1. Critically evaluate the strategic management theory underpinning event planning
Analysis
Enquiry
Application

2. Conceptual understanding of key concepts and critical awareness of strategic management theories
Analysis
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Systematically and critically evaluate current theories and practice of strategic management
Analysis
Problem Solving
Knowledge and Understanding

4. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the techniques of strategic analysis, including their applicability and their limitations in the complex domain of the esports arena
Reflection
Enquiry
Application

5. Critically evaluate the main issues regarding the challenges of esports event delivery and their strategic management.
Analysis
Enquiry
Problem-solving
Application

Managing esports arena strategies is a strategic and multi-layered responsibility requiring strategically focused, stakeholder-centric and reflective professionals. Being able to define an effective strategy is critical to the success and ultimate survival of an organisation.

This module introduces students to the challenge of managing strategy in a complex esport arena environment. You will explore why some organisations are more profitable than others, demonstrating your ability to integrate and apply knowledge from other modules, as well as your professional experience, and also learn and apply strategic management concepts, frameworks and theories. An understanding of the wider environment is imperative, with heightened attendee expectations, globalisation, CSR, technology, greater focus on rate of return by funders and other stakeholders, and an increasingly competitive event marketplace.

Topics will include:

The nature of strategic management
Industry, sector and competition analysis
Resources and capabilities
Cost advantage and differentiation advantage strategies
Strategy in times of change
International strategy
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances
Diversification
Internationalization
Strategy implementation

The overall aim of the course is to understand the economic, management and operational complexities of esports arenas, and explore the strategic options available. Case studies will be used to give students practical examples.

Individual written assignment weighted 100% (All LOs)
The assessment requires a strategic plan that addresses the key issues in managing esport arena strategies. Where students have access to specific esports arenas, they may base their assessment on that arena. Alternatively the work may be a more generic overview of the key issues in managing esport arena strategies.

The learning strategy for full-time/part-time on-campus and other delivery modes requires students to commit to 300 learning hours (including assessments). Of this, there will be 72 hours of class/workshop support and 228 hours of independent and self-directed learning for students working alone or as part of a learning group.

Teaching methods will include:

Selected videos and interviews
Analysis of case studies and other problem-solving exercises
Interactive discussions on discussion board or private social media
Webinars and on-line discussions

The development of independent critical thinking is a core objective and students will be encouraged to develop their own questions, inquiries and challenges

David, F. R. and David F. (2017) Strategic Management: A Competitive Advantage Approach, Concepts and Cases. 16th Edition. Pearson Education Limited.
Gigliotti, J. (2015) Sports Arena and Event Management. Mason Crest.
Johnson, G., Whittington, R., Regner, P., Scholes, K. and Angwin, D. (2017) Exploring Strategy. 11th Edition. Oxford: Pearson Education Limited.
O’Toole, W. (2010) Events Feasibility and Development: From Strategy to Operations. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Sharples, L., Crowther, P., May, D. and Orefice, C. (2016) Strategic Event Creation. Oxford: Goodfellow Publishers Ltd.
Schwartz, E., Hall, S. and Shibli, S. (2015) Sport Facility Operations Management. 2nd Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.
Tribe, J. (2016) Strategy for Tourism. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Goodfellow Publishers Ltd.

VLE learning support material to be provided for independent /self-directed learning.

Module handbooks

Open Textbook Library

Selected contemporary problem/practice-based case examples