What will I learn on this module?
This module aims to introduce students to the concepts of strategic management and planning, combined with techniques used in analysing strategic plans and making strategic decisions. It aims to provide an overview of relevant frameworks and techniques with which to analyse contemporary sports development and management issues, and critically appraise sports development plans and strategies. The module will place greater emphasis on strategic planning theories and models than Level 4 modules, and the aim is to enable students to make evidence-based and theory-informed decisions, and establish and sustain competitive advantage. Topics will include internal and external factors affecting sport organisations, resource-based view and market-based view, formulating strategic options, implementing and evaluating plans and government policy with a primacy given to strategic prioritisations. British and international examples across the public, private and voluntary sectors, ranging from elite sport and professional sport to mass participation sport and sports mega events will be provided to bolster weekly topics.
How will I learn on this module?
The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats including lectures, seminars, and independent learning, and you will be able to access materials on the eLP. Tutorial sessions will be arranged to support students’ assessment completion. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to address and resolve a series of guided exercises. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. You will work on these during seminar sessions to apply theory to practice alongside real-life sport strategic plans and decision-making patterns/elements. You will also be set independent tasks informed by key literature to complete outside of class time to further develop your understanding of the taught content. You will undertake practice in developing your poster design skills (in group/pairs) and obtain tutor feedback on the content and skills to underpin your completion of the 2,000-word individual assignment which is premised on various strategic models.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services. Feedback on your value proposition presentation and infographic/poster design will be provided to assist with your final essay. Tutorial sessions will be arranged, which will act as assessment surgery.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will demonstrate an understanding of the principles underlying strategic management and planning in sport contexts.
2. You will apply different models of strategic planning and sport development to analyse the development needs of sports organisations, recognising the relative strengths and limitations of these models.
Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:
3. You will apply strategic planning frameworks and techniques to analyse the development needs of sports organisations, using evidence to inform recommendations for organisational development.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will demonstrate an understanding of the macro and micro factors affecting sport strategic planning and explain how these factors influence organisational decision-making.
How will I be assessed?
1. An Individual Recorded 10-minute Presentation (40%; MLO 1, 3, 4):
Students will deliver an individual recorded presentation comprising detailed SWOT and PESTEL analyses for a selected sports organisation. The analysis should inform a proposed value proposition (product/service) for the organisation. Students should demonstrate understanding of how macro and micro environmental factors influence strategic decision-making and use evidence from their analyses to justify their recommendations.
2. Infographic (poster) Handout (10%; MLO 3, 4): An individual infographic designed to complement the presentation, summarising key findings from the SWOT and PESTEL analyses. The infographic should communicate complex information clearly and demonstrate the student's ability to organise and present strategic analysis in an accessible format.
3: An Individual 2,000-Word Essay (50%; MOL 1, 2, 4): Students will produce an individual essay detailing a business plan designed to monetise the value proposition designed during Assessment 1. Students will apply at least TWO strategic models to analyse the strategic management process of the the selected organisation. In addition to applying the model, students are expected to discuss the relative strengths and limitations of the selected models/frameworks in relation to their chosen context.
Formative Assessment: Formal lectures will introduce you to key concepts, which will then be applied within seminars. You will work in groups in the seminars and practice your presentation skills to complete specific tasks to assess existing value propositions currently offered across the sport industry which will be evaluated by the tutor. Feedback will be given to clarify the use of the various tools leveraged throughout the semester. This will assist students in preparing for their value proposition presentation and infographic (poster design). To support your learning with assessment two seminars will focus on the various elements of the business plan. This will enable you to develop your understanding of various models/frameworks applicable to each section and how they can be integrated with your chosen strategic plan.
Summative Feedback: You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.
Module abstract
‘Strategic Business Planning for Managing Sport’ aims to offer an insight into strategic management and planning, the concepts, the frameworks and the techniques. It is essential for you to understand strategy because in today’s competitive sport environment direction and funding are directly related to a strategic plan. This module will enable you to make evidence-based decisions, avoid short-termism, and establish and sustain competitive advantage for organisations and for yourself, which will benefit your career path, advancement and individual achievement striving and well-being. Your assessment will focus on real life strategic plans giving authenticity and application to sports organisations. You will benefit from conducting research to produce an internal and external audit of the chosen sport organisation, apply strategic planning models to analyse recent sport strategic plans and critically appraise these models, together with an infographic/poster design to develop key employability skills (e.g., communication and graphic design).
