The module aims to:

Provide students with a detailed understanding of the context of the 'global' sports business environment, its determinants, challenges, and future trajectory;

Enable students to develop critical thinking skills in relation to the global sports business context from perspectives of governance, ethics, sustainability and digital technology;

Help students develop as independent learners, comfortable with taking responsibility and being accountable for their actions, choices and outcomes.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to think critically about contemporary challenges in sports business.

(LO2) Students will be able to critically apply broader concerns of ethics and sustainability in a global sports business context.

(LO3) Students will be able to evaluate the future challenges and developments of the sports business and comment on implications for management practice.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate a critical appreciation of the wider conceptualisations of consumption and critically evaluate implications for associated social practices.

(LO5) Students will be able to demonstrate a critical appraisal of, and appreciation for, entrepreneurial activity and the contribution of micro and small businesses.

(LO6) Students will be able to appraise the global/local challenges and debates inherent in the sports business environment, in such a way as to inform management decision-making.

(S1) International awareness.
International cases in the business of sport will be used to support and illustrate theory. Guest speakers invited to deliver lectures will also give talks on internationally orientated roles in the business of sport, their experiences, and recommendations. Students will also be encouraged to keep up-to-date with current affairs in both developed, and developing sports markets.

(S2) Ethical awareness.
A specific lecture block will be delivered on ethics. Further, a substantial part of the module reading list will be related to ethics and governance in the business of sport, and will also feature as a critical juncture in the essay assignment. During in-class activities, students will also be encouraged to reflect ethically on examples and cases, and present arguments to peers.

(S3) Think sustainably.
Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) considerations form the main conceptual undercurrent to this module. Students will be asked, for all topics, to reflect critically from the point of sustainability. Reflection on live cases, developments in sustainable practice, and industry insight delivered through guest talks will reinforce and develop this position.

(S4) Lifelong learning skills.
At level 7, it is a requirement that students move beyond the recommended reading list, and are constantly engaged in their subject. The module demands students to evidence engagement in the wider literature and to showcase skills that evidence lifelong learning. Students will also be encouraged to support arguments and in-class discussions with readings and theoretical positions gained from readings conducted outside of class.

(S5) Critical problem solving skills.
A core feature of the assignment is critical analysis. Further, during in-class activities students will be asked to consider various cases in the international business of sport through critical lens – such as sustainability, ethics and governance.

The module will be delivered over twelve weeks, comprising ten teaching weeks plus two enhancement weeks. The approach to teaching and learning will combine the use of large group in-person and asynchronous lectures, small group seminars (or workshops), scheduled seminar preparation sessions, and cross-programme contemporary issues sessions.

Lectures (total of 14 hours) - Each week will include at least a one-hour scheduled lecture, except for four weeks (scheduled at the beginning, mid-points and end of the module), which will be delivered as two-hour, in-person, live lectures. One-hour lectures could also be delivered live and in-person but may alternatively be provided online or asynchronously (including appropriate scaffolding and online supporting material) at the discretion of the module teaching team.

Seminars (total of 12 hours) - Each module will include six two-hour seminars. These seminars will be interactive small-group in-person workshops.

Seminar prep aration (total of 6 hours) - Each seminar will also include a scheduled one-hour preparation session, enabling students to engage in relevant preparation activities, as deemed necessary by the module teaching team.

Contemporary Issues Sessions (total of 4 hours) - The module will also include two two-hour contemporary issues lectures or events that are directly relevant to the module and broader programme of study. These may include a lecture from a member of faculty on their research, an external industry speaker or a member of the advisory board and will be organised by the Director of Studies in coordination with module teams.

Self-directed learning (total of 164 hours) – Students will engage in self-directed learning in a wide variety of ways throughout the programme. This will include engaging in scaffolded independent learning tasks set outside the classroom on the virtual learning platform, independent reading from essential and recommended sources (e.g., jour nal articles, textbooks, industry reports, practitioner publications), assignment development and preparation, formative online quizzes, case study analysis, simulation-based tasks, and self-directed group activities. Staff responsible for the module will also provide weekly office-hours and dedicated assessment and feedback sessions for students to seek individual support and formative feedback on their independent learning and progress.

Global Structure of Sport
This topic introduces students to the perceived global nature of sports business, critically assessing whether sport is truly global or better described as a "multidomestic" industry. Students will explore the structure of sports brands, organisational models, and the management challenges of balancing local and global tensions. This provides the foundation for key business themes and helps students connect personal interests to broader industry dynamics.

Commercialisation of Sport
Commercialisation is not confined to one point in time or geography but is an ongoing, global process. This topic examines pivotal moments and key conditions that led to the commercialisation of sports markets, analysing both positive and negative outcomes. A critical component is discussing how emerging markets can adopt sustainable commercialisation models that foster positive societal impacts.

Emerging Markets and Market Multiplicity
Following the exploration of sport’s commercial evolution, this topic delves into the rise of emerging sports markets and the concept of market multiplicity. Case studies, such as the growth of football in China and women’s football in the UK, are used to illustrate how social, political, cultural, and technological developments shape sports markets. This provides a comparative approach to understanding market diversity across different economies.

Consuming Sport
This topic broadens the scope of consumption in sport, covering both professional and participation sports. A key focus is placed on the experience economy and the shift towards service-dominant value in sports markets. Students will explore whether fans should be considered consumers and debate the broader implications of this within the context of market value and audience engagement.

Sustainability in Sport
Balancing commercial success with environmental and social responsibility is critical for the future of sports business. This topic examines sustainability initiatives, the legacy of major sports events, and regulatory developments reshaping the industry. Students will reflect on the sustainability practices of developed and emerging markets, drawing connections to earlier discussions on commercialisation and consumption.

Governance and Ethics
Students will explore the complexities of sports governance across regional, national, and global levels. This topic emphasises the importance of ethical decision-making in sports management, addressing challenges related to the commercialisation of sport and the political nature of governance.

Technology, Future of Sport, and Enterprise Development
The future of sports business is being shaped by rapid technological advancements and evolving digital landscapes. This topic explores how sports enterprises, from small startups to large corporations, are leveraging technology for growth. Esports, digital marketing, data analytics, wearable technology, and fan engagement platforms are transforming the industry. Students will assess how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-businesses are using these tools to innovate and create new market opportunities. Digital transformation is not only changing how business content is developed and distributed but is also reshaping fan communities, creating new business models, and driving the future of sports. The convergence of these trends highlights the need for entrepreneurial thinking and adaptability in sports enterprises at all levels.

Managing in a VUCA Environment
Managing in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environment. This topic will focus on how managers can navigate rapid technological changes, shifting consumer preferences, and unpredictable market conditions. Students will explore strategic decision-making, risk management, and leadership approaches tailored to thriving in such a dynamic, ever-evolving indu stry. Special emphasis will be placed on how sports businesses can remain agile and innovative in the face of global challenges.