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The studentship would investigate the role that social leveraging strategies plays in maximising the benefits that host cities accrue from major sporting events. Misener and Mason (2006) have suggested the use of social capital concepts as a way of developing engagement, trust and social inclusion strategies to secure social impact from mega-events. The leveraging strategies of Games are often heralded by city governments that host the events as key outcomes of the event, yet the LOCOG’s role is to deliver a successful Games not a legacy. Legacy tends to be measured in terms of post-games analysis and econometrics. Leveraging on the other hand, evaluates the social impact of the event on an ongoing basis. The studentship would examine the strategies the 2014 Games are using to create lasting social value through the various stakeholder networks, including the voluntary sector, Health Promotion network, the local authorities and Scottish Government. As funding is increased for infrastructure, venues and ceremonies, the legacy elements of civic engagement, the impact of the games on social economy tends to be missed.
This studentship would, examine the importance of legacy and social leveraging strategies in mega sporting events since the first commercial Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984. The pressure to bid for, and win, a major sporting event came after the successful economic model of the 1984 Games. The host were able to demonstrate a successful commercial relationship with sponsors and a social legacy for the City in the form of the LA84 Foundation to promote youth sports, educate coaches and provide a sports library whilst developing few additional venues. Since then, the IOC has witnessed fierce competition in the bidding process to host the Olympic Games. The studentship will examine the social impact of the Commonwealth Games 2014 on Glasgow, and Scotland at a policy level, following the four main themes set out for the Commonwealth Games Legacy areas of ‘flourishing’, ‘active’, ‘sustainable’ and ‘connected’ and the relationship of these thematic areas to the national policy priorities of engagement, regeneration and health.
The studentship will use baseline evidence that Glasgow2014 has gathered as the starting point to develop successful data capturing models to assist cities in capturing and realising social leveraging data before the event is staged. Qualitative data tools will be used to gather data rich evidence, where Glasgow 2014 has not focused on this approach. The outcome will assist with future policy implementation at Government and City level and lead to identification of successful partnership approaches. This model of capturing social value and impact would be useful to policy makers and event owners on a global scale.
This studentship will be conducted in collaboration with Glasgow 2014 and the Head of Legacy and Engagement has committed to providing desk and computer space (half of the week) as well as access to himself and meetings and papers until October 2014 when the organisation will close down.
Funding Notes:
Successful candidates will receive a £7000 annual stipend payable for three years and payment of tuition fees (current value £3400).
This studentship is open to Home/EU candidates with a first degree in a relevant discipline.
Non-EU students can apply, but will not receive the stipend and will be required to pay fees.
Candidates must be available to commence their studies in October 2012.
All interviews will take place during between 21st May and 8th June 2012.
Please note that this project is part of a competitive round and there is no guarantee that it will be awarded.
References:
How to apply:
Postgraduate Degree by Research Applications should be completed online at http://www.uws.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/apply/
Please quote the Project Reference Number when applying.
Applications without all relevant documents will not be considered.
If you have any queries please contact Charlie Fielding on + 44 (0)141 848 3919 or email PGR@uws.ac.uk