Qualitative Research in Sport Management
📘 About This Book
Good qualitative research can help sport management researchers and industry professionals solve difficult problems and better understand their organisations, stakeholders and performance. Now in a fully revised and extended new edition, this book is a user-friendly introduction to qualitative methods in sport management. Covering the full research process from research planning to reporting results, this edition includes expanded coverage of cutting-edge areas including digital and social media research, critical realism, and social network analysis. The book examines the reflective and interrogative processes required for developing effective qualitative research questions and includes a deeper discussion of ontology and epistemology in the light of today’s rapidly changing society. It takes the reader step-by-step through essential and emerging qualitative methods, from actor network theory and ethnography to computer-assisted data analysis and sampling typologies. Every chapter includes examples of real qualitative research, including shorter "research briefs" and extended case studies, reflecting the exciting qualitative research that is currently occurring in sport business and management, and highlighting the links between research and sport management practice. This is essential reading for courses in sport management, sport business, sport policy, sport marketing, sport media, and communications. It provides students, researchers, and practitioners with the knowledge and skills to undertake qualitative research while deepening their understanding of how the social world can be perceived and interpreted through a particular theoretical lens. Useful online materials include recommended readings and PowerPoint slides.
📖 Summary
Qualitative Research in Sport Management by James Skinner, published in 2020 and spanning 635 pages, offers a comprehensive, user-friendly guide tailored for researchers and industry professionals operating within the dynamic world of sports business. The core premise of the book is that robust qualitative research serves as an essential tool for solving complex operational challenges, enhancing organizational comprehension, and deeply engaging with stakeholders and performance metrics. As the modern sports landscape continually evolves, this fully revised and extended edition addresses contemporary methodologies by incorporating expanded coverage of cutting-edge areas. These include digital and social media research, critical realism, and social network analysis, equipping readers with the modern analytical lenses required in today's digital age. The text meticulously walks the reader through the entire research lifecycle, beginning with initial research planning and design, moving through data collection and analysis, and concluding with the effective reporting of qualitative results. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to examining the reflective and interrogative processes vital for formulating strong, effective qualitative research questions. Furthermore, Skinner provides a deeper philosophical discussion surrounding ontology and epistemology, prompting researchers to contextualize their work within a rapidly changing society. By blending theoretical foundations with practical application, this extensive volume serves as both an educational textbook and a professional handbook, ensuring that readers can successfully navigate the qualitative paradigm to generate meaningful insights in sport management.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a thorough, end-to-end guide covering the entire research process from planning to reporting.
Includes up-to-date coverage of contemporary areas like digital and social media research.
Offers deep philosophical discussions on ontology and epistemology relevant to modern society.
Serves as a user-friendly introduction while maintaining academic rigor across 635 pages.
⚠️ Cons
The extensive length and academic nature of the book may be overwhelming for casual readers.
Focuses heavily on qualitative methods, making it less applicable for those seeking quantitative analysis.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Qualitative Research in Sport Management? +
The book was written by James Skinner.
When was this revised edition published? +
This fully revised and extended edition was published in 2020.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book spans 635 pages.
What new topics are covered in this edition? +
This edition includes expanded coverage of digital and social media research, critical realism, and social network analysis.
Who can benefit from reading this book? +
Sport management researchers, students, and industry professionals looking to solve complex organizational problems can benefit from this text.
