Mis Fatemeh Raeei, Dr Alimohamad Safania, Dr Abolfazl Farahani, Dr Hamid Ghasemi,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
In the sports industry, there is significant potential for the emergence of startups. However, startups in this sector have experienced various challenges and fluctuations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the factors that contribute to the acceleration of Sports Startups. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, involving the participation of sports business experts and scholars. Data collection was carried out through purposive sampling, employing in-depth interviews with these experts. The qualitative data obtained were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. Additionally, the identified factors were ranked using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The findings revealed the existence of six categories of accelerators for sports startups. Notably, strengthening and optimizing the value chain emerged as the most crucial factor among these categories. Consequently, to enhance the growth and development of sports startups, it is imperative to establish a well-defined value chain and actively work towards its reinforcement.
Mrs Hormatosadat Borhani, Dr Mohammad Hami, Dr Vahid Shojaei,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The present study aimed to comprehensively elucidate and identify the entrepreneurial and goal-oriented strategies of sports startups entering both domestic and international markets. The research employed a qualitative method, falling under the category of exploratory studies in terms of objectives, foundational and applied research regarding outcomes, and was grounded in the postmodernism paradigm. The research population comprised experts in marketing, sports management, and successful entrepreneurs with experience in launching sports startups. Purposeful sampling was employed for participant selection. To construct the initial research tool, the researcher, after reviewing relevant studies on sports startups, developed a semi-structured questionnaire for in-depth interviews with experts. The research strategy followed a phenomenological approach, and data analysis was conducted using MaxQDA software, version 20. The results of the data analysis unveiled eight key concepts within the entrepreneurial strategies section, pertaining to the entry of sports startups into domestic and international markets. These concepts encompass partners, stakeholders and customers, tolerable loss, flexibility and adaptability, experiences, uncertainty, service quality, available financial resources, and operational strategies. These concepts were derived from the interviews, contributing to theoretical saturation. Furthermore, in the section on goal-oriented strategies, five concepts were identified: exports, communications, market strategies, market research, and risk management.
