SPORTMGT 424 – Spring 2008

Course Pre-requisites:
FINOPMGT 300 or 301 through the Isenberg School of Management.

Course Catalogue Description
Basic theory in finance and accounting applied to managerial control of sport organizations. Includes forms of ownership, taxation, financial analysis, feasibility studies, and economic impact studies.

Course Objective
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the concepts of financial management as applied to the unique world of sports.  Students will:
- learn core financial theory as related to sports organizations
- apply analytical techniques to financial decision making in the context of a sports business
- explore the unique features of sports finance that distinguish it from other fields of study, including the relationships of tax and legal issues
- discuss current financial issues as they relate to facility construction, professional and collegiate sports, the Olympics, and other sports related businesses.

Course Method
The course material will be presented through lectures and class discussions.  Each student is expected to have the assigned readings completed BEFORE each class. This will enhance the understanding of the lecture and will also allow maximum participation in class discussions. 

Attendance
Attendance is expected of all students at EVERY class session.  Students are also expected to arrive to class on time. 

Students must notify the instructor of any known absences prior to the day of the absence.  If a student notifies the instructor after the missed class, it will be considered an unexcused absence.  For every unexcused absence, one point will be deducted from the student’s final grade.

Evaluation
Students’ achievement will be evaluated through a midterm exam, a final exam, a projects, and six quizzes.

Course Policies
- Students are expected to have read all assigned readings prior to each class.  Participation in class discussions is necessary and is augmented by proper preparation. 
- Assignments are expected to be submitted on the assigned due date. Work is due at the beginning of class on the assigned day. Anything handed in after the beginning of class will be considered late. Late work will face a deduction of 10% per day until completed, unless otherwise excused. 
- Class will always start on time.  Do not be late.
- Cell phones will NEVER ring in class.  Turn them off or leave them at home.
- Bring a calculator to class each day.

Plagiarism and Cheating
It is expected that ideas taken from articles, books, journals, etc. will be properly noted in all papers, homework, and assignments submitted.  It is important to remember that to copy or to paraphrase someone else’s work without proper reference is plagiarism.  Please read and become familiar with the proper guidelines for referencing any material used in your work (Publication Manual of the APA,, call number BF76.7.P83 2001).

Failure to follow copyright guidelines will result in an “F” for the paper and/or dismissal from the course.  Anyone caught cheating on assignments, quizzes, exams, or homework will be dismissed from the class.