Aligning sponsor and property decision-making processes for sustainable impact in sport

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research
and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Project Detail:
Sponsorship is fundamental to sport property financing. Specifically, sports organisations historically funded by the government are now expected to secure investment from private organisations. The sponsors/properties relationship is critical. However, sponsors and properties tend to have different objectives.

For many properties, sponsors are viewed as a simple (albeit essential) revenue source, and sponsorships are managed with little strategic thinking; their decisions tend to be more opportunistic. Conversely, sponsors are more strategic in their sponsorship approach.

The decision-making processes of sponsors and properties may thus be misaligned. In turn, this mis-alignment may lead to conflict and relationship damage. That said, little is known about decision-making processes in alliances and partnerships, or how these affect performance. The PhD will explore this issue. This research thus examines the strategic versus opportunistic decision-making (mis)alignment within, and between sport sponsors and properties, so that both organisations can sustainably achieve their respective objectives.

Find out more:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/sbe/research/phd-mphil/studentships/

Entry requirements:
UK Masters degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%) or International equivalent. English Language requirement of IELTS band 7.0 or above with not less than 7.0 in each component.

Funding information:
The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £14,553 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. International (non EU) students may apply however the total value of the studentship will be used towards the cost of the International tuition fee in the first instance.

Contact details:
Name: Professor Anne Souchon or Dr Peter Dickenson
Email address: ([Email Address Removed]), ([Email Address Removed]).

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Business School

Please quote reference number: SBE-SDP

Please upload all the supporting documents listed below:
• A curriculum vitae
• A 500 word personal statement explaining your interest in, and aptitude for, the topic of this research project. In particular we would like to learn about what qualities do you feel you can bring to the project.
• 2-3 samples of writing such as MSc dissertation, journal or conference article, essays from your MSc degree
• Copies of your transcripts/certificates
• Two academic references.

Summary of application details:
Reference number: SBE-SDP
Start date: 1st January 2018
Closing date: 27th October 2017

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Professor Anne Souchon, Chair of International Marketing and Associate Dean (Enterprise) in the School of Business & Economics
Secondary supervisors: Dr Peter Dickenson, Lecturer in Sport Management in the School of Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences (SSEHS) & Dr Joe Piggin, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management & Policy in the School of Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences (SSEHS)