Using the information about the management decision-making model and leadership presented in Chapter 4, outline the steps that you would take to prepare for this event (be sure and address the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion).
Sample Solution
Preparing for the NCAA Women's Final Four: A Management and Leadership Approach
As the director of the sports commission in a major U.S. city hosting the NCAA Women's Final Four in two years, a multi-faceted approach is needed to ensure a successful and impactful event. This plan prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) throughout the preparation process.
Steps and Skills:
1. Form a Diverse Planning Committee (Leadership):
- Skill: Building and empowering teams
- Action: Establish a representative committee with members from various backgrounds (sports organizations, event management, community leaders, diverse fan groups) to ensure diverse perspectives throughout planning.
2. Conduct a Needs Assessment (Management):
- Skill: Data analysis and problem-solving
- Action: Analyze past Final Four events, identify strengths and weaknesses, and assess our city's infrastructure (venues, transportation, accommodations) to identify potential challenges and resource needs.
3. Develop a Strategic Plan with EDI Goals (Leadership):
- Skill: Strategic thinking and goal setting
- Action: With the committee's input, craft a comprehensive plan outlining operational details, marketing strategies, and specific EDI objectives. These objectives could include promoting women's sports through youth initiatives, ensuring accessibility for fans with disabilities, or partnering with local women-owned businesses for merchandise or catering.
Full Answer Section
4. Secure Funding and Partnerships (Management & Leadership):
- Skills: Negotiation, budgeting, relationship building
- Action: Develop a budget for the event and explore various funding opportunities (corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, city funding). Leadership skills are crucial for negotiating favorable sponsorship deals and building strong partnerships with key stakeholders like the NCAA, local businesses, and community organizations.
5. Develop a Marketing and Communication Plan (Management & Leadership):
- Skills: Communication, marketing expertise
- Action: Create a comprehensive marketing campaign to generate excitement for the event. This includes promoting the EDI initiatives to attract diverse audiences and fostering a welcoming environment for all fans. Leadership is needed to ensure clear communication with all stakeholders, including the public, media, and participating teams.
6. Implement the Plan and Delegate Tasks (Management):
- Skills: Project management, delegation
- Action: Oversee the execution of the plan, delegate tasks effectively based on committee members' expertise, and monitor progress towards established goals.
7. Evaluation and Post-Event Review (Management & Leadership):
- Skills: Evaluation, reflection
- Action: Evaluate the event's success, analyzing data on attendance, economic impact, and EDI goals achieved. Leadership is key in reflecting on lessons learned and identifying areas for improvement to inform future events.
By combining strong management and leadership skills, we can ensure a successful and inclusive Women's Final Four that celebrates women's sports, generates revenue for the city, and leaves a positive lasting impact on the community.