Journal of New Studies in Sport Management (JNSSM)

This research aimed to provide a model for improving the interactions of spectators of sports events using virtual and augmented reality technologies. The study population included technology experts, management experts, and sports specialists. Purposeful sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used to conduct 15 in-depth interviews, and data were analyzed using the Geo-analysis method. The analysis revealed 97 initial codes, 21 themes, and three dimensions of conditions, solutions, and consequences for improving spectators' experience. The conditions included hardware and software advances, popularity of games and entertainment programs, strong broadband networks, investment from federations and organizations, durability and battery limitations, and resistance from traditional spectators. To address these conditions, experts proposed developing and improving virtual and augmented reality hardware, encouraging spectators, using novel modeling and simulation techniques, producing quality content, and educating spectators.  The consequences of utilizing these technologies were increasing spectator engagement and interaction, improving the quality of experience, generating more revenue for organizers, attracting more spectators, enhancing satisfaction, and fostering a sense of presence among fans and athletes. The study demonstrates that purposeful implementation of virtual and augmented reality technologies can enhance the spectating experience, increasing enjoyment and satisfaction.

The aim of this quantitative research was to examine and compare the retirement experiences of retired athletes from selected sports federations in Iran and Iraq. Using the snowball sampling method, 188 retired professional athletes (103 from Iran and 85 from Iraq) were selected from team sports and individual sports. The research data were collected using the Sport Career Termination Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods. The results indicated significant difference between the sport career length of the athletes of both groups; there was a significant difference between the sport career termination reasons of two groups; there was a significant difference between the retirement problems in two groups; there was a significant difference between the two groups in the amount of support received by the athletes during the retirement period, and significant difference existed between the level of retirement satisfaction in the two groups. It is recommended that sports authorities in Iran and Iraq pay more attention to retired athletes, strive to address the issues and challenges of their retirement course, and provide programs aimed at developing skills and job competencies for retired athletes. In particular, it is recommended that Iraqi sports authorities maximize the utilization of retired athletes within the country’s sports structure and implement effective programs for the prevention and treatment of sports injuries among athletes. Future researchers are encouraged to employ both longitudinal and qualitative research methods to gain a better and richer understanding of sports retirement.

The purpose of the present study was to identify the organizational attractions of physical education faculties of state universities from the viewpoint of post-graduate students and graduates. The present study was qualitative research using a thematic analysis approach. The statistical population included all postgraduate students and graduates of physical education departments and faculties at state universities. The participants were purposively selected using the snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 13 individuals until theoretical saturation was achieved (10+3), and coding was employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the organizational attractions of physical education faculties encompass three main themes: structural, conceptual, and technology and innovation, along with 19 sub-themes and 71 concepts. The sub-themes comprised organizational order, organizational branding, organizational facilities, organizational climate, geographical environment, intra-organizational communication, extra-organizational communication, up-to-date status, educational, research, social status, remuneration, sports environment, educational sequence, sports events and competitions, departments, freedom of action, meritocracy, and amenities. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the organizational attractions as perceived by postgraduate students and graduates who are prospective applicants for physical education departments and faculties.

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mortality. Encouraging individuals to be more physically active is a crucial strategy for reducing these health risks. In this context, understanding the hidden drivers behind people's mobility preferences is particularly important. Researchers use nudges as a behavioral tool to describe effective motivations in decision-making and choices, which can lead to predictable outcomes without excluding alternative options or relying on financial incentives. Using nudges in real-world conditions to promote physical activity has been the subject of various studies. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the current state and future research directions. To address this gap, this paper utilizes a bibliometric tool to analyze 119 nudge-related studies in the field of physical activity published in Scopus, providing a comprehensive overview of their structure, themes, and conceptual evolution. The analysis showed an increasing trend in research on nudges and physical activity, with a notable number of publications in 2023, especially in the field of medicine. American and European researchers have made substantial contributions, highlighting the importance of both individual and public health in developed nations. The ability of health-oriented tools to promote physical activity has also been emphasized, and some studies have investigated nudge theory in both nutrition and physical activity simultaneously. The results show that the topic of nudges and physical activity is a new interdisciplinary research area with practical implications for public health policy, and there is also considerable potential for further research in this field.

The brand image is one of the most valuable assets of sports organizations. Companies' respect for their social responsibility is one of the essential tools for maintaining this asset. Sponsors enter a sponsorship program based on their social responsibility, portfolio, and brand image value. This study investigated the relationship between sponsors' portfolios, corporate social responsibility, and brand image and was conducted using a qualitative systematic review method. The available documents have been received using the specified keywords, and the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram was implemented based on valid electronic databases. The data extraction process was performed using MAXQDA 2020 software. Also, the quality of research was evaluated in two parts: quantitative and qualitative. Reviewing 71 documents examined 370 open sources, 54 concepts, and 10 categories in the three fields, including financial sponsor, social responsibility, and portfolio. The results showed that financial sponsors and portfolios are closely related and aligned. A sponsor social responsibility program is also planned and implemented based on the financial sponsor. The results of the social responsibility program will affect different parts and factors of the financial sponsor and portfolio by impacting the two parts of the sponsoring company and the consumer. This study examines the relations between the financial sponsor, sponsor portfolio, and corporate social responsibility axes. In this study, financial sponsorship, sponsor portfolio, and social responsibility are considered the three vertices of a triangle, addressed in less research.

This paper deals with the development of a financial management maturity model for sports organizations based on artificial intelligence. We jointly consider enhancing financial transparency, oversight and control, risk management, and using advanced technologies in sports organizations. The proposed scheme relies on a constructivist grounded theory approach. The research process involved data collection through in-depth interviews with five AI language models, ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Mistral, and LLaMA. In addition, these models were utilized as an alternative to traditional experts. Finally, extensive simulations were conducted to validate that 209 initial codes were identified, which were then refined to 44 codes and eventually consolidated into 11 key themes. These themes include financial transparency, oversight and control, budget planning, risk management, and the use of advanced technologies. Numerical results show the efficiency that these themes are interlinked in a chain-like manner and contribute to enhancing the financial efficiency of sports organizations.