The Business of Football SPO043-3 Assignment number and title ✓ Solved

The assessment requires you to prepare an individual report (2000 words) critically evaluating appropriate business practices and processes in relation to the professional football industry.

Identify the key organisational sectors in the football industry and evaluate their impacts on the industry. Evaluate business practices and processes in relation to the professional football industry.

A critical review of the identified area, as well as an examination of the internal and external environments is necessary to establish the degree of strategic fit between business practice and environment and to generate viable, evidence-based industry evaluations. This will necessitate the use of supportive literature. It is important to note the assessment task requires you to critically review an area of football business.

The generation of viable business options for new development must also be critically considered against this context. It is not expected that you generate an exhaustive list of options for new development for the case study; rather, only identify, through appropriate analysis, what you deem to be significant for the organisation. This is an evidence-based exercise and as such it is expected that you draw upon a wide variety of information sources, including policy documents, industry periodical articles, and academic publications.

Paper For Above Instructions

The football industry, a multi-billion dollar business, operates within a complex framework involving various organizations, including governmental bodies, media, and sponsors. This report aims to critically evaluate the inter-relationships between these sectors and their impact on the football industry, while also providing an analysis of relevant business practices.

1. Introduction

The football industry has evolved into a significant economic sector that transcends geographical boundaries and demographic divides. It consists of various stakeholders, including clubs, governing bodies, and commercial partners. The relationship between these stakeholders can be viewed through the lens of strategic fit, which emphasizes the alignment of resources and actions with the industry environment.

2. Key Organizational Sectors

In the football industry, several key organizational sectors have emerged, each playing a critical role:

  • Governing Bodies: Organizations like FIFA and UEFA set regulations, hold tournaments, and shape the strategic direction of the sport.

  • Media Organizations: Television networks and online platforms provide coverage and analysis, directly affecting viewership and audience engagement.

  • Sponsors: Corporate partnerships contribute significantly to revenue streams, often dictating the financial sustainability of football clubs.

3. Impact of Organizational Sectors on Football

Each sector influences the football industry differently:

  • Governing Bodies: The policies and regulations enforced by organizations like FIFA and UEFA can either promote or hinder the growth of the sport. For example, financial fair play regulations aim to prevent clubs from overextending themselves financially (UEFA, 2019).

  • Media Organizations: The media has the power to shape public perception and consumption of football. Broadcasting rights have escalated in value, significantly impacting club revenues and how football is marketed globally (Deloitte, 2020).

  • Sponsors: Major sponsorship deals can provide clubs with critical funds needed for operations, talent acquisition, and facilities. Successful sponsorships often enhance brand visibility and attract new audiences (Porter & Heppel, 2017).

4. Evaluating Business Practices in Football

To critically evaluate business practices in football, we must consider the broader economic and social factors at play within the industry. These include:

  • Financial Management: Effective financial strategies, including player transfers and salary management, are crucial for club sustainability (Sion, 2014).

  • Marketing Strategies: Modern clubs engage in international branding and fan engagement activities that are measurable and sustainable (Shank, 2016).

  • Ethical Practices: As the industry faces scrutiny over issues such as human rights and labor practices, ethical considerations are increasingly important in operational strategies (Giulianotti, 2015).

5. Strategic Fit Between Business Practices and Environment

The concept of strategic fit is applicable in understanding how football organizations adapt their practices based on external pressures. For instance, clubs must navigate complex territorial regulations regarding broadcast rights or sponsorship agreements. Additionally, the shift towards digital engagement and social media means clubs need to remain agile to cater to shifting fan expectations (Shank, 2016).

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the vulnerabilities in the financial structures within football, pushing organizations to innovate and redefine their business operations to ensure continued relevance and engagement (Guillén & García-Canal, 2020).

6. Generation of Viable Business Options

For football organizations looking to develop new business opportunities, it is critical to assess emerging trends such as the rise of esports, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives. For example, clubs can explore partnerships with tech companies to enhance fan experiences through augmented reality and other digital platforms (Brenner, 2021).

Moreover, as awareness of environmental issues grows, establishing 'green' practices can create new revenue streams and enhance club reputations (O'Brien, 2020).

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the inter-relationships in the football industry involve complex dynamics among various organizational sectors. The success of clubs relies on understanding this ecosystem and strategically aligning their business practices with emerging trends and societal expectations. The football industry will continue to evolve, necessitating resilient and adaptable business models to thrive in a competitive environment.

References

  • Brenner, J. (2021). The Rise of Esports in Football. Football Business Review.

  • Deloitte. (2020). Annual Review of Football Finance 2020.

  • Giulianotti, R. (2015). Sport, Human Rights, and the Global Economy. Routledge.

  • Guillén, M. F., & García-Canal, E. (2020). The Global Sports Business: What the Pandemic Has Taught Us. Harvard Business Review.

  • O'Brien, D. (2020). Sustainability in Sport: A New Era for Football. Journal of Sport Management.

  • Porter, M. E., & Heppel, P. (2017). Competitive Strategy for Football Clubs: A Strategic Perspective. Journal of Sports Economics.

  • Shank, M. D. (2016). Sports Marketing: A Strategic Perspective. Routledge.

  • Sion, L. (2014). Financial Management for Football Clubs. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing.

  • UEFA. (2019). UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations: A Guide for Clubs.