OVERVIEW

The management of a sports facility is much more complex the more activities it is intended to host. Security becomes a critical element especially when the facility hosts events involving the use of the facility by a large number of people with different needs.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The educational objectives of the course are: - to develop the students' ability to identify a sports facility as: a place of work, a public place for performances and a place for sports practice and the ability to define its main elements. The management of a sports facility is more complex the more activities̀ are hosted inside it and the higher pedestrian flows use it. - in relation to the identified system, knowledge will be provided on the main elements relating to safety, understood as the protection of psychological and physical well-being of workers and users. - in relation to the identified system, knowledge will be provided on the main elements related to emergency, in relation to the management of serious and sudden events that may cause damage to the sports facility and/or its users and workers. The resilience of the facility to unexpected events is a key aspect. - The teaching aims to provide references to the relevant regulatory framework.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with an in-depth and practical understanding of safety management in sports facilities, with a particular focus on the planning, organisation and management of complex sports events. Specific objectives include:

- Complex Analysis: Provide students with tools to analyse the complexity of sports facilities, especially during large-scale events, considering factors such as safety, logistics and emergency management.

- Management Methodologies: Teaching methodologies to manage all phases of a sports event, from initial planning to the removal of equipment and services post-event.

- Real Experiences: Immerse students in the concrete problems of sports facilities through real case studies and practical field activities.

- Project Management: Learn and apply project management techniques to design, plan and manage a sports event project. Students will be able to develop detailed plans, identify risks and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.

- Systemic Approach: Promoting a systemic approach to the analysis and management of sports facilities, enabling students to see the interconnection between different areas of operation and their importance to the success of an event.

The expected learning outcomes include the ability to plan and manage sports events safely and efficiently, understanding and meeting the needs of all stakeholders, also using project management tools and techniques for effective planning and optimal organisation.

PREREQUISITES

No specific prerequisites are required for this course. However, a basic knowledge of event management and security principles may be helpful.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is characterised by the innovativeness of its teaching methods, which enable even students without a basic technical or mathematical background to carry out quantitative evaluations and develop effective management strategies. The main teaching methods include:

- Lectures: Presentations with the aid of slides to introduce the fundamental concepts.

- Games and Simulations: Use of educational games and simulations to analyse real scenarios and make decisions in real time. These tools enable students to understand the complex dynamics of a sporting event in a practical and engaging way.

- Real Case Discussion: Detailed analysis of case studies, such as the ‘AON Tennis Challenger Genoa’ tournament, to understand the challenges and solutions adopted in real situations.

- Group Work: Collaborative activities in which students work together to solve problems, plan events and develop management strategies. This approach encourages the exchange of ideas and comparison of different perspectives.

- Field Experiences: Practical sessions at real sports facilities, such as Valletta Cambiaso in Genoa, to directly observe operations and management issues.

These teaching methods are designed to be highly interactive and hands-on, ensuring active student involvement. Assiduous attendance at lectures is strongly recommended, as active participation, discussion and debate are essential for success in the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course consists of 18 lectures covering the following main topics:

1.         Defining and Developing Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics: Defining Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics.

2.         Game: Street League Skateboarding - The Challenges Facing a New Sports League.

3.         Identifying Costs: Identification of costs.

4.         Identifying Revenue Streams: Identifying Revenue Streams.

5.         Case Study: AON Tennis Challenger Genoa Part 1 Business: Case study on the management of the tournament business.

6.         Soliciting and Selecting Host Cities and Venues: Selection of host cities and venues.

7.         Game: Evacuations and Stadium Logistics: Game on evacuations and stadium logistics.

8.         Managing for the Unexpected: Managing for the Unexpected.

9.         Case Study: AON Tennis Challenger Genoa Part 2 Safety: Case study on tournament safety.

10.       Game: Up, Up, and Away! Event Planning and Production in Las Vegas: Game on event planning and production in Las Vegas.

11.       Starting the Clock on the Sports Event Planning Process: Starting the Clock on the Sports Event Planning Process.

12.       Assignment: Create and Manage a Sport Event: Creating and managing a sport event.

13.       Case Study: AON Tennis Challenger Genoa Part 3 Logistics: Case study on tournament logistics.

14.       Managing the Facilities and Services.

15.       Case Study: AON Tennis Challenger Genoa Part 4 Accessibility: Case study on the accessibility of the tournament.

16.       Accommodating and Managing Guests: Accommodating and managing guests.

17.       Assignment: Create and Manage a Sport Event: Creating and managing a sport event.

18.       Reviewing the Game Tapes: Reviewing past experiences and lessons learnt from past events.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The course texts and bibliography will be provided by the lecturer at the beginning of the lectures. Scientific articles, case studies and specific teaching materials will be included.

The main reference text is ‘The Sports Event Management and Marketing Playbook, 2nd Edition’, John Wiley, Joe Goldblatt (Series Editor), Robert Goldwater, Frank Supovitz , ISBN: 978-1-118-80606-7, July 2014. The entire test is not required, but only some chapters.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ROBERTO REVETRIA (President)

ELVEZIA-MARIA CEPOLINA (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will begin in February. The detailed schedule will be communicated to registered students.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final examination will consist of a practical group project, in which students will have to demonstrate the skills they have acquired in planning and managing a sports event and the evaluation of all the teaching activities carried out during the course. A multiple-choice quiz will also be provided as a written test at the end of the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment will be based on:

- Active class participation. 20%

- Quality of group work. 30%

- Presentation and realisation of the final project. 30%

- Questionnaire (multiple choice quizzes) 20%

FURTHER INFORMATION

Class attendance is strongly recommended due to the interactive nature of the course. For further information, please contact the lecturers responsible by email or during office hours.