basis of the best global practice, strategic areas of socially responsible marketing were proposed. The main elements of marketing strategies were identified as key elements of the implementation of these strategic initiatives, including reputational capital and branding, active promotion technologies based on digital potential, socially significant long-term values, unity of business interests and the interests of society.

Sales and revenue generation in sport business by David J. Shonk and James F. Weiner. 2021

Sales and revenue generation in sport business by David J. Shonk and James F. Weiner. 2021

Digital touch in sponsorship: Getting closer to the brand through virtual reality

AbstractSupporters are consuming more and more sporting events through digital platforms. Brands should adapt to these new consumption patterns in order to strengthen their connection with their customers. Today, researchers and practitioners can create more interactive and enjoyable experiences through virtual reality (VR) applications. Through two studies conducted on VR during sporting events, we show that mentally representing the touch experiences of players on the field reduces the psychological distance between the supporter and the player, which strengthens the supporter's attachment to the team and, through the same attachment, to the sponsor (Study 1). We also highlight that these positive effects of VR compared to real touch (using a player's jersey) is linked to the improvement of immersion, which stimulates touch imagery (Study 2). We discuss the implications of this research for theory and practice in the sports business and other sectors.

Integration of Esports in Educational Innovation: A Design-Based Research Approach

To meet the growing and innovative career opportunities in technology and sport, particularly in electronic sports, both practitioners and scholars must engage in an iterative process to analyze, design, and evaluate educational interventions and innovations with design-based research. Being in a young academic discipline, sport management faculty shape the next generation of practitioners, so the purpose of this research was to examine faculty’s openness to innovation through an andragogical teaching approach and the incorporation of the business of electronic sports within the curriculum. Through a two-part study, results revealed that faculty had a balanced teacher- and learner-focused approach, which demonstrated that advancement of electronic sports can transcend all types of faculty in a young field. Implications from this novel, yet extremely relevant, research will help both practitioners and scholars innovatively and collaboratively navigate institutional complexities.

THE METHODOLOGY OF BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS ORGANIZATION

For successful and productive activities, any organization has to adapt and to chase at changing of business environment. In the 21st century, managers of sports organizations, along with long-term plans, are forced to develop an adaptive business plan, because the quality of the sports industry increases and adaptive competencies help the organization develop the ability to adapt to the environment, which gives the company a competitive advantage. No matter how much we talk about to describe the sports business field in recent years, the only thing that can be said for sure is that during this period there were no certain fundamental changes, specified actions and results. In many developed countries of the world, sports business cycles and processes are accelerating, which gives an excuse to criticize more strongly the existing processes of traditional and outdated strategic planning, where a small alternative to sports industry business scenarios is proposed and there is less focus on changes in market demand. As a result, it is possible to focus on the need to develop an adaptive business plan for sports organizations and discuss the rules and methodology of its development. Keywords: business plan, adaptation, management, adaptive management, event complex.

Sports Business Opportunities in Entrepreneurship: A Study

Sports Business Opportunities in Entrepreneurship: A Study

Motivations and intentions for equity and reward-based crowdfunding in professional sports

PurposeFor centuries, people have raised money for many purposes, and funding projects utilizing the Internet began to spread in earnest after 2010. However, there is a notable lack of research on crowdfunding projects, especially those involving sports. Given this background, this study's objective is to compare whether motivational factors may work differently depending on crowdfunding type and to analyze the impact of such factors on investments.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted using stimulation through artificially modified newspaper articles to measure crowdfunding motivation and investment intention. To clarify research questions, this study applied multiple regression analysis.FindingsFindings indicate that philanthropic motives and interest in projects influenced the intention to decide on funding and often had positive word-of-mouth effects. In equity-based projects, philanthropic motives and a desire to be recognized acted as drivers for both behaviors. In reward-based projects, philanthropic motives determined investment intentions, and recognition motivation and interest factors influenced word-of-mouth intention.Originality/valueThis study investigated the motivations and consequent intentions for crowdfunding in the field of the professional sports industry, which had substantive future implications for the business of sports.

The Development of a National Sport Event Management Model that Affects the Value Added of the Sport Industry in Thailand

The objective of this study was to construct a model of the link between sports resources and the model of national sports event management and the added value of Thailand's sports sector. Mixed methods were implemented in this study. The causative and result link between sports resource variables and national sporting practices and the added value of the Thai sports sector were examined using quantitative research. Using questionnaires and qualitative phenomenological research, data were obtained from 207 sports competition management organizations registered with the Department of Business Development in 2020. Based on in-depth interviews, a group discussion with the Council of Industry Committees was implemented to corroborate the results of the in-depth interviews. The sports industry group comprised of three individuals and two academics in sports business management who conducted a corroborative elemental analysis on the data. And structural equation models. The hypothesis research found that 1) sports resources had a direct effect on the value added of the sports industry and an indirect effect on the value added of the sports industry through the national sports competition management; 2) the sports resources had a direct effect on the national sports competition management; and 3) the national sports competition management had a direct effect on the added value of the sports industry in Thailand. The analysis revealed that the hypothetical model was consistent with the statistical data. It appeared to be qualified with χ2 = 47.85, p-value = 0.08, χ2/df = 1.55, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.98, and RMSEA = 0.01. The contribution of this research is that it can explain the relationship between the causes and outcomes of sports resources and guidelines for organizing national sports events and the added value of the sports industry in Thailand. The results of the study can be used in the management of sports competition management businesses, which leads to sustainable performance for the sports industry. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-02-010 Full Text: PDF

Introducing a model of business sustainability in English professional rugby union

ABSTRACT Research question The transition of rugby union as the last major team sport to go professional in 1995, has remained problematic. With ongoing challenges with financial health, the impact of COVID-19 and the need for more effective governance, the game has reached a pivotal moment in its history, if it is to become a sustainable sports business. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model that identifies key characteristics of business sustainability in English professional rugby. Research methods This paper is designed to position a case for change, by examining a range of issues that can deliver a theoretical method to support the achievement of sustainability of professional rugby union, and specifically the Gallagher Premiership. The development of the model is considered a starting point for further research based on the theoretical application of the economics of team sports and sports business modelling. Research findings The development of a sustainable business model in professional rugby union has led to the identification of four key characteristics related to cost control, profit maximisation, business model innovation and governance. Practical implications The authors argue that unless the custodians of the game take note of the need for reform relating to the extant models of business practice being operated in the Gallagher Premiership, there is the acute possibility that the growth of the game may be stifled or even cease to exist when the game is at its most popular.