JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MGT 370"
COURSE NAME: "Sport Management"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2026
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Riccardo Maiolini
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: MGT 301 or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
To develop an understanding of sport management (and numerous selected sub-sectors) in terms of marketing, demand and supply and their socio-economic context. The course will cover the structure and organisation of sports markets and industries, the socio-economic, cultural & political context of sports markets and industries, the governance and integrity of sport and the commercial sports sectors and selected key issues.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
To develop an understanding of sport management (and numerous selected sub-sectors) in terms of marketing, demand and supply and their socio-economic context. The course will cover the structure and organisation of sports markets and industries, the socio-economic, cultural & political context of sports markets and industries, the governance and integrity of sport and the commercial sports sectors and selected key issues. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To develop an understanding of sport management (and numerous selected sub-sectors) in terms of marketing, demand and supply and their socio-economic context. The course will cover the structure and organisation of sports markets and industries, the socio-economic, cultural & political context of sports markets and industries, the governance and integrity of sport and the commercial sports sectors and selected key issues.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Sport Management Principles and Applications; Russell Hoye, Aaron C.T. Smith, Matthew Nicholson, and Bob StewartRoutledge978-1-138-83959-5  https://www.routledge.com/Sport-Management-Principles-and-Applications/Hoye-Misener-Naraine-Ordway/p/book/9781032109640    
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
-  

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
To develop an understanding of sport management (and numerous selected sub-sectors) in terms of marketing, demand and supply and their socio-economic context. The course will cover the structure and organisation of sports markets and industries, the socio-economic, cultural & political context of sports markets and industries, the governance and integrity of sport and the commercial sports sectors and selected key issues.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Week 1 – Introduction to Sport Management & Industry Analysis

Foundations of the sport industry, scope of the field, stakeholders, and emerging trends.

Week 2 – History and Development of Sport

Evolution of modern sport, amateurism vs. professionalism, and the cultural role of sport.

Week 3 – Sport Organizations and Structures

Governance systems (including clubs, leagues, federations, franchises, and nonprofits) and their typologies.

Week 4 – Strategic Management

Mission, vision, SWOT, and competitive advantage in sport contexts.

Week 5 – Business Modeling & Planning

Applying business model frameworks (e.g., Canvas, ecosystem mapping) to sport enterprises.

Week 6 – Management and Leadership

Leadership theories, decision-making, ethics, and managing teams in sport.

Week 7 – Midterm Assignment & Industry Analysis Review

Students present and critique strategic analyses of chosen sport organizations or sectors.

Week 8 – Event Management

Planning, logistics, risk management, and stakeholder engagement in sports events.

Week 9 – Sport Marketing

Fan engagement, sponsorship, branding, media strategies.

Week 10 – Facility Management

Stadiums, arenas, community sport facilities — design, operations, and sustainability.

Week 11 – Financial Management

Budgeting, revenue models (tickets, broadcasting, sponsorships), and economic impact.

Week 12 – Human Resource Management

Athlete contracts, staff recruitment, diversity and inclusion, and labor relations.

Week 13 – Globalization & Social Challenges

Sport and Society: Equity, Globalization, Governance Crises, and Sport for Development.

Week 14 – Review & Integration

Revisiting conceptual frameworks, theories, and preparation for the final exam/paper.