Sports Management BA (Hons)

Human Resource Management in Sport

This module will explore the strategic role of the human resource function from both an organisational and employee-centred perspective.  The module will define the function of Human Resource Management (HRM) and analyse human resource planning.  Particular reference will be made to the sports and leisure industries, drawing upon domestic and international aspects within a comparative framework.

Introduction to the Sports and Leisure Industries

This module puts in context the different elements of the sports and leisure industries, both from the perspective of suppliers in the industry and from that of the end-users. The role of sports and leisure within the economy is also investigated.  Other topics include the importance of sponsorship within sport, the role of globalisation, broadcasting rights, and managing risk in sport. The module aims to give students an overall understanding of contexts of sport (past, present and developing) in order to give students a thorough grounding in the areas of sports and leisure.

Sport, Culture and Society

This module introduces you to the social and cultural context of sport - from participation through to performance.

We consider how issues associated with gender, social class, 'race' and ethnicity, among others, can influence involvement and performance on the individual to wider structural levels. We assess this module through group work and an essay

Contemporary Marketing Practice

(Core)

The dynamics of the marketing environment, namely buyer behaviour, product pricing and product promotion, are all explored within this module. Students will examine the role marketing communication plays in business and some of the techniques used to generate interest and purchasing decisions. As part of this module, students develop an understanding of the significance of research in market development and product innovation.

Financial Decision Making

(Core)

This module introduces students to methods of research and data collection, data analysis, and some financial mathematics used by decision makers in a business or organisational context. It gives a broad appreciation of the role of key methods and approaches essential to commercial decision-making processes. Emphasis will be placed on the application of essential techniques and methodology, and the interpretation of results. This should help students understand the value and limitations of data and financial information in decision making.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Introduction To Management Theory

(Core)

This module introduces students to the range of thoughts, ideas and approaches used in management. It covers all areas of management including finance, marketing, information systems, organisational culture and international business. Students will learn through practical examples, as well as theoretical analysis, to understand the major issues concerning managers across the business functions. The significance of ethical and responsible behaviours in business and management will also be explored to emphasise the changing nature of management and corporate governance.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Experience and Employment in Sport

This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to experience the workplace and to develop skills and knowledge in a relevant discipline. The module will help prepare students for the workplace by raising awareness of workplace issues, and encouraging them to reflect on their own personal and professional development. It will also help students to define and then develop the specific work-related skills that they need in order to become more employable. Students will be encouraged to share experience in order to encourage learning and to help them articulate their strengths.

Fundamentals of Accounting

This is a core module for all business management programmes and recognises the importance of accounting and solid budgetary control. This module introduces students to the role and nature of financial accounting in business operations and highlights the concepts that encompass responsible financial management. Students will learn to understand key items of information contained in the published financial statements of companies and other organisations. The module includes the preparation of accounting statements, with emphasis on their use, interpretation and limitations.

Please note: this module supports your progress towards the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification – Certificate Level.

Leadership, Management and Legislation in PE and Sport

This module aims to introduce students to key concepts and models used in the study of the sports industry, whilst accelerating their ability to critically analyse information, data and theories. Students will be able to apply a range of business and management theories to a variety of sports industry case studies, drawing upon a range of different industry sectors in which they may be involved in their future career. Students will also be tasked with designing and evaluating a strategic business plan relating to a specific area of interest within the sports industry.

Managing Sporting Events

This module provides an insight into the strategic management of sports events of all sizes and types.  The module provides a framework of the sports event planning process, using short and long-term strategies, and an overview of operational strategies. By the end of this module students will not only have an enhanced theoretical understanding of the concept of sports event organisation and management and the importance of a strategic approach, but know how to implement strategies that can achieve successful sports events over the short and long-term.

Research Methods in Sport

This module aims to provide students with a solid grounding in the theory and practice of research in sport management as preparation for the Leve 6 (year three) independent project and dissertation work. Students cover relevant theory from a research perspective and are presented with realistic research situations through which it is possible to consider different approaches to the study of sport management and the major research methods and techniques employed. 

Sport and the Economic Environment

The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction to the tools of micro and macro-economic analysis as applicable to the context of managerial decision-making.  The module outlines the fundamental financial and economic concepts underpinning the sport, and leisure industries.

Sports and the Law

This topical module aims to examine the laws that apply within the sports context. It will give students a sound understanding of the legal principles surrounding professional and amateur sport and its regulation including: dispute resolution, anti-doping, employment law, criminal law and negligence in a sporting context.

Sports Journalism

This module is designed to enable students to develop a solid knowledge and understanding of how sports news operates in the context of global communications.  It will allow them to apply core principles of journalism to sports reporting and public relations.   In addition students will be able to write about sport to a minimal professional and ethical standard.  Finally students will have the opportunity to produce different types of sports media content for multiple platforms.

Starting a Business Venture

Starting a business is an exciting venture for anyone to take up. In this module theory and practice combine to provide students with the skills to set up their very own business. This module takes students on a journey starting with identifying gaps in the market right through to preparation of a business plan and all stages in between. This module is designed to ensure students are aware of the best conditions for business success They are also given the opportunity to present their business idea to a panel of business leaders in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ format.

Marketing Strategy and Implementation

(Optional)

In order for a business to survive or grow it needs to employ marketing techniques as part of a strategy to generate awareness, interest desire and then action. This module looks at current approaches and techniques for managing the development and implementation of marketing strategies. Sessions cover various marketing models that are used in business and public service. Students are also made aware of the integral role social responsibility and ethics has in marketing. They will also discover the analytical tools that help marketing managers make effective and important marketing decisions.

Financial Management in Sports Organisations

The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the principles of financial management specifically applied to the sport-related sectors.  The students will be able to gain applied experience in the use of financial planning tools and to understand the importance using these tools in order to maintain success in a sporting organisation. 

Global Issues in Sport and Physical Education

This module will explore a range of contemporary issues within global sport and physical education contexts. Students will be enabled to develop original thoughts towards sociological theory, and apply this in the analysis of contemporary and current issues in physical education and sport. Students will critically review the cultural, environmental, political and historical backgrounds of different countries, as well as national organisations, systems and policies. Students will critically evaluate the impact of these factors on the physical and sport education systems in different countries. This module provides a strong background for individuals who intend to teach Social and Comparative Studies in A Level Physical Education or BTEC National.

Independent Project (in Sport)

This module aims to equip students with the skills necessary to carry out effective and meaningful research in the field of Sport, Management and Business. Students will be introduced to the nature of research from both an academic and practical perspective and will develop a broad understanding of the methodology of research. The module will seek to place research into a conceptual framework that will allow for the practical application of project findings to current management practices.

International Strategic Management

This module analyses the operation of strategic management in corporate, public and not for profit organisations. The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the formulation and development of strategy from both an organisational and individual perspective. Students will consider external factors such as industry trends and environmental impacts. Particular emphasis will be placed on the relationship between corporate strategy and the achievement of competitive advantage

Managing High Performance Sports Personnel

The aim of this module is to enable students to develop a deeper understanding of the management of elite/high performance sports personnel. The students will be able to gain applied experience in the management of elite athletes in terms of training, performance and career development. Also, the ability to market and promote high performance athletes to attract suitable sponsor funding.

Sport Psychology

The module aims to explore key theoretical concepts in sport psychology.  In addition, a number of new concepts and theoretical approaches are discussed from social psychological processes within sport. Through the presentation of theory and contemporary research in lecture sessions, the module aims to develop students’ critical understanding of this area of study.

Sports Broadcasting

This module aims to enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of online sports broadcasting.  They will have the opportunity to apply the core principles of journalism to sports broadcasting.  In addition, on completion of the module, they will be able to produce multimedia content to a minimal professional and ethical standard.  Finally, the module will ensure they develop a range of transferable skills (including planning and organisational skills, creative decision making, team working, and problem solving).

Sports Sponsorship and Promotion

The aim of this module is to enable students to develop a deeper understanding of Sports Sponsorship and Promotion as it applies to the sector. The students will be able to gain applied experience in the use of sports marketing and promotion with respect to sports marketing tools, techniques and practises. 

Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility

(Optional)

This module progresses themes of business ethics embedded earlier in the degree, in terms of management of finance, human resources, and marketing. It also enables students to engage critically with a number of other issues identifiable in the theory and practice of business ethics, such as different approaches to business ethics, corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, transnational corporations, ethical investment and whistleblowing. It, therefore, equips students with a critical insight into becoming an ethical and responsible business practitioner.

Digital Business

(Optional)

Digital business involves the mediation of transactions and processes through digital media, primarily, the Internet. In this module students will discover the challenges that digital media present to many businesses strategically. The module will investigate the benefits and limitations of digital business and commerce to organisations, consumers and the wider society. Students will also identify the strategic implications of new business forms and processes that are revolutionising traditional business models and accessing even greater information and data.

Management Consultancy Project

(Optional)

This module seeks to develop students’ practical managerial skills within the context of a live business assignment, for example developing marketing plans, business strategies or organisational behaviour recommendations. Students will act as management consultants, linking with an appropriate industrial or commercial organisation in order to prepare the final consultancy report. Through both practical experience and exposure to appropriate theory, the module will develop to a high level the key skills of analysis, fact management and contextual decision making.

Managing in the Workplace

(Optional)

In this module students consider the challenges of leadership and management. They learn how these practices impact on the culture and success of an organisation through real life examples. They will identify, observe and develop skills required to promote positive management practice and will analyse their own management styles. Students will be encouraged to consider leadership qualities and how they can demonstrate these at all levels in an organisation.