Pages: 73

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 22

This chapter provides a historical context for the evolution of sport management research and explains what makes sports management research distinctive. It explores the philosophical underpinnings, history, and research traditions that lay the foundation for understanding the conceptual framing of sports management. It discusses research impact and insights and outlines their relationship to sport management research. Since sport management is a discipline that is constantly evolving, it identifies emerging areas of sport management research. By the conclusion of the chapter the reader will understand how the sport management researcher can add knowledge about sport management issues, improve sport management practices and inform policy development, and how sport management research can be a catalyst for complex thinking, informed communication, and tolerance for competing paradoxes.

Pages: 26

This chapter makes explicit the notion that, when undertaking any research study or investigation, meticulous and methodical planning is required by the sport management researcher. It outlines the eight-step research process to help the sport management researcher plan their research and examines the first four stages of how the sport management researcher can develop their research plan regarding their problem statement, research questions, and literature search. By the end of the chapter the reader will understand that the sport management researcher should plan every step of the research process, from formulating the initial question to conducting a literature review, refining the research question(s)/propositions or hypotheses, formulating the research design, and determining the methodology.

Pages: 23

This chapter concludes part one and discusses the final steps in the research process. It introduces the different research designs and how sport management researchers may choose the most suitable for their study. A thesis proposal and structure are presented as a way of helping the sport management researcher to organize their work and create a proposal. Then, the final step of the research process, ‘reporting,’ is outlined and guidelines are provided on how this could be structured depending on the study’s design. Finally, this chapter offers an overview of the ethics process and its implications for sport management research. By the conclusion of the chapter the reader will be aware that the chosen method depends on the research question, but the researcher must also consider the design, ethical considerations, and, finally, the writing of the proposal.

Pages: 265

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 28

This chapter addresses the data collection phase of research and discusses the methods that can be utilized to acquire data and to address the research aims. It highlights that sport management researchers must meticulously plan their data collection techniques so they can be executed correctly. Four basic types of qualitative data collection are presented: (a) observations (ranging from nonparticipant to participant); (b) interviews (ranging from semi-structured to in-depth); (c) documents (including primary/secondary, public/private); and (d) audio-visual materials (comprising materials such as photographs, videos, and film). These methods were discussed in detail. A detailed description of each is offered, followed by an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. By the conclusion of the chapter the reader will understand that the sport management researcher must always consider the key aims of their study and what best aligns with their research questions and goals.

Pages: 47

This chapter explains the principles and techniques that should underpin qualitative data analysis. It discusses the analysis of qualitative data and an appropriate framework for organizing that analysis. In doing so, it notes that qualitative data is mostly in words, phrases, or sentences and may include visual images and audio and video recordings. It outlines the importance of organizing, summarizing, describing, and interpreting this information. Finally, Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) and how it can assist the sport management researcher in the modes of analysis process will be discussed. By the conclusion of the chapter, the reader will be cognizant that qualitative data may be extremely relevant and valuable in sport management research, in which the material of the most interest is often not in quantifiable numbers but rather reflects people’s opinions and experiences.

Pages: 23

This chapter explores the key qualitative methodology of action research. It explains that action research is cyclic or iterative, and through experimentation on real-world problems within an organization, it is designed to assist in finding an organizational solution. It highlights that through the iterative process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting, the process eventually leads to re-education and changing patterns of thinking and action. Action researchers must recognize that their findings will have practical implications and should be clear about what they expect participants to take away from the project. Conducting action research within a sport management organization can be seen as problematic concerning issues regarding conflict of interest, ethical considerations, and the researcher’s positioning within the organization’s membership. Despite this, by the conclusion of the chapter the reader will understand that action research is more likely to represent the ‘truth’ than other research methods and is a process by which individuals, organizations, or larger social systems can bring about change.

Pages: 19

This chapter focuses on the application of case studies to qualitative and sport management research. It shows how the case study method can be used to investigate a phenomenon in its real-world context and generalize to theoretical propositions but not populations. The case study method is valuable to sport management and is being used more frequently in research. The rationale behind using the case study method is explained and it is highlighted that it allows the researcher to delve into a real-life context and produce a detailed description from which to understand the situation, allowing for the opportunity to build a theory. Encouragement for its greater use in sport management research is given to investigate the day-to-day observations and interventions that constitute sport management practice. By the conclusion of the chapter, the reader will understand that the benefits of using a case study include that the research can be conducted in a natural setting, and because of this, it is grounded or embedded, allowing for rich description.

Pages: 8

This chapter introduces the use of deconstruction to sport management research. It highlights how deconstruction seeks to locate and identify multiple interpretations within texts and then dislocate the dominant discourse by examining the language and structure of the text. It primarily explores Jacques Derrida’s strategy of deconstruction as a way of understanding and critiquing sport management theory and practice. It concludes by highlighting that by supporting deconstruction, it is possible to hold positivist theory intellectually accountable and make clear that political, ontological, and epistemological assumptions continually shape knowledge production.

Pages: 22

This chapter explores discourse, discourse analysis, critical discourse analysis, and ethnomethodology and shows how these can be applied to the field of sport management in invaluable and practical ways that can facilitate the development of practices that enhance sport management. Firstly, Foucauldian discourse is discussed by analyzing its history and how researchers may utilize it today. Then Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis is presented, and the process is outlined. Then, the application of discourse analysis as a methodology for sport management research is presented to demonstrate that it allows the discipline to construct alternative perspectives on power and knowledge. Finally, ethnomethodology, a form of discourse analysis, is explored as an emerging form of scholarship that promotes a more rigorous and theoretically informed understanding of the conduct and reporting of ethnographic research. By the end of the chapter the reader will come to understand that these methods have unexplored potential for the field of sport management research.

Pages: 20

This chapter will provide an introduction and overview of ethnography concepts and examples of traditional, critical, and postmodern frameworks from which ethnographic researchers can approach the field of sport management. It is argued that the advantage for sport management researchers applying critical and postmodern thought to ethnographic approaches is that it strengthens their critical consciousness. Types of data collection are discussed in addition to how ethnographic studies can uphold validity, reliability, trust, and integrity within research. The strengths and weaknesses of the approach are analyzed, with examples given for the potential problems that the sport management researcher may face during an ethnographic study. By the conclusion of the chapter the reader will have a deeper understanding of the ethnographic process.

Pages: 23

This chapter highlights emerging ethnographical methodologies and demonstrates how they can be situated in sport management research. While autoethnography, netnography, ethnodrama, and phenomenography may appear on the surface to have little relation to sport management research, this chapter discusses each of these methodologies and identifies their potential applications to the field of sport management. Firstly, autoethnography is explored as a way for researchers to produce knowledge from their own experiences. The methodology and data collection methods are discussed, as well as the measures needed to make the study valid and reliable. Secondly, netnography is explored. It is explained that this newer form of ethnography arose from the boom in social media websites during the Web 2.0 era. The elements of netnography are examined, and the process is outlined for the sport management researcher to follow. Thirdly, the methodology of ethnodrama is introduced and examples are given as to when this may be useful. Finally, phenomenography is identified as a way that sport management researchers could gain insight into a particular phenomenon. At the conclusion of the chapter the reader will be aware that the discipline can only benefit from sport management researchers embracing these new and emerging ethnographies.

Pages: 20

This chapter identifies that gender approaches have much to offer the sport management researcher. It suggests that the overarching goal of this form of research is to identify the ways in which multiple forms of oppression impact the lives of different marginalized groups. This chapter describes the origin of feminist theory and outlining what feminist methodology is. The first section argues that feminist methods offer the sport management researcher scope to investigate issues specifically related to gender and the impact these issues may have on the sport management environment. The second section of this chapter discusses how queer theory has the potential to be utilized in sport management research. The final section explores standpoint theory and outlines how it could be helpful in sport management research. By the conclusion of the chapter the reader will understand gender research methodologies and their application to sport management, particularly feminist, queer theories, and standpoint theory.

Pages: 15

This chapter explores narrative inquiry as a methodology and discusses how it can potentially engage the sport management researcher in the reflective practice of lived experiences. It suggests that narratives allow the researcher to understand the complex nature of the sport practitioner or sport management practitioner’s world. This chapter discusses a definition of narrative, followed by an explanation of what narrative inquiry is and how it has developed. The steps of narrative research are explored, outlining how narratives are analyzed, validated, and considered reliable. By the conclusion of the chapter, the reader will understand that narrative inquiry can be used as a valuable research method and how the narrative process of writing, sharing, reflecting, and then analyzing can work to improve sport management knowledge and practice.

Pages: 18

This chapter provides an introduction and overview of the major concepts of phenomenology. It explores and examines the concepts and methods of phenomenology. It argues that phenomenology offers sports management researchers the opportunity to delve into previously under-researched phenomena and has value in critically analyzing phenomena as they present in sport and sport management. It shows how phenomenology can be used to address some of the more under-explored areas in sport management research. By the end of the chapter, the reader will recognize that phenomenology can lead one toward uncovering the meaning of lived experience from the subjective perspectives of the participants. Therefore, it argues that this approach can foster an understanding of many complex and perplexing conditions in which sport managers find themselves.

Pages: 20

This chapter outlines three critical emerging approaches for future sport management research and demonstrates how they can be situated in the sport management research field. Race and critical race studies, postcolonial studies, globalization, and sport management research are discussed. Critical race theory allows researchers to explore and emphasize race’s socially constructed nature and consider power’s workings. Postcolonial research provides the analytic lens to critically assess the effects of power, race, gender, and social class on sport management practice, to democratize sport management research and practice, and to bridge theory and practice by generating transformative sport management knowledge. The chapter concludes by arguing that contemporary globalizing contexts provide opportunities for sport management globalization research. Globalization methodologies have the potential to enhance our understanding of sport management practice given the shifting dynamics and influences impacting on world sport. By the end of the chapter, the reader will understand that each method presents its own set of unique challenges while at the same time presenting opportunities to understand social reality through different theoretical lenses.

Pages: 132

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 16

This chapter examines the types of quantitative analyses typically conducted in sport management research. Beginning with highlighting key features and approaches toward quantitative research, the chapter outlines the various steps involved in the research process - data collection, analysis and interpretation of data, data reliability and validity, and reporting and evaluating research. The chapter then explores three quantitative research approaches in sport management: experimental, correlational, and survey designs. Each design and its corresponding purpose are described, with the popular methodology of survey-based analysis discussed in a step-by-step process. Following the completion of this chapter, readers can expect to understand the quantitative research process and how this can be applied within sport management.

Pages: 16

This chapter focuses on the critical aspects of data collection for designing a quantitative study in sport management. Data collection is divided into three key aspects. Firstly, the concept of a variable is defined based on different scales of measurement. Secondly, probability and non-probability sampling methods are described alongside the principles of sampling. Lastly, statistical measures of central tendency and variation are outlined to assist sport management researchers in presenting collected data. By the end of this chapter, readers will be able to recognize categorical and numerical variables, understand how to select an appropriate sample, and choose appropriate descriptive statistics to communicate sample characteristics.

Pages: 10

Sport management researchers now have a variety of statistical software packages readily available to analyze data and conduct statistical tests. It is critical that researchers understand how and why statistical analysis is conducted. In this chapter, alongside discussing the benefits and potential pitfalls of statistical software, the concepts of a scientific and statistical hypothesis are introduced, as well as what is meant by a codebook, validity, and reliability in quantitative data analysis. By the end of this chapter, readers will understand the role of statistical software packages in sport management research and how to write hypotheses and design a codebook.

Pages: 10

This chapter outlines the fundamental principles that underpin the approaches that sport management researchers must take to test the outcomes of their empirical investigations. We note that while descriptive statistics often depict the first step sport management researchers take to transform raw data into more easily comprehendible information, inferential statistics allow us to infer that what we can say about the sample can also be said about the population. We begin by defining inferential statistics, and it is explained that inferential statistics allow researchers to make predictions and determine whether differences or relationships are due to chance and whether they will enable us to infer differences between populations. It is noted that you cannot understand hypothesis testing in inferential statistics without understanding certain key concepts and their relationship to inferential statistics.

Pages: 16

This chapter provides an explanation of the relationships between two or more variables and how they can be explained through the use of statistical techniques. It will describe some of the main graphical and tabular methods for presenting relationships. It demonstrates that choosing appropriate techniques to show relationships between two variables requires understanding the difference between nominal category data and numerical score data. It discusses how the types of charts or tables you use depends on whether the variables are scores, nominal categories, or both. It then highlights the meaningfulness and reliability of correlation coefficients and tools to measure this relationship between variables. It concludes by discussing simple and multiple regression techniques and an example of polynomial regression analysis as an advanced regression statistical technique.

Pages: 13

In this chapter, we examine the criteria to establish which inferential test should be chosen to analyze the difference among groups. Inferential statistics can fall into three categories. These include univariate, bivariate, and multivariate (Harnett & Soni, 1991; Johnson & Kuby, 2011). Univariate statistics seek to measure the differences between a single variable and a fixed value. Bivariate statistics deal with the relationship between two variables. More precisely, bivariate analysis can determine whether a relationship between two variables exists and the degree and direction of that relationship. Multivariate statistics deals with complex interrelationships between two or more dependent variables and one outcome variable. Examples are provided to support the explanations of these inferential statistical tests. By completing the chapter, the sport management researcher will be able to select the appropriate inferential test to conduct the data analysis, allowing them to accept or reject the null hypothesis.

Pages: 24

Multivariate analysis involves simultaneously analyzing the relationships or differences between three or more quantitative variables. Multivariate analysis can be conducted in various formats depending on the research aims. In this chapter, three types of multivariate analyses are presented: (1) cluster analysis, (2) factor analysis, and (3) structural equation modeling. Cluster analysis is an unsupervised method used to identify naturally occurring groups in data. In contrast, factor and structural equation modeling are undertaken to study the relationships between unobservable latent constructs via measured, observable variables. By the end of this chapter, readers will understand when and how to apply each statistical method to achieve robust results.

Pages: 10

This chapter examines the situation when non-parametric tests should be employed in research rather than parametric tests. The chapter presents an overview of two popular types of non-parametric tests – the chi-square test and Spearman’s rho. The chapter first defines the types of chi-square tests (chi-square test of independence and goodness of fit) and outlines the differences between observed and expected values, utilizing various examples within sport management research to demonstrate the application of this approach. Next, Spearman’s rho is presented as the non-parametric counterpart to Pearson’s correlation coefficient, offering a ranked-based alternative for demonstration association between two non-parametric variables. Upon completing this chapter, readers will be able to define these two types of non-parametric tests and discuss how they can effectively be applied in sport management research when dealing with data sets that do not allow for parametric-based analysis.

Pages: 15

This chapter discusses the value of data visualization to sport management researchers, not only as a tool for exploring data trends and patterns but also as an effective means of communicating complex analysis in an easily digestible format. It outlines different design principles to reduce the viewers’ cognitive workload and what to consider when choosing which graph to apply using the Financial Times (2021) Visual Vocabulary. It presents different design criteria, such as Gestalt principles, to consider in the design process. After the chapter, the sport management researcher will understand that the visual representation of information is more complicated than simply selecting a graph from a drop-down list. The process contains pivotal decisions to ensure that poor graphical design does not undermine the researcher’s hard work in analyzing data.

Pages: 60

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 17

This chapter examines the use of mixed methods research in sport management. It notes that mixed methods approaches are being used more widely in sport management research. However, it is suggested that while a mixed methods approach offers numerous benefits, it is not inherently superior to mono-method or mono-strategy research. The chapter discusses the distinction between quantitative and qualitative approaches and the advantages and disadvantages of mixed methods research. In doing this, it highlights that quantitative and qualitative methods usually provide information on different levels of sociological description: quantitative analyses show phenomena on an aggregate level. They can thereby allow the description of macro-social structures. Although qualitative data may also relate to phenomena on a macro-societal level, their specific strength lies in their ability to lift the veil on social micro-processes and to make visible unknown cultural phenomena. Combining both types of information will often be necessary to formulate adequate sociological explanations of certain social phenomena. After the chapter, the reader will understand how mixed methods approaches to sport management research can be used.

Pages: 15

This chapter outlines the various methodologies that can be applied in sport management research examining social media platforms. Beginning with an overview of the historical progression of social media research, the chapter then explores myriad methodologies that can be utilized to examine social media research based on the researcher’s objectives. Breaking down the methods into quantitative and qualitative approaches, it presents an overview of content analysis, surveys, social network analysis (quantitative), textual analysis, in-depth interviews, and participant observations (qualitative). The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed, and how each methodology has been employed to provide insights into fans’ perceptions and behaviors is highlighted. It also discusses the potential future progression of social media research alongside the challenges individuals may face and ends with a discussion of ethical considerations. When finished, readers should be able to identify the various methodologies that can be applied on social media and how exploring these platforms has advanced sport management research.

Pages: 13

This chapter introduces the language and key terminology of social network analysis. It will provide an understanding of the usability of SNA to investigate relationships between actors on a macro and micro level and outline the three different forms of SNA, specifically the analysis of the actor, dyadic, and network levels. Steps for data collection, preparation, and transformation are emphasized, and sociograms are introduced to visualize relationships between actors in a network. By the conclusion of the chapter readers will appreciate the difference between dichotomized networks on the one hand and valued networks on the other, as well as the implications of varying group sizes on quantitative data analysis.

Pages: 13

This chapter explores the potential of the Web 3.0 environment for conducting qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research. Web 3.0 technologies create several new opportunities to conduct research broadly labeled as Research 3.0. This chapter outlines the history of the development of Web 3.0, and then characteristics and the applications of Web 3.0 are identified. The applications of Web 3.0 to sport management are explored with reference to how a sport management researcher may begin to explore these applications within studies. It is noted that Web 3.0 is more than a set of useful and new technologies and services because Web 3.0 technologies offer an array of benefits to make integrated online research a reality. It is suggested that because of its very nature, Web 3.0 services can positively impact sport management research. By the end of the chapter, the reader will realize that the benefits of Web 3.0 can be directly aligned to the existing best practices in online research and contribute to a more authentic and effective research environment.