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. The simulation exercise will require students to be flexible and adaptable in order to problem solve and undertake tasks to complete the assessment.

(S2) Commercial awareness. The analysis of sports events through research for the poster presentation, and the simulation exercise will enhance students’ understanding of the need for commercial acumen within sports organisations.

(S3) Problem solving skills. The simulation exercise will specifically focus on the process of solving a problem within a sports operation.

(S4) Numeracy. Students will be required to analyse numeric data as part of the simulation exercise.

(S5) Teamwork. The poster presentation requires students to work as a group to produce the poster. The simulation will also require students to work as a group, however learning will be developed through critical reflection on team work within the exercise.

(S6) Organisation skills and ability to work under pressure. The simulation exercise will require students to plan and also work within a time pressured situation.

(S7) Communication skills. Students will develop their communication skills through listening to and questioning guest speakers during formal presentations and whilst on organisational visits. They will also have to exhibit well developed communication skills in order to complete the simulation.

(S8) Ethical awareness. Students will analyse the significance of sustainability as part of their analysis of the operations of events. The simulation exercise will also involve decisions regarding ethical approaches.

(S9) Leadership. Students will need to engage in a leadership process in order to complete the simulation.

(S10) IT skills. The poster presentation requires students to work as a group to produce the poster making full use of their IT skills.

2 hour lecture x 5 weeks
2 hour seminar x 5 weeks
1 hour asynchronous learning x 5 weeks
125 hours self-directed learning

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.

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

Operations planning: forecasting and capacity management – this 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;

Quality and customer service: Definitions and models of service quality will be examined with re gard 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.