Sport Business Management

The Sport Business Management program at Algonquin College prepares students for the growing sport industry. Students are prepared for work within the broader area of sport, particularly management.


This is a Mobile Learning Program.
As a student in this program you will require a mobile computing device, for example a laptop or tablet computer. Review the Mobile Learning requirements >>

  • Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • 1 Year(s)
Program Code:
6073X01FWO
Academic Year:
2011/2012

Our Program

This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares students for an exciting and successful career in the ever-growing multi-billion dollar sport industry. No longer is simple "passion for the game" a qualification for entry: a specialized business education is required. Successful individuals in the modern sport business world are now always well-trained, educated and highly skilled. This program prepares students to work within the broader area of sport, particularly the management and business aspects of the industry.

In three levels of study, the curriculum provides cross-disciplinary training related to: sport marketing; corporate and ticket sales; sport sponsorship; sport economics; sport finance; entrepreneurship; event planning and management; sport business in the social context; customer service; legal aspects of sport; sport governance; project management; community sport issues; and, sport management professional preparation. In-class work includes case studies, role playing, optimal use of technology and a variety of practical assignments.

The design of the Sport Business Management program and its respective components is unique. As the nation's capital, Ottawa has professional sport franchises and more national governing sport bodies and multi-sport organizations than any other city in Canada. The program balances sport-business management education with an intensive experiential work placement. Throughout the duration of the program, students must work a minimum of 16 hours per week within the sport industry, and knowing experience is key to future employment, most students take advantage and get many more hours under their belts.

This program is presented in a mobile notebook computing learning environment, enabling a hybrid course delivery with courses in-class and online. Graduates obtain mobile computing skills to interact in a collaborative fashion with peers and course leaders, allowing them to contribute immediately to an organization's goals using contemporary information technology tools.

Through an active advisory board of sport industry leaders and close relationships with employers, the program is continuously updated to meet the current demands of the sport industry. These relationships provide students with strong opportunities for networking, and bring influential industry leaders into the classroom to share their experiences. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to begin working as a sport business professional.

This is a mobile learning program which engages students in a collaborative, mlearning environment which helps them become skilled, confident users of the technology they are expected to use in the workplace. Students are required to supply and use a laptop computer that meets minimum hardware and software specifications as outlined at http://mlearning.algonquincollege.com . Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin's New Technology Store at educational rates.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Have a passion for sport.
  • Possess excellent time-management skills.
  • Are well-organized, energetic and enjoy working with people.
  • Are interested in planning and executing sport business initiatives.
  • Are motivated to lead.
  • Want experience and ultimate employment in the sport business.

Back to Top

Your Career

Graduates may be employed in a wide range of sport management activities: sport event planning; sales and marketing; facility management; and, business administrative positions within professional sport, sport governing bodies, public agencies, community recreation departments, sporting goods companies, sport marketing agencies, sport agent operations and athletic service
organizations.

Back to Top

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Level: 01 Hours
MGT2120Introduction to Sport Management
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental role and functions of management in a sports environment. Students become familiar with how an organization achieves its goals and objectives through the effective employment of its resources. The course initially focuses on preparing students for their educational working experience, giving students an overview of the sport business career market and outlining the skills required to become a successful sports manager. The study of self-management and student success is also examined within this course.
45.0
MGT2121Sport Organizations
This course provides students with a clear understanding of the agencies involved in the organization and regulation of amateur sport in Canada. The operations, events, policies, and goals of these organizations are introduced and discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the organization design and structure, programs, and funding of the federal and provincial ministries responsible for sport in Canada. Students are also introduced to the international, national, and provincial sport organizations in the delivery of sport at the major Games level and at the national, provincial and municipal levels. Students review national strategies used to secure such major games as the Olympic Winter and Summer Games, the Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games, various world championships and the Canada Games.
45.0
MGT2123Sport Financial Management
This course takes a case-study approach to how individuals, non-profit organizations, government and the private sector use basic financial management operations. The course illustrates how these agencies use financial planning techniques to survive in our changing economic times. Students get an overview of finance concepts including the basic financial statements, budget development, revenue generation, cost management, economic trends, out-sourcing, risk, return on investment, earnings per share, time value of money, capital and operational budgeting and cost of capital. Focus is on analyzing, planning, articulating and managing the sport organization budget.
45.0
MGT2124Driving Revenue in Sport
This course deals with how sports teams sell tickets and how any organizing group can sell tickets to special events. What ticketing programs do teams offer: full season seats, mini plans, group sales, game day sales, special sales? How do teams effectively communicate their message to the masses? Students also focus on a major part of the communication mix - the sales process. Areas of study include understanding and applying the steps in the selling process, developing a sales strategy, monitoring sales, and applying online sales and selling techniques.
45.0
MGT2125Field Work I
This field placement course provides students with the opportunity to receive practical experience in a professional workplace setting. Students work for a professional or amateur sport business, service or organization. The student's progress is monitored through his/her placement through contact with the employer and student. The onus is placed on the individual student to find his/her field placement with the support of faculty.
192.0
MGT2138Project Management
In today's competitive business environment, many businesses are turning to project management to meet and achieve their strategic and operational goals successfully, and sport business management is no exception. This course provides students with an overview of the field of project management. Areas examined throughout the course include basic principles of project management, essential components of project planning, various organizational methodologies and structures specific to project needs, the fundamental importance of control measures and processes in managing for project success, and the critical role of leadership, power, and influence of the project manager and his/her relationship to the various stakeholders of the project. In completing course exercises, the student is introduced to many project management tools including Microsoft Project software.
45.0
Level: 02 Hours
MGT2126Sport Economics
Through this course students examine the economics and essential elements of business plans for sport organizations, with a focus on studying the economic impact of hosting sporting events. Students look at societal factors that impact the operation of contemporary sport, with emphasis placed on industrial, public and labour-related economic factors. Students are introduced to the organizational business structure of NHL teams, CFL teams, professional baseball, soccer and other similar sport-related operations and cross-relate collective bargaining agreements. Students are required to prepare elements of a sport bid's business plan and present it in class.
45.0
MGT2127Game Day Operations
This course highlights all the aspects of a positive game-day experience for customers, from professional sport teams through community-based activity. Game day logistics, such as music selection and electronic presentation, security, guest services, parking, concessions and facilities are explored. Students also learn about various aspects of game-day entertainment, including mascot usage, special events, opening ceremonies, protocol, and optimal music and video strategies.
45.0
MGT2128Developing Your Market
This course provides an understanding of marketing and sales principles, practices and skills. Particular emphasis is placed on examining product strategy, product management, price management, distribution and promotions. Students develop a marketing plan for a variety of sport-related industries. Students analyze the role that marketing plays within a sport team or organization and how this eventually translates to financial success for the organization. Marketing platforms, online uses, direct and mass marketing campaigns, promotions, delivery of expectations from corporate sponsors, community development, merchandising and brand development are explored.
45.0
MGT2129Sport and Special Event Planning
Students learn how to create and manage complex projects on time and within budget utilizing a project management framework. The planning, organizing and staging of sport and special events are explored within the context of strategic planning, marketing strategies, the bidding process, volunteerism, program administration, critical path, timelines, as are the tasks required to be accomplished before, during and after the event. A main focus of the course is the team development of a competitive bid to host a specific sporting event (e.g. Canada Games, Canadian sport-specific championships).
45.0
MGT2131Field Work II
This field placement course offers students the opportunity to apply the academic knowledge they have acquired during the previous semester in a supervised workplace setting. Students work for a professional or amateur sport business or organization. The student's progress is monitored throughout their placement through contact with the employer and student. The onus is placed on the individual student to find their field placement with the support of faculty.
240.0
MGT2135Advanced Presentation Skills
This course examines verbal, visual and written communication tools used in the contemporary workplace. Students gain knowledge and experience in both developing and delivering public presentations and speeches. The focus is on properly planning the presentation, gearing it to the audience, using technology in the presentation, delivering the presentation, concisely and succinctly making your point, or asking for the sale and making yourself clear. Students are also exposed to proper business writing styles.
45.0
Level: 03 Hours
MGT2130Communication in Sport
The ability to communicate one's message to specific audiences is critical to the students' preparation for and success in the business environment. Students develop and enhance the communication skills frequently utilized by the sport administrator. This course reviews the preparation and adoption of major reports, business summaries, proposals, ethics, planning and conducting meetings, organizational communications, and primary and secondary research methods. Students explore how to attract and retain media interest in events or programs, how to deal with the media, and how to conduct media conferences and write media releases. Students write weekly press releases in-class and participate in a major sport event.
45.0
MGT2132Legal and Ethical Issues of Sport
This course outlines the legal aspects of the sport organization in Canada. It explores the ethical considerations and dilemmas involved in decision-making in sport. Legal and ethical issues are discussed within the context of the contemporary business of sport. Topics include public regulation of sport, athlete's rights, competition law, labour law, players' contracts, criminal and civil liability and market rights. This course takes a speculative and philosophical approach to ethical issues in competition, sportsmanship, cheating and violence in sport, the use of performance-enhancing drugs, equality and excellence and gender equity.
45.0
MGT2133Sport Business Leadership
Leadership is a continually evolving and critical role within any organization. The new role is focused on employee empowerment, team dynamics, and the processes deployed to motivate and facilitate skilled employees towards the organizational goals and objectives within a dynamic global economy. This course allows students to study and experience self-management skills, group dynamics, problem-solving techniques, decision making, conflict management strategies and change management. Time and weather permitting, the class experiences the College's leadership training facilities from its Pembroke Campus (and enjoy onsite training at Wilderness Tours Rafting Centre).
45.0
MGT2134Corporate Sport Sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship drives today's sports teams and organizations. Without corporate support, sport is reliant on member fees and public subsidy. This course helps students understand the role of corporate sponsorship for sport teams and sport organizations. Students evaluate and analyze naming rights, line of sight advertising, TV and radio sponsorship, in-venue signage, outdoor advertising and corporate promotions. Endorsement value for star athletes from the athlete's perspective and the sponsor's perspective are explored. This course prepares students to understand the needs of the corporate sponsor and how one addresses those needs. It deals in ROI mechanisms (how sponsors evaluate the success of the sponsorship), research prior to the sales pitch and the actual pitch that teams/organizations make to land corporate sponsors successfully, negotiation strategies, and techniques and basic contract structures.
45.0
MGT2136Managing the Sport Organization
With an emphasis on creating, managing, and achieving complex organizational goals and objectives on time and within budget, this course is experiential in approach and is designed as a capstone course. Students are provided the opportunity to practise those skills they have developed in many courses throughout the program. This course outlines principles of organizational development, communications, planning, teamwork, meeting preparations and requirements and contemporary sport management practice. Students are also introduced to and prepared for entrepreneurship activities and opportunities in the sports world.
45.0
MGT2137Field Work III
One of the key strengths of the program is the field work course, which offers students the opportunity to apply the academic knowledge they have acquired in the previous two levels in a supervised workplace setting. Students work for a professional or amateur sport business or organization. It provides the student with the opportunity to identify specific individual objectives, as well as the chance to receive practical experience in a professional workplace setting. The student's progress is monitored throughout their placement through contact with the employer and student. The onus is placed on the student to find their field placement with the support of faculty. Students prepare a detailed final report based on all three levels of their workplace experiences.
240.0

Back to Top

Fees & Expenses

Approximate Program Costs

Tuition/Fees $ 11,919
Books/Supplies: $ 2,850
Incidental Fees: $ 0
Total: $ 14,769



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $3,484.52 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Mobile Computing Fee: $150 per term. **

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Services Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. ***

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $3,600 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** The Mobile Computing Fee covers the costs associated with providing various services to students registered in mandatory laptop programs.

*** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $750 per level and can be purchased in the campus bookstore.

Field trip expenses are approximately $600.

Back to Top

Admission Requirements  

Program Eligibility
  • College diploma or degree, university diploma or degree or equivalent attaining at least a 60% overall G.P.A. (While not a requirement, it is recommended that applicants have some foundation in accounting and finance i.e. at least one postsecondary finance course).
  • All qualified applicants will be required to complete the Sport Business Management Eligibility Package. In some cases applicants may be asked to take a postsecondary finance course as a condition of acceptance into the program (many students do this on-line in advance of starting the program). The Sport Business Management Eligibility Package includes the following three
    components:

    1. A letter of intent, which requires the applicant to state their previous experience related to the sport industry, their program expectations and what skills, knowledge and attitudes they bring to the program;

    2. Applicant's Curriculum Vitae;

    3. Copy of applicant's transcript.

    Please contact the Sport Business Management Program Coordinator for more information.

    Applicants with International transcripts must provide proof of a TOEFLiBT score with at least a total score of 90, with the following minimum section requirements: Reading: 21; Listening: 20; Speaking: 27; Writing: 22;
    Computer-based test: 250; Paper-based test: 600.

Back to Top

Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: askalgonquin@algonquincollege.com

Back to Top

Additional Information

In order to graduate, students must pass each course with at least a 60% grade.

For more information, please contact Dave Best, Program Coordinator, at 613-727-4723 ext. 3513 or bestd@algonquincollege.com.

Refer to www.algonquincollege.com/business/programs/sport/index.htm for graduate testimonials, guest speakers, placement organizations and a link to the Advisory Board member video.

Back to Top

Awards & Bursaries

The Bell/Sens Foundation Bursary is awarded to a student in financial need who has a minimum Grade B average.

The Brian Kilrea Leadership Bursary is awarded to a student in financial need who has a minimum Grade B average.

The Direct Energy/Sens Foundation Bill Patterson Memorial Bursary is awarded to a student in financial need who has a minimum Grade B average.

The MBNA Canada/Sends Foundation Bursary is awarded to a student in financial need, entering the third year.


Back to Top

Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time