MA471 Key Concepts in Sport Management (Autumn 2024)

Introduction

This course provides in-depth knowledge of theories that underpin the academic field of sport management. Drawing from organizational theory, leadership, marketing, and public policy, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of managing sports organizations. Through a blend of case-based assignments, discussions, and active learning strategies, students will learn to apply these theoretical perspectives to real-world problems in the sports sector. This course promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging students to analyze and respond to issues within and between organizations in the sport sector. This approach will help students appreciate the importance of theory in understanding, analyzing, and addressing challenges in sport management.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will be able to

• Critically evaluate and apply relevant theories to analyze contemporary problems and research questions related to organization and leadership of sports.

• Analyze and interpret the strategies used by different actors in sports for marketing, sponsorships, and communication.

• Explain and analyze the complexity of the interplay between an organization and its stakeholders

• Evaluate intra- and interorganizational processes within Norwegian and international sports on different levels: societal, organizational, group, and individual level.

• Critically reflect on and appraise existing theories and methods in sport management.

• Collaboratively and independently formulate a research problem relevant to sport management, propose solutions, and extrapolate practical implications.

Learning methods and activities

• Mix of lectures, group discussions, and case work including student presentations.

• Interdisciplinary seminars

• The students shall participate actively and sufficiently in the classes

Work requirements

• Mandatory submission of brief individual and group reflections on Canvas

• Mandatory participation in seminars

• Mandatory group presentations in class

Approved submission of assignments and attendance are preconditions for participation in the oral exam.
Presentations and discussions in class must be in English.

Assessment/exam

Oral exam at the end of the course. Graded A-F.

Core literature

Core literature for fall 2024.