Masters in Public Administration - MPA / The research seeks to investigate processes and structures presently in Khayelitsha so as to ascertain whether they are operating, in such a manner that sporting people and government can rely on them to strike the balance needed, to reach a scenario where all the citizens of the country are afforded equal opportunities in sport. The White Paper (Revised: 2007) mentions the establishment of the Strategic, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate to ensure focus remains on track with the latest development in sporting fraternity and that this is aligned with government priorities. However better resources are still handed out to advantaged communities. South African society has achieved somewhat miraculously, a stable democracy since the elections of 1994, but this new democracy has to realize that liberation comes with an added burden of responsibility. Hence communities and especially previously disadvantaged communities, need to even work harder to ensure social and an acceptable degree of economic transformation. The culture of entitlement needs to be discouraged in black townships. The Constitution, Provincial and Local policies allow for efficient sport management as sport is critical for development to take place. Sport is the most important vehicle to deepen democracy and bring about genuine transformation in society, forging unity of purpose at grassroots level so as to achieve same purpose and direction. Khayelitsha (as most of the black townships) has been hit by a wave of crime, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and gangsterism caused by the inactivity of youth. Sport can act as a catalyst to minimise tensions and maximise peace and harmony. This research focused on the efficacy of sport management processes and structures in Khayelitsha. It examined issues of provisioning, accessibility and maintenance of sport facilities in order to guarantee mass participation and infinite activism in sport. / South Africa

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar os eventos, e suas respectivas variáveis, ligados ao processo de gestão de jogadores de futebol, de maneira que os gestores dos clubes possam avaliar e mensurar suas decisões. Para tanto, a investigação norteou-se pela seguinte questão de pesquisa: se o jogador de futebol é um ativo para o clube, então quais são as decisões(eventos) ligadas ao processo de gestão deste ativo e os seus impactos econômicos no resultado do clube? Dentre as estratégias de pesquisa utilizadas, destaca-se o método de estudo de caso, o qual foi imprescindível na investigação e no diagnóstico das variáveis de cada evento. A pesquisa constatou que os gestores têm consciência dos eventos, mas o clube não disponibiliza um sistema de avaliação para esses eventos. Deste modo, este trabalho propõe uma metodologia que permite aos gestores avaliarem a viabilidade econômica de suas decisões. Diante das evidências do estudo de caso e com base nos eventos estudados, estruturou-se uma solução para avaliação das decisões e mensuração do impacto econômico dessas decisões (comprar, vender, emprestar, renegociar, formar e permutar), proporcionando, assim, ao gestor parâmetros para o planejamento, avaliação e controle das transações relacionadas ao jogador de futebol. A proposta apresentada objetiva disponibilizar ferramentas que, de forma estratégica, contribuam para o desenvolvimento das relações financeiras, econômicas e sociais do clube. / The aim of the research is to identify the events, and their respective variables, related to the management process of soccer players, so that the club managers may evaluate and measure theirs decisions. For such purpose, the investigation was guided by the following research question: if the soccer player is an asset for the club, which are the decisions (events) related to the management of this asset and their economic impacts on the club results? Amongst the research strategies used, the method of case study is highlighted, which was indispensable to the investigation and diagnosis of the variables of each event. The research has evidenced that the managers are aware of the events, but an evaluation system of such events is not available at the club. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology that allows the managers to evaluate the economic viability of their decisions. With the evidence found in the case study and based on the events studied, a solution was structured for the evaluation of the decisions and measurement of the economic impact of these decisions (to buy, to sell, to loan, to renegotiate, to form and to exchange), thus providing the manager with the parameters for the planning, evaluation and control of the transactions related to the soccer player. The aim of the proposal presented is to provide tools that contribute, in a strategic way, for the development of the financial, economic and social relations of the club.

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar os eventos, e suas respectivas variáveis, ligados ao processo de gestão de jogadores de futebol, de maneira que os gestores dos clubes possam avaliar e mensurar suas decisões. Para tanto, a investigação norteou-se pela seguinte questão de pesquisa: se o jogador de futebol é um ativo para o clube, então quais são as decisões(eventos) ligadas ao processo de gestão deste ativo e os seus impactos econômicos no resultado do clube? Dentre as estratégias de pesquisa utilizadas, destaca-se o método de estudo de caso, o qual foi imprescindível na investigação e no diagnóstico das variáveis de cada evento. A pesquisa constatou que os gestores têm consciência dos eventos, mas o clube não disponibiliza um sistema de avaliação para esses eventos. Deste modo, este trabalho propõe uma metodologia que permite aos gestores avaliarem a viabilidade econômica de suas decisões. Diante das evidências do estudo de caso e com base nos eventos estudados, estruturou-se uma solução para avaliação das decisões e mensuração do impacto econômico dessas decisões (comprar, vender, emprestar, renegociar, formar e permutar), proporcionando, assim, ao gestor parâmetros para o planejamento, avaliação e controle das transações relacionadas ao jogador de futebol. A proposta apresentada objetiva disponibilizar ferramentas que, de forma estratégica, contribuam para o desenvolvimento das relações financeiras, econômicas e sociais do clube. / The aim of the research is to identify the events, and their respective variables, related to the management process of soccer players, so that the club managers may evaluate and measure theirs decisions. For such purpose, the investigation was guided by the following research question: if the soccer player is an asset for the club, which are the decisions (events) related to the management of this asset and their economic impacts on the club results? Amongst the research strategies used, the method of case study is highlighted, which was indispensable to the investigation and diagnosis of the variables of each event. The research has evidenced that the managers are aware of the events, but an evaluation system of such events is not available at the club. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology that allows the managers to evaluate the economic viability of their decisions. With the evidence found in the case study and based on the events studied, a solution was structured for the evaluation of the decisions and measurement of the economic impact of these decisions (to buy, to sell, to loan, to renegotiate, to form and to exchange), thus providing the manager with the parameters for the planning, evaluation and control of the transactions related to the soccer player. The aim of the proposal presented is to provide tools that contribute, in a strategic way, for the development of the financial, economic and social relations of the club.

<p>The research seeks to investigate processes and structures presently in Khayelitsha so as to ascertain whether they are operating, in such a manner that sporting people and government can rely on them to strike the balance needed, to reach a scenario where all the citizens of the country are afforded equal opportunities in sport. The White Paper (Revised: 2007) mentions the establishment of the Strategic, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate to ensure focus remains on track with the latest development in sporting fraternity and that this is aligned with government priorities. However better resources are still handed out to advantaged communities. South African society has achieved somewhat miraculously, a stable democracy since the elections of 1994, but this new democracy has to realize that liberation comes with an added burden of responsibility. Hence communities and especially previously disadvantaged communities, need to even work harder to ensure social and an acceptable degree of economic transformation. The culture of entitlement needs to be discouraged in black townships. The Constitution, Provincial and Local policies allow for efficient sport management as sport is critical for development to take place. Sport is the most important vehicle to deepen democracy and bring about genuine transformation in society, forging unity of purpose at grassroots level so as to achieve same purpose and direction. Khayelitsha (as most of the black townships) has been hit by a wave of crime, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and gangsterism caused by the inactivity of youth. Sport can act as a catalyst to minimise tensions and maximise peace and harmony. This research focused on the efficacy of sport management processes and structures in Khayelitsha. It examined issues of provisioning, accessibility and maintenance of sport facilities in order to guarantee mass participation and infinite activism in sport.</p>

This is a dissertation on organization in Swedish ice hockey based on four articles. The purpose of the thesis is to contribute knowledge on the direction, management and practice of sport using Swedish elite ice hockey as an example. Knowledge is created by examining four separate but mutually contingent aspects of organizations. Article I contributes to the overall purpose with knowledge on the professionalization of Swedish ice hockey, the reasons behind and the consequences of it. Focusing on the timeframe 1967-2000 the article highlights how norms, values and ideals changed over time and contributed to a change from ice hockey as an amateur sport based on idealistic motives and volunteer efforts to a professional sport based on entertainment and commercial forces. Article II contributes knowledge on the structural organization of Swedish elite ice hockey clubs and contributing factors. The article compares eleven elite ice hockey clubs and shows how they vary in relation to each other from low to high specialization, standardization and centralization but also how they present many similar characteristics such as organizational form, subsidiary businesses, cooperation with farm clubs and upper secondary schools, types of employments and division of workload. Article III contributes with knowledge on how organizational structures are experienced by individuals working or volunteering in the clubs. Comparing experiences in two structurally different clubs, the article shows how more developed structures are experienced more positively than less developed structures are. However, both groups agree that more developed structures are desirable and they also have similar opinions on issues concerning formal education and training, the elite program vs. the youth program, strategic vs. operative tasks and personal freedom. Article IV contributes knowledge on how experiences of mentioned structures are affected by remuneration, authority and centrality. Exploring four positions differing from each other with regard to hierarchical position, distance to the club’s core activities and payment, the article shows that individual experiences of organizational structure vary depending on where in the club the individual works. This variation is shown to result in tensions between the different positions. The knowledge offered in the thesis is based on three data collections. Data have been gathered from official and unofficial documentation from and on the Swedish sports confederation, the Swedish ice hockey association and 11 clubs represented in the highest division 2000/2001, and from individuals working or volunteering in these clubs as board members, general managers, marketing assistants, coaches, volunteers in the youth programs and arena personnel. The studies are carried out within an institutional theory framework and the analysis of the results taken together shows how the structures in elite ice hockey clubs are affected by surrounding environment and societal environments. Norms and ideals concerning legitimate ways of organizing are mediated by authorities, educational establishments, trade organizations and successful models in neighbouring industries. These norms and ideals have changed as new actors such as television networks, commercial sponsors and employed staff have entered ice hockey and as the roles of the government, the associations, the coaches and the players have changed. These ongoing changes are combining to a new context and new circumstances for the direction, management and practice of Swedish ice hockey.

The goal of this study was to develop a detailed understanding of the academic, athletic, and psychosocial needs and issues of African American male student-athletes attending a predominately White public flagship institution of higher education during their transitional first year and determine if, how, and who were meeting these needs. In addition to the well-known lower graduation rates and academic struggles of African American male football players, there are numerous psychosocial and cultural issues and barriers these young men face during their transition such as commitment, discrimination, and isolation (Hyatt, 2003). Mentoring has been used as a tool for developing organizational members in many different contexts and disciplines such as business (Kram, 1985), higher education (Johnson, 2007), and sport management (Jones, Harris, & Miles, 2009). Further, since African American male student-athletes have an array of academic and psychosocial needs, researchers need to look beyond the traditional model of having one primary mentor and explore the potential of a “critical mass” or network of mentors. Twelve first-year African American male student-athletes participated in semi-structured interviews at the conclusion of the first and second semesters of their first year of college. Additional key institutional stakeholders included four upperclassmen African American male student-athletes, three former African American male student-athletes and four faculty and staff members, also participated in interviews with the researcher to add further insights into the first-year experience. Results indicated that African American male student-athletes went through five major transitions: an academic transition, an athletic transition, an athlete status transition, a transition into a less diverse environment, and a transition away from home. Ideal mentors for these individuals were typically African American men who provided role modeling, promoted critical thinking through interactive dialogue, and gave advice on personal and academic issues. Mentoring networks for this population must at least include African American males from the faculty and staff at the university and professionals in the community along with older teammates. Research findings will be of interest to researchers, administrators (academic and athletic), and practitioners who desire to improve the academic, psychosocial, athletic, and overall college experience of African American male student-athletes. / text

<p>The research seeks to investigate processes and structures presently in Khayelitsha so as to ascertain whether they are operating, in such a manner that sporting people and government can rely on them to strike the balance needed, to reach a scenario where all the citizens of the country are afforded equal opportunities in sport. The White Paper (Revised: 2007) mentions the establishment of the Strategic, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate to ensure focus remains on track with the latest development in sporting fraternity and that this is aligned with government priorities. However better resources are still handed out to advantaged communities. South African society has achieved somewhat miraculously, a stable democracy since the elections of 1994, but this new democracy has to realize that liberation comes with an added burden of responsibility. Hence communities and especially previously disadvantaged communities, need to even work harder to ensure social and an acceptable degree of economic transformation. The culture of entitlement needs to be discouraged in black townships. The Constitution, Provincial and Local policies allow for efficient sport management as sport is critical for development to take place. Sport is the most important vehicle to deepen democracy and bring about genuine transformation in society, forging unity of purpose at grassroots level so as to achieve same purpose and direction. Khayelitsha (as most of the black townships) has been hit by a wave of crime, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and gangsterism caused by the inactivity of youth. Sport can act as a catalyst to minimise tensions and maximise peace and harmony. This research focused on the efficacy of sport management processes and structures in Khayelitsha. It examined issues of provisioning, accessibility and maintenance of sport facilities in order to guarantee mass participation and infinite activism in sport.</p>

This dissertation presents three separate studies designed to provide systematic and evidence-based insight into how servant leadership could be a crucial success factor in helping non-profit organizations (NPOs) hosting cause-related sporting events achieve their missions. Thus, the purpose of my dissertation was to advance the literature and the practice of servant leadership. In Study one, I conducted a systematic literature review of studies that explored an application of servant leadership. A disciplined screening process resulted in a sample population of 39 studies. The synthesis of these applied studies revealed: a) there is no consensus on the definition of servant leadership; b) servant leadership is being applied across a variety of contexts, cultures, and themes; c) researchers are using multiple measures to explore servant leadership; and d) these studies provide strong evidence that servant leadership helps organizations and improves the well-being of followers. In Study two, I explored the leadership style of the founder of a cause-related sporting event to understand how this leadership style motivated volunteers. This was achieved through semi-structured personal interviews, document analysis, and personal observations of the 25th National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Surf Festival. Results indicated that the founder was a servant leader who influenced volunteer motivation by generating a shared vision dedicated to helping others, building a caring and loving community, and creating the freedom and resources for followers to become servants themselves. In Study three, using a longitudinal case study, I qualitatively explored if a cause-related sporting event could inspire participants to become servant leaders, and if so, how does the event achieve this? Data collection methods included focus groups, open-ended qualitative questionnaires, direct observations, document analysis, and semi-structured personal interviews with participants of the U.S. NKF Transplant Games, specifically Team Florida. Analyses revealed the event inspired participants to serve others and helped to build a community of servant leaders. It was found that three specific mechanisms of the Games generated community-level outcomes, which led to impacts on participants and helped them develop servant leadership. I then developed a model to describe a cause-related sporting event's ability to inspire participants to become servant leaders.

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Using a theoretical synergy between the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM) and Behavioral Ecological Model (BEM), the current dissertation research provides empirical evidence to support that organized participant sporting events can play a significant role in building a healthier community. First, using a proprietary U.S. community-based panel data from 2008 to 2014, study 1 examines the incremental effects of participant sporting events (PSE) in promoting active living at the population level. Panel regression with an instrumental variable approach and Multigroup Latent Growth Curve Analysis were administered. The key findings included (1) these population-based interventions have the capacity to impact population health at the state level; (2) such an influence significantly varies across the United States contingent upon a state’s economic development and the geographical region to which a state belongs. In study 2, the Multilevel Mediation Analysis was conducted with a spatially clustered cross-sectional data in 2014. The findings revealed that the access to exercise opportunities at the state level represents the underlying mechanism through which various forms of participant sporting events have the ability to elicit positive effects on health with respects to mental health, physical health, and physical activity participation at the county level. The findings suggested that PSEs represent effective public health platform to create healthier communities through integrating physically active leisure into population’s everyday routines. Overall, empirical results also help us better understand the importance of effectively leveraging community sporting events to deliver required health benefits to the general public and create practical guidelines to inform policy formation on resource allocation. / Tourism and Sport