No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of using loyalty programs on sport fans’ relationship quality and fan engagement toward sport organizations. This study also sought to explore which relationship quality and fan engagement factors potentially differed as a result of using loyalty programs. Since there are two major defined sport levels, differences were explored across niche and mainstream sport organizations. Using relationship marketing as the theoretical framework, participants (n = 678) were administered a 55-item instrument that included revised relationship quality and fan engagement scales. Quantitative data were used to run confirmatory factor analyses, analyses of covariance, and multivariate analyses of covariance. Results first showed that significant differences existed between mainstream sport fans that have access to a loyalty program and mainstream sport fans that do not have access to a loyalty program. Mainstream sport fans that have access to a loyalty program had higher identification and reciprocity. Mainstream sport fans that do not have access to a loyalty program were found to have higher overall fan engagement, commitment, intimacy, and performance tolerance. Results also showed differences between niche sport fans that have access to a loyalty program and mainstream sport fans that have access to a loyalty program. Mainstream sport fans that have access to a loyalty program were divided into two groups (simple or complex) based on the design of the loyalty programs. Niche sport fans that have access to a loyalty program were found to have higher overall relationship quality, trust, intimacy, management cooperation, and performance tolerance. The findings provide an introduction in to the possibility that loyalty programs could be effective for increasing relationship quality for both niche and mainstream sport organizations. Moreover, for niche sport organizations that have access to fewer resources, it is encouraging that the use of a loyalty program appears to have the capabilities to build stronger relationships and engagement. These results provide several implications for sport organizations and sport marketers and serve as a foundation for which future research on loyalty programs can build.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate factors in the work environment that impact job burnout among academic support professionals who work with college student-athletes. Specifically, the factors of job control match, fairness march, rewards match, and workload match were explored. Additionally, the extent to which emotional exhaustion and depersonalization had an effect on turnover intention was explored. Job burnout has been found to have negative impacts on professionals in human services professions. The sample consisted of academic advisors and learning specialists affiliated with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I programs. Results suggest academic support professionals experience a high level of emotional exhaustion related to a mismatch in perceived job control, rewards, and workload. Additionally, higher levels of emotional exhaustion were found to significantly impact turnover intention. Practical solutions that address job mismatches are discussed along with theoretical implications for the person-environment fit framework applied in the context of the sport industry.

Policy processes influence decision-making and when processes are influenced by multiple stakeholders, individual interests can go against the general good of the organization or community. The multiple stakeholders of cricket in Barbados have governed the development of cricket. Over the last 30 years the sport has been on a steady decline evidenced by the low attendance at games and the number of teams and individuals playing the sport. At a time when the sport has been growing at the international level, the decline in the fortunes of the sport in Barbados had led to a climate of mistrust and blame apportioning, which can only lead to further decay. This explanatory case study drawing from 2 focus groups and 15 individual interviews examined the views and perceptions of players, media personnel, officials, administrators, fans and concessionaires, as to the state of the sport, the factors that have contributed to that state and the role of the stakeholders in the process. Data analyzed using thick analysis methods revealed that the stakeholders believed that sport was in decline in Barbados and changes in the social and community structures, competition from other sports, unclear roles and uncooperative relations of stakeholders were key factors that acted against the development of the sport. The implications for positive social change are directed at the collaborative role of stakeholders that places the general good beyond individual pursuits and the need to change the current methods of governance.

Purpose: Although logistics management is a crucial part of local and global sports events, there is noresearch-driven characterization of "sports logistics management". The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a framework that allows for a more structured recognition of logistics in sports, in general, and sport event management, in particular. In addition, we conduct a systematic literature review of sports logistics management and locate opportunities for future research both for sports management and logistics management scholars. Design/methodology/approach: Guided by Durach et al.'s (2017) systematic literature review approach, we identify key attributes and characteristics of sports logistics management. These are based on studies featuring at least partial aspects of logistics management in sports and sport events, and that were published between 2000 and mid-2019. Findings: The study reveals that sports logistics management, meaning logistics activities in sports andsport event management, is a heavily under-researched area that provides an abundance of scientific opportunities. Based on the three sport event types of local/regional sport events, major sport events and mega sport events, the authors propose four sports logistics management pillars that are central to the proposed Sport Logistics Framework: venue logistics management, sports equipment logistics management, athletes logistics management, and fan and spectators logistics management. Originality/value: This is the first study that builds on a systematic review of literature specifically focused on the logistics aspect in sports and sport event management. It provides a conceptual framework of sports logistics management and offers an agenda of future research opportunities.

O grande interesse dos países em atingir o sucesso esportivo vem aumentando cada vez mais o número de pesquisas em torno desse tema. O termo \'sucesso\' está relacionado principalmente ao desempenho dos atletas em competições internacionais. Um dos fatores fundamentais que pode contribuir para os atletas alcançarem o sucesso no ambiente esportivo e atingir uma carreira profissional com excelência é o apoio recebido durante sua trajetória no esporte, especialmente nas primeiras fases da carreira. Entretanto, há pouca informação sobre o tema no Brasil. Levando em consideração este contexto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi compreender como se dá o processo de suporte à carreira do atleta nos clubes formadores brasileiros. O estudo se caracteriza como uma pesquisa descritiva e de abordagem predominantemente quantitativa utilizando-se da estatística descritiva. Foram selecionados 83 clubes formadores relacionados no diagnóstico de clubes do Comitê Brasileiro de Clubes que responderam um questionário composto por cinco seções: Caracterização das principais modalidades desenvolvidas no clube; Caracterização do programa estruturado de suporte presente no clube para seus atletas; Avaliação da adequação das condições de oferecimento dos serviços do programa aos atletas; Avaliação do clube em relação à sua atuação no desenvolvimento de carreira do atleta, e Caracterização dos sujeitos. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram gestores do departamento de esporte dos clubes selecionados. Os resultados obtidos de 17 clubes respondentes mostraram que não há um programa estruturado que atenda todas as necessidades dos atletas na fase de desenvolvimento. Apesar de todos os respondentes serem formados na área de Educação Física, ainda existem algumas dificuldades enfrentadas por eles para desenvolverem os programas nos clubes. Os principais recursos disponibilizados aos atletas são aqueles de suporte técnico, referentes ao treinamento, como preparação física e fisioterapia. Em contrapartida, os suportes extras, aqueles que são aliados ao treinamento, ainda não estão presentes de maneira satisfatória para os atletas. Entre eles, a assessoria de carreira, planejamento e orientação profissional, psicologia e apoio na educação obtiveram as piores classificações. As participações em competições internacionais, essenciais para estimular o nível competitivo dos atletas, ficaram aquém do desejado, três de 16 modalidades afirmaram participar. Em relação às principais dificuldades enfrentadas pelos clubes para desenvolver programas de suporte à carreira estão os recursos financeiros. Os respondentes admitem altos custos para manter uma categoria competitiva e, paralelamente, oferecer os serviços de suporte aos atletas nos diferentes estágios da carreira. A análise dos resultados sugere que em termos de constituição, não é possível verificar a existência de um programa sistematizado nos clubes formadores de atletas no Brasil. Além disso, é necessário mudar a cultura imediatista da nossa realidade e alocar recursos de maneira estratégica. Limitações e sugestões são apontadas para enriquecer o tema e contemplar pontos não explorados nessa pesquisa / The great interest of the countries in achieving sporting success is increasing the researches around this subject. The term \'success\' is mainly related to the performance of athletes in international competitions. One of the fundamental factors that can contribute to athletes achieving success in the sporting environment and achieving a professional career with excellence is the support received during their pathway in the sport, especially in the early stages of the career. However, there are few information on the subject in Brazil. Given this scenario, the objective of this research was to understand how the process of supporting the athlete\'s career in the Brazilian sports clubs happens. The study is characterized as a descriptive and predominantly as a quantitative approach using descriptive statistics. 83 sports clubs related on the diagnosis of clubs of the Brazilian Club Committee were selected. They answered a questionnaire composed of five sections: Characterization of the main modalities developed in the club; Characterization of the structured program of support present in the club for its athletes; Evaluation of the adequacy of the conditions of the services offered in the program to the athletes; Evaluation of the club in relation to its performance in the athlete\'s career development, and Characterization of the subjects. The research subjects were managers of the sports department of the selected clubs. The results obtained from 17 participating clubs showed that there is no structured program that meets all the needs of the athletes in the development phase. Although all respondents have a degree in Physical Education, there are still some difficulties they face in developing the programs in the clubs. The main resources available to athletes are those of technical support, referring to training, such as physical preparation and physiotherapy. In contrast, the extra supports, those that are associated to the training, are not present in a satisfactory way for the athletes. Among them, career counseling, professional orientation, psychology, and education support scored the worst ratings. Participations in international competitions, essential to stimulate the competitive level of athletes, was below expectation, only three of the 16 modalities claim to participate. In relation to the main difficulties faced by clubs to develop career support programs are the financial resources. The subjects admit high costs to maintain a competitive category and, at the same time, to offer the support services to the athletes in the different stages of the career. The analysis of the results suggests that in terms of constitution, it is not possible to verify the existence of a systematized program in the sports clubs in Brazil. In addition, it is necessary to change the immediate culture of our reality and allocate resources in a strategic way. Limitations and suggestions are indicated to enrich the theme and contemplate points not explored in this research

No description available.

The professional sport market and its established teams offer consumers a service and experience that is typically high in social identification, emotional involvement (Underwood, Bond & Baer, 2001) and a sense of community or social belonging (Heere & James, in press). The strong social attachment to a sports organisation and its brand is proposed here to closely resemble the concept of a brand community (Muñiz Jr & O'Guinn, 2001). For newly-established teams without a considerable history, along with having to compete with their established competitors, there is generally a lack of consumer identification or emotional investment in the team.This study aimed to investigate newly-established teams within the New Zealand sports market with two specific research questions: 1) What issues affect the development of a new sports team brand, and 2) Do managers of new sports teams use antecedents of brand community or social identification in their branding strategies, and if so, how?A qualitative, case study approach was used; featuring both interviews with managers of three newly-established New Zealand sports teams and direct observations of their stadiums. Findings suggested that the managers believed that existing image and awareness, audience nature, win-loss record, quality of the team or competition, and a lack of history were the main issues affecting the development of their brands. Respondents largely considered the antecedents of a brand community as important, with the exception of history. Promotion of these antecedents was largely absent from each of the team's branding strategies. Along with providing a detailed review of brand community literature, this thesis provides recommendations for managers of new teams on how to develop and position branding strategy toward the long-term goal of creating a community around their team brand.