https://asml.ui.ac.ir/ Archives in Sport Management and Leadership en daily 1 Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_29725.html The rapid advancements in digital technologies over the past decade have laid the groundwork for the remarkable growth of electronic sports businesses. Understanding the dimensions and challenges of this field can contribute to the sustainable development of this emerging industry. This research aimed to identify the key dimensions, challenges, and opportunities in the development of electronic sports businesses between 2014 and 2024. The research method employed was a systematic review and qualitative content analysis. The statistical population included all scientific articles published in reputable domestic and international databases in the field of electronic sports during the study period. Purposive sampling was used, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 42 articles were selected for final analysis. The research findings led to the identification of 149 open codes, which, after concept categorization, resulted in 14 core categories and 4 main categories: (Technology, Business Model, Challenges, and Solutions). In the technology section, the application of virtual reality and the role of social networks were prominent; in the area of the business model, attracting capital and developing team brands gained importance; legal, financial, and competitive challenges were also noted. Finally, suggestions were offered for improving technological infrastructure, developing marketing strategies, and establishing legal frameworks. The results of this research can serve as a basis for strategic planning for electronic sports stakeholders. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_29756.html The two forces reshaping industries in the 21st century are Digital Transformation (DT) and Sustainability which are referred to as twin transformations. Dual transformations are now ubiquitous in sports as fans and sports institutions urge clubs to be socially and technologically innovative. However, there is limited academic research at this intersection, especially in the context of sports marketing. This study uses a qualitative approach informed by Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory (GT). Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 participants. The data were interpreted by open, axial, and selective coding. The storyline method, which describes the dynamic interaction of the causal, contextual, and intervening elements of an event, was added in the last step of theory construction to describe the processes of digital sustainability in sport. Key findings portray how digital technology makes sustainable sports marketing possible by fostering eco-friendly marketing, improving fan interactions, and lessening ecological footprints. Fueling these advantages, however, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of governing frameworks, and digital inequality pose considerable hindrances. Synthesis through storytelling demonstrates theoretic convergence to show how sports firms embrace change by weaving digital sustainability into business frameworks, trimming costs, and reinforcing stakeholder confidence. The primary goal of this research is to illustrate the importance of strategically linking digital initiatives and sustainability objectives in the context of sports. It describes the steps processes through which organizations can align social innovation with digital innovation by systematizing evidence into a theory to strengthen social responsibility. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_29832.html The primary objective of this research is to develop a hybrid entrepreneurship model within Iran's sports industry. The present research has been mixed. The statistical population for the study's qualitative and quantitative components consists of professors and entrepreneurs in physical education and business administration. For the qualitative part, a phenomenological approach has been employed. The quantitative part has been created using questionnaires based on themes from the phenomenological approach. Professors assessed the questionnaire's validity and reliability.In the qualitative part of the research, 9 main themes have been identified. In the quantitative part of the research that has been done with Mic-Mac analysis, the highest influencing factors have been identified in the following order of factors: technology, cultural, and climatic features. The results of this research have been shown that the technology factor is the most Based on the results of this research, hybrid entrepreneurs in the sports industry can pursue new method, s of hybrid entrepreneurship by using technology and, based on that, formulate and implement their strategic decisions in the form of strategic planning and in this way increase the income from their business. Since the technology factor has been recognized as the most influential factor it has been concluded that transformative technologies can have a significant impact on the boom of hybrid entrepreneurship in Iran's sports industry. This research can be considered one of the first qualitative and quantitative studies on hybrid entrepreneurship in Iran’s sports. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_29982.html This study aimed to design a contextualized model for enhancing the quality of physical education classes by identifying the conditions, effective factors, and improvement strategies. This qualitative research was conducted using grounded theory methodology, following the approach of Strauss and Corbin (1998). The participants included 15 physical education teachers with academic, educational, and executive backgrounds who were selected through purposive and snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a three-stage coding process: open, axial, and selective. The resulting grounded theory was extracted based on the Bohm (2004) model, which is a modified version of the Strauss and Corbin model. The results showed that the causal factors influencing the quality of physical education lessons include school sport infrastructure, teacher deployment and distribution, teacher performance appraisal, challenges of teacher professional competence, student engagement and attitudes, and instructional practices in PE lessons. Contextual factors were classified into two dimensions: socio-cultural determinants and policy and governance factors, with economic factors identified as intervening variables affecting the quality of physical education classes. The strategies for enhancing quality were identified across six areas: professional development of PE teachers, Enhancement of Physical Education Curriculum Implementation, comprehensive student assessment in PE, expansion and modernization of PE infrastructure, innovative pedagogical approaches in PE, alignment with educational outcomes of PE, and strengthening instructional supervision in PE. The consequence of implementing these strategies included physical health outcomes, psychosocial benefits, economic impact of school PE, and promotion of lifelong physical activity. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30122.html Determining an appropriate sample size remains one of the most debated methodological challenges in qualitative research, with particular relevance for the expanding field of sport management. Because qualitative inquiry prioritizes depth, richness, and contextual understanding rather than statistical generalization, numerical guidelines must be viewed as flexible rather than prescriptive. This review synthesizes key principles, debates, and empirical evidence related to sample size determination across qualitative traditions and examines their implications for sport management studies. Existing recommendations vary widely, ranging from single cases in narrative or case study designs to more than 50 interviews in large-scale or multi-site projects. Frameworks such as data, thematic, meaning, and theoretical saturation remain influential, although their applicability differs across methodologies. Emerging approaches, including the concept of information power, emphasize the importance of research aim specificity, participant relevance, and analytic depth in shaping sample adequacy. Despite these developments, sample size justification in sport management research is often inconsistent, overlooking the field’s heterogeneity and the complexity of its organizational settings. This review highlights the need for sport management researchers to avoid universal numerical rules and instead adopt flexible, transparent, and methodologically aligned approaches to sample size determination. Considerations such as the focus of the research question, participant homogeneity or diversity, analytic aims, and data quality should guide decisions more than predetermined counts. Strengthening transparency and grounding sample size decisions in principles such as saturation or information power will enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative sport management research and support the continued maturation of the discipline. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30151.html In Iraq, where football is recognized as a symbol of identity, historical heritage, and social cohesion, social media through the promotion of multimedia content and the creation of an open space for dialogue has transformed the traditional perceptions of the sport. The present study, titled “The Impact of Social Media on Football Culture in Iraq,” examines how these platforms influence the reinterpretation of traditional narratives and the emergence of new cultural dimensions in Iraqi football. To achieve this objective, a mixed methods approach was employed; initially, Netnography was used to record and analyze online interactions, and subsequently, thematic analysis was applied to code the data meticulously. The study’s population comprised athletes, coaches, club managers, sports journalists, and online activists, with a purposive sample of 31 participants selected for the research. Data analysis resulted in the identification of three overarching themes, four organizing themes, and twenty-six basic themes, reflecting the multifaceted impact of social media on the semantic structure of Iraqi football. The findings indicate that, on one hand, social media provides the means to revive longstanding narratives and strengthen social cohesion, while on the other hand, its rapid dissemination of information brings challenges such as multiple interpretations and the potential for inconsistencies in conveying cultural values. In this context, it appears essential to develop strategic policies and manage content in a way that preserves the authenticity of cultural elements and harnesses digital innovations to facilitate positive transformation in the sports arena. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30152.html The aim of the present study is to develop the implemented physical education curriculum model at Farhangian University. The qualitative research method was grand theory with a systematic approach (Strauss and Corbin). The participants were 15 professors and faculty members of the physical education and educational sciences departments at Farhangian University. The research tool was semi-structured interviews with participants. The data collection process continued until theoretical saturation was reached. To validate the research, pluralism and deep interaction or participant methods were used. Data were analyzed through semi-structured interviews in three stages of open, axial and selective coding. The results showed that the curriculum development model implemented in Farhangian University of Physical Education consisted of 5 main axes including: causal factors (educational philosophy, values, social mission), background conditions (organizational climate prevailing in the university, leadership style of university administrators, educational role model of professors), intervening conditions (decentralization of the program, attention to professional characteristics, avoidance of administrative structure), central category (content), Strategies (existing sports facilities, financial resources, development of sports facilities and infrastructure, and designing a compatible ecosystem framework) and outcomes (students' sports information and knowledge, sports skills, positive attitude towards physical education) were obtained. The results showed that causal, contextual, interventional conditions, strategies, and outcomes had a significant correlation with the studied pattern. The existing physical education curriculum needs to be revised and improved to more comprehensively meet the educational needs of students. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30153.html This research aimed to develop a teacher training model for PE teachers. This qualitative and applied study employed a multi-grounded approach, conducted in two phases. In the theory generation phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 experts, professors, and specialists in the fields of psychology, education, and PE, as well as administrators, teachers, and educational group leaders for the PE subject. Data analysis involved inductive coding, conceptual refinement, pattern coding, and theoretical abstraction. The overt contextualization phase evaluated the generated theory by comparing it with relevant models and theories. To enhance validity, multiple methods (interviews, content analysis), diverse data sources, and review by two coders were utilized. Data was analyzed using Maxqda software. The results yielded 7 main categories, 20 subcategories, and 87 concepts. Key categories essential for PE teacher training include teaching-learning competencies, technological competencies, structural-legal competencies, research literacy, specialized PE competencies, professional qualifications, and cultural development. It is suggested that relevant authorities utilize the derived model to address the educational needs of PE teachers, thereby enhancing their capabilities nationwide. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_29598.html To maintain effectiveness, organizations must continuously evaluate and enhance their organizational culture, thereby preventing and managing organizational anomie and inertia. This study investigated the influence of organizational culture on organizational anomie and inertia, with faith-based ethics acting as a mediating variable. The study population included professors and faculty members in sports management and sociology, as well as senior, middle, and junior managers within sports organizations. A convenience sample of 232 participants was selected. Research variables were measured using the Denison Organizational Culture Survey (2000), a modified version of the organizational anomie scale by Sefid Chian et al. (2018), Haag’s (2014) organizational inertia scale, and a modified version of the faith ethics scale by Khodaparast et al. (2022). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using LISREL software. The results indicated a significant negative relationship between organizational culture and both organizational inertia and anomie, alongside a significant positive relationship between organizational culture and faith-based ethics. Additionally, faith-based ethics showed a significant negative association with organizational inertia and anomie. These findings suggest that organizational culture plays a vital role in mitigating organizational inertia and anomie, with faith-based ethics serving as an effective mediating factor. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_29824.html The research aimed to analyze the factors affecting players' indifference in preparation exercises for the 2024 Taekwondo League competitions. This applied study employed a descriptive method. To identify influencing factors, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 individuals—including 13 athletes, 6 coaches, 3 club managers, and 4 referees—who were selected through purposive sampling based on their expertise and experience until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data collection tools included interviews and questionnaires, both validated through content validity and reliability measures. Data analysis was conducted in two phases: initially via open and axial coding of qualitative data, and subsequently using MICMAC software for structural modeling. Qualitative results led to the extraction of 31 conceptual codes across six main categories: managerial factors, club structure and policies, infrastructure, financial issues, environmental conditions, and motivational elements. Quantitative findings from MICMAC analysis showed that managerial and financial factors had the highest driving power, while motivational and infrastructure factors had the highest dependency. The infrastructure category, in particular, was identified as a critical dependent factor, meaning that even small changes in this domain could cause substantial systemic shifts. Based on the integrated findings, it is suggested that club managers prioritize managerial actions (e.g., respecting players’ dignity and addressing their basic needs) and financial mechanisms (e.g., timely bonuses) to improve athletes' motivational levels. This would eventually lead to reduced player indifference in professional training contexts. The findings also reflect the role of distributive justice in reducing perceived unfairness, which is a major cause of demotivation among players. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30039.html The equine industry represents a vital intersection of cultural heritage and economic potential, particularly in regions where traditional equestrian practices endure. This study investigates entrepreneurial opportunities within the Turkmen horse racing sector in Golestan province, Iran, emphasizing their role in fostering sustainable economic development and cultural preservation. Employing a mixed-methods exploratory approach, the research engaged 15 expert participants—including competition organizers, equestrian club owners, trainers, veterinary and agriculture specialists, tourism experts, and horse industry agents—in the qualitative phase, followed by a quantitative survey of 150 stakeholders (including knowledgeable tourists, riders, breeders, event managers, equipment agents, media representatives, and agricultural officials). Six core dimensions emerged as significant drivers of entrepreneurship: veterinary medicine, horse event organization, horse tourism, breeding and selling horses, horse exports, and agriculture and horse services. Among these, veterinary medicine was found to be the strongest predictor of entrepreneurial success, followed by horse event organization and horse tourism. These findings highlight the transformative potential of the equine sector in leveraging cultural assets for economic growth. Practical implications include the need for strategic investments in equine health infrastructure, modernization of breeding practices, and international branding of Turkmen horses through cross-border collaborations. Such efforts can enhance the sector’s appeal to domestic and global markets, unlocking both economic and cultural value. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30155.html The present study examines a sustainable supply chain model for active sports tourism. Adopting a mixed-method approach, the research utilized Glaser’s grounded theory, SEM, and interpretive structural modeling (ISM). In the qualitative phase, interviews were conducted with 12 experts and specialists in the field of sports tourism, and the collected data were coded using Glaser’s grounded theory method. In the quantitative phase, a sample of 380 participants—including faculty members and students in the fields of physical education and tourism—was selected, and the data were analyzed using PLS software. Subsequently, an expert panel (12 members) was convened to determine the hierarchical position of each component through interpretive structural modeling. The validity of the qualitative phase was confirmed through expert review, and its reliability was verified using the Kappa coefficient. In the quantitative phase, construct validity was assessed via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha. The findings revealed that key components of a sustainable supply chain include the equitable distribution of services, effective communication and awareness among stakeholders, creativity and innovation in performance, and sustainability and agility in operations—all of which play a critical role. Moreover, the positive impact of these components on the social, economic, and environmental performance of sports tourism was confirmed. A sustainable sports tourism supply chain can serve as an effective instrument for promoting the sustainable development of this industry in Iran. Considering the country’s existing potential, attention to the identified components can enhance sports tourism performance and increase foreign exchange revenues. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30167.html This study explores the lived experiences of student–teachers, faculty members, university administrators, and sports instructors in the Farhangian Training University campuses of Khorramabad, Aligudarz, and Borujerd, focusing on the role of general physical education (GPE) in strengthening professional identity, fostering active attitudes, and shaping the lifestyle of students. Employing a qualitative design grounded in hermeneutic phenomenology, the research population included stakeholders in physical education at Lorestan’s Farhangian University. Purposive and snowball sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected through 25 semi structured interviews and analyzed using Van Manen’s (2016) six phase thematic analysis. Data were managed in MAXQDA 2024. Credibility was ensured through participant checking, peer debriefing, and thick description. Findings revealed three core dimensions of identity formation through (GPE): physical and psychological self awareness, belonging to the teaching profession, and redefinition of the professional role from passive to active teacher. Active attitudes toward physical activity were reinforced through enhanced intrinsic motivation, self efficacy in designing movement based educational activities, and positive perspectives on student health. In terms of lifestyle, themes of stress management and resilience, sustainable physical and mental health, and role modeling within society were emphasized. Facilitating factors included infrastructure, innovative teaching methods, and cultural support, while barriers encompassed limited resources, weak planning, and cultural resistance. Overall, the study shows that when designed and implemented with an identity driven approach, (GPE) can transcend physical fitness, shaping the professional identity and active lifestyle of future teachers. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30173.html The purpose of this study was to examine the role of web visual advertising in the brand equity of online sports stores. This research was causal in nature and conducted using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of customers of online sports stores. Due to the unknown size of the population, the sample size was determined to be 384 individuals, assuming an unlimited population. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data, including Web Visual Advertising (Martinez et al., 2020), Brand Identity (Alakas et al., 2022), Perceived Value (Deng Wan et al., 2023), and Brand Equity (Azimzadeh et al., 2020). The reliability of the questionnaires, assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, was estimated at 0.81, 0.79, 0.84, and 0.87, respectively. The results of data analysis through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that web visual advertising had a significant positive effect on brand equity, perceived value, and brand identity. Moreover, perceived value and brand identity were found to significantly and positively influence brand equity. Accordingly, managers of online sports stores are advised to leverage visual elements in their advertising—such as appealing graphic design, effective color schemes, and creative product displays—to enhance customer perception and foster brand identity, thereby significantly improving their brand equity in the target market. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30184.html This research investigated the impact of Authentic Leadership and Servant Leadership on Innovative Performance among employees of Tehran Province Sports and Youth Departments, with self-efficacy examined as a mediator. Utilizing a random sampling method, data were gathered from 267 participants via a 32-item, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares regression in Smart PLS 3. The key findings indicate that while both AL and SL significantly boosted employees' self-efficacy, only AL and SE had a direct, positive effect on IP; SL's direct effect was not significant. Critically, SE served as a significant mediator in the pathways from both leadership styles to IP. This demonstrates that the primary mechanism through which both Servant and Authentic Leadership foster innovation is by indirectly enhancing employees' self-efficacy. The study concludes that cultivating leadership styles that build employee confidence and promoting an innovation-oriented culture are vital for boosting creativity in sports organizations. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30185.html Outdoor advertising in sports stadiums is one of the most dynamic forms of marketing communication, yet research on the integrated determinants of its effectiveness remains limited. This study identifies and prioritises the key factors influencing the effectiveness of out-of-home advertising in stadium settings. A Mixed-Methods Sequential Exploratory Design was used, beginning with a qualitative meta-synthesis to extract thematic dimensions, followed by a quantitative Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritise them. The meta-synthesis systematically reviewed 37 peer-reviewed studies published between 1995 and 2025, identified through major academic databases using keywords related to “stadium advertising,” “sports marketing,” and “out-of-home media.” Inclusion criteria focused on empirical and theoretical studies examining advertising effectiveness. Quality (QUAL) appraisal was conducted using the CASP checklist, and inter-rater reliability was confirmed through Cohen’s Kappa (κ = 0.724). Four core dimensions were identified: audience-related, message-related, stadium-related, and game-related factors. In the subsequent quantitative (QUAN) phase, AHP was applied to evaluations from 40 experts in sports management and marketing to determine the relative importance of these dimensions. Results indicate that audience-related factors are most influential, followed by message-, stadium-, and game-related factors. The study provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework to support the design of more engaging and context-sensitive stadium advertising strategies. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30195.html The aim of this study was to provide a critical interpretation of Iran’s e-sports ecosystem by analyzing the various dimensions of its governance challenges. This qualitative and exploratory research, conducted through an interpretive and inductive approach, employed semi-structured interviews with 12 experts, along with an analysis of existing documents and literature, to identify and examine the structural and institutional barriers to effective governance in Iranian e-sports. Data were analyzed using thematic coding based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase method, and key findings were illustrated through representative quotations. The findings indicated that the first major challenge in the governance of e-sports in Iran is the absence of a centralized and integrated governing structure, resulting from institutional ambiguity, overlapping roles, and lack of coordination among responsible bodies—factors that have hindered the formation of stable long-term policies. The second finding highlighted institutional and structural weaknesses in the organization and management of competitions, where the absence of standardized and formal systems has undermined trust and social capital among players, teams, and investors. The third finding revealed that stakeholder participation in decision-making is minimal, with policies predominantly formulated in a top-down, non-participatory manner—an issue that obstructs collaborative governance and the sustainable development of the e-sports ecosystem. Overall, the study demonstrated that e-sports governance in Iran faces deep institutional, structural, and cultural challenges. The lack of a unified central institution has led to fragmented decision-making, weak coordination, and limited socio-economic legitimacy. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30248.html Phenomenology, derived from the Greek words phainomenon (“that which appears”) and logos (“the study or revelation of meaning”), is a philosophical and qualitative research approach concerned with understanding lived experience as it is subjectively perceived. Rooted in the foundational work of Edmund Husserl and later developed by philosophers such as Martin Heidegger, phenomenology seeks to explore phenomena as they are experienced prior to interpretation or theoretical explanation. Central concepts include the lifeworld, lived experience, intentionality, temporality, and the bracketing of researchers’ assumptions in order to access authentic meaning. In the field of sports management, phenomenology has gained prominence as a valuable method for examining human experiences related to embodiment, judgment, leadership, and complex social dynamics within sporting environments. By privileging first-person narratives, this approach enables athletes, coaches, and sport managers to articulate their experiences with minimal distortion. Consequently, phenomenological research enhances the depth, richness, and credibility of findings. When applied to mountaineering, it offers nuanced insights into risk perception and decision-making, informing effective management practices and policy development in high-risk sport contexts. https://asml.ui.ac.ir/article_30286.html The purpose of this study was to design and elucidate a strategic management model for fitness clubs with an emphasis on managers’ arousal level. This research is applied in terms of its goal and employed a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative) in nature. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 experts in sports management and analyzed using thematic analysis. The qualitative findings revealed six main categories: strategy formulation, managers’ arousal, club resources and capacities, branding and marketing, technology and social networks, and performance evaluation. In the quantitative phase, a 25-item Likert-scale questionnaire, developed based on the qualitative findings, was administered to 368 fitness club managers in selected provinces. Data were analyzed using one-sample t-tests and structural equation modeling (SEM) based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) version 3. Qualitative data coding and analysis were conducted using MAXQDA version 20. To ensure data validity, Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria (credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability) were employed. Coding reliability was confirmed via Cohen’s Kappa index (82% agreement). The results indicated that all main themes are considered highly important from the managers’ perspective, and the relationships among them are statistically significant. Furthermore, managers’ arousal plays a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of strategies, optimizing resource utilization, and advancing performance evaluation. Accordingly, the findings of this study can provide a scientific foundation for improving strategic planning, enhancing managerial motivation, and promoting the sustainable development of fitness clubs.