Undergraduate Program in Barcelona
BA - Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management

FIRST SEMESTER (22 CH | 30 ECTS)

• Foundations of Business Management 3 | 4
  This course explores the dynamic organizational environment in which businesses operate and provides students with an overview of functional areas such as human resources, marketing, public relations, financial management, operations management, as well as purchasing and supply management. Students develop an understanding of the theory underlying key management principles including planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Students are introduced to and use the case study method to critically examine business management practices.
• Marketing Management 3 | 4
  Marketing involves understanding the marketing mix and making decisions about product, distribution, promotion and price. This course introduces students to the basic concepts, analyses and activities that comprise marketing management, including the study of the marketing environment framework, target market, market segmentation, marketing ethics and the marketing mix. Students analyze cases reflecting marketing successes and failures to acquire the fundamentals of marketing management.
• Writing Communication Skills 3 | 4
  This course provides students with theoretical and practical application of communication principles that relate to the production of written messages in the business world. The principles studied and applied in this course come from cases involving business letters, reports and memoranda. Emphasis is put on the production of effective messages which project the brand, achieve desired outcomes and generate positive working relationships.
• Accounting I 3 | 4
  The course is an introduction to the basic accounting theories and principles like: the accounting cycle; the recording and reporting of accounting data; adjusting entries; closing entries; subsidiary ledgers; and financial statements like the accounting for assets is covered in detail. The course also explores new accounting technologies and their use in the preparation of financial information.
• Microeconomics 3 | 4
  This course deals with the key principles of microeconomics that have critical, far-ranging applications in business, government and everyday life. Students reflect on theories and insights, leading to an analytical understanding of many choices made by individuals, organizations, governments and other stakeholders. Some powerful, analytical tools and concepts are presented and explored as students learn to assess and analyze the world from an economic perspective.
• Elementary Calculus 2 | 3
  This course builds skills and proficiency in calculus and focuses on the understanding and application of areas of calculus that are relevant to managerial and business sciences. Students revisit the theory and practice of limits, continue with derivatives and explore applications and integration; including multi-variable scenarios, differential equations, series and optimization.
• IT Software for Business 2 | 3
  Computer literacy is fundamental to the learning process and a mandatory component for a successful career. This course helps students understand computer hardware, software and network systems. It focuses on the Microsoft Office suite and the use of the internet. Special emphasis is given to MS Excel, as it is an essential tool for other subjects taught during the programs.
• Environmental Sustainability 2 | 3
  Environmental sustainability means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Students examine the objectives and best sustainability practices of leading non-profit and for-profit organizations. In addition, the course looks at “green” business initiatives throughout the world. Topics include carbon and water markets; green buildings; design; and sustainable management systems.
• Personal & Professional Development Seminars/Company visits 1 | 1

SECOND SEMESTER (22 CH | 30 ECTS)

• Ethics in Business 3 | 4
  This course is an introduction to ethical theory and how it is applied to business issues. Students use case studies to identify ethical issues, analyze them using learned principles and make recommendations to resolve them. The course also prepares students for the social responsibility challenges and opportunities they will face throughout their careers.
• Oral Communication Skills 3 | 4
  The fundamental skills for communicating within the workplace and on behalf of an organization are the basis upon which students develop the skills necessary to be effective business executives. These skills include listening, interviewing, speech evaluation, poise and confidence. Students learn to analyze how, when and in which format to send messages, and develop critical analysis skills in order to enhance their oral communication skills.
• Accounting II 3 | 4
  Key accounting concepts and analytical techniques are applied as students gain an in-depth understanding of concepts such as stockholders’ equity, retained earnings and cash flow. The course also examines different tools used in financial statement analysis as well as the basic concepts of budgeting and cost accounting systems used in management accounting.
• Macroeconomics 3 | 4
  Macroeconomics studies the larger picture and, as such, some of the most important issues that affect our daily lives - income, inflation, unemployment, interest rates, GDP and the business cycle. Students also investigate the role of economics in relation to government policy, international trade and the international monetary system.
• Business Law 3 | 4
  This course introduces students to the main legal issues that entrepreneurs, organizations and business managers face when running an operation. Students learn about key concepts of business law through situational analysis and discussions on topics including statutory, common and case law. Topics such as setting up a company, trust or partnership, contracts, mercantile, tax, civil, agency and commercial law are covered. The relationship between ethics and the law is a common thread running through the course.
• Mathematics of Finance 2 | 3
  This course enables students to perform all the analyses required in day-to-day transactions involving value (time and/or money). Students learn to make business investment decisions in an objective manner. The course explores mathematical concepts and procedures required in financial management and analysis.
• Applied Management Statistics 2 | 3
  This course provides students with hands-on experience in the techniques related to the collection and use of statistical data and their evaluation and application in managerial situations. Subjects covered include means, distribution, dispersion and sampling. Keys to statistical inference are highlighted and the importance of random sampling is investigated.
• Advertising, Media & Branding 2 | 3
  This course introduces students to the key concepts and practices that underpin successful advertising and brand communications. Students learn how to select appropriate media for these communications and also develop an understanding of trends, visual thinking, advertising brief development, marketing principles, brand communications, media relations and client/agency relationships.
• Personal & Professional Development Seminars/Company visits 1 | 1

THIRD SEMESTER (21 CH | 30 ECTS)

• Strategic Marketing 3 | 4
  Strategic marketing is the process of ensuring customer satisfaction through the integration of business functions and the continuous search for a sustainable competitive advantage. Students discuss where strategic marketing fits within the overall business plan. The course views strategic marketing from the customer and brand perspective and examines the concept of marketing strategy: targeting, achieving a sustainable competitive advantage and brand positioning.
• Business Finance I 3 | 4
  This course introduces students to core financial areas and issues that provide a basis for more specific learning in other courses. Students are introduced to financial instruments and techniques used in financial decision making. Concepts such as asset valuation, financial health, future investment planning, risk and return are explored through case studies.
• Human Resources Management 2 | 3
  Effective human resources management is a key function in successful organizations. The course examines theories and explores the dynamic relationship between strategy, people, technology and the processes that drive organizations. Key topics include profiling; recruitment and development of staff; employment laws; motivation; job satisfaction; performance management; and fair compensation.
• Production Management 2 | 3
  This course covers production and operational management, focusing on productivity analysis that contributes to improving business processes and creating a competitive edge. Inventory control systems, procurement, manufacturing and quality control systems are key issues examined and discussed.
• Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creation 2 | 3
  This course explores the complexities of starting and developing a small business. Students examine the management skills necessary to succeed as independent business owners and learn how to assess personal strengths and weaknesses in order to form effective work teams. The course uses cases to explore key topics such as opportunity analysis, feasibility studies and start-up finance, as well as comparing entrepreneurial management with professional management.
• Management Information Systems 2 | 3
  This course looks at the foundations, technology and applications of management information systems (MIS) in today’s competitive business environment. Students identify the major management challenges to building and using information systems. Practical cases are used to examine, analyze and compare systems which serve the information needs of organizations.
• Digital Business 2 | 3
  Digital Business is an interdisciplinary topic encompassing both business and technology. The course is an introduction to this rapidly-changing mode of doing business. It examines commonly-used and emerging technologies, as well as discussing the organizational impacts and management implications of moving into digital business. A number of specific applications are reviewed through case studies.
• Sports Sociology 2 | 3
  Sport and society are inextricably intertwined, to the extent that sport can be seen as a microcosm of the societies in which we live. Using main sociological theories as a framework, students analyze the different options available to those who make decisions on how sport is used to develop society. The course requires the study of a wide range of subjects in the context of sport and society, such as economics, politics, gender, religion, prejudice and our need for competition and fitness.
• Public & Media Relations in Sport 2 | 3
  This course provides students with a broad overview and understanding of the basic practices of public and media relations. The tasks, roles and responsibilities of PR professionals are examined, focusing on how they are applied in the sport industry. The media plays an important role in linking sports with its audience and, therefore, communication is a fundamental part of the industry’s success.
• Personal & Professional Development Seminars/Company visits 1 | 1
• Research Methods |
  This course is designed to enhance students’ academic writing and research skills, and acts as a practical stepping stone towards the dissertation process. Students are first introduced to the world of academic writing and research, referencing and citation styles, and issues surrounding plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Subsequently, the course focuses on real world management research methods, where students are introduced to research philosophies and methodologies. Students learn how to best address their research problem, adequately design their research, formulate their research plan, and choose appropriate methodologies and methods.

FOURTH SEMESTER (21 CH | 30 ECTS)

• Global Economics 3 | 4
  All economies, regardless of their size, depend on other economies to some extent. In this course, students examine the forces, processes and actors that shape economic globalization. Topics include the effectiveness of trade organizations such as the WTO, the theory of comparative advantage, modern trade theory, intra-industry trade and the impact of protectionism tools such as tariffs on global trade. The course also examines the impact of international trade on labor and the environment; the balance of payments; exchange rates and the exchange rate systems; open economy macroeconomics; past international financial crises; NAFTA; and the impact of the European Union on the global economy.
• Business Finance II 3 | 4
  This course explores and assesses financial issues affecting markets, companies and management. Students are invited to examine and reflect on current and past cases to strengthen learning. Topics include measuring efficiency, valuation of debt, financial analysis and planning and working capital.
• Social Media Marketing 2 | 3
  In the rapidly-evolving world of search engine optimization and viral marketing, social media plays a leading role. This course explores social media marketing tools, techniques and strategies and examines how to use them to build valuable, lasting relationships with customers and other stakeholders. Students learn how to improve online campaign performance and combine social media with other components of a marketing or communications campaign.
• Financial Markets 2 | 3
  Financial institutions support entrepreneurs and help them manage the economic risks they take on. This course teaches students the strengths and imperfections of tools and institutions such as banking, insurance, securities, futures, bonds and other derivatives markets, focusing on the recent past, the present and the near future.
• Consumer Behavior 2 | 3
  Understanding consumers enables marketers to more effectively meet the needs of buyers in the market. This course investigates the processes that individuals, groups and organizations use to select, secure, use and dispose of products, services and experiences. It also covers the process of generating ideas to satisfy the needs and impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society. Students develop an understanding of the way people interact with products or services and their marketing environment, as well as an appreciation of the social, cultural and marketing factors that influence the selection and use of products and services.
• Sales & Purchasing Management 2 | 3
  The course focuses on business-to-business relationships. Students learn how to apply their knowledge of sales and purchasing concepts to solve business problems. Effective management of salespeople and purchasing functions is critical to business success because of the constant pressure to improve cost optimization and resource efficiency.
• Sports Psychology 2 | 3
  This course incorporates basic theory, discussion and practical experience to facilitate understanding of performance enhancement in sport and in life. Drawing on both sample cases and personal experiences, students explore their own mental habits as a means to develop insight into behaviors that influence performance.
• Event Management 2 | 3
  This course provides students with an understanding of the complexity of event operations and management. Emphasis is placed on the roles that the various stakeholders play within an event and on the integration of the services provided. The course uses a mix of theory, case analysis, written assignments, readings and class discussion.
• Sports Broadcasting 2 | 3
  This course provides students with a broad overview and understanding of the basic practices of sports reporters, as well as the routines and techniques used by sportscasters. On completing this course, students understand how to prepare and produce sports news components, such as interviews, reports, chronicles, etc., for all kinds of media. Students also learn the fundamentals of broadcast journalism.
• Personal & Professional Development Seminars/Company visits 1 | 1
• Research Methods |
  This course is designed to enhance students’ academic writing and research skills, and acts as a practical stepping stone towards the dissertation process. Students are first introduced to the world of academic writing and research, referencing and citation styles, and issues surrounding plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Subsequently, the course focuses on real world management research methods, where students are introduced to research philosophies and methodologies. Students learn how to best address their research problem, adequately design their research, formulate their research plan, and choose appropriate methodologies and methods.

FIFTH SEMESTER (21 CH | 30 ECTS)

• Global Business 3 | 4
  This course introduces students to the world of international business and management and examines contextual factors, administrative mechanisms, organizational processes, cultural influences and government and business structures in the global economy. Students explore the challenges facing modern corporations when organizing cross-border activities that span multiple stages of the value chain. Topics include trade relations and missions; international finance; legal and labor agreements; information needs; production systems; marketing; and promotion.
• Financial Statement Analysis 3 | 4
  In this course, students learn how to evaluate company performance and value based on financial information. Students interpret the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow in addition to learning how to apply ratio analysis. At the end of the course students are able to prepare financial projections based on a company’s financial reports.
• Negotiation 2 | 3
  This course helps students build their negotiation skills and develop an analytical understanding of negotiations and conflict management so that they can become more effective problem solvers. Through role play, simulation and observation, students examine, evaluate and apply negotiation techniques, learning to identify tricks and distracters used by counterparts.
• Small Business Management 2 | 3
  The course explores the complexities of managing and developing a small business and gives students practical information concerning small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). This involves exploring the practical implications of self-employment and being part of a family-run business. Topics include areas of marketing, finance and labor management specific to the SME sector.
• Corporate Finance 2 | 3
  The course addresses three main issues in corporate finance: how a corporation should invest its funds; how it should finance its investments; and to what extent it should distribute some of its assets to its owners. Students look at practical examples of how this balance is achieved in order to maximize the value of the organization.
• Industrial Marketing 2 | 3
  The course introduces the key elements of business-to-business (B2B) marketing and analyzes the differences between industrial and consumer markets. Topics include business buyer behavior, steps in business-buying decisions, B2B marketing strategies, the role of events and B2B marketing campaigns.
• Sports Data & Analysis 2 | 3
  This course encourages students to think critically about all aspects related to nutrition and health within the field of sport. The science behind sports nutrition emphasizes basic nutritional concepts, including energy expenditure during resistance and endurance exercise, training diets, pre- and post-competition meals, the use of nutritional aids and supplements and the special needs of various athletic groups. This course provides practical information for the competitive athlete and for people of all ages who wish to optimize their nutrition for an active, healthy lifestyle.
• Sports Marketing 2 | 3
  This course provides a current overview of several facets of the sports marketing industry, including athlete representation and management; marketing of clients and events; industry structure; technology; strategy; and broadcasting. It incorporates and reinforces the skills and concepts that have been acquired in previous courses, while developing general knowledge and perspective of sports marketing.
• Legal & Ethical Issues in Sport 2 | 3
  This course examines the legal and ethical aspects of physical education, sports and recreation, all of which have significant implications for effective teaching, coaching and athletic training.
• Personal & Professional Development Seminars/Company visits 1 | 1

• The Business Consultancy Project Part I | 10
  Improvements to processes, services, products, people, and systems are core to the strategy of organisations. Improvements bridge the gap between current and required performance to add value and achieve and sustain a competitive advantage in the long-term. Effective consultation and project management using appropriate business improvement and research methodologies is key to the successful implementation of change. In this module students will explore how to plan, organise, motivate, and control resources to achieve defined goals, on time and to agreed cost and quality criteria. Using a consultative approach, students will be challenged to make decisions based on their own research to provide practical advice and solutions to real-life scenarios taking into consideration the organisation’s constraints. They will liaise with employers, establish agreed objectives and present their findings in a clear, business focused report and presentation.
• Global Business and Strategy | 10
  This module studies the global business using a combined strategic and economic approach. As part of this module, you will explore the recent major global economic shifts and analyse current international business events. You will study the key theoretical underpinnings, trends and challenges of international trade and foreign direct investment. You will analyse the importance of government and institutions in controlling/regulating international business behaviour. This will allow you to consider the long-term sustainability of businesses in the ever-changing, and often hostile, global business environment and help you understand the critical role played by strategic management. You will learn how to weigh up a range of complex issues like culture, leadership, corporate governance and others when developing a strategy for an international business. Throughout this module, you will develop critical practical skills valued by employers and professional accreditation bodies. These include selecting and interpreting data, problem-solving and decision-making, positioning analysis, and developing and evaluating strategic options. Such skills are vital for successful careers in a variety of international and domestic organisations
• Marketing Across Cultures | 10
  Organisations in all sectors and industries face increasing international competition. This can be from multi-nationals, from competitors establishing themselves in their domestic environment, the need for foreign suppliers or indeed when they seek to establish operations abroad. As a student of Marketing and future Marketing professional, you must therefore have a thorough understanding of the added complexities involved and how this impacts on the formulation of marketing plans and strategies. This module seeks to build on the knowledge and concepts you will have encountered at earlier stages of the course. It aims to familiarise you with a range of issues and concepts encountered by international marketers and to provide the theoretical framework that will enable you to analyse and implement these in a real-life business situation. Your assessment is coursework-based, designed to enable you to demonstrate your ability to approach a business challenge as a marketer and business manager. The assessment methods used on this module will also help you develop key skills desired by employers, for example critical analysis, business report writing and presentation skills.

• The Business Consultancy Project Part II | 10
  Improvements to processes, services, products, people, and systems are core to the strategy of organisations. Improvements bridge the gap between current and required performance to add value and achieve and sustain a competitive advantage in the long-term. Effective consultation and project management using appropriate business improvement and research methodologies is key to the successful implementation of change. In this module students will explore how to plan, organise, motivate, and control resources to achieve defined goals, on time and to agreed cost and quality criteria. Using a consultative approach, students will be challenged to make decisions based on their own research to provide practical advice and solutions to real-life scenarios taking into consideration the organisation’s constraints. They will liaise with employers, establish agreed objectives and present their findings in a clear, business focused report and presentation.
• Developing Leadership and Management | 10
  This module is about the concepts of Leadership and Management. It explores the similarities and differences in the roles and responsibilities of leaders and managers in the workplace and the development of leadership theoretical approaches as well as the practical application of these within organisations. Students will analyse the skills and competencies of effective organisational leaders and examine alternative methods of leadership development to enhance these.
• International Entrepreneurship | 10
  This module seeks to develop your understanding of the emerging area of International Entrepreneurship and how you can apply that knowledge in a real-life situation. In recent years, international business and entrepreneurship have been coalescing into a single cognate area that is now becoming regarded as cohesive in its own right. Trading blocs such as the EU have placed emphasis on entrepreneurship as an engine of economic growth and the trend towards greater international involvement of SMEs is accelerated by technological advances. At the same time globalization has prompted the re-emergence of local cultures which influence the growth of entrepreneurship in diverse ways. We can therefore see a tension between the global and local elements. Creating an in-depth appreciation of these elements will enable you to apply theory to inform, evaluate and enhance potential international entrepreneurial ventures. Ultimately all organizations need to be aware of the development of international business and that they can no longer rely simply on national trade. The purpose of this module is therefore for you to explore entrepreneurial activity across boundaries paying attention to cultural and political differences, choice of markets, supply chain relations and appropriate marketing implementation. You will apply your learning to a local SME to produce an international market entry strategy and critically evaluate the process you have undertaken.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (23 CH | 30 ECTS)

• Research Methods (with a pass) |
  This course is designed to enhance students’ academic writing and research skills, and acts as a practical stepping stone towards the dissertation process. Students are first introduced to the world of academic writing and research, referencing and citation styles, and issues surrounding plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Subsequently, the course focuses on real world management research methods, where students are introduced to research philosophies and methodologies. Students learn how to best address their research problem, adequately design their research, formulate their research plan, and choose appropriate methodologies and methods.
• Dissertation Seminar |
  The purpose of these seminars is to introduce those students who are in their final year of studies or intend to embark on their dissertation process, to the necessary steps required to register for their dissertation. The seminars cover the academic and qualitative requirements for dissertations at EU Business School, familiarising students with the necessary documentation and administrative processes, supporting students with topic selection, as well as assisting students with their research focus and dissertation proposals.
• Final Case: Marketing (10%) |
• Final Case: Sports Management (10%) |
  All students must successfully submit and defend before a panel of judges two final cases developed in the courses of Cases in Marketing and Cases in their respective field of specialization. Each Final Cases defense grade corresponds to 10% of the final grade on the transcript for all graduation requirements.
• Dissertation (80%) |
  The Dissertation component marks the culminating academic requirement for students at all levels and allows them to identify and investigate real world challenges, and to produce an independent piece of academic work reflecting their knowledge, research and analysis. Students can choose their topic from a wide array of subject areas. However, their topics must reflect their specialization and must be approved by the Dissertation Coordinator. Students receive constant support, mentorship and guidance from their Promoters, Dissertation Coordinator, as well as the extended faculty. The Dissertation grade corresponds to 80% of the final grade on the transcript for all graduation requirements.

SIXTH SEMESTER (21 CH | 30 ECTS)

• Strategic Management 3 | 4
  This course examines how firms gain and maintain a competitive advantage. It explores the corporate environment and looks at the challenges entrepreneurs and senior management face when transmitting the vision and mission so that these permeate all departments and functional areas. The course takes a general management point of view of an organization and analyzes decisions and strategies in light of the total business. Students relate strategy to the future development of the organization and discuss how to implement strategic plans.
• Budgeting & Control 3 | 4
  In this course students learn how to create company budgets in line with business policy and, from a management perspective, to understand their purpose, the advantages and disadvantages of budgetary control, and the concept of responsibility centers. The need for detailed information is highlighted and students become familiar with the main concepts, tools and techniques for budgeting and for analyzing budgeting variances.
• Organizational Communication 2 | 3
  This course concentrates on the fundamental skills of communicating effectively and optimizing synergies in the workplace. Students explore, understand, improve and develop their ability to judge and apply effective strategies, such as two-way communication, events and other social media tools, in the area of organizational communication. Students also learn to analyze how, when and in which format to send messages and develop critical analysis in order to enhance their communication and add value to an organization.
• Cases in Marketing 2 | 3
  This course brings together the skills and knowledge that students will have acquired in the area of marketing. Students thoroughly analyze cases illustrating a variety of situations in which a wide range of companies find themselves, discuss the issues and search for creative solutions. Students identify market opportunities and learn to define strategies compatible with the organization’s marketing plan. This course helps students to understand the strategic and integral role of the marketing department in a business.
• Cases in Sports Management 2 | 3
  This course uses case studies to give practical illustrations of issues that arise in various areas of sports management. Students learn to deal with a range of cases systematically: identifying issues, determining possible impacts, evaluating proposals and producing solutions.
• Sponsoring & Sports Communications 2 | 3
  This course introduces the principles of sports sponsorship, an increasingly important element in the sports industry. A practical approach is applied to critically examine the various management issues, including planning, processing, sales strategizing and evaluating.
• International Sports Management 2 | 3
  This course combines theory, case studies, internet investigation and exercises to provide students with a clear view of the sports hospitality and sports events markets on a global scale. A very practical and interactive approach is applied, by bringing organizers and sports hospitality providers to relay real-life experiences of the world of sport.
• Sports Career Development 2 | 3
  This course explores professional preparation, attitude and development as the three important elements of success. The sports industry offers a wide range of positions including athletes, managers, coaches, marketers and reporters. Preparing students to apply the three key elements provides a solid base for any future career.
• Sports Facility Planning & Management 2 | 3
  The practice of sport requires a wide range of facilities. Both public and private sector funds are invested for the benefit of all the stakeholders. Deciding upon appropriate facilities requires assessment, feasibility studies and solid business plans. Operating and managing the facilities must be carried out in the most cost-effective, sustainable way, whether the facilities are for long-term use by a community or for special events with short-term duration.
• Personal & Professional Development Seminars/Company visits 1 | 1