Master of Sport Management

Purpose

The qualification is developed as part of a suite of programmes intended to fulfil national qualification requirements as outlined in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework.

Government introduced a single unified national qualification framework for education in South Africa and all Higher Education institutions were required to revise and align existing qualifications or develop new qualifications that meet the requirements of the new sub-framework that improves the ability of learners to move easily and more effectively from one qualification to the next, as well as between institutions. These changes are guided by the Revised Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) as published in the Government Gazette (No. 40123, Vol. 1636, July 2016). The HEQSF-aligned Master of Sport Management (NQF Level 9) replaced the Pre-2009 NQF level 8 (120 credit) Master of Technology: Sport Management.

The Sport Management Department presently delivers the following new HEQSF aligned programmes, namely the Diploma in Sport and Leisure Management, the Advanced Diploma in Sport and Leisure Management and the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Leisure Management. The qualification (NQF Level 9) replaces the Pre-2009 NQF level 8 (120 credit) Master of Technology: Sport Management. The Master of Sport Management is designed as an articulation route to a Doctoral Degree in Business and Management Sciences (Specialisation in Sport Management).

There is a critical need to update and extend research capabilities and skills, along with academic knowledge in the field of sport management, especially with the exponential growth of the business of sport in South Africa and globally. Forecasts expect this to increase, and one would therefore expect similar trends in countries whose economies were characterised by a dynamic sport business industry such as South Africa.

There is a fundamental need to ensure an academic pathway for graduates who wish to further their knowledge, skills and research applications in the field of Sport Management. While at the same time addressing the skills and qualification shortage that presently exists in South Africa in terms of academics, researchers and professionals who are able to engage in the sport industry at all levels, especially those relating to strategy and policy development.

The qualification will thus ensure a clear academic and career pathway that will enhance managerial, business and research skills required for the 21st century in Africa, as well as for the world market. The qualification will also offer international learners the opportunity to study in South Africa at an applied level. The need for this level of expertise and applied knowledge in South Africa, Africa and in the global economy is underpinned by the rapid and continuing evolvement of the business of sport.

Furthermore, the emerging field of business and sport management is demanding better qualified and experienced people who meet the challenges of the 21st century, including managers, agents, researchers, strategic analysts, event organisers, project managers, team managers and human factor specialists for the sport industry.

The research-based, full-dissertation qualification is designed to extend graduates' knowledge and skills by developing the student's ability to conduct independent research in a sport discipline, which contributes to the body of knowledge via the evaluation, understanding and application of existing knowledge, as well as by conducting original (primary) research.

A dissertation-based programme is structured to provide learners with a set of core competencies

• To critically reflect on theory and its application to real world issues;
• To deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively to solving problems;
• To design and critically appraise research;
• To make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
• To demonstrate self-direction and originality in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

The qualification accentuates research methodology and original research, which focuses on the direct application of Sport Management related knowledge in practical and theoretical contexts. This demonstrates the ability to make connections between ideas; carry out an argument; and conceptualise and structure a number of interdependent and independent variables. In the process of the development and writing of the dissertation, the student will gain specialist knowledge in a sport management related field. Research at this level research is substantial and comprehensive in nature and the skills gained will improve the learners' preparation for advanced study at Doctoral level.

Rationale

While there are multiple opportunities to study in the sport sciences, there are very limited opportunities at the post-graduate level for studies in the business Sport Management. Globally, this has become a greater area of growth academically, with specialist sport business-related courses emerging to cater for the increased professionalisation of the sport industry.

The sport and leisure industry are rapidly professionalising and has a need for managers who have competent business skills combined with an understanding of the nuances and challenges of the sport and leisure industry, especially within an emerging economy context. Furthermore, a number of mid- to top-level managers within the sport industry have a need to improve their management skills at an academic and applied level. The Master of Sport Management has been developed to deepen the knowledge of learners who already have an advanced academic background in sport and leisure or general business management and/ or relevant sport and leisure industry experience to allow deep engagement with management principles and practices at the forefront of this field. The Master of Sport Management also provides the foundation for a career in academics.

Industry stakeholders from a broad range of local government (e.g. DCAS), federations (e.g. Western Province Rugby; Boland Cricket; and South African Gymnastics Federation), sport development agencies (e.g. Play Sport 4 Life; and Sporting Chance), health and wellness organisations (e.g. Sport Science Institute South Africa) and sport retail businesses (e.g. PUMA) were consulted relating to the Master of Sport Management. The Advisory Board meetings with industry partners were used to host discussions around key components of knowledge and skills required in the industry. From these discussions, there was consensus that industry required graduates who are able to: firstly manage in a changing environment and who are familiar with national legislation/ policies and key government priorities; secondly utilise technology and new media applications in marketing and branding; and thirdly make use of technology in the promotion of wellness and to enhance human performance, from grassroots sport development contexts to professional and elite sport organisations. The industry emphasised the development of research skills and to find solutions to real sporting problems in South Africa and abroad. Furthermore, an emphasis was placed on the development of soft skills, such as problem solving, leadership, teamwork, communication, time management and ethical social responsibility. There was also a need to translate academic research into more easily understood reports to disseminate to the industry and the public so that the full potential of the research can be obtained.

The qualification aligns with the strategic goals and mission of the World Leisure Organisation whose key strategic objectives include linking sport management to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for Africa and enhancing research and scholarship (UN Sustainable Development Goals, 2016). The issue of transformation continues to shape thinking about higher education. The National Development Plan (2012) asserts the important role of higher education in enhancing national economic competitiveness within a global knowledge-driven economy. That review foregrounds the social and public value of higher education, placing on it the responsibility for "providing equitable opportunities for learning and (self-) development; to be responsive to societal needs, producing relevant knowledge and socially committed graduates to contribute". This expectation is further reinforced in the National Development Plan (2012: 262) "where universities and their courses are key to developing a nation". In this treatise it is emphasized that "universities educate and train people with high-level skills for the employment needs of the public and private sectors. Universities are the dominant producers of new knowledge, and they critique information and find new local and global applications for existing knowledge".

The Master of Sport Management is a research-based, full-dissertation qualification and has been designed to enable learners to engage in critical thinking, identify information needs, use advanced research methods to collect data, analyse and synthesise data and to solve problems that is innovate and creative, engage in ethical decision making, use communication skills that reflects technological awareness and engage in teamwork in line with NQF Level 9 descriptors.

The qualification targets learners on the HEQSF vocational pathway, namely, those who graduated HEQSF level 8 Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Lesiure Management and/or similar HEQSF level 8 qualifications such as Bachelor Honours Degrees in Sport Management, Sport Science, Human Movement Science in line with CPUT's rules of articulation in the Business and Management Sciences Faculty.

The Master of Sport Management is part of a suite of programmes intended to fulfil national qualification requirements as outlined in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework. The programme is specifically designed to elevate the capability of graduates to conduct research related to national and international needs.

Due to the nature and purpose of the Master of Sport Management to enable graduates to undertake independent research that demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence it inevitably means that the majority of recruited learners would be mature adult learners who have to balance a professional life, academia and personal life. These recruits would be seeking to advance and develop their academic and professional careers.

The Master of Sport Management will provide an empowering environment that offers prospective post graduate learners key opportunities to facilitate learning, research and scholarship. The Master of Sport Management will actively and pragmatically encourage partnerships with government and industry and ensure that it creates and applies knowledge beneficial to all our sporting communities. It is essential that we develop a level of learning, expertise, skills and research capacity that is required for the emerging sport industry in South Africa, the African continent and globally.

The Master of Sport Management is intended to provide opportunities for those candidates in possession of a wide range of qualifications in the sport management and sports science fields and/or individuals with recognised experience in the field of sport. The qualification has been designed to improve and empower the knowledge base and skills of practising sports and business managers and is to be introduced in order to augment national capacity in the rapidly developing field of sport management and business. This would be reflected in the delivery of knowledge and skills that would impact positively on a number of enterprises, projects both in not only business environments, but also in government structures and in the community.

While there are multiple opportunities to study in the sport sciences, there are limited opportunities in the field of Sport Management. Globally, this has become a greater area of growth academically, with specialist sport business-related courses emerging to cater for the increased professionalisation of the sport industry. Within South Africa, only two other universities offer a master's qualification in Sport Management or closely related field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL may be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications and advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, module exemption (credit) or advanced standing.

RPL for access

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio or other appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• An applicant may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For an applicant to be exempted from a module, the applicant needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio or via appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the module's learning outcomes.

RPL for credit

• An applicant may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio and/or appropriate method of assessment that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

A graduate of a relevant NQF level 8 qualification would qualify for admission to the Master of Sport Management. These Level 8 qualifications include:

• A Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Leisure Management or a related field

Or

• A Bachelor Honours Degree related to Sport Management or a related field.

The qualification consists of a total 180 SAQA credits at NQF level 9 in the form of a

• Research dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Prepare a research proposal that critically reflects on theory and is designed to systematically and creatively solve industry related problems.
2. Plan and manage the research project in a manner that demonstrates self-directed learning and originality in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.
3. Make sound judgements using data and information collected.
4. Critically appraise research findings based on quantitative and/or qualitative techniques.
5. Provide meaningful outputs in the genre of sport, especially in areas concerned with sport management, sport business, sport technology, and human factors issues that are communicated to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Select a Sport Management related research topic and evaluate suitability of the research topic using criteria relevant to the field of study such as scope, relevance, significance, feasibility, ethics, objectivity, originality in consultation with the supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate an ability to select relevant sources drawing on the work in order to prepare a literature review.
• Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement and sub-problems using appropriate criteria and guidelines in consultation with supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate understanding of the use of appropriate research methods and techniques relevant to the field of study including aspects such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research methods, sampling techniques, data generation and data analysis, including statistical methods (if relevant to field of study).
• Compile a research proposal based on institutional and faculty criteria, procedures and guidelines in consultation with supervisor(s).
• Correctly utilise in-text referencing and draw up a reference using a referencing software platform (example Mendeley).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Produce a research schedule and action plan of all envisaged activities with feasible time-lines.
• Recruitment of research participants and interaction with participants, industry and the public in a professional and ethical manner.
• Manage and execute the research study using available resources assigned to the task.
• Demonstrate the ability to problem solve and apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in executing the research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Implement an appropriate research method identified for the project.
• Problem solve and critically evaluate research methods used.
• Maintain an accurate record of all data collected and store data in a secure and ethical manner.
• Analyse and interpret data using appropriate qualitative and/or qualitative analysis.
• Present data in a logical, meaningful manner, which could include tables, figures, illustrations or quotations and is specific to the research design.
• Maintain a logbook of all activities associated with data collection, noting any irregularities or factors that could affect the integrity of the data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Compare results with previous research in a meaningful manner.
• Detail the importance of the results and associate its context in relation to the aims and objective of the research.
• Critically assess the impact of the research on the community and/ or industry.
• Evaluate the strengths and weakness of the research and identifying limitations.
• Able to recommend future research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate the ability to present in verbal, written and/or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the study to specialist audiences emphasising the contribution to knowledge production in the field of Sport Management.
• Demonstrate the ability to present in verbal, written and/or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the research project to non-specialist audiences emphasising the contribution the study makes to society/community in general.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Formative feedback is provided to learners from the early stages of enrolling in the qualification. For example, the research proposal is reviewed internally, before being reviewed by the Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) and faculty and institutional Higher Degrees Committee (HDC). Furthermore, the supervisor/s provide regular formative feedback throughout the student's enrolment. Each supervisor will have regular scheduled meetings with the candidate to discuss progress and feedback for edited written work. Feedback will be with regards to scientific writing, grammar, data analyses and interpretation.

Summative Assessment

A thesis is required to be submitted as a final summative assessment that is externally examined. To ensure the quality of the summative examination process, CPUT appoints discipline specific examiners and adheres to strict quality assurance mechanisms, approved by the HDC. Examination process is administered by the Faculty Research Office. The examination reports from the examiners are sent to the supervisor and student, whereafter any suggested corrections (if required) will be done by the student.

As per CPUT policy, examiners can make recommendations for one of the following: 1) Pass without revision, 2) Pass after minor revision, 3) Major revision and re-submission to examiner, 4) Fail: re-submission and re-examination or 5) Fail: not eligible for re-submission.

In order for the student to graduate, a proof of a submission of an article to a peer-reviewed DHET-accredited journal is required.