Unit Title: Sports Economics
Unit Leaders: Nicolas Scelles and Maurizio Valenti
Indicate key task and word count (or equivalent):
Over the course of this unit we cover two main general themes relating to the economics of
sport: (1) The economic value of sport; and (2) Economics of professional sports. Within these general themes, four specific topics are discussed:
1. The economic importance and impact of sport.
2. The economic peculiarities of professional sports.
3. The American and European models of professional sports.
4. Competitive balance and intensity.
Choose one of these topics and explain how economic processes affect decision making in sport.
This is a 1,000-word individual essay (+/- 10% on the word count is allowed). References are excluded from the total word count. – The essay should be fully referenced using the Harvard referencing system.
Assignment Details and Instructions.
– Introduction providing the topic tackled, the rationale for the essay (why is it worth
tackling?) and its structure (≈ 100 words).
– First part applying basic economic concepts to sport in relation to the topic tackled (≈
200 words). It is expected that students demonstrate an awareness of the different
levels in the study of economics and explain which level is the most relevant to the topic
tackled in order to provide a rationale for the economic concepts applied.
– Second part demonstrating an awareness of the economic specificities of sport in
relation to the topic tackled to justify why an economic approach to sport based on basic
economic concepts only is not enough, and why an analysis of the economic
environment of sport is necessary to justify economic decision making in sport (≈ 200
words).
– Third part analysing the economic environment of sport in relation to the topic tackled
(200 words).
It is expected that students derive operational, ethical and sustainable
challenges from their analysis of the economic environment of sport.
– Fourth part justifying economic decision in sport in relation to the topic tackled, taking
into account the operational, ethical and sustainable challenges raised by the analysis of
the economic environment of sport (≈ 200 words).
– Conclusion summarising the main elements tackled (≈ 100 words).
Assessment marking rubric – use if need
EXTRA INFO
Unit Learning Outcomes.
1. Apply basic economic concepts to sport.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the economic specificities of sport.
3. Analyse the economic environment of sport.
4. Justify economic decision making in sport
Early Career/ World Class Professional Skills (PLOs) assessed.
1. The broad range of business and management aspects of sport, the inter-relationship
between them and their application to sporting context (A1)
2. The organisations and structures responsible for sport, the political ramifications arising
from these and their impact on the funding and delivery of sport (A2)
3. Strategic planning and development skills to understand and address the needs and
intentions of sports organisations and communities (A5)
4. Be able to work effectively independently and with others, as both a team member and a
leader, recognising and respecting the values of equality and diversity (B6)
5. The numeracy skills required to manage budgets and analyse quantitative data, including
big data (B7)
6. The digital and technological skills required to work within the Sports Business
Management Industry (B8)
7. Research, enterprising and analytical skills and the ability to complete a sustained piece
of independent, intellectual work which plans, designs, critically evaluates and assesses
an evidence base (B9)
8. Literacy and communication skills applicable in a range of contexts including verbal,
auditory, digital and multi-media forms (B10)
9. Critically evaluate and synthesise features of different approaches to the study of sport
management and how they apply to society (B11)
AOL Programme Learning Outcomes (Introduced)
1.1.1 Identify and interrogate relevant data and literature sources using methods appropriate
to level of study and to discipline
1.1.2a Apply theory to discussion and analysis
2.1.1 Organise work in a logical structure in order to draw conclusions that follow from line of
argument
2.1.2 Apply consistent and appropriate referencing and in text citations
4.1.1 Identify and explain professional and commercial/corporate issues
4.2.1 Critically evaluate professional and commercial/corporate issues
4.2.2 Critically discuss the global and/or international context
