We provide innovative educational models that produce effective results and guarantee quality for students, professionals, and people who have decided to develop their education. We achieve these goals by fostering a learning environment in which recipients become protagonists in the learning experience.
We offer a robust pathway that transfers knowledge, strengthens understanding, and transforms these into practical skills, allowing individuals to achieve concrete results in the professional world.

Our vision is to increase academic and real-world synergies, building upon resources derived from decades of experience, results in the field, and academic partnerships and accreditations such as that with a renowned British institution, Swansea University.

ACS addresses its educational offer at national and international levels by developing academic partnerships able to provide a wide variety of opportunities for the enrichment of its students.

Our lecturers and mentors, involved in diverse projects and educational activities, have acquired esteemed professional reputations, and make their expertise available to students. In each academic path, professionals of recognised expertise and ability take part as lecturers through a blended education model (residential in-house and e-learning). We provide education that is intended to be pragmatic and grounded, while also aware of the importance of innovation.

ACS undertakes its work by placing its students, collaborators, and staff at the centre of the training process, offering them new opportunities and investing in their growth, training, and development.
Particular attention is given to guaranteeing inclusiveness and equality of treatment for both students and staff.

Accordingly, ACS draws upon qualified staff that will rigorously comply with the administrative activities necessary to offer a wide range of services to students. All staff are highly responsive and able to operate in a range of different kinds of learning environments

The course will improve the knowledge and managerial skills of professionals working in the
field of professional sport, particularly those who intend to excel in the following types of
occupations:

• Managers of national and international sports organisations and federations;
• Managers of sports clubs and societies;
• Sports-event organisers and facility managers;
• Managers of professional athletes.

This programme provides students with the skills, competences and knowledge necessary to work effectively in the field of sport, especially in holding a managerial position. It will enable them to explore the theories, tools and practices that can be implemented in the fields of marketing, strategic planning, financing, human-resource management, as well as event and facility planning.

Our MBA in Sport Management aims to enhance the already acquired knowledge of its students, with a view to enabling them to improve their employment status. Students have the opportunity to deal with top-level sports industry specialists, where they will learn directly about the management and organisation of currently active companies.

The learner will be able to:

• Utilise internal and external analysis of the market to define strategic plans and goals and identify ways of overcoming challenges arising with the implementation of change within a sports organisation;
• Critically discuss and define terminology, processes and techniques used within the field of finance management and determine ways of applying such tools to the sports industry;
• Critically describe and evaluate the need for effective marketing techniques, marketing research, and marketing positioning for organisations within the field of sport;
• Assess the critical role of project management and the implementation of the project-management lifecycle in terms of effective event planning and facilities management within the field of sport;
• Knowledgeably evaluate the main roles and functions of human-resource departments and describe various tools and techniques used in the department;
• Identify a specialist subject within the field of sport and implement effective research to produce a unique and original research project.

The learner will be able to:

• Practice effective problem solving, time management, decision-making and critical thinking skills and techniques;
• Use specific tools combined with market information for the effective analysis of the market, with the goal of gaining a competitive advantage for, and in order to strategically position, a sports organisation;
• Apply relevant financial tools in order to enable effective decision-making and strategic planning within a sports organisation, as well as disambiguate financial reports and related documentation;
• Deploy successful marketing techniques, tools and models to ensure effective positioning and development of a strategic marketing plan in order to ensure success of an organisation and/or service;
• Identify the best management and marketing approaches suitable to specific sports facilities and events in order to effectively plan, budget, and market sporting events;
• Apply theoretical knowledge obtained throughout the duration of the course to practice effective human-resource management techniques at the workplace;
• Demonstrate effective communication skills with diverse stakeholders;
• Apply business and management paradigms according to given requirements and the subject of independent research;
• Plan for and effectively utilise subject-specific data-collection methods and research methodologies.

Semester 1:

• Strategic Sport-Organisation Management
• Finance Administration in Sport

Semester 2:

• Strategic Sports-Marketing
• Sports-Events and Facilities Management

Semester 3:

• Human-Resource Management in Sports
• Research Methods
• Dissertation: At the end of the final semester the student will focus on writing the thesis.

Competences:

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability to:

• Carry out effective internal and external environmental analysis for strategic positioning of a sports organisation;
• Guide others in the strategy and goals of an organisation and align each department with clearly delineated objectives;
• Produce effective reporting based upon an established strategy and results derived from the implementation of that strategy;
• Show ability to comply with, and adapt to, the ever-changing market of Sport Management, and align short-term plans with the requirements of the market and industry;
• Plan, design and develop a strategic management plan.

Knowledge:

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Define the role of sustainable competitive advantage in the sports industry;
• Identify the structures of sporting organisations and the need for an organisational chart;
• Describe ways of implementing processes of strategic management within sport;
• Effectively utilise internal and external environmental analyses based on their effects upon the overall competitiveness of an organisation;
• Define the role of governance and leadership within the context of sports management;
• Explain the need to strategically evaluate a strategy following a pre-implementation stage;
• Demonstrate how an established strategy can be implemented to foster organisational change;
• Plan for ways to overcome barriers which can come about with organisational change;
• Identify the role of a manager.

Skills:

• At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills: Ability to strategically plan change effectively within the workplace;
• Evince effective communication techniques with employees and other stakeholders in an organisation in order to ensure alignment with overall strategic goals;
• Practice effective problem-solving techniques to overcome challenges which can come about with the implementation of change;
• Effectively apply market information and relevant tools to produce an accurate analysis of the market, with a view to gaining competitive advantage and to strategically position an organisation.

Competences:

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability to:

• Critically evaluate financial reports, records and budgeting documentation related to events and transactions carried out in a sports organisation;
• Carry out effective risk analysis and investment appraisals in order to analyse the potential return on investment of a particular financial decision;
• Monitor financial instruments such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements and cash-flow forecasts;
• Collaborate with the financial administrator or finance department within a sports organisation in order to knowledgeably engage with documentation supplied by them.

Knowledge:

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to describe the following in detail:

• Define and critically discuss terminology used in the financial world;
• Identify the reasons for effective planning, budgeting and forecasting, and their roles in the overall financial success of the sports organisation or association;
• Justify the implementation of key financial instruments at the workplace such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow forecasts;
• Knowledgeably describe various ratio methods which can be used within the field of sport;
• Demonstrate effective financial planning;
• Assess how different forms of budgeting can support management in conducting effective financial forecasting;
• Plan the use of various tools, such as risk analysis and investment appraisal techniques, which can aid management in effective decision-making related to investments.

Skills:
At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to deploy financial tools and methods to support effective decision-making and strategic planning in a sports organisation;
• Ability to interpret financial statements and financial reports in order to aid effective decision-making, and to support strategic planning within a sports organisation;
• Ability to utilise the information and data presented in budgeting reports for effective financial forecasting;
• Ability to implement a system of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to instigate better performance;
• Ability to critically analyse key principles of financial planning and of the way in which effective planning aids the overall success of an organisation;
• Ability to make use of various risk-analysis techniques and tools, as well as to critically evaluate such techniques in order to justify decisions.

Competences:

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability to:

• Monitor and critically assess challenges and opportunities which one might find in sports marketing;
• Carry out in-depth market research to aid in the proper design and development of a strategic marketing plan;
• Successfully complete the formulation of a strategic sports-marketing plan.

Knowledge:

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Describe and critically assess the role of implementing effective sports-market analysis and planning, in addition to developing a detailed strategic marketing plan for a sport organisation;
• Critically describe the nature of the sports industry, both as a service and an experience;
• Articulate the need for suitable pricing and promotion in sports and demonstrate how these affect the overall success of a sports organisation or association;
• Strategically assess current trends, issues and obstacles in sports sponsorship;
• Identify the appropriate choice of marketing channels, tools and media to effectively communicate with a target audience.

Skills:

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to use sports-marketing planning processes in an effective manner;
• Ability to design a strategic sports-marketing plan, as determined by the requirements of specified consumers;
• Ability to critically evaluate results derived from sports-focused market research;
• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate with colleagues, clients and other stakeholders;
• Ability to successfully demonstrate effective time-management and problem-solving techniques;
• Ability to demonstrate adaptability to change due to rapidly shifting market trends in the sports industry;
• Ability to implement various sports-based pricing strategies.

This module is assessed through the formulation of a strategic marketing plan (6,000 words) covering a topic which will be provided by the tutor. This project carries 100% of the total module mark and is comprised of the following:

• Structure of the Marketing Plan (15%)
• Content of the Marketing Plan (75%)
• Scholarly Referencing and Writing Style (10%)

The assessment is submitted through VLE and the pass mark is 50% or above.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the responsibility to:

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations throughout the duration of an event, or when managing facilities;
• Manage human resources effectively and efficiently for motivation and employee retention, as well as for the success of an event or facility;
• Monitor the planning process of an event or facilities, in addition to collaborating with the individuals responsible for various aspects of the relevant site(s);
• Be responsible for planning the maintenance of a facility with a site’s facilities manager;
• Manage the booking and scheduling of an event in a timely manner, and compliance with stipulated timeframes.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Knowledgeably describe the fundamental importance of implementing effective facilities-management tools and techniques when managing facilities in the sports industry;
• Evaluate how event and facilities management within the field of sport has developed throughout the years;
• Foreground the importance project management when it comes to effective event planning, and analyse implementation of a project-management lifecycle;
• Assess implementation of effective risk-management techniques when managing events and facilities in sports;
• Identify professional budgeting and finance techniques to fund an event or a project at a facility;
• Articulate knowledge of consumer behaviour and proper planning for people management in events and facilities;
• Take account of the need to implement sustainability measures when managing events and facilities;
• Critically discuss the role of post-event evaluation in planning for the future.

• Ability to identify the most effective management and marketing approaches, based upon the specific facilities and events in sports (stadiums, racing venues, arenas, sports festivals, stand-alone events, sports events, recreation centres, etc.);
• Ability to manage human resources at a given facility, and to ensure that each employee has a clear and transparent picture of their roles and responsibilities;
• Ability to practice effective managerial skills when dealing with planning, budgeting, marketing, and financing of events and/or facilities;
• Ability to effectively manage timing, problem solve, and make relevant decisions;
• Ability to carry out critical thinking and analysis to overcome challenges encountered in events and facilities management.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Comply with relevant regulations and laws relating to employment and to sport;
• Carry out effective human-resource management tasks such as recruitment, selection and development;
• Ensure employee motivation and retention in order to ensure good performance and best practice of organisations;
• Create effective strategic plans regarding human resources within the field of sports management.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Analyse the main roles and functions of the human-resources department, as well as the various tools and techniques used by this department;
• Sequence the process of selection and recruitment, and demonstrate how these are implemented within sport organisations;
• Evaluate the differing needs for effective human-resource management within sport organisations and sport associations;
• Identify suitable strategies derived from human-resources departments to deal with particular conflicts or disputes.

At the end of the module, students will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills with colleagues, employees within different departments, superiors and other stakeholders;
• Ability to exhibit outstanding time-management, planning, and decision-making skills and techniques;
• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practice at the workplace
• Ability to critically evaluate various human-resource practices and processes, and knowledge of their implementation within the field of sports management;
• Ability to plan effective human-resources strategies to deal with issues, challenges and conflicts.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability to:

• Synthesise various interrelated material from established academic work;
• Produce an effective and scholarly research proposal in preparation for the dissertation;
• Monitor timeline and schedules, and carry out research in a timely manner;
• Ensure effective data collection and use material collected in a suitable manner for the research proposal.

At the end of the module, the learner will have successfully gained the following knowledge:

• Identify a research topic in order to carry out a literature review in that area;
• Critically define the term ‘research methods’, and evaluate the use of such methods for effectively carrying out a research project;
• Compiling and reviewing relevant literature and evaluating its use in relation of the final capstone project;
• Elucidate the criteria that must be considered when conducting a specific and targeted literature review in a given field;
• Compare and contrast various methods of data collection, such as questionnaires, interviews; surveys; and sampling;
• Analyse statistics and knowledgeably discuss terms such as descriptive statistics, correlation and regression.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to use the appropriate research methodologies and justify selection of such methodologies;
• Ability to plan and design an effective data-collection timeline;
• Ability to use effective time-management and problem-solving skills acquired throughout the duration of the programme;
• Ability to communicate through academic writing in a clear and understandable manner;
• Ability to undertake effective self-assessment of one’s own work.

• Introduction
• Background to the chosen research topic and justification
• Aims and objectives/questions of the research topic
• Literature review
• Project design
• Programme
• Expected results
• References

The above documentation will be 6,000 words and is submitted through VLE. The pass mark is 50% or above.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability to:

• Plan and produce an effective, original and independent research project;
• Ensure compliance with data protection when carrying out data collection methods such as interviews, questionnaires, etc.;
• Adhere to time schedules and scholarly apparatus;
• Monitor the progress of the work carried out with respect to the set timeframe;
• Address and justify any limitations that may be encountered during the implementation of the research project.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Identify a topic for the dissertation that focuses on a real-life situation;
• Define the method of approaching the topic by demonstrating skills in project planning;
• Apply various research techniques for implementing qualitative and quantitative data collection;
• Discuss a chosen single topic and demonstrate knowledge of the field;
• Undertake a successful research project to completion;
• Use effective referencing and academic writing.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to apply business and management research paradigms according to specified requirements and the subject of the research being carried out;
• Ability to plan for and employ various data collection methods and research methodologies;
• Ability to use qualitative and/or quantitative data according to the requirements of the project being carried out;
• Ability to analyse data collected effectively, and to appropriately report on it;
• Ability to write the dissertation in a clear and understandable manner, taking into consideration ethical considerations and limitations of the project, as well as feedback from a supervisor;
• Ability to show effective time management, problem solving and decision-making skills.