Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Sports Management, Organisation Management and Policy
Course Code
LSPA_629
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Other Sub-Branches of Health and Sports Science
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Rūdolfs Nerets
Structure Unit Manager
Uģis Ciematnieks
Structural Unit
Department of Sports Theory
Contacts
LSPA, Brīvības gatve 333, Riga, LV-1006
About Study Course
Objective
Provide students with in-depth knowledge, professional skills and competences in the field of sports governance and policy, fostering their ability to analytically understand the governance and policy models of sports organisations, as well as reasonably evaluate governance structures, funding mechanisms and political processes affecting the sports sector. Apply ethical, democratic, long-term development-based governance principles and develop solutions for effective, transparent and sustainable development of sports organisations.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic knowledge of sports ethics, principles of fair play, organisation management and the functioning of the sports system is needed. The ability to analyse theoretical concepts, use academic sources of information and reasonably justify an opinion is necessary. The student should be able to critically evaluate the activities of sports organisations and associate theoretical knowledge with practical examples in the sports environment.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Z1 Describes the ethical, moral and fair competition principles of sport and their importance in the sporting environment.
Individual work and tests
Application of the principles of sports ethics in the management of sports organisations • Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers • Fair play case assessment in the practice of sports organisations
2.Z2 Explain sports governance models, their institutional structures and theoretical frameworks for sports policy.
Individual work and tests
Assessment of the occurrence of conflicts of interest in a sporting organisation • Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers
3.Z3 Describes the importance of conflicts of interest, asymmetries of power and democratic principles in the functioning of sports organisations.
Individual work and tests
Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers • Assessment of the occurrence of conflicts of interest in a sporting organisation • Assessment of democratic principles in the management of sports organisations
Skills
1.P1 Analyse the governance situations of sports organisations using appropriate theoretical approaches.
Individual work and tests
Fair play case assessment in the practice of sports organisations • Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers • Application of the principles of sports ethics in the management of sports organisations
2.P2 Evaluate the transparency, efficiency and strategic challenges of the activities of sports organisations.
Individual work and tests
Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers
3.P3 Develop proposals for improving governance and policy of sports organisations based on international and Latvian experience.
Individual work and tests
Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers • Assessment of democratic principles in the management of sports organisations • Assessment of the occurrence of conflicts of interest in a sporting organisation
Competences
1.K1 Reasoned opinion on the processes of sport governance and sport policy, their strengths and challenges.
Individual work and tests
Assessment of democratic principles in the management of sports organisations • Fair play case assessment in the practice of sports organisations • Application of the principles of sports ethics in the management of sports organisations • Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers
2.K2 Critical evaluation of sport management processes at different organisational levels.
Individual work and tests
Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers
3.K3 Integrate ethical, strategic management and sport policy principles into the development of sustainable solutions for sports organisations.
Individual work and tests
Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Application of the principles of sports ethics in the management of sports organisations |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Description: The student prepares and presents a structured presentation on the application of the principles of sports ethics and morality in the activities of sports organisations. The work describes the ethical principles of sport, identifies ethical dilemmas and evaluates the role of gender balance in the functioning of sports organisations. Fulfilment conditions: describes the ethical and moral principles of sport; at least two ethical dilemmas have been identified in sporting organisations; at least three academic sources of information have been used; formulated conclusions on the role of ethics in the management of sports organisations; presentation prepared in structured form and submitted within the specified deadline |
||
|
2.
Fair play case assessment in the practice of sports organisations |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students in the group prepare an oral presentation on a specific case of Fair play in a sports environment. The work describes the chosen case, evaluates the actions of the sports organisation and identifies the principles of fair competition. Fulfilment conditions: a specific case of a sporting organisation or sporting event has been selected; describes the situation in the context of sport management; an assessment of compliance with the principles of fair competition; formulated conclusions on the conduct of the sports organisation |
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|
3.
Assessment of the occurrence of conflicts of interest in a sporting organisation |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The student shall prepare an essay on the case of conflicts of interest in the activities of the sports organisation. The work identifies a conflict of interest, describes the situation, assesses the impact on the organisation’s activities and proposes management solutions, taking into account the principles of interested parties and institutional theories. Fulfilment conditions: identify a specific conflict of interest within the sporting organisation; a description of the situation and its context; the impact of the conflict on the organisation’s activities has been assessed; proposed management solutions; formulated conclusions and work submitted within the deadline. |
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|
4.
Assessment of democratic principles in the management of sports organisations |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
A student prepares an essay on the implementation of democratic governance principles in a sports organization. The work analyses the governance structure of a particular sports organisation, evaluates the mechanisms for participation of athletes, coaches and other stakeholders in decision-making, and evaluates the impact of the organisation’s autonomy on the quality of governance. The work offers proposals to improve democratic governance through the principles of stakeholder and institutional theory. Fulfilment conditions: a specific sporting organisation or management case has been selected; describes the organisation’s governance structure and decision-making process; the mechanisms for participation of athletes, coaches and other stakeholders have been evaluated; analysed the impact of the organisation’s autonomy on the quality of governance; solutions to governance improvements are proposed; formulated conclusions and work submitted within the deadline. |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Set of questions on topics covered in lecture course with essay type answers |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The examination consists of 3 essay-type questions on topics covered in the study course. The student provides structured written answers using theoretical concepts learned in the course and examples of sports management. Fulfilment conditions: answers to all questions asked; theoretical concepts learned in the course used; examples from sports management practice used; conclusions formulated. Evaluation criteria |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Ethics and morals of sport in the operation of sports organisations
Description
The topic discusses the role of sports ethics and morality in the functioning of sports organisations. Students familiarise themselves with sporting values, principles of fair competition and ethical dilemmas in the sporting environment. The principles of honesty, respect and excellence, as well as the importance of ethical leadership in sports governance, are being analysed. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Fair competition and Fair play in Sports Management
Description
The topic analyses the role of fair competition in the functioning of sports organisations. Students acquaint themselves with the principles of Fair play, their legal, economic and organisational aspects. The impact of unfair competition on sports organisations and the sporting environment is being looked at. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Conflicts of interest in the management of sports organisations
Description
The topic analyzes the types of conflicts of interest in sports organizations. Students familiarise themselves with forms of nepotism, favouritism and other conflicts of interest in sports management. The impact of these phenomena on organisations’ reputation, quality of governance and decision-making processes is considered. In this lecture, students will analyze the governance of sports organizations using institutional and stakeholder theories to understand the relationships between different groups of participants in the sports ecosystem. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
|
Conflicts of interest in the management of sports organisations
Description
The topic analyzes the types of conflicts of interest in sports organizations. Students familiarise themselves with forms of nepotism, favouritism and other conflicts of interest in sports management. The impact of these phenomena on organisations’ reputation, quality of governance and decision-making processes is considered. In this lecture, students will analyze the governance of sports organizations using institutional and stakeholder theories to understand the relationships between different groups of participants in the sports ecosystem. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
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Strategic management of sports organisations
Description
The topic analyses the basic principles of strategic management of sports organisations and their importance. Strategic planning processes, goal setting, resource management and competitiveness building in sports organisations will be explored. Particular attention will be paid to decision-making processes as well as the impact of internal and external factors on the development of organisations. Students will gain an understanding of how strategic leadership contributes to the long-term success of sports organizations. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
|
Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Strategic management of sports organisations
Description
The topic analyses the basic principles of strategic management of sports organisations and their importance. Strategic planning processes, goal setting, resource management and competitiveness building in sports organisations will be explored. Particular attention will be paid to decision-making processes as well as the impact of internal and external factors on the development of organisations. Students will gain an understanding of how strategic leadership contributes to the long-term success of sports organizations. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
|
Autonomy of sports organisations
Description
The topic analyses the concept of autonomy of sports organizations, its meaning and boundaries in modern sports governance. Relations between sporting organisations, the state, market players and international federations will be looked at, assessing the historical rationale for autonomy and the risks of the moment. Particular attention will be paid to issues of democracy, accountability, transparency and the protection of public interests in the sports sector. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
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Autonomy of sports organisations
Description
The topic analyses the concept of autonomy of sports organizations, its meaning and boundaries in modern sports governance. Relations between sporting organisations, the state, market players and international federations will be looked at, assessing the historical rationale for autonomy and the risks of the moment. Particular attention will be paid to issues of democracy, accountability, transparency and the protection of public interests in the sports sector. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Sport policy and sport policy
Description
The topic analyzes the interaction between sport and politics. Students familiarise themselves with policy theory approaches in the sports sector and analyse the use of sport in political processes. The use of sport as an instrument of soft power in international politics is being looked at. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
|
Sport policy and sport policy
Description
The topic analyzes the interaction between sport and politics. Students familiarise themselves with policy theory approaches in the sports sector and analyse the use of sport in political processes. The use of sport as an instrument of soft power in international politics is being looked at. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Democracy in the governance of sports organisations
Description
The topic analyzes the principles of democratic governance in sports organizations. Students acquaint themselves with the mechanisms for participation of athletes, coaches and other stakeholders in the decision-making processes of sports organisations. The autonomy of sports organisations and its impact on the quality of governance are being looked at. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Democracy in the governance of sports organisations
Description
The topic analyzes the principles of democratic governance in sports organizations. Students acquaint themselves with the mechanisms for participation of athletes, coaches and other stakeholders in the decision-making processes of sports organisations. The autonomy of sports organisations and its impact on the quality of governance are being looked at. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Latvian Sports Management system
Description
The topic analyses the institutional structure of Latvian sports policy. Students become acquainted with the main sports policy implementation institutions in Latvia and their interaction with each other. Sports policy implementation issues and governance challenges in Latvia are addressed. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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State and local government sports financing models
Description
In this lecture, students will become familiar with the role of state and local governments in financing sport by analysing different models of sports support at national and local level. Public funding allocation principles, priorities and impact on access to sport, development of sports clubs, infrastructure and high achievement sport will be addressed. Particular attention will be paid to the effectiveness of financing, fairness and cooperation with the private sector. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
State and local government sports financing models
Description
In this lecture, students will become familiar with the role of state and local governments in financing sport by analysing different models of sports support at national and local level. Public funding allocation principles, priorities and impact on access to sport, development of sports clubs, infrastructure and high achievement sport will be addressed. Particular attention will be paid to the effectiveness of financing, fairness and cooperation with the private sector. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
30 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Geeraert, A. & Van Eekeren, F. (2021). Good Governance in Sport: Critical Reflections. Taylor & Francis OnlineSuitable for English stream
2.
Council of Europe. (2018). Promotion of good governance in sport (Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)12) and explanatory memorandum.Suitable for English stream
3.
Vanden Auweele, Y., Cook, E., & Parry, J. (Eds.). (2016). Ethics and governance in sport: The future of sport imagined. Routledge.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Izglītības un zinātnes ministrija (2022). Sporta politikas pamatnostādnes 2022–2027. Eiropa
2.
European Commission (2022). Study on the European Sport Model.Suitable for English stream
3.
Sport Integrity Global Alliance (2023). SIGA Universal Standards on Good GovernanceSuitable for English stream
4.
Anagnostopoulos, C., Papadimitriou, D., Byers, T., & Botwina, G. (2022). Sport governance insights. Taylor & FrancisSuitable for English stream
5.
Bockel, A. (2015). The golden rule in sports: Investing in the conditions of cooperation for a mutual advantage in sports competitions. Springer VSSuitable for English stream
6.
Storm, R. K., Nielsen, K., & Havran, Z. (Eds.). (2022). Professional team sports and the soft budget constraint. Edward Elgar PublishingSuitable for English stream
7.
McNamee, M., & Morgan, W. J. (Eds.). (2017). Routledge handbook of the philosophy of sport. Routledge.Suitable for English stream
8.
Shilbury, D., & Ferkins, L. (Eds.). (2020). Routledge handbook of sport governance. Routledge.Suitable for English stream
9.
Wenner, L. A. (Ed.). (2022). The Oxford handbook of sport and society. Oxford University Press.Suitable for English stream
10.
Cunningham, G. B., Fink, J. S., & Doherty, A. (Eds.). (2015). Routledge handbook of theory in sport management. RoutledgeSuitable for English stream