Master of Science in Sport Business and Entertainment Management Online

Explores the modern sports era and establishes the foundation for the multi-billion dollar industry of today. Discusses some of the compelling socioeconomic, industrial, and technological movements that have contributed to the success of sports entertainment. Examines the factors that gave sport legitimacy and financial stability. Discusses the humble beginnings of professional, collegiate and Olympic sports cherished today. Examines the industry146s evolution through inventions and how these developments shaped the industry. Explores the mechanism of sponsorship and marketing through sport. Explores and analyzes the onset of free agency and the rise of the industry146s revenue generating sources. Discusses the management theories that apply to the industry and the current business and social issues it faces. Emphasizes the managerial and business skills required to operate successfully as a business leader in this.

This graduate level course considers the development, assessment and implementation of strategy decisions in a variety of sport, media and entertainment industries and focuses on the strategic requirements for building and maintaining successful sport and entertainment organizations. It highlights the level of difficulty in developing and executing effective strategies because of both the distinct quantitative economic characteristics of sport and entertainment, and the qualitative issues, such as managing talent. The course will examine organizational structures, business models and organization theories operating in these industries, including beneficial strategic alliances. In addition, it will explore the nature of competition in the industry, the driving forces for change and innovation inside and outside the industry, and the effect of government involvement. A major theme of the course will revolve around developing an understanding of strategic decision-making and implementation with the ambiguity and uncertainty of information in the "real world". Another major theme will be the use of numeric analysis to help shape strategy and to then measure the success of strategic decisions.

Examines the economic and financial environment in which the sport industry operates, with emphasis on pricing, supply and demand factors, and taxes. Identifies key stakeholders and their various interests in the financial success of sport operations and organizations. Explores sources of funding and revenue production, including sponsorships, in the face of competition. Examines how to analyze, control and evaluate financial performance; apply sound financial management principles and practices; and prepare, analyze and use budgets and financial reports. Emphasizes the application of basic managerial decision-making to financial issues.

Provides the sport business manager with an overview of the major marketing issues facing the sport industry. Course content focuses on developing basic knowledge and understanding of sport marketing and sponsorship for professional and collegiate settings. Attention is given to the history of sport marketing, principles of marketing applied to the sport industry, sport consumer behavior, research tools, corporate sponsorship, and evaluation of sport marketing programs. The components of the course include developing products, utilizing sponsorships, special events, fund raising, public relations, promotions, and utilizing radio and television networking.

Provides an understanding of the laws and legal concepts governing the sports industry, and how they apply to the sports managers role. Focuses on legal and ethical issues related to legislation, drug testing, employment law, negligence and liability, as well as intellectual and property rights. Addresses licenses and contracts related to players, teams, merchandising, services, sponsorships and facilities. Applies ethical theories to sports operations and decision-making, and uses case studies to reinforce the value of adhering to sound ethical principles in addressing business problems.

Analyzes the management process involved in the designing and managing of a sport facility as well as the skills and processes associated with administering a sport event whether it be participant- centered (e.g., road race, youth tennis tournament) or spectator-centered (e.g., college football game, basketball game, professional golf tournament).

This course will feature a comprehensive look at sport communications from many perspectives in a fun and interactive environment. There will be lectures, group discussions, challenging exercises and insightful speakers who work at the top level of the sports world. Ultimately, this course will provide students with an awareness of the profession, its role in the industry and an examination of the skills it takes to succeed.

Provides an assignment in a sports or fitness organization, individually designed to integrate the student's academic learning with workplace experience. A summary written and oral report of the internship is required.

This course will focus on developing a working knowledge of the expanding role of technology in the increasingly global business of sport. Students will acquire understanding of ecommerce, networks, communications and new media technology products, services, and infrastructure, and their growing relevance in the development of the business of sport. Emphasis will be placed on the development of technology to enhance and support sport business strategy for local, national and international markets.

Explores the entrepreneurial process and introduction to problems and issues involved in creating a new business or in taking an existing company to the next level. Considers not only stand-alone start-ups, but also new business ventures within a large corporation. Identifies promising ideas, and assists in developing a business plan and securing financing. It further develops an overall outlook with an understanding of the knowledge and skills required for effective entrepreneurial leadership in today's highly competitive and global e-commerce marketplace. Employs the team-based case study method, and invites successful entrepreneurs and corporate leaders who foster innovations as guest speakers to address key topics.

This course will serve to deepen the student's understanding of current issues facing leaders in sports organizations. The content of the course will build on many elements of the core curriculum and place them in the context of today's challenges. The focus will be on where the sports business (and market) is today, and where it is headed. The course will include an individual project. The format of the class meetings will be a combination of lecture, discussion and include guest speakers or panels to enrich the discussion. Examples of the topics we will cover include: -The emerging role of analytics in sports management; -The impact of the economy on sports businesses; -The evolving demands of corporate sponsors; -The changing face of the sports fan and consumer; -Marketing the star athlete -- from the perspective of the athlete, team and league; -The role of new media in sports; -The total fan experience -- the role of in-game entertainment and presentation; -The search for entry level positions in sports management.

This course will introduce students to the role agents play in the life of professional athletes including contract negotiations, interaction with player unions, financial and tax professionals, media interaction, athlete marketing, business and post career planning and day to day operations. In addition, familiarize students with the collective bargaining agreements and relevant governing rules and organizations as well as the NCAA. Introduce students to the day to day responsibilities of the Sports Agent and discuss the barriers of entry into this industry and how students can get into the sports industry. This class will feature some exciting guest lecturers including major league baseball front office executives, marketing professionals, broadcast professionals, union officials and more, depending on availability.

Examines some of the particular issues that surround sports leagues and events that are specific to the international sports industry. Identify prominent foreign sports leagues and the concepts applied in managing these leagues. Discuss some of the principles that are applicable to the United States professional leagues. Discuss major international sporting events, and discuss some of the particular issues that are faced and analyze the strategies employed previously. Differences in media, fan tastes and marketing initiatives will be a focus. Explore the impact of the international economy on sports throughout the world.