Sports Business MBA

(Master of Business Administration)


This Course is starting in September 2024

The MBA in Sports Industries is a groundbreaking programme designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in the dynamic and fast-paced world of sports. This comprehensive degree combines the rigorous foundations of an MBA with specialised knowledge tailored to the sports sector, offering an unparalleled blend of management skills, industry insights, and strategic thinking.

As a student in this programme, you will dive deep into the complexities of sports management, marketing, finance, and governance, exploring how these functions interplay to shape the global sports landscape. Our curriculum is crafted to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the sports industry, from navigating digital transformations and sustainability issues to mastering the art of fan engagement and sponsorship.

Through a blend of theoretical learning, practical case studies, and hands-on experiences, including projects with leading sports organisations, you will emerge as a well-rounded professional ready to make an impact. Our faculty, composed of seasoned industry veterans and academic experts, will guide you through this journey, providing mentorship and insights drawn from the forefront of sports management.

The MBA in Sports Industries is more than a degree; it's a launchpad for those passionate about sports to forge a career that combines their love for the game with robust business acumen. Whether you aim to lead sports teams, manage events, or drive innovation in sports products and services, this programme will equip you with the skills and network to achieve your goals.

Embark on this exciting journey with us and transform your passion for sports into a rewarding and impactful career. Welcome to the MBA in Sports Industries. Your future in sports starts here.

  • This module will evaluate and appraise the strategic approaches utilised by organisations, whatever their size or sector of activity. The view that strategy is seen as the long-term direction of an organisation and these three critical elements of the strategy formulation are explored in depth.

  • This module explores the diverse range of activities involved in the management of operations and business processes whether internally within the organisation or across the global supply chain. The module will explore the functional activities such as the management of capacity and demand or quality to more strategic initiatives involving the design, planning and control of business operations.

  • This module will explore the practical implications of the human resource management policies and examine how people are the key resource all organisational success. Whilst there will be a focus upon functional activities such as the recruitment, selection, development, retention and reward of employees, the role of HR at the ‘top table’ will be explored in some detail.

  • Studying on this module will allow you to develop a deep understanding of the key principles of financial accounting, management accounting and finance. These principles will be studied in the context of real world organizations with a critical focus upon the levels of analysis and interpretation of financial information.

  • This module offers an in-depth look at corporate governance within the sports industry, emphasising the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. It explores the critical role of governance in shaping ethical, transparent, and effective management practices in sports organisations. Through the lens of sports, students will examine the principles of corporate governance, including leadership, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, and how these principles are applied to ensure the integrity and success of sports entities. The course highlights the importance of governance in maintaining the reputation, financial health, and competitive edge of sports organisations. By studying real-world examples from the sports world, students will gain insights into best practices and strategies for overcoming governance challenges, preparing them to lead and innovate in the governance of sports organisations.

  • This module delves into the dynamic realm of marketing within the sports industry, highlighting the impact of disruptive innovation in the digital era. It examines how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are transforming the sports marketing landscape, challenging traditional approaches, and creating new opportunities for engagement and monetization. Students will learn to identify and leverage digital disruption in sports, using technology to develop innovative marketing strategies that captivate fans, sponsors, and athletes alike. With a focus on strategic adaptation, the course prepares future sports marketers to navigate and thrive in this rapidly evolving field. Through real-world case studies, we explore the successful integration of digital technologies and AI in sports marketing, showcasing cutting-edge campaigns and digital initiatives that redefine the connection between sports brands and their audiences.

  • This module dives into the critical importance of sustainability within the sports industry, addressing how environmental, social, and economic considerations are integrated into sports management and operations. Students will explore the concept of sustainability in sports, from the construction of eco-friendly venues to the implementation of socially responsible practices and the economic impacts on local and global communities. The course aims to equip future sports industry leaders with the knowledge and tools to promote sustainability, reduce environmental footprints, and make positive social contributions through sports. Through a blend of theory and case studies, students will examine successful sustainability initiatives, learning how to create and implement strategies that ensure the long-term viability and ethical integrity of sports organisations. This module prepares students to drive change and embrace sustainability as a core component of sports industry leadership.

  • The module is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques involved in conducting rigorous academic research. It encompasses a range of essential topics, including research design, data collection methods, data analysis, and interpretation. Students learn to formulate research questions, select appropriate methodologies, gather and analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. The module strongly emphasises qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, enabling students to choose the most suitable approach for their research inquiries. Additionally, ethical considerations in research are explored, ensuring that students adhere to responsible research practices. Through practical exercises and projects, participants acquire the essential skills needed for successful academic and professional research endeavours.

  • This module is the culmination of the programme of study that requires you to undertake independent research that links theory to practice. The dissertation is designed for continual feedback throughout the module, with you having access to an individual online supervisor to enable close interaction. Research methods training will be provided to allow you to have a deep understanding of the approaches that can be taken. If you are opting for a specialism pathway, then the research for the dissertation must be undertaken in the chosen area of specialism.

Doing the MBA with Longford gave me a new level of confidence to step outside of my comfort zone
— Karen Carney MBA MBE Former Professional Football & Pundit

TYPE

Master Degree Level 9


CERTIFICATION

Rushford Business School (Geneva)

DURATION

2 Years (Part-Time)

COURSE CODE

RBSMBAE

DELIVERY METHOD

Blended online

COST

NORMAL PRICE €6500 PA

DAYS

One session per week

Course Info.

  • Embarking on an MBA program is a compelling choice within the pracademic framework as it allows professionals, like yourself, to bridge the gap between real-world business acumen and academic rigor. This educational journey offers a unique opportunity to integrate theoretical insights into practical decision-making, equipping individuals with a holistic understanding of management, strategy, and leadership. The MBA's emphasis on case studies, industry projects, and collaborative learning fosters a dynamic environment where you can apply your business expertise, fostering a well-rounded perspective that is invaluable for both your role as a CEO and your position as a university professor of business. Moreover, the continuous evolution of business practices in the AI and education sectors makes an MBA an ideal platform to stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations, further enhancing your pracademic approach to these fields.

  • Integrate Business and Education: The primary aim of this MBA programme is to facilitate the integration of your extensive experience in business, education, and AI. It aims to create a synergy between these domains, equipping you with a unique skill set that can drive innovation in both sectors.

    Enhance Leadership and Management Skills: This programme aims to enhance your leadership and management skills, empowering you to lead confidently as a CEO while fostering effective management practices within educational institutions. It seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling you to apply management principles effectively.

    Foster Cross-Disciplinary Thinking: Given your pracademic approach, the MBA program aims to cultivate cross-disciplinary thinking. It encourages you to draw connections between AI, business, and education, fostering innovative solutions and strategies that can be applied in real-world settings.

    Advanced Knowledge in AI and Business: The program aims to deepen your knowledge of AI and its applications in the business context. It provides insights into the latest AI technologies, their implementation, and their impact on various industries.

    Develop Entrepreneurial Skills: This MBA programme aims to nurture your entrepreneurial skills, allowing you to explore opportunities for innovation and growth, both in your role as a CEO and in educational ventures related to AI. It encourages a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

    Promote Ethical Business Practices: Given the importance of ethics in business and education, the program aims to instil a solid ethical foundation. It emphasizes ethical leadership, responsible AI implementation, and ethical considerations in decision-making.

    Facilitate Networking and Collaboration: The program aims to provide ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with professionals from diverse backgrounds. It encourages you to engage in meaningful collaborations that can lead to joint ventures, research projects, or educational initiatives.

    Culminate in a Comprehensive Project: This MBA programme aims to culminate in a comprehensive project to align with your goal of writing a book on AI and adult education. It can be a thesis, research paper, or strategic business plan that serves as the foundation for your book.

  • An MBA provides a versatile skill set and opens doors to many career opportunities in both traditional and emerging fields. Your career path may depend on your interests, skills, and the industry or sector that aligns best with your goals and values.

    Management and Leadership Roles: MBAs are well-suited for leadership positions such as CEO, CFO, COO, or General Manager in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more.

    Consulting: Management consulting firms often hire MBAs to work on strategy, operations, and organisational improvement projects for clients. This role involves solving complex business problems and providing strategic advice.

    Entrepreneurship: Many MBA graduates choose to start their own businesses or join startups. The skills gained during an MBA program, including business planning, finance, and marketing, are invaluable for entrepreneurial success.

    Finance and Investment Banking: MBAs can pursue careers in finance, including roles in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and financial analysis. These roles involve managing investments, analyzing financial data, and making strategic financial decisions.

    Marketing and Brand Management: Marketing is a popular career path for MBA graduates. They can work in product marketing, brand management, digital marketing, and market research, among other areas.

    Supply Chain and Operations Management: MBA graduates often find roles in supply chain management, logistics, and operations management. They optimize processes, manage inventory, and ensure efficient production and distribution.

    Human Resources Management: HR professionals with an MBA can take on strategic HR roles, including HR management, organizational development, and talent acquisition.

    Healthcare Management: For those interested in healthcare, an MBA can lead to careers in healthcare administration, hospital management, and healthcare consulting.

    Technology Management: MBA graduates can work in technology companies in roles such as product management, technology consulting, and IT project management.

    Nonprofit and Social Impact: Many nonprofits and organizations focused on social impact value the strategic and leadership skills of MBA graduates. They can work in roles related to program management, fundraising, and social entrepreneurship.

    International Business and Global Expansion: An MBA with a global focus can lead to careers in international business, including global market entry strategies and international business development.

    Government and Public Sector: MBA graduates can pursue careers in government agencies, working on policy development, public administration, and government consulting.

    Education Administration: If interested in the education sector, an MBA can lead to roles in educational administration, curriculum development, and educational leadership.

    Real Estate and Property Management: MBA graduates can explore careers in real estate investment, property management, and real estate development.

  • The Academic and English Language Proficiency entry requirements for the MBA programme.

    Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is typically a fundamental requirement for admission to an MBA programme. Most MBA programmes accept applicants with a wide range of undergraduate majors.

    Work Experience: Our MBA programs prefer applicants to have some work experience, often ranging from 2 to 5 years or more. Work experience is valued because it contributes to classroom discussions and brings real-world perspectives to the programme.

    TOEFL or IELTS (for International Students): If you are an international applicant and English is not your native language, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

    Transcripts and Academic Records: You must provide transcripts or academic records from all previous educational institutions you have attended. These documents verify your academic qualifications.

    CV: A current resume or curriculum is required to outline your professional and academic background, work experience, achievements, and relevant skills.

Are you ready for the next step?