Investigate and evaluate the delivery of virtual events for Triathlon Ireland (Masters by Research) Ref: WD_2021_10_SPONS

Post summary

Applications are invited to investigate and evaluate the delivery of virtual events for Triathlon Ireland. This research aims to investigate and evaluate the delivery of virtual events, online tutor training, online education, and race organisation & technical officiating in comparison or in conjunction with in-person training and events. There are several recent and ongoing research into the impact of COVID-19 to Sport (Mackintosh et al., 2020; Parker et al. 2021; Parnell, Widdop & Bond. 2020) with specific areas of research focusing on cyberspaces (Yordanova et al., 2021), hybrid education (Raes et al., 2020), the promotion of physical activity during a global pandemic (Oakley et al., 2018) and the use of digital and hybrid platforms for adults and sports (Parker et al., 2021). Yordanova et al. (2021) investigated the importance of cyberspace as a substitute for real events and phenomena by establishing different open and closed fan pages on social media. A systematic literature review on synchronous hybrid learning (Raes et al., 2020) confirmed the potential of synchronous hybrid or blended learning environments. This research suggests cautious optimism but concludes that hybrid learning has true potential to create more flexible, engaging learning environments, when implemented effectively. (Raes et al., 2020).

As outlined in the National Sports Policy, participation in sport takes many forms, and the virtual participation in sport is one way that Triathlon Ireland has begun to work towards this area of the Policy. To date, there has been no attempt to describe and research the experiences of TI members, or factors related to their adjustment to delivery of online and hybrid programmes and activities. This research will explore if Triathlon Ireland should position itself as a more virtual and hybrid friendly sport. The research will also investigate if Triathlon Ireland should move to a more virtual mode of delivery for coaching courses, events etc

Objectives:

1. Measure the responses from the consultations to establish if Triathlon Ireland should incorporate virtual and or hybrid models in the areas of events, racing, coaching, education, and AGMs.

2. Examine the perceptions and experiences of event organisers, coaches, race organisers, technical officials, club delegate’s and members on previous run online programmes .

 Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

·       Applicants should hold or expect to attain, as a minimum a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Sport and Exercise Science, Coaching Studies and Performance, Sports management OR a related discipline

·       OR

·       Hold a taught MSc degree in one of the above disciplines

Desirable

·       Sport coaching qualifications

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

·       Research Methods and Research Design

Desirable

·       Work or research experience within  National Governing Bodies of Sport

·       Interest in Triathlon

·       Experience undertaking or delivering coach education programmes

·       Statistical analysis using appropriate software

·       Conduct and analysis of qualitative interviews

Skills & Competencies

Essential

·      Very strong interpersonal skills

·      Very high level of academic writing

·      Motivational skills

·      Personal organisational skills

·      Ability to work as part of a larger team

·      Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.