Rahim Ramezaninejad
Abstract
In research, theory means that the research process is not a chaotic collection of opinions, ideas, and methods. Theory should be used as a theoretical framework for the entire project. If research is not theory-based, it tends to become merely descriptive, whereas sport management requires research ...
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In research, theory means that the research process is not a chaotic collection of opinions, ideas, and methods. Theory should be used as a theoretical framework for the entire project. If research is not theory-based, it tends to become merely descriptive, whereas sport management requires research evidence that is more strongly grounded in theory. In quantitative studies, research questions are usually derived from an existing theory or a combination of related theories that determine the hypothesis, research protocol, and interpretation of results. Of course, this does not necessarily need to be definitively established from the very beginning of the project; in fact, a theoretical approach may evolve as the project progresses. A theory that we initially believed would help answer the questions may not fully do so, and therefore we may shift our focus to a complementary theoretical approach. In qualitative studies, theory is a key and inseparable part of the research, and distinguishing between theory and method is almost impossible.
Alongside the contribution of theory to research, investment should also be made in theory-building studies. This includes developing existing theories or generating new theories, which, especially in relation to sport management, may potentially have broader applications as well. An important point is that research, conducted without following a specific research trend or direction, cannot provide the foundation for theory construction. Although doctoral dissertations, qualitative and review studies, and even the development of research-based books can be highly beneficial, this issue requires the research specialization among scholars in the field of sport management. Only in this way can the development of specialized human capital and the professional deepening of sport management be achieved. Unlike other specialized fields in sport sciences, sport management developed within departments of physical education and sport sciences. Although some management scholars contributed to this field, most of them were not particularly interested in sport studies. In contrast, specialists in sociology, psychology, and biological sciences became more interested in sport studies, whereas such a foundation did not exist for management researchers. Therefore, sport management scholars and researchers still have much work ahead to expand their perspectives and theoretical foundations. Sport management researchers must emphasize these theories in order to achieve unity and coherence among theory, research, and practice.
Theory-driven and theory-building research contributes to the legitimacy and credibility of sport management. Sport management researchers should borrow theoretical frameworks and research tools from other disciplines, modify and develop them, or create new theories in sport management that are purposefully aligned with this field, so that, like sport psychology and sport sociology, they may provide specialized theories of their own. At present, however, sport management still requires years of hard work and qualitative research to develop its own specific theories. Some researchers believe that the field is currently in the stage of stabilizing and testing hypotheses before it can present its own interdisciplinary theory. Therefore, the lack of theoretical foundations and the limited practical applicability of research in this field may diminish the status of sport management within the academic system and among scholars.
Sport Economics, Marketing and Tourism
Mehdi Rasooli; Mohsen Esmaeili
Abstract
Objective: Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, as one of the ritualistic and cultural heritages of Iran, despite their millennia-long history and ethical-heroic values, have faced multiple challenges in recent years. These include weak advertising, gender exclusivity, negative public perceptions, ...
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Objective: Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, as one of the ritualistic and cultural heritages of Iran, despite their millennia-long history and ethical-heroic values, have faced multiple challenges in recent years. These include weak advertising, gender exclusivity, negative public perceptions, and lack of financial resources. So, the aim of this research was developing branding startegies for the Iranian Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling federation.Methodology: This research project aims to identify and propose branding strategies for Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling and is structured into three main sections. First, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight experts, including members of the federation’s board of directors, professional athletes, academic researchers, and Zurkhaneh club owners, to gain insights into the challenges, capacities, and branding priorities. In the second stage, the federation’s strategic plan was analyzed, and brand-related codes were extracted from this document. Finally, a focused working group of sports marketing specialists utilized the collected data to design branding strategies.Results: The findings indicate that sustainable development of Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling requires a calculated rebranding effort and innovation within traditional frameworks. Key strategies include: establishing "Classic" and "Modern" committees within the federation, gradually facilitating the inclusion of women, integrating the sport into schools and universities, collaborating with other federations and joint events, redesigning Zurkhaneh equipment for fitness clubs, and enhancing advertising and social media presence through the selection of cultural ambassadors. If these strategies are implemented, it is expected that negative public perceptions will shift, a broader audience will be attracted to Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, sustainable income will be generated for the federation, and the national and international status of this sport will be elevated.Conclusion: These results can serve as a foundation for planning by sports managers, cultural policymakers, and researchers interested in reviving the Iranian-ritual identity within the realm of sports.
Sport Management and Development
Mehdi Nasiri Khouzani; Mehr Ali Hemati Nezhad; Roya Boveiri; Farahnaz Shams; Sajad Gholami Torksaloyeh
Abstract
Objective: This research aims to proposing a pattern for the success of Iran‘s Paralympic sports in international events.Methodology: The research method was qualitative and based on the grounded theory. The philosophical basis of the research was interpretive and based on the inductive approach. ...
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Objective: This research aims to proposing a pattern for the success of Iran‘s Paralympic sports in international events.Methodology: The research method was qualitative and based on the grounded theory. The philosophical basis of the research was interpretive and based on the inductive approach. Participants included sports science specialists, experts from federations, coaches and paralympic athletes. Sampling was conducted using a purposive method and theoretical approach. The sampling adequacy criterion was the theoretical saturation of data, which was achieved after conducting 22 semi-structured interviews. The trustworthiness of the study was assessed by applying the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. Additionally, the reliability of the data was evaluated using the interview retest method.Results: 310 primary concepts, 37 subcategories and 13 main categories were extracted, which within the framework of the paradigmatic model including contextual factors such as the establishment of supportive regulations, the role of mass and social media and a comprehensive framework for sports events, causal conditions including fostering a culture of sports advocacy, education with a research-oriented approach and the development of equipment with cutting-edge technologies, intervening factors such as challenges hindering the success of Paralympics sports, development of financial resources and monetizing, collaboration and synergy among stakeholder organizations, strategies including the necessity of adapting sports and urban facilities, establishing a comprehensive talent identification system and development sports for women with disabilities and consequences such as promoting socio-sports status, champion development and medal achievement were identified.Conclusion: Based on the results, it is suggested to develop educational programs, increase the per capita specialized sports space, provide training equipment and intelligent tools, establish a rehabilitation center and specialized occupational therapy, implement the talent identification process, encourage active participation in competitions, and enforce supporting laws for disabled sports in social, sports, financial, and construction activities.
Sport Management
Azad Ahangaran; Alireza Elahi; Hossein Akbari Yazdi
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to design a volunteer management model for Iranian sport federations.
Methodology: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of data collection, which was conducted using the grounded theory method with the Glaserian approach. The ...
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Objective: The aim of this study was to design a volunteer management model for Iranian sport federations.
Methodology: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of data collection, which was conducted using the grounded theory method with the Glaserian approach. The statistical population comprised experts (university professors), sports volunteers, and operational managers of sports volunteering in Iran. A purposive sample of 15 experts was selected from the statistical population. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews.
Results: Based on the three stages of the Preparation, Engagement, and Perpetuation (PEP) model combined with the three-pronged framework, the structural, contextual, and behavioral factors influencing each stage were presented as a thematic network. The first stage of the PEP volunteer model is Preparation, which is critically important for identifying and recruiting volunteers. The second stage is Engagement, which plays a key role in highlighting the significance of volunteers' work. The third stage is Perpetuation (Sustainability), which is essential for establishing an effective volunteer management system.
Conclusion: Ultimately, the structural, contextual, and behavioral factors affecting the preparation, engagement, and perpetuation (sustainability) stages were presented in the form of a thematic network. Following the delineation of the various stages of the model and the factors influencing each stage, the overarching model was extracted from the integration of the PEP model and the three-pronged framework.
Sport Economics, Marketing and Tourism
Amir Hossein Labbaf; Mehdi Salimi; Mohammad Soltan Hosseini
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to present a model for the financial success of Iran's Premier League football clubs.
Methodology: The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative part was based on Grounded Theory with Charmaz's approach. ...
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Objective: The aim of this study was to present a model for the financial success of Iran's Premier League football clubs.
Methodology: The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative part was based on Grounded Theory with Charmaz's approach. The statistical population for the qualitative section consisted of senior managers of the Football Federation and the League Organization, CEOs of clubs, senior financial managers of clubs, and academic experts in sports management. Purposeful sampling was used along with the snowball method. A total of 18 interviews were conducted, concluding when theoretical saturation was reached. For the quantitative part, a questionnaire was designed based on the final findings from the qualitative section. The statistical sample for the quantitative section included 185 experts in sports management, financial management, financial experts of clubs, and members of the clubs' boards of directors, with available sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in SPSS and SmartPLS software.
Results: Revenue generation, upstream rules and regulations, technical conditions, managerial strategies, fan engagement system, requirements, and club resources, with impact coefficients of 0.240, 0.195, 0.183, 0.182, 0.179, 0.064, 0.050 respectively, are the most important factors contributing to the financial success of Premier League football clubs.
Conclusion: Achieving financial success for Premier League football clubs requires comprehensive attention to these factors and will enable clubs to reach their financial goals and secure a sustainable future. Clubs should evaluate their performance and adopt innovative approaches to move toward achieving financial goals and sustainable development.
Culture, Media and Technology in Sport
Syedeh Tahereh Azimzadeh; Morteza Dousti; Seyed Mohhamad Hosein Razavi; Masoume Kalateh Seifari
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this research was to design the historical and identity model of indigenous, national and ritual sports.Methodology: The current research method was qualitative and exploratory. The statistical population included local native sports specialists with a university teaching experience ...
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Objective: The purpose of this research was to design the historical and identity model of indigenous, national and ritual sports.Methodology: The current research method was qualitative and exploratory. The statistical population included local native sports specialists with a university teaching experience or active in the field of public sports, experts and officials of sports, policy makers and sports consultants. The sampling method was non-probability sampling, with targeted selection and maximum diversity or heterogeneity. Using the theoretical saturation method, the sample size was equal to 25 people. The data collection tool was an open interview and was analyzed based on three stages of open, central and selective coding. In the current research, the criteria of long-term engagement, stable observation, re-inspection of the path of information acquisition, checking, triangulation, and continuous comparison were used to measure validity.To calculate the reliability, the within-subject agreement method was used, and the reliability between the coders for the interviews conducted in this study was equal to 88%.Results: Based on the findings, causal factors include religious identity and social identity; Background factors including infrastructure and planning; Intervening factors including participation and support; The central phenomenon including identification in ritual and national sports; Strategies include executive and structural; Consequences included social and cultural functions.Conclusion: This research was conducted with a qualitative approach to identify the identity and historical concepts of native, national and ritual sports and presented a model to explain the identity and historical pattern of native and ritual sports in the form of a theory through which native and ritual sports can be explained well. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to social and cultural principles in order to improve the historical and identity components of native, local and ritual sports and to provide the necessary platforms for identifying and transferring culture.
Social Issues in Sport Management
Ali Jamshidi; Amin Khatibi; Seyed Hossein Marashian; Esmaeil Veisia
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors affecting transgender people’s participation in physical activities and the consequences of such participation.
Methodology: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach and using thematic analysis method. In order to collect data, in-depth ...
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Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors affecting transgender people’s participation in physical activities and the consequences of such participation.
Methodology: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach and using thematic analysis method. In order to collect data, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts in sport management and social sciences. Thematic analysis method of Braun & Clarke (2006) and MAXQDA software were used to analyze the data, and 218 initial statements were obtained.
Results: In the section of factors influencing the sports activities of transgender people, eight main themes were identified, the most important of which were security concerns and privacy, cultural and social restrictions, and the role of family and their support. The consequences section had five main themes: improved mental and physical health, positive social development and interactions, enhanced gender identity and self-recognition, post-participation psychological challenges and pressures, and new social and employment opportunities. The study's findings showed that various individual and structural factors affect transgender individuals' participation in sports. This involvement can also have a positive impact on the quality of life, gender identity, and social development of this group.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that sports are a key tool for improving the quality of life for transgender individuals, but achieving this requires macro-level planning, policy reform, and the creation of safe and inclusive environments in society.
Sport Management and Development
Seyed Reza Mousavi Biouki; Gholamreza Shabanibahar; Habib Honari; Gholam Ali Karegar
Abstract
Objective: Professional planning in the economic dimension to solve sports problems, including privatization, contracts, foreign coaches and the role of the government in sports teams. The purpose of this study is to design the pattern of factors affecting the realization of the economy in the second ...
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Objective: Professional planning in the economic dimension to solve sports problems, including privatization, contracts, foreign coaches and the role of the government in sports teams. The purpose of this study is to design the pattern of factors affecting the realization of the economy in the second phase of the revolution in physical education and sport I.R. IranMethodology: The present study was qualitative in terms of its fundamental objective and strategy. Data collection was carried out in the form of semi-structured interviews with experts (national sports and political management, professors and faculty members of universities in the field of sports management). A non-random, purposive and accessible sampling method with 19 people was used to reach theoretical saturation and a documentary method (review of 27 domestic and foreign studies). Thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. In this method, thematic network analysis tool was used based on the perspective of Atreid Sterling (2001).Results: The results of the research showed that the factors affecting the economy in sports and physical education in the country are in four areas (human resources, physical resources, financial resources, entrepreneurship) 58 Basic themesConclusion: Removing the defect of the economic structure of the sport is to guide the massive liquidity created in sport rather than additional costs, and it is beneficial to the economy by creating a basis for the development of a diverse and large market for the sports industry.
Sport Economics, Marketing and Tourism
Maryam Malaei; Ali-Mohammad Safania; Mehrdad Moharramzadeh; SeyedSalahoddin Naghshbandu
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to design an entrepreneurship development model for the General Departments of Sport and Youth in northwest Iran.Methodology: This applied research employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was conducted ...
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Objective: This study aimed to design an entrepreneurship development model for the General Departments of Sport and Youth in northwest Iran.Methodology: This applied research employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was conducted using a systematic review of 40 scientific studies and focus group sessions with seven experts. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included all managers and employees across five northwestern provinces. The sample size was 217 individuals, determined using the inverse square root method and G*Power software. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire with 118 items derived from the qualitative phase. Validity was confirmed through content and construct validity, while reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha (0.85) and composite reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.Results: The qualitative findings identified nine main themes: structural factors supporting entrepreneurship; implementation of a research and development system; managerial factors; entrepreneurship education; strategic empowerment of human resources; sports entrepreneurship knowledge management; systematic evaluation of entrepreneurship programs; formulation of operational strategies; and development of an organizational entrepreneurial culture. In the quantitative phase, all 11 causal paths of the model were confirmed.Conclusion: The extracted model indicates that entrepreneurship development in these organizations is a systematic, multi-layered process that begins with structural and managerial factors and ultimately leads to the development of an organizational entrepreneurial culture. Accordingly, it is recommended that specialized entrepreneurship committees be incorporated into the organizational chart of these departments, and that systems for education, empowerment, and entrepreneurial performance evaluation be established.
