This module aims to:

Introduce students to the cultural and social nature of events management and operational design;

Critically evaluate the key concepts and theories relevant to the operations management of sports organisations and events;

Enable students to analyse the operation of a range of sports organisations and events and their own operational practice;

Provide reflective insight into operational risk management and the role of health and safety in operational design.

(LO1) Critically evaluate key concepts and theories of sports operations management to justify and inform management practice;

(LO2) Critically appraise the range of typologies and conceptualisations linked to sports business;

(LO3) Critically apply events and operations management concepts and theories to evaluate contemporary sports operations management;

(LO4) Apply appropriate concepts and theories to critique their own approach to operations management;

(LO5) Critique approaches to undertaking research and data analysis in operations and events management.

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Commercial awareness

(S3) Problem solving skills

(S4) Numeracy

(S5) Teamwork

(S6) Organisational skills and ability to work under pressure

(S7) Communication skills

(S8) Ethical awareness

(S9) Leadership

(S10) IT skills

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: The module will be taught in a six week block of half-day packages.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Lectures will consist of both tutor led and guest speaker content and student centred small group activities, supported by learning materials accessed via Vital.

Teaching Method 2 - Field Work
Description: Visits will be made to a range of sports organisations where students, will undertake tours and observations and be given presentations from representatives of the organisation.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: Site visits will not incur any costs to students.

Nature, characteristics and sustainability of sports operations:

This will include examination of the service concept, it will draw on the module ‘global context of sport business’ to explore how the special features of sports impacts on operations. It will also examine sustainability and operations based on the notion of the triple bottom line.

Event Typologies:

Operations design: this will include facility, event and service design, design of processes and the sport/event experience. Learning will be via visits and case studies of sports facilities, services and events;

Operations planning: forecasting and capacity management – this will link up with the economics module and will examine how sports facilities/events/services forecast demand with regard to effectiveness and efficiency of provision of their activities. It will consider alternative uses of facilities, such as stadia, in order to maximise resources;

Project Management : This will explore how projects are planned and controlled and the different stages involved. Key project planning techniques will be reviewed in relation to sport, including critical path method. There will be a focus on sports events and the event planning process;

Quality and customer service: Definitions and models of service quality will be examined with regard to sport. Visits and case studies will enable students to review how sports organisations ensure a quality experience through operations processes;

Health and safety, risk and security. Considers the importance of ensuring any consumer engagement or encounter within a sport service setting is provided in a safe and secure environment and how this is achieved. Current legislation with regards to duty of care and risk assessment for providers will be examined;

Performance Measurement and control: Objective setting will be examined in relation to the range of sport business operations/events. The dimensions of performance will be discussed including finance, economy, effectiveness, efficiency and equity relating to sports operations. The identification of performance indicators for sports operations will be explored and the need for reliable data in order to measure performance.