Course 2016-2017 a.y.

Classes: 31 (II sem.)

Instructors:
Class 31: CATALDO RUTA

The course is dedicated to the analysis of management issues and value creation mechanisms in the sport industry. Most popular sports and sport events have, without doubt, sociological implications and economic importance of direct and indirect effects that are undeniably complex to investigate and articulate.
The turnovers of the following leagues (in billion euro) can explain the relevance of sport business: Top 5 European soccer leagues in the 2013-2014 season (Premier League , Bundesliga , Liga, Seria A , Ligue 1) 12.4, National Football League (NFL) in 2015 is 11.9, Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2015 is 8.7, National Basketball Association (NBA) in the 2014-15 season is 4.6, National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2013-14 season is 3.4.
Sport organizations - mainly federations, leagues and clubs - must be able to influence and address the evolution of the world of sport and demonstrate that they know how to leverage and balance the economic, sporting and cultural dimensions. High-profile competitive sport and sport events furthermore require systems, facilities and infrastructures that consequently render the role and the presence of specific public policies and managerial practices essential.
For all these reasons, the sport industry has to deal with different types of managerial and leadership skills that determine the uniqueness of the industry and as a consequence the agenda of the strategic issues. The course objective is to combine a genuine passion for sports, seen and practiced, with solid managerial skills that will help you to approach the labor market of the sport.

The entire course is designed to increase the level of “know how” and not only the theoretical knowledge you have about the topics. The teaching method is built around an intensive mixture of readings, guest speakers, field visits, group works, class participation, video and case studies. Students are supposed to be well prepared for each session in order to take full advantage of the sessions and participate pro-actively in the discussions.

The key topics of the course are:

1. Introduction – What is sport business and management about?
2. The economics of sports.
3. Sport governance.
4. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic movement.
5. The value and the organization of leagues: the North American vs EU model.
6. Clubs’ performances.
7. Stakeholders management.
8. Club licensing systems and UEFA Financial Fair Play.
9. Revenue generation, asset appreciation and franchise value.
10. The management of facilities.
11. Impacts and legacies of sport events.
12. Leadership in sports.

For Non-attending students:
Written exam on the course’s books.
All the exams are based on multiple choice questions (no penalties for mistakes).

For attending students:

• 50% of the grade: Written exam - on all the course materials - based on multiple choice questions (no penalties for mistakes).
• 50% of the grade: group projects.

For Non-attending students:

• R. Hoye, A. Smith, M. Nicholson, et al., Sport Management: principles and applications, Routledge, 2015.
  
• P. Guenzi, D. Ruta, Leading Teams: Tools and Techniques for Successful Team Leadership from the Sports, 2013, 1st ed., Jossey-Bass.

For attending students:

• Readings on library’s Course Reserves.