Deck 3: Information Technology It Management and the Sport Media Industry

Question 1

Sport media consists of tens of thousands of sport media outlets including traditional sport media platforms such as magazines, newspapers, radio, and sports networks (national and regional), but does not include social or electronic media platforms and outlets such as websites, blogs, sport affinity group chat rooms, Facebook, and Twitter.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

The development of ESPN in 1979 signaled the creation of the first national all-sports TV network in America. ESPN continues to be an influential leader in the sport media business. The network's sports news show, "SportsCenter," was the first uniquely positioned daily all-sports news broadcast.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

The proliferation of media platforms by ESPN and the resultant need to develop compelling content for these platforms can be problematic. ESPN's hallmark had always been quality objective sports programming and reporting. Content such as sports quiz shows, made-for-television sports movies, reality shows, sports debate shows, the critically acclaimed "30 for 30" documentary series, and chat shows with ex-jocks and Hollywood celebrities have become part of the ESPN landscape.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

One of the most important issues to consider when examining the sport media segment is that as technology advances and new devices and applications come to the market, consumers and organizations are always looking for the next best thing. The technology that is relevant today is likely to last for a very long time.

Question 5

One of the benefits of social media and traditional internet media like organizational websites is that the individual or the sport organization determines what they want to say and when they want to say it. As a result, this approach may lessen the role of traditional reporters and may be viewed as cutting out the middleman.

Question 6

For the foreseeable future, sport management professionals will need to continue to cultivate relationships with reporters and other members of the media. There is broad recognition of the role that the media plays in both public relations and marketing functions.

Question 7

Information technology (IT) refers to all of the resources - the processes, practices, and systems - an organization uses to gather, retain, and process the information it uses to pursue its mission.

Question 8

Even the best information, if it is not available at the time when it is needed for decision making or problem solving, is of little use to the manager.

Question 9

While technological advancements in sport and sport media have revolutionized the management of sport organizations and greatly enhanced the fan experience, there are some negative consequences of the technology revolution in the sports business. One potentially damaging consequence of available technology in sport is related to online anonymity and chat rooms, comment boxes, blogs, and discussion forums. For this reason, it is necessary for sport organizations and media managers to be cautious and gradual in educating users about acceptable use and then, consequently, monitoring these postings for prohibited remarks or activity.

Question 10

Another unintended negative consequence of the growth of online communication and social media is that individuals may post photos or comments without thinking through how their postings will be interpreted by their audience. For example, athletes may take photos of themselves or others and place them on a Facebook page or send them through Twitter. The nature of these photos may cause concern for the sport organization and could possibly do damage to the individual.

Question 11

As ESPN continues to create its own platforms and to explore emerging technologies the challenge will be for the sport media giant to develop, acquire, and maintain quality delivery and content in an increasingly crowded sport media marketplace. These new and emerging platforms and technologies include each listed below except:

A) Fantasy sports
B) Magazines
C) Podcasts
D) Polling

Question 12

One technology that has been the subject of debate among sports fans is the use of wireless audio that allows viewers access to in-game comments by players, coaches, and officials. Personal microphones are used to capture "sounds of the game." Which of the options below does not list one of the criticisms of this technology?

A) Some fans may be uncomfortable with having such intimate access.
B) Some fans may like to engage in this virtual eavesdropping.
C) The content is not of legitimate value to the sportscast.
D) These sound bites take away from the game itself.

Question 13

Sport organization leaders as well as sport personalities are quickly coming to recognize the value of _________________ media communication as a complement to existing ___________________media and standard electronic platforms.

A) ancillary; primary
B) social; traditional print and broadcast
C) social; complementary
D) traditional print and broadcast; social

Question 14

The broadening of personal access to media platforms has added another layer to what has been the traditionally complex relationship of sport media, athletes, and sport organizations. Traditionally, the media's role in sport includes each of the following roles except:

A) The media is subsidized by sport organizations to support the organization's goals and objectives.
B) The media objectively reports the news to the public.
C) The media plays an important role as sport industry watchdog, investigator, analyst, and critic.
D) The media provides game results and statistics.

Question 15

Which of the following does not outline a difficult challenge faced by the media relations staff in any sport organization?

A) Maximizing positive coverage, protecting the interests of the sport organization, and cultivating a relationship with members of the media.
B) Sport communications staff must be available, must be fair, and must maintain a high level of personal integrity and professional ethics.
C) The difficulty in convincing young stakeholders in the value and applicability of new and emerging social media platforms.
D) Remembering the significant role the media plays in shaping public opinion and distributing the sport product to a wide variety of stakeholders.

Question 16

Which of the following outlines the levels and correct order of information systems available to organizations?

A) DSS, MIS, TPS
B) MIS, TPS, DSS
C) TPS, DSS, MIS
D) TPS, MIS, DSS

Question 17

Which of the following is not one of the important organizational benefits to be reached through IT?

A) Enhanced communication
B) Limited customer service
C) Organization-wide feedback on performance
D) Product and service innovations

Question 18

Quality information is:

A) Timely, succinct, accurate, and complete
B) Time-framed, specific, reliable, and accurate
C) Timely, reliable, appropriate, and consistent
D) Timely, reliable, accurate, and complete

Question 19

The demonstrated benefits of recent advances in IT, both in terms of enhanced organizational performance and expanded and improved products and services for customers are impressive. But there are significant challenges that must be met if organizations are to achieve the full dimension of these benefits. Which of the following is not among the most significant of these challenges?

A) Ensuring continuous training to keep up with the continuing advances in IT.
B) The cost of IT development, training, and application.
C) The lack of concern about maintaining security in terms of the organization's information systems.
D) The risk of information overload.

Question 20

While the potential for improved performance through IT is significant, even when used appropriately, it is not without risks. An additional area of challenge for professionals is to effectively manage the access to information made possible by IT and required in the workplace. Which of the following lists the questions regarding security and IT?

A) Cost considerations, the need for access and the threat of leaks, the possibility of sabotage.
B) Cost considerations, the possibility of sabotage, the ability to train employees quickly.
C) Cost considerations, the ability to train employees quickly, the need for access and the threat of leaks.
D) The ability to train employees quickly, the need for access and the threat of leaks, the possibility of sabotage.

Question 21

Advances in information technology (IT) over the past decade represent perhaps the most dynamic set of opportunities and challenges in all of sport management. Identify a specific IT innovation adopted by a specific sport organization with which you might hope to work, and explain how the organization uses them to present information that is on "TRAC."

Question 22

Your college or university athletic department houses a media relations department. Explain how this department uses IT to promote organization-wide feedback on performance, enhanced communication, and product and service innovations.

Question 23

Identify a sport organization for which you would someday like to work, and explain how it utilizes each the three basic levels of information systems.

Question 24

Identify and explain how IT has both positively and negatively impacted the viewing experience for your favorite professional or amateur sport product.