BA (Hons) International Football Business

Understanding Football Business

The football industry has undergone some fundamental changes in the last few decades. It was regarded as being largely an industry that played a part of society rather than to make money. Therefore, it had unique properties. In many ways it has gone from being poorly run with a limited number of people and institutions involved into a multi-million pound sector that is shaped by those inside and outside football. The contemporary football industry has taken on board some of the dynamic innovations used in other sectors and this has helped transform how it is managed and administered; it is being steered in a more professional manner, whereby increasing revenue has taken on increasing importance. Yet, much of the culture of the traditional industry remains. This module explores this transformation through introducing, describing and examining how the core parts of the football sector (marketing, finance, the media, sponsorship, event management, leadership and HR) operate as well as introducing key issues associated with that.

The Role of Marketing in Business

Most people have a view on what marketing is and what marketers actually do. Marketing has become synonymous with the ways with which firms attract customers and persuade them to purchase goods and services. But marketing is also a business philosophy that places the customer at the heart of all its activities (customer centric) and regards satisfying customer needs and wants as the only way to build sustainable competitive advantage. Students will explore the application of marketing to the modern football industry and how it has contributed to its growth both in grassroots and professional context.

Managing Money

This module seeks to develop an awareness of and an understanding of the source and purpose of financial accounting information within the organisation and an understanding of the structure of the main financial statements. It is also designed to encourage students to develop skills necessary to be able to use financial information for planning, control and decision making.

An Introduction to International Football

Intermediate International Football Business

This module examines football organisations from a functional perspective, considering the roles, operations and challenges impacting on the international sector. There will be a particular focus on corporate social responsibility in international settings, including consideration of international business ethics. The purpose of the module is to assist students to become more familiar with key business functions (e.g. marketing, media management, legal frameworks, finance, human resources.) and which relate to the European Club Licensing Scheme. Students will continue to develop a focus on applying theory and concepts effectively to business practice.

Football and Entrepreneurship

This module aims to develop students’ entrepreneurial experience.

Stadium Management

The module examines stadium safety issues and why stadium managers need to maximise sources of income from a range of small and large scale events including sporting, retail, hospitality, conferencing and banqueting. It will draw upon the shared services of the UCFB-Wembley partnership to provide students with contextual experience of a range of stadium management issues that include stakeholder management, stadium safety and operations and developing income streams. Students are required to analyse key components of stadium management and will apply their learning to contextual assessment.

Electives (1 of 2):

Financial reporting

• This module looks at:
• The conceptual and regulatory framework for financial reporting;
• Financial Statements including those of business combinations; their interpretation and analysis;
• The nature and purpose of financial management in the business environment;
• Methods used in making short and long term financial decisions.

Digital Technologies for marketing

What technology is used in marketing and why is it important to the organisation? This module provides the students with a grounding in the technical aspects of the marketing information systems infrastructure. The students will be expected to develop an understanding in how evolving technologies can support the marketing of products and services.

Dissertation

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity for independent learning through the completion of an individual, extended research project. The project requires a high level of individual application and commitment to research and enquiry. It provides students with the opportunity to identify, reflect upon and explore a topic that has implications for their own professional development.

Leadership & Management

Self-analysis and development of leadership and management qualities are a prerequisite for students wishing to elevate their career in sports business management or associated fast moving consumer group (FMCG) industries. The aim of this module is to enable students to understand and evaluate their leadership and management skills and consequent behaviours. They will learn how to appraise managerial and leadership theory and to develop their own leadership and management skills pertinent to a career as a business manager.
The module supports students as they identify and develop their strengths and development opportunities supported by a clear and measurable development plan to improve their management and leadership behaviours.

Advanced International Football Business

This module examines football organisations from a functional perspective, considering the roles, operations and challenges impacting on the international sector. The purpose of the module is to enable students to develop analytical and reflective knowledge and skills in managing the interface between football organisations and the industry’s external business environment. The key management disciplines of policy development and strategy will be explored in direct relationship to the football industry.

Elective (1 of 2):

Football Brand Strategy

In this module, students will explore how brand concepts and value are conveyed through communications, and can be used to support corporate and business objectives. The module will familiarise students with the formulation, preparation and implementation of integrated marketing communications’ (IMC) plans and demonstrate their wider contribution to strategic marketing management.

International Finance

The International Finance module will examine the impact on UK football companies of establishing themselves in the international market place. The module will consider the national and international accounting requirements, as well as the risks faced when carrying out trade in different currencies. The methods employed to reduce risk and maximise benefits will be applied in the sessions and through assignments.