University of Technology SydneyHandbook 2008

27717 Venue Management

Faculty of Business: Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Postgraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject examines the principles of managing venue and facility operations. Specifically, it addresses how facilities and venues are planned, managed, operated, evaluated and maintained. The subject also covers issues ranging from traffic circulation to security and safety issues. Guest speakers from various venues and facilities are featured and current trends, case studies and future directions are also covered.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the main components of venue management in both local and global environments
  2. Describe processes associated with the planning, management and operations of venues and facilities
  3. Identify and discuss key operational practices in venue management
  4. Critically evaluate management and marketing practices in relation to a venue.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject provides an overview of the venue management sector. It provides a basis from which students can understand the unique relationships between a venue and its stakeholders. The core competencies and skills of a successful venue manager are covered. Benchmark practices, and strategies for improving venue management practices will be discussed. The range and variety of services provided to patrons of venues are outlined.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject involves a variety of teaching and learning activities, which may include: lectures, case study presentations; expert panel discussions; student presentations; and directed readings. In addition to the lecturing staff, selected practitioners with direct experience in one or more areas related to the venue management field, will present on particular topics. The underlying learning strategy employed in this subject is one of linking theory, concepts, ideas and techniques associated with venue and facility management to actual practice.

Content

  • Understanding the Trends related to Venue Management
  • Determining the Need for Venues
  • Types of Venues
  • Facility Planning, Design, Construction and Management Process
  • Management and Administration of venues
  • Access Issues
  • Venue Operations and Services
  • Legal and Risk Management and IR issues
  • Crowd Management
  • Control and Security.

Assessment

Essay on one key topic of venue management (Individual)20%
This first piece of assessment requires students to explore, in 1500 words, one topic from a selected list. A minimum of 10 references for further reading must be attached. This addresses objectives 1-2.
Exam on concepts (Individual)35%
This assessment items will require students to apply concepts studied to venue management problems/situations. This addresses objectives 1-3.
Case Study of a Venue (Individual)45%
Students are required to select a sport, leisure or recreation venue upon which to base a case-study. Once the venue has provided permission, students will undertake a site visit whereupon data for the case study will be collected. It may also be necessary to briefly interview members of staff. The purpose of this case study is to become proficient at the rapid and accurate assessment and review of a venue. This addresses objectives 2-4.
OR
Industry practicum in a venue (individual)45%
Students choosing this option must complete a work placement of at least 80 hours in venue management. At the conclusion of the placement a learning portfolio must be compiled. The purpose of the portfolio is to evaluate the experience and to reflect on competencies (knowledge, skills and values) that are relevant to venue management. This addresses objectives 2-4.

Recommended text(s)

Book of Readings

Indicative references

Appenzeller, H. (Ed). 1998. Risk management in sport: Issues and strategies.

Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Durham, N.C.: Carolina Academic Press.

Argyris, C. and Schön, D.1996. Organizational learning II : Theory, method and practice. Imprint Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley.

Petersen, D. C. 1996. Sports, Convention, and Entertainment Facilities. Washington DC: Urban Land Institute.

Farmer, P., Mulrooney, A. and Ammon, R. 1996. Sport facility planning and management. Morgantown, VA: Fitness Information Technology.

Grantham, W., Patton, R., York, T., and Winick, M.L. 1998. Health fitness management. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Gratton, C., and Taylor,P.(2000. 2nd ed. Economics of sport and recreation

London: E and FN Spon.

Howell, S. and Badmin, P. 1996. Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation in Leisure Management. Pitman Publishing, London.

McDonnell, I., Allen, J., O'Toole, W. and Harris, R. 2001. Festival and Special Event Management. 2nd ed. John Wiley and Sons, Milton, Qld.

Parks, J., Zanger, B., and Quarterman, J. (Eds). 1998. Contemporary sport management.

Smith, A. and Stewart, B. 1999. Sports Management: A Guide to Professional Practice. Allen and Unwin, Sydney.