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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Organisational Influences on Elite Performance
Module Code SPO1051 (ITS: SS508)
Faculty Health & Human Performance School Science & Health
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 7.5
Description

Students will systematically review the research underpinning organisational culture in sport and how it applies to elite sport performance. Students will explore the various ways that the sport literature has conceptualised organisational culture, definitions of organisational culture and methods used to study this concept. Students will examine the need for evidence based guidelines and ecologically valid, practically meaningful knowledge as the basis for culture change. Recognising leadership as one of the most significant factors in sport, this module will explore the research underpinning leadership in sport, who effective leaders are, their intentions and behaviours, and the context in which they operate. In developing their final assignment, students will reflect on the interconnected nature of the MSc in Elite Sport Performance modules (e.g., research design, planning and evaluation).

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain and appraise organisational and cultural constraints on sport performance
2. Critically examine the range of leadership theories in relation to sport performance
3. Investigate and identify potential barriers to innovation in their performance domain
4. Critically consider and identify potential solutions to the likely challenges faced in implementing change in sport performance settings
5. Synthesise and critically evaluate information, and communicate same using oral and written means


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Online activity25Students will engage with online material via Loop including but not limited to webinars, online tasks, quizzes, and tutorials
Independent Study100Independent pursuit of relevant issues and ideas raised during the module. Participants will be expected to engage in reading and critical review of literature relevant to the module
Independent Study25Stimulus presentations and discussion, delivered online using blended learning formats, will be used to tease out possible contributing topics and test the student’s current levels of knowledge and experience with them. As their reading progresses, students may be directed towards relevant recent investigations in their own and parallel domains.
Assignment Completion37.5Students will individually complete assignments
Total Workload: 187.5
Section Breakdown
CRN11608Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorRobin TaylorModule TeacherÁine MacNamara
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentThe written report will offer a well researched and justified plan for an innovation or series of innovations to enhance performance in the student’s domain. The plan will have identified, countered and where appropriate catered for the challenges posed by (but not limited to) organisational, cultural, and individual constraints and opportunities. The assignment format is flexible. Indicative suggestions are below: (a) written report (8000 words) (b) Journal article (3000 - 8000 words depending on the target journal) (c) Portfolio presentation (e.g., slides, visuals, AV data, with accompanying narrative) (4000 words plus supporting documentation), (d) Case study (8000 words)100%n/a
AssignmentIn Year 1, students considered their academic pathway on the MSc in Elite Sport Performance. As assessment map was developed to guide the choice of assignments in modules 1-7. In this assignment, the assessment map will be evaluated to ensure a range of appropriate assessments are undertaken and to guide the decision about the final CA submission0%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Organisational and cultural constraints in sport performance
Students will systematically review the study of organisational culture in sport and how it applies to their context. In doing so, students will explore the various ways that the sport literature has conceptualised organisational culture, definitions of organisational culture and methods used to study this concept. Against a call for expertise in culture change in sport (Fletcher & Arnold, 2011), students will examine the need for evidence based guidelines and ecologically valid, practically meaningful knowledge as the basis for culture change. Recognising leadership as one of the most significant factors in sport, this module will explore the research underpinning leadership in sport, who effective leaders are, their intentions and behaviours, and the context in which they operate.

Culture change in sport performance
Students will explore theory and practice of innovation and culture change in sport performance contexts. Students will consider the challenges of implementing change in complex settings and the role of stakeholders in the change process

Leadership in sport contexts
Students will examine the main leadership models and the issues that impact on leadership practice in sport.

Innovations in Elite Performance
This module develops students in the principles and methods underpinning the design, development, deployment, evaluation and refinement of performance innovation.Students will develop their own ‘knowledge web’ pertaining to the areas of interest, following a specific path through the extant literature on both generic innovation and their own specific idea, coupled with an experience-based knowledge of important components of their own domain.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
  • Grant, A: 2017, Beyond ‘crude pragmatism’ in sports coaching: Insights from C.S. Peirce, William James, and John Dewey: A commentary, International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 12, 56, 519329
  • 0: PRACADEMIA”: PROPOSING ACADEMIES OF EXCELLENCE IN APPLIED SPORT & EXERCISE SCIENCE, 519330, 1
  • The role of ‘pracademics’ in education and development of adventure sport professionals: Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 1, 1, 519331, 1, Corrie, S., & Callahan, M. M.
  • British Journal of Medical Psychology,: 73, 413, 519332, 1, Piggott, D., 2015
  • 20: 283, 519333, 1, Posner, P. L., 2009, The pracademic: An agenda for re-engaging practitioners and academics.
  • 12: 519334, 1, Schroeder, P, 2013, Culture Change in a Professional Sports Team: Shaping Environmental Contexts and Regulating Power: A Commentary, International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching
  • 519335: 1, Cruickshank, A., Collins, D., Minten, S., 2013, Culture Change in a Professional Sports Team: Shaping Environmental Contexts and Regulating Power A Response to Commentaries, International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 8, 271,
  • 1: Cruickshank, A., Collins, D., Minten, S.,, 2015, Driving and sustaining culture change in professional sport performance teams: A grounded theory, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 20, 40,
  • Maitland, A. & Hills, L.A. & Rhind, D.J.,: 2015, Organisational culture in sport – A systematic review,, Sport Management Review, 18, 501, 519338
  • 2018: ranisational culture in sport: A conceptual, methodological and definitional review.,, Sport & Exercise Psychology Review, 14, 32,
Other Resources

None

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