BSc (Hons) Events Management

Level One

The Business of Events Management

This module serves as an introduction to the business of events management. Students are introduced to the nature of the contemporary event industry, how it is conceived and how it has developed into a global industry. The focus is on the demand for events and the supply of the event product, examining the inter-relationships between the public, private and voluntary sectors in domestic and international event organisation. Students are also introduced to the multi-faceted nature of event, both as an industry and as an emerging area for academic study. Emphasis will be placed upon the importance of using current contemporary sources in order to be able to comprehend the industry and the subject and to keep abreast of developments. Students will gain insight into why people travel to and host events. Emphasis will be placed on new event markets and the impacts of events at contrasting locations. The module aims to develop a discursive and analytical approach to evaluating the changing nature of event and related services.

Principles of Marketing

This module is designed to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of marketing. We aim to familiarise students with the key concepts and issues of marketing, giving them a thorough grasp of the sort of marketing decisions there are to be made and what factors affect them.

Investigating Tourism and Sport Events

This module will introduce students to tools of analysis required to research the supply of and demand for events within given geographical contexts. It will explore ways to collect, manage, analyse and interpret data, in order to follow the research process from start to finish. Students will develop and employ information technology skills to map, graph and interrogate secondary data from published sources and primary data collected by the students themselves.

Financial Communications

This module provides students with an understanding of the relevance of finance and accounting and some of the current issues facing business people. It is not an introduction to the technical side of accounting, rather it gives the non-specialist the ability to understand and comment upon issues which will arise for all of those wishing to pursue a business career. Because most organisations spend a considerable amount of time and money producing 'financial communications', the module examines the underlying reasons behind this behaviour and the extent to which these communications achieve their objectives.

Organisational Behaviour: Evolving Perspectives of Management

A number of competing and contrasting perspectives of past and present thinking on management are explored. In considering the changing and evolving roles of management and managers, the module acknowledges that the study of organisational behaviour is multi-disciplinary and draws in particular from psychology, social psychology, sociology, economics and political science.

Options

Students choose to study either Languages or alternative business focused modules:

Modern Language (Option)

Students choose from Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Spanish or English as a Foreign Language. Students are assessed as to which level they should begin this module at and will be placed in a suitable class. Students can choose to start at a 'beginner' level.

Contemporary Analysis of the Firm (Option)

This module aims to provide an analysis of business with a combination of microeconomic theory and current business examples. In this way, it is hoped that the module will provide a firm theoretical underpinning to pressing business issues in a way which both interesting and contemporary. This module introduces students to a range of microeconomic concepts and basic analytical techniques needed in the later years of students' degree course. The focus of the module is the Financial Times (FT). The FT covers issues relating to operations management, accounting, HRM, economics, finance etc., all of which are relevant to this degree. It has the additional benefit of encouraging students to keep abreast of current events in the commercial environment so maintaining a contemporary feel to the module. Moreover, it provides ideas about labour markets and job opportunities in the commercial world.

Business Planning and Forecasting (Option)

This introduces some quantitative techniques fundamental to analysis, planning and forecasting in business. It promotes a critical awareness and understanding of some of the processes, techniques and technology by which numerical information can be collected and communicated. Students practise the systematic use of appropriate industry-standard computer technology for the acquisition, analysis and presentation of data (for example, Excel or SPSS).

Level Two

Project Management of Events

An understanding project management processes and the acquisition of project management skills is essential for events managers. All events can be considered as time limited (if often recurring) projects which have to be managed to a successful conclusion, which relies on complex and important decisions being made through phases of planning, monitoring and controlling. The module focuses on the issues of planning, organisational, procedural, systematic and financial management in order to create a project management structure for a modern event context.

Event Management

This module provides an insight into the management of events of all sizes and types. The emphasis is on design, production and innovation, which are necessary hallmarks of competitive events management. Students will be involved in practical work associated with designing, hosting and evaluating events. As such this module will provide opportunities to develop events management experience.

Sponsorship and Corporate Hospitality

The module offers the student an in-depth understanding of the ways in which corporate hospitality contributes to the management of sponsorship programmes. In recent years, academic research suggests that corporate hospitality frequently overlaps with sponsorship and is actually managed in similar ways. The module introduces students to the principles and issues of events sponsorship and the links this offers with corporate hospitality. The core hospitality services are introduced, though in a changing context of strategic 'service provider' rather than solely as retailer.

Research Methods for Events, Tourism and Sport

This module provides students with a range of research skills, both quantitative and qualitative. In so doing it prepares students for their final year dissertation by giving them the skills, ideas and confidence to undertake a major piece of primary research. The module also encourages students to evaluate research using the key concepts of reliability and validity.

Understanding the Visitor Experience

This module delivers an understanding of the principles of marketing as applied in the field of events and tourism. The module material is exposed through lectures and guided reading. The seminars are the opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge of marketing applications in events through discussion of selected journal articles.

Human Resource Management for Tourism and Events

Although the concept of customer care is universally understood and widely practised, particularly in the events industry, there is a great deal of research evidence that shows that the perception of service in the sector by customers is still very poor. The issues of staff employed within the events industry and research evidence indicating positive relationship between effective HRM practises and business performance are examined. People are thus the primary focus of this module.

Modern Language

Students continue on their chosen language route.

Or

Law for Tourism and Events

Managing the Environment for Tourism and Sports Events

Or

Marketing, Advertising, Operations Management

Finance

Study Abroad

Students may elect to study for the second half of the academic year in one of the Department’s partner institutions, usually in Europe, Latin America, China, India or North America. During the semester abroad, students share classes with local students. Students benefit from having the opportunity to examine the nature of tourism in their respective countries and to 'socialise' in another culture.

Level Three

Optional Work Placement Year

There is the option for third year to be spent on a professional events placement, either in the UK or perhaps overseas. Where students take placement opportunities, the majority choose to organise this themselves, with our team providing support, advice and guidance; this provides further evidence to prospective employers about self-motivation and focus on professional development. The work placement provides students with the opportunity to relate theory to practice in a real business or event context. Building experience into the portfolio will be a key factor in career success in events management.

Level Four

Strategic Management for Events

This module draws upon and integrates a range of business disciplines in examining the theory and practice of strategic management within a changing business environment. As well as examining the local and national dimensions of business strategy, the module recognises the increasingly international context of contemporary events. In so doing, the module bridges the gap between discrete functionalist disciplines and the broader issues involved in general business activity.

Events and Sustainability

Sustainability and responsible management are key concepts for businesses and events organisers.  Events managers have usually focused on the experiential aspects of events, and whilst they should be engaging and 'fun', increasingly we need to consider the wider impacts events have on the environment. This module explores the nature of sustainable and responsible management, to provide students with a critical understanding of the key issues and ideas underpinning this important shift in event management practice. International case studies of different kinds events are analysed to identify best practice and understand how events can sometimes fall short of expectations.

Planning and Evaluating Events

Events are multidimensional in nature, involving a range of stakeholders.  This complicates evaluation as the 'success' of the event is viewed differently by different groups of stakeholders.  Events can be evaluated from the perspective of the 'business' and/or the customer, but increasingly events organisers have to be able to justify events in a wider economic, environmental, socio-cultural and political contexts. This module equips students with the tools required to undertake and present critical event evaluation and provides further opportunity for students to work on industry led projects.

Consumer Culture

The focus is the transition of the condition of society from the modern to the postmodern, and how this shift has shaped contemporary consumption: namely, shift away from normative experiences in prescribed locations, to individuated experiences in a diversity of locations. The writings of Lyotard and Jameson, as leading exponents of this shift, are examined. The consequences for the role of language and meaning are explained, making reference to the concepts of narrative, discourse and ideology, and the insights afforded by the concept of poststructuralism. The further consequences of the shift in terms of the emphasis on the visual and the challenge to authenticity is studied, drawing on the writings of Barthes, Baudrillard and Debord. Central to this will be the study and analysis of promotional materials in terms of their visual and semiotic content.

Participatory Cultures and the Digital Economy

The emergence of a digital economy has significantly influenced the nature of events management and marketing.  Predictions that the development of the Internet and associated technologies would replace the need for 'live' events and 'face-to-face' meetings and gatherings have not materialised.  Rather cultural and technological shifts seem to have not only led to a further proliferation of events, but altered expectations as people place higher value on innovation and creativity. Moreover, the way events are developed, promoted and experienced continues to change as cultures and technologies interact; witness the proliferation of twitter, social networking, YouTube, Google Apps/Reviews etc.   Participatory cultures mean that audiences and delegates interact in physical space and cyberspace in different ways; the experience can no longer be scripted and controlled.  The way people consume experiences shifts, as they engage in social media, in an environment which is both diverse and rich in content and networks; events are multi-media, mixing traditional 'face to face' interaction, with animated, visual, augmented and audio channels.  Attendees expect to be able to communicate, connect, learn and work whenever and where ever they want including at events, whilst travelling or at leisure.  This module explores the interaction of contemporary cultural shifts (including networked and participatory cultures) and technological change.  Students will engage with a range of Web 2.0 technologies as well as theoretical and managerial debates.

Options

Students choose to either continue with their language, undertake a dissertation or consultancy project or from a range of options, including:

Dissertation (Option)

This double module occupies a central role in the final year as it provides the principal vehicle by which students can clearly illustrate their ability to synthesise the differing disciplinary approaches and theoretical perspectives they have studied over three years. It aims to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their competency as independent, reflective researchers.

Consultancy Project (Option)

This module has been so designed that participants in the course will be given the opportunity to work as Marketing/PR/Advertising consultants on a 'live' company project. The overriding goal is for students to experience real company problems first hand and to work in small groups to attempt to find information and ideas that offer meaningful solutions to the client company. This module can be as challenging as it is engaging. It offers an opportunity to apply knowledge gained from the degree programme in a real world environment. This module prepares to bridge the gap between the classroom and industry and directly prepares students for employability.

Crisis and Disaster Management

Events are not immune from disaster or crisis. This module explores the notion of risk and how this influences consumer behaviour and contemporary management practice. Through examination of a series of case studies, from organisations to places, it develops a critical understanding of risks, crises and disasters that can affect the events, tourism and sports industries. Students develop an understanding of contingency planning and crisis management practice in the 'experience' industries.   The use of simulations and engagement with practioners enhances the students practical knowledge of the processes and procedures associated with crisis management.

Students are encouraged to develop independence in their thinking and managing their own time within a framework of direction and support offered by teaching staff. Throughout the course, students are sensitised to issues of codes of professional conduct and ethical behaviour.

Most modules include some lectures. These are designed to inspire and motivate students, introduce them to particular topics and give an overview of current issues and debates within the discipline. Some are given by visiting practitioners who provide 'live' case material and offer students industry contacts and careers advice. In addition to tutor-directed seminars, students are encouraged to form their own learning and support groupings.

Our approach is one of collaboration between staff and students. Emphasis is put on using the student group as a resource for learning. In seminars, which typically involve numbers of around 20, students are able to articulate their own thoughts and clarify ideas through discussion with others. A variety of learning methods used including in-class group exercises, discussions, presentations, evaluation of sample material, and case study analysis.

Student participation is encouraged from the start and set as the norm for the rest of the course. Students are expected to prepare prescribed material for seminars as well as generally keep abreast of current developments in their discipline. In order to better relate theory to practice, our students are involved in a number of assessed projects/events with outside employers.

The strategy for assessment includes the use of formative assessments where possible, to provide a key element of the learning experience. It also is designed to stagger the submission dates to provide a balanced study workload throughout the semesters.

The appropriate overall assessment 'load' per student per module has been centrally agreed, and this is reflected in the individual module specifications. The course is predominantly assessed through course work and practice focused assignments, with a small number of examinations.

The David Chiddick building was completely refurbished in 2010 and is home to Lincoln Business School at the University of Lincoln.

This provides students with teaching and learning space including lecture theatres, workshop rooms, IT labs and a mooting chamber, along with places to meet and eat with friends and staff. The building provides high quality spaces for teaching and group learning.

The building is situated opposite the Engine Shed and Library.

Events Management students combine an adaptable intellect with a set of practical and transferable managerial skills. The BSc (Hons) Events Management provides not only an understanding of background management knowledge and theory, but examines it in an events context and evaluates the relationship between theory and practice.

Students are provided with opportunities for live project/practice and assignments within the study modules, as well as occasions for developing a portfolio of events experience/reflection; primarily through an optional work placement.

There are a number of placement opportunities on this degree course:

• The opportunity for a study placement at an overseas partner University, usually for half the academic year. A short placement of up to 12 weeks. This is designed to fit in the break between the second and final levels of the degree course. Typically this period will be funded by devices such as the Shell STEP programme
• A full year (academic year) of work placement, funded by full-time paid employment. This is designed to last between 40 and 46 weeks
• Each students' experience can include one of these types, and preferably also other work experience such as relevant casual work, voluntary or social enterprise activity or leadership within student clubs and societies.

During their second year, as part of the Event Management module, teams of students will get to plan and implement their own event; this will form a practical assessment of professional competence providing direct and 'live' experience with real clients.

This course is for those who are interested understanding the economic and social imperatives of events and the theory and practice of events management.

Our course focus is on an exploration of the complexities of events and an understanding of contemporary events management practices. It combines key business modules, developing business and managerial skills, with specialised events management modules.

There are ample opportunities amongst local events organisers, within the public, private and third sectors, to develop an events portfolio.

The events industry is interrelated to a number of key economic sectors; the creative industries, tourism, sport and leisure. Recent evidence suggests that the events industry employs over half a million people within the UK. The industry is diverse in terms of types of event and size of business; from a myriad of specialist or niche providers to over 400 major events companies within the UK.

Events management graduates have good employment prospects relative to the average graduate and around half of the events workforce has a degree. Moreover, as the events industry globalises, so do employment prospects.

Our Events Management graduates will be well placed for successful careers in this exciting and diverse sector. The course provides an excellent grounding for potential managers in a range of events organisations in public, private and third sectors.

Career opportunities include a range of roles in convention and trade show organisation, exhibition and event management, public relations, corporate hospitality, event venue management, festival organisation and sport and media events.

Events management is an evolving employment concept and therefore students will need to be motivated towards business development.

Events are not just about taking part; they are about building capacity, design, production, creativity and innovation. Therefore any work experience that students may be able to gather will be of a distinct advantage to them in return.

At the University of Lincoln, we have some fantastic voluntary work experience vacancies so to help students in becoming employable. So all we ask is that they are well motivated and enthusiastic.

Students will need the normal entry requirements.

260 UCAS points from at least two full A Levels, preferably three (or equivalent). Students will also need at least five GCSEs grade A-C, which must include English Language and Maths.

We encourage applications from mature students and we will give special individual consideration to those that are in this category and do not have the standard entry requirements.

Students whose first language is not English will also need British Council IELTS band 6.0 or above or equivalent.