SP6051 - Strategic Business Planning for Managing Sport

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 and Level 5 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 two 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 poster will be provided to assist with your final individual 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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding: 1. You will demonstrate an understanding of the principles underlying strategic management and planning. 2. You will apply the different models of strategic planning and sport development to analyse and address the development needs of sports organisations and critically appraise the utility and limitations of these models. Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities: 3. You will employ strategic planning frameworks and techniques in analysing and addressing the development needs of sports organisations, making evidence-based long-term decisions to establish and sustain competitive advantage. Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): 4. You will demonstrate an applied understanding of the macro and micro factors affecting an identified sport strategic plan and analyse the impact of these factors.

How will I be assessed?

Summative assessment: Summative assessment – Two components 1: An infographic (poster) of a detailed SWOT and a detailed PESTEL analysis of the selected organisation/strategic plan (20%; MLO 3). Students need to work in group (pairs) to complete the SWOT and PESTEL analyses poster. 2: An individual essay (2,000 words) in which TWO strategic models are applied to analyse the strategic management process of ONE of the strategic plans/organisations provided. It is noteworthy that in addition to the application of the model, students are expected to provide a critical evaluation of the utility and areas for improvement (limitations) of selected models, which would be more commensurate with Level-6 requirements and expectations (80%; MLO 1, 2, 4). 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 using real life strategic plans which will be evaluated by the tutor. Feedback will be given both on the content and poster creation. This will assist students in preparing for the poster (in pairs/groups) which will be attached to the final essay. To support your learning with assessment two seminars will focus on models for sport strategic planning. This will enable you to develop your understanding of the models 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.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

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 a poster design to develop key employability skills (e.g. team work, communication and graphic design).

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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