Public-Private Partnership in Youth Sport Delivery: Local Government Perspective

Youth sport programs in Lithuania are delivered in public and private sports schools, also by private sport clubs and various non-government organizations. However, a recent shift from public sector towards private sector has been observed. As a result, public-private partnerships in sport sector and, particularly, in youth sport program delivery, could be seen as a logical next step in strive for good governance. Private sector is mainly focused on utilization of sport facilities, while public sector – the owner of sport facilities – is mainly concerned with the economics of facility maintenance and additional income to offset budget reductions. Similarly to the findings of Legg and colleagues (2018), potential partnership efficiencies are not always realized due to a lack of goal alignment and limited resources. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, data were collected through online questionnaires from 8 municipality representatives who were either the heads of sport division or had direct contact with youth sports programs. Research findings were constructed along three phases of partnership governance – formation, management, and outcomes. Study results provide insights into the advantages and disadvantages of public-private partnerships in youth sport delivery, as well as identify possible solutions towards increased effectiveness of collaboration in future. Multiple positive outcomes were identified by this study – from improved infrastructure, increased sport participation numbers to successful collaboration in event management and constructive influence on the establishment of a more efficient regulatory framework. And although, this research has not uncovered more systematic findings regarding public-private partnerships, it clearly proved that benefits outweighed shortcomings, thus, indicating future potential of such governance model

What is a Reality of the Public-Private Partnership in Sport at the Municipality Level in Lithuania?

In October 2018, the Lithuanian Seimas adopted the Law on Sports, on the basis of which (from January 2019), the formulation, coordination and implementation of state sports policy was transferred to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports. The Law on Sports defines the principles of sport, foresees the role of the stakeholders and the competence of the specialists, and determines other important sports related issues. Article 8 of the Law on Sports defines the functions of the municipal council in setting long-term goals for the development of sports, sports areas to be financed from the municipal budget, criteria and procedures for financing from the municipal budget, and promoting public-private partnerships in sports. Municipalities are tasked with wide range of responsibilities pertaining delivery of various sports programs: from grass-root sports development to elite level athlete preparation, and from construction and maintenance of sports facilities to popularization of physical activity among general population. It would be naive to assume that municipality has sufficient capacity to adequately deliver on every level of aforementioned domains. Aside from limited budget, it also lacks required human resources as well as managerial expertise. As a result, outsourcing by bringing in partners could be seen as the essential condition in modern society exploring the concept of new public management

Create Not an Event for Fans, But Fan’s Event: Managerial Aspects of Small-Scale Events

This paper argues the merits of hosting small-scale rather than large-scale sport tourism events. First, distinction between large-scale events and small-scale events will be drawn. Next, along with emphasizing potential markets for hosting small-scale sport tourism events, argument that there is a need for hosting those types of events will be introduced. Following provided arguments, the developmental issues surrounding sport tourism events will be discussed. Issues of commodification and authenticity will be explored in greater detail

Home Court Advantage in Basketball - A Case Study of Žalgiris Kaunas Basketball Team

The actual venue where a basketball game is played needs to be considered (Volossovitch2017) when looking at the effectiveness of a team’s performance playing in front of home crowd. Clarke (2005), Gomez and Pollard (2011) and Bray and Widmeyer (2008) explored the home court advantage topic and argued that this exists and is influenced by various factors (such as familiarity with environment, crowd support and loud arena, shooting percentages, absence of travel, etc.).A top division professional basketball team from Lithuania (Žalgiris Kaunas) was selected for this study using a convenience sample method (Veal and Darcy 2014). A case study approach (which incorporated comparisons between and an analysis of certain statistical categories such as: points scored per game; points allowed per game; free throws –made and attempted per game; 3 points shots –made and attempted; assists and turnovers) were used as part of this investigation into Žalgiris Kaunas basketball team and the games they played at home during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 seasons. From a methodological point of view, a three stage approach was employed. First stage was an exploratory analysis of relevant data available in the public domain for the selected team /club. Second stage comprised of an initial analysis that consisted of statistical calculations (averages per game and per season) and comparisons between Žalgiris Kaunas and their opponents while a discussion and concluding analysis –as a third stage –was drawn by interpretation of data. Similar to findings from literature, playing at home in front of full capacity crowd was beneficial for Žalgiris Kaunas as their performances improved for the statistical categories previously mentioned, alongside with being victorious in 11 out of the 19 home games that were scrutinised for the purpose of the research

Skills Development of Lithuanian Police Officers at Sports Events

Purpose – the goal of this article is to determine how police sports events enable the officers to develop their necessary skills. Design/methodology/approach – a quantitative analysis of empirical data was carried out. The method of the research – a questionnaire-based survey and statistical analysis. The generalized results of the research were presented in two tables. Findings – Police sports events are one of the most unconventional means for officers to develop certain skills and competences. Upon analyzing officers’ skill development through sports events based on gender aspect, statistically significant differences were not detected. However, education and age influenced the development of the skills among certain officials. Officials with higher education had the highest preference for access to skills development through sports competitions. From an age perspective, senior officials underestimated the ability to develop skills of selfless behavior and critical thinking through sports events, while developing skills of communication and cooperation as well as ability of quick decision-making were indicated as important among junior officers. Research limitations/implications – the research was conducted in 2019 and was based on the sports events of police officers carried out in 2018. Performance of multiple studies of such nature could lead to a more detailed conclusions and suggestions based on the results obtained. Due to this limitation, we can only evaluate the insights of the research as first time statements regarding the skills development of police officers at sports events. Practical implications – the results of this research could benefit the highest police administration. It could lead to their decisions to enhance the importance of sport events in strengthening the development of professional skills of police officers. Originality/Value – based on the results of the research, the authors were able to discuss the necessary skills that need to be developed for police officers. At the same time, the significance of sports event in society was broadened and its more extensive applicability was discussed

Формування іміджу професійних спортсменів з використанням сучасних соціальних медій

Relevance of the research. It is suggested here that social networks are the most important tools for the image creation the context of organizational and personal image management, which presents the problem of research. The purpose of the research is to present a brief overview of theories pertaining organizational image and its main features; to provide a more detailed analysis of social networks and it is leveraging for creation and management of professional athlete image. The object of research is the mass media outlets and social networks. Analysis of recent researches and publications, which initiated the solution of this problem: use of articles by authorsCornelissen (2001), Mamedaityte (2003), Druteikiene (2003), Virvilaite, Dilys (2010), Scott (2008), Dulworth (2008), Goffman (2000), Arai et al. (2013), Neves et al. (2015), etc. The methodology of the research. In order to fulfill these objectives, an academic literature analysis, and theoretical modeling and interpretation methods were applied. Conclusions. Organizational image refers to identity, vision and basic operational aspects of organization. It is one of the most important phenomena of organization management, as positive image enables organization to achieve competitive advantage and strengthen connection with target groups. Professional athletes contribute to the creation of sport organization image. At the same time, professional athletes create their own image and brand. Using their athletic achievements, celebrity lifestyle and personal facade, professional athletes utilize social networks in order to create and enhance personal image. Organizational image refers to identity, vision and basic operational aspects of organization. It is one of the most important phenomena of organization management, as positive image enables organization to achieve competitive advantage and strengthen connection with target groups. Professional athletes contribute to the creation of sport organization image. At the same time, professional athletes create their own image and brand. Using their athletic achievements, celebrity lifestyle and personal facade, professional athletes utilize social networks in order to create and enhance personal imageАктуальность исследования. В статьеотмечается, что социальные сети являются наиболее важными инструментами для создания имиджа в контексте управления имиджем организации и личности, что представляет проблему исследования. Цель данного исследования - представить краткий обзор теорий, касающихся имиджа организации и его основных характеристик; обеспечитьболее подробный анализ социальных сетей и использoвaть для создания и управления имиджем профессионального спортсмена. Объект исследования - средства массовой информации и социальные сети. Анализ последних исследований и публикаций, которые инициировали решение этой проблемы: использование статей авторовCornelissen (2001), Mamedaitytė (2003), Drūteikienė (2003), Virvilaitė, Dilys, (2010), Scott (2008), Dulworth (2008), Goffman (2000), Arai и др. (2013), Neves и др. (2015) и др. Методология исследования. Для достижения этих целей применялся анализ научной литературы, а также методы теоретического моделирования и интерпретации. Выводы. Организационный имидж относится к идентичности, видению и основным операционным аспектам организации. Это одно из важнейших явлений управления организацией, поскольку позитивный имидж позволяет организации достичь конкурентного преимущества и укрепить связь с целевыми группами. Профессиональные спортсмены способствуют созданию имиджа спортивной организации. В то же время профессиональные спортсмены создают свой имидж и бренд. Используя свои спортивные достижения, образ жизни знаменитостей и личный облик, профессиональные спортсмены используют социальные сети для создания и улучшения своего имиджаАктуальність дослідження. В статті відмічається, що соціальні мережі є найбільш важливими інструментами для формування іміджу у контексті управління іміджем організації та особистості, що репрезентує проблему дослідження. Мета дослідження - представити короткий огляд теорій, що стосуються іміджу організації та її основних характеристик; здійснити детальний аналіз соціальних мереж та використати їх для створення і управління іміджем професійного спортсмена. Об’єкт дослідження - засоби масової інформації та соціальні мережі. Аналіз останніх досліджень та публікацій, які ініціювали вирішення даної проблеми: використання статей авторів Cornelissen (2001), Mamedaitytė (2003), Drūteikienė (2003), Virvilaitė, Dilys, (2010), Scott (2008), Dulworth (2008), Goffman (2000), Arai та ін. (2013), Neves та ін. (2015) та ін. Методологія дослідження. Для досягнення цих цілей застосовувася аналіз наукової літератури, а також методи теоретичного моделювання та інтерпретації. Висновки. Організаційний імідж відноситься до ідентичності, баченню та основних операційних аспектів організації. Це одне з найважливіших явищ управління організацією, постільки позитивний імідж дозволяє організації досягти конкурентної переваги та укріпити зв’язки з цільовими групами. Професійні спортсмени сприяють формуванню іміджу спортивної організації. В той же час професійні спортсмени створюють свій імідж і бренд. Використовуючи свої спортивні досягнення, образ життя знаменитостей та особистий досвід, професійні спортсмени послуговуються соціальними мережами для формування і покращення свого імідж

Organizational Peculiarities of Sports Event Management: Comparative Analysis of Theory and Practice

Tyrimo tikslas - išnagrinėti ir apibūdinti pagrindinius renginių organizavimo principus ir palyginti juos su vieno iš didžiausių Lietuvoje sporto renginių- Lietuvos krepšinio lygos (LKL) „Žvaigždžių dienos“- organizavimo principais. Tyrimo metodai- literatūros šaltinių analizė ir standartizuotas interviu. Į interviu klausimus atsakė LKL darbuotojai, dalyvavę organizuojant ir pravedant renginį. Tyrimo duomenys sugrupuoti taip, kad būtų galima nustatyti renginio organizavimo proceso eigą ir palyginti ją su literatūros šaltiniuose išanalizuota renginių organizavimo seka. Tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad pagrindiniai organizaciniai renginių vadybos aspektai yra šie: sprendimo organizuoti renginį priėmimas; renginio planavimas ir pasiruošimas; renginio pravedimas; renginio įvertinimas. Šių etapų praktinį pritaikomumą parodė profesionaliai organizuotas ir sėkmingai įvykęs LKL „Žvaigždžių dienos“ renginys.The research purpose is to analyze and describe the key sports event organization principles and compare them with the ones of a major Lithuanian sports event, the Lithuanian Basketball League (LBL) event ”Star Days”. The research methods used were literary source analysis and a standardized interview. LBL employees having taken part in organizing and conducting the event were respondents of the standardized interview. The research data is grouped to enable identification of the event organizing process and compare it to event organization sequence analyzed in literary sources. The research results have demonstrated the following key organizational event management aspects: making a decision to organize an event; event planning and preparations; event conducting; event evaluation. Practical applicability of such stages was proved by the professionally organized and successfully conducted LBL event “Star Days”

Viešosios sporto politicos formavimas hierachijos valdysenos kontekste

This article aims to analyse the process of formation of sports public policy in Lithuania within the theoretical context of hierarchy governance. This study consisted of collection and analysis of official documents regarding sports public policy formation from 2011 until 2018. The data collection was aimed at uncovering of key components of the process of public policy formation – environmental analysis, strategic planning, competence and decision-making power, and stakeholders. The main findings of the research concluded that Lithuanian sports governance, along with the majority of other European countries, is defined as bureaucratic configuration. The main responsibility within the process of sports public policy formation falls on the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and active national non-government sports organisations, while principal objectives of the Lithuanian sports public policy formation are laid out in strategic documents. However, the implementation needs to be centred on institutional and personal responsibility, proper environmental regard and tolerance, and the ability to listen and to reach an agreement.Šio straipsnio tikslas yra išanalizuoti kaip Lietuvos sporto sistemos politikos formavimo proceso ypatumai pasireiškia hierarchinio valdymo kontekste, atitinka biurokratinę konfigūraciją ir sukuria objektyvias prielaidas decentralizacijai. Straipsnyje remtasi duomenimis, kurie buvo gauti renkant ir analizuojant oficialius dokumentus, susijusius su sporto viešosios politikos formavimu nuo 2011 m. iki 2018 m. Duomenų rinkimo tikslas buvo atskleisti pagrindinius viešosios politikos formavimo proceso komponentus – aplinką, strateginio planavimo procesą, dalyvių kompetenciją ir sprendimų priėmimo galią bei suinteresuotųjų šalių grupes. Pagrindiniai tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad Lietuvos sporto valdymas kartu su daugeliu kitų Europos šalių apibrėžiamas kaip biurokratinė struktūra. Pagrindinė sporto viešosios politikos formavimo proceso atsakomybė tenka Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerijai ir aktyvioms nevyriausybinėms sporto organizacijoms, o pagrindiniai Lietuvos sporto viešosios politikos formavimo tikslai išdėstyti strateginiuose dokumentuose. Tačiau jų įgyvendinimas turėtų būti paremtas institucine ir asmenine atsakomybe, pagarba ir tolerancija aplinkai, gebėjimu išklausyti ir susitarti

Organizacinių pajėgumų vaidmuo tiriant organizacinį pokytį Lietuvos sporto federacijose

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of selected organizational theories pertaining to the process of organizational change. The emphasis is made on organizational capacity outlining its relevance in the context of understanding the changes taking place within the National Sports Federations