Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the business model of a professional South African Rugby Union by determining the core logic and practices of the Boland Rugby Union. Information was gathered mostly through semi-structured interviews conducted with board members of Boland Rugby. Additional information was gathered through observation, the media, the collection of relevant documents, as well as other secondary research methods. Boland Rugby, similar to most South African rugby provinces, has both an amateur and a professional arm. The study indicates that Boland Rugby Union offers a strong value proposition to its target segments focused on development and creating a platform for the different rugby codes to participate and develop. The professional arm is focused on providing the Boland Kavaliers with the necessary resources to compete against other provinces. Boland covers a wide geographical area and therefore a good structure is needed to make governance easier. Market limitations and especially financial resources create challenges towards creating a stronger commercial value. Therefore partnerships with local businesses are essential in providing the necessary value proposition. As shown by the literature review, there are strong links between the different business model components. An important finding was the co-creation that occurs continuously throughout the value creation process. Boland Rugby, its consumers, and all relevant stakeholders play an essential role in creating this value. The Osterwalder model used during the study acted as a good structure to capture the business activities. Looking forward, Boland Rugby will have to explore different business avenues through which they can create revenue and further develop their value offering. It was clear that there is a lack in strategic drive to meet a changing market environment, although the union finds itself in a comfortable position as their geographical area will remain theirs. Boland Rugby has financial challenges that accompany professional sport, and it requires a sustainable financial model with a clear strategy towards long-term objectives. The study recommendations indicate that a change towards professionalism is not necessarily the only option, and is not always well received within a structure that is built on an amateur approach. Depending on the future strategy going forward, commercial rationale will play a central role in future decision-making. One thing is certain, good governance and corporate values are necessary to increase the faith of stakeholders in the decision-making processes and leadership of Boland Rugby.

O futebol brasileiro passa por importantes transformações rumo a sua profissionalização e uma gestão mais transparente, com o fim de aumentar sua atratividade como produto. Neste contexto, faz-se necessário analisar os fatores que influenciam a demanda pelos jogos nos estádios. O presente trabalho busca analisar esses fatores de influência com base na teoria microeconômica da demanda, valendo-se de métodos quantitativos para atingir seus objetivos. Foi efetuada análise de regressão envolvendo as partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro de 2002, sendo testados modelos lineares e log-lineares. Apenas os últimos mostraram-se adequados na explicação da procura pelos jogos. Verificou-se que essa é influenciada pelos atributos dos clubes, a presença de substitutos, a importância e a rivalidade envolvida na partida, além de fatores econômicos e demográficos. / Brazilian football is under deep transformations towards a more professional management of it, in order to increase its attractiveness as a product. In this context, it is necessary to analyze the factors that influence on the demand for matches at stadiums. This paper aims the analysis of those factors of influence based on microeconomic theory of demand, using quantitative methods to reach its purposes. The 2002 Season matches of the Brazilian championship were submitted to regression analysis. Log-linear models were appropriate to explain the demand for matches, while linear models were not. It was verified that attributes of teams, existence of substitutes, importance and rivalry of the match, economic and demographic factors influence on the demand for the matches.

O futebol brasileiro passa por importantes transformações rumo a sua profissionalização e uma gestão mais transparente, com o fim de aumentar sua atratividade como produto. Neste contexto, faz-se necessário analisar os fatores que influenciam a demanda pelos jogos nos estádios. O presente trabalho busca analisar esses fatores de influência com base na teoria microeconômica da demanda, valendo-se de métodos quantitativos para atingir seus objetivos. Foi efetuada análise de regressão envolvendo as partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro de 2002, sendo testados modelos lineares e log-lineares. Apenas os últimos mostraram-se adequados na explicação da procura pelos jogos. Verificou-se que essa é influenciada pelos atributos dos clubes, a presença de substitutos, a importância e a rivalidade envolvida na partida, além de fatores econômicos e demográficos. / Brazilian football is under deep transformations towards a more professional management of it, in order to increase its attractiveness as a product. In this context, it is necessary to analyze the factors that influence on the demand for matches at stadiums. This paper aims the analysis of those factors of influence based on microeconomic theory of demand, using quantitative methods to reach its purposes. The 2002 Season matches of the Brazilian championship were submitted to regression analysis. Log-linear models were appropriate to explain the demand for matches, while linear models were not. It was verified that attributes of teams, existence of substitutes, importance and rivalry of the match, economic and demographic factors influence on the demand for the matches.

Germany’s national league, the Bundesliga (BL), has been a global forerunner almost since its establishment in 1963 (Grabowski, 2018). Yet, even with historical attendance rates and annual record-breaking revenues, football is currently at a tipping point. To make positive contributions to society, long-term mindsets, and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) (Hammerschmidt et al., 2020) are key, which pushes football clubs to transform into football companies (FCs) (Zülch, 2020) or sport business clubs (SBCs) (Jovanov, 2021). Accordingly, this Dissertation proposes theory, qualitative research, and quantitative analysis relating to four main themes: club success factors, management framework robustness, sustainability management, and professional football benchmarks. Combining theoretical underpinnings and practical understanding strengthened the relevance and reliability of the research, further giving the findings robust application to the current environment and outlook of professional football management in Germany, Europe, and beyond.

Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2023 / The underrepresentation of women in management positions of rugby is a continued unresolved phenomenon not only in South Africa, but across the globe. It has been thirty years since the Brighton Declaration was adopted, which was attended 289 international states. The Brighton Declaration Conference seeks to promote the interest of women in sport; the conference in line with Sustainable Developmental Goals (also called “SDG. World Rugby has over 15 working committees that constitute less than 5 women serving as members in committees. South African Rugby Union (SARU), a custodian for rugby in South Africa, lacks women representation in senior management positions. Thus, a research conducted in women rugby in Polokwane Municipality. The aim of the research is to investigate the underrepresentation of women in management of sport and the implications for women ‘s participation in rugby sport in Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo Province. The research uses qualitative approach, and 20 participants were purposively sampled to respond to interview questions. The research findings revealed SARU’s inadequacy in developing women for management of rugby. Thus, the research recommends women empowerment through various sustainable development programs accustomed to equip women to occupy management and leadership roles. Furthermore, policy review on sport management should be considered, the review brings together women coaches, technical staff and other team officiating from various stakeholders of sports and rugby in particular. SARU has to review their inclusion policies, and implement them. World Rugby’s inclusion policies must also be implemented because in many cases inclusion policies only exist on paper.