OVERVIEW

The sustainability paradigm, understood as a development model integrating three fundamental dimensions (economic, social, and environmental), is now considered an essential element in the organization of sporting events. This course provides knowledge and interpretive tools to understand and evaluate the degree of sustainability of sporting events at various levels, from large international manifestations to local ones.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to: 1 know the main tools for measuring the territorial impact of sport events and the tourism movement associated with them (knowledge objectives). 2 identify the main socio-territorial costs / benefits due to the realization of sport events, using the sources appropriately (objectives of competence). 3 elaborate a critical reflection on the territorial consequences of the development of sports tourism following the realization of specific sport events (behavioral objectives).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to provide basic knowledge about the concept of sustainability with particular reference to the organization of sporting events and their territorial consequences. The analysis of case studies at various levels (from the Olympics to events involving single cities or limited areas) will help critically examine their short- and long-term impacts and develop useful skills in the planning and organization phases of sporting events.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the concept of sustainability in its three dimensions (social, economic, and environmental).
• Utilise tools for measuring the impact of sporting events on the territory.
• Identify the main parameters for measuring the impact of sporting events on the territory.
• Identify and define the territorial impact of certain sporting events, also in terms of local development, territorial enhancement, and the implementation of sports tourism.
• Develop a critical approach to the level of sustainability of sporting events.
• Argue and describe (in written and oral form) how sporting events impact the territory.

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of frontal lessons aimed at presenting and studying the main territorial implications of organizing sporting events.

The materials used during the lessons will be uploaded to AulaWeb along with other resources (reports, links to databases, etc.) to define the quantitative aspects of the phenomena studied.

Occasionally, scholars or experts in the discipline (Italian and foreign) may also be invited to hold seminars to delve into specific aspects of the topics covered.

At least one field visit will be carried out, aimed at implementing information during in class lectures and studying the relation between sport/outdoor and sustaniability in the field. 

If the number of enrolled students allows, attending students will also have the opportunity to conduct case studies through group projects on topics related to the course's themes. Specific information will be provided during lessons and via the course's AulaWeb page.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program is divided into three parts:

PART ONE: Introduction to the concept of environment, sustainability, and sustainable development. The 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development

PART TWO: Sustainability in the organization of sporting events; tools and methods for its measurement.

PART THREE: Analysis of specific sporting events and their local impact (e.g., Turin Winter Olympics, Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Giro d'Italia, Genoa - Red Bull Cerro Abajo).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For ATTENDING Students

Materials uploaded to AulaWeb, supplemented by what is presented by the lecturer in class and appropriately summarized in notes taken during lessons. In the absence of exhaustive notes, students are required to use the textbook.

TEXTBOOK: Giovanni Esposito, Matteo Esposito (2025) Verso un successo sostenibile. Per le organizzazioni sportive ad alto impatto, Maggioli Editore (excluding capitolo 3)

Detailed information will be provided soon.

For NON-ATTENDING Students

TEXTBOOKS: Giovanni Esposito, Matteo Esposito (2025) Verso un successo sostenibile. Per le organizzazioni sportive ad alto impatto, Maggioli Editore (excluding capitolo 3)

Materials uploaded to AulaWeb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PIETRO PIANA (President)

STEFANIA MANGANO

GABRIELE CASANO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will begin at the earliest possible date of the second semester, according to the upcoming schedule

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and takes place in person.

The programme for attending students is allowed to those who will have attended at least least 50% of the lessons and participated to in-class activities and the field visit. In addition, attending students will have to contribute to the teamwork. 

The course is delivered in Italian, and, as a rule, the exam must be taken in Italian.

If the number of students permits and group projects are carried out by attending students, this work, even if discussed during the course, constitutes an integral part of the oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral interview and any midterm exam (written) will allow for the assessment of:

• Mastery and in-depth understanding of knowledge.
• Ability to apply developed competencies.

The following are the evaluation criteria:

• The quality of the presentation.
• The correct use of appropriate terminology.
• The ability for critical analysis, including on potential cases discussed.

If the number of students allows for the creation of group projects, they will also be evaluated on the quality of the written work regarding its content and formal aspects.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To request compensatory tools or dispensatory measures, students with disabilities or SLD must fill in the dedicated Webform available at https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa, at least 7 working days before the exam.
Students with SEN may instead send their request by e-mail to the lecturer, copying the Department Representative, Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it) and the Inclusion Office (inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it).
Requests from students will be assessed by the lecturer and may be approved or rejected