Fahime Gholipoor; Ehsan Asadollahi; Akbar Marefati
Abstract
"Smuggling, forgery, and fraud are global phenomena that have grown increasingly prevalent in recent years, with numerous negative consequences affecting not only legitimate businesses but also consumers, business owners, and society as a whole (Martinez & Jaeger, 2016). Researchers have concluded ...
Read More
"Smuggling, forgery, and fraud are global phenomena that have grown increasingly prevalent in recent years, with numerous negative consequences affecting not only legitimate businesses but also consumers, business owners, and society as a whole (Martinez & Jaeger, 2016). Researchers have concluded that authentic sports brands such as Adidas and Puma are among the most counterfeited and copied brands (Umar, 2015). In today’s complex and challenging markets, every business must strive to foster a strong bond with its customers in order to thrive and excel. As a result, attention to moral issues in social and economic relations has significantly increased (Asadollahi, Tojari & Zarei, 2017). Initially, compliance with ethical principles was primarily associated with markets and their activities in selling goods or services. However, it has been found that the purchase of counterfeit products may be linked to the moral and spiritual well-being of customers (Fahimdevin & Asadollahi, 2023). Therefore, the main focus of the current research was to examine the role of ethical behavior and consumers’ spiritual well-being in the decision to purchase counterfeit sports goods, and whether these factors interact with the purchase of counterfeit goods and whether they can be improved to reduce the purchase of counterfeit and imitation goods?This research falls into the category of applied research, utilizing a quantitative survey methodology with a descriptive correlation approach. The statistical population for this study comprised all customers of sports products in Mashad. The sample size was determined based on the number of observable variables, and the accessible sampling method was used, with questionnaires distributed electronically in sports product sale groups. A total of 385 samples were analyzed, using three questionnaires related to spiritual well-being, ethics, and the decision to purchase fake and imitation products. All questionnaires were validated for face and content validity. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and cumulative frequency, were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the research population. Additionally, structural equation modeling was employed in the inferential statistics section, with the analysis conducted using the Smart PLS2 software environment.The findings revealed that all paths are significant, with the ethical path to the decision to purchase showing a strong influence (standard effect coefficient of 0.949). Moreover, the path from ethics to spiritual well-being (standard effect coefficient of 0.340) and from spiritual well-being to the decision to purchase (standard effect coefficient of -0.364) were also found to be significant and negative. This suggests that ethical behavior can lead to spiritual well-being and that ethical behavior and spiritual well-being can influence the decision to purchase counterfeit goods.The present study aimed to model the impact of consumer ethics and spiritual well-being on the decision to purchase counterfeit sports goods, and the findings are consistent with previous research by Shahriari et al. (2023), Asadollahi et al. (2021), and Chergahayn et al. (2015) Spiritual well-being is defined as the awareness of existence or power beyond the material aspects of life. For these reasons, since ethical considerations are also prevalent among the people of our country, this finding is justified: spirituality is an integral part of morals and human values. This is particularly important because human nature has a fundamental tendency toward positive and desirable values. A spiritually inclined individual possesses a special understanding of God, humanity, and the world, and seeks to integrate their spiritual beliefs with ethical practices. This serves to substantiate the findings of the research model, which aligns with the research of Asadollahi, Ghaharamani and Keshtidar (2023), Samaadifar, and Narimani (2017).Spiritual well-being denotes an individual’s ability to establish coherence and compatibility between the meaning, purpose, and values of their life. This can play a significant role in resolving conflicts. In conclusion, it can be noted that consumers’ behavior regarding counterfeit products may change and develop based on various factors. It was determined that ethics exert the greatest influence on the decision to purchase fake sports products, implying that consumers’ ethical conduct can determine whether they choose to use such products or not (depending on whether they consider buying fake products to be ethical or not). Furthermore, an ethical individual recognizes that the cost of their purchase should not only benefit themselves but should also take into account other relevant factors.
zeinab khaleghi arani; mina mostahfezian; Davood Nasr Esfahani
Abstract
The aim of this research was to present plausible scenarios of the future of the sports industry with a focus on the role of sports startups. This research is considered practical in terms of its objective and analytical and exploratory in nature, considering the methods of data collection and the final ...
Read More
The aim of this research was to present plausible scenarios of the future of the sports industry with a focus on the role of sports startups. This research is considered practical in terms of its objective and analytical and exploratory in nature, considering the methods of data collection and the final results. Data collection was based on the opinions of experts, and 15 individuals were selected based on their work experience in the field of sports startups and knowledge in the field of future studies using a targeted approach. The data collection tools included semi-structured interviews and matrices with dimensions of 36×36 and 11×11, which were validated and made reliable through fuzzy Delphi in one stage to achieve a consensus of expert opinions based on fuzzy logic computations and fuzzy inference system principles. Two-stage coding was used for qualitative data analysis, and fuzzy Delphi analysis, structural analysis, and scenario writing were employed for quantitative data analysis. Data analysis revealed that the growth of the sports equipment industry, private sector investment in startups, the use of innovative technologies in startups, and increased competition in the sports industry market are four key uncertainties that create two plausible stories named "Dynamic Growth of the Sports Industry" and "Recession in the Sports Industry." Familiarity with the narrative of each scenario and comparing their desirability can provide a basis for designing future actions of sports startups to ensure the Iranian sports industry remains flexible and responsive in maintaining its competitive edge.
Hossein Abdolmaleki; Roohollah Kiani; Seyed Nemat Khalifeh; Seyed Bahador Zakizadeh
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of marketing mix on loyalty of fans of Nassaji Mazandaran Club brand with emphasis on mediating role of word of mouth advertising. The research method was descriptive and survey type. The statistical population of the study consisted of all ...
Read More
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of marketing mix on loyalty of fans of Nassaji Mazandaran Club brand with emphasis on mediating role of word of mouth advertising. The research method was descriptive and survey type. The statistical population of the study consisted of all fans of Nassaji Mazandaran Club in the Iranian Football Premier League season 2018-2019. The sample size was 384 according to Morgan table. Standard questionnaires were used for data collection. Lisrel statistical software was used to analyze the data. Based on the relationship and model fit indicators, it was found that the mediating role of word-of-mouth advertising was confirmed,, also the direct effect of marketing mix on brand loyalty was confirmed. According to the research results, textile club managers are recommended to focus more on positive word-of-mouth advertising strategies; also because of poor fans' evaluation of some of the club's marketing mix components (product, price, Promotion and physical evidence) Managers are advised to upgrade these 4 components, especially the pricing component.
mohamad najmi; Abbas Naghizadeh-Baghi; Nasrin Azizian kohan; Mehrdad Moharramzadeh
Abstract
Crowdfunding has become a valuable source of investment for new businesses and projects.
The present research was conducted with the purpose of explaining the design of the collective financing model of Iranian football clubs based on the data theory of the foundation. This research is applied in terms ...
Read More
Crowdfunding has become a valuable source of investment for new businesses and projects.
The present research was conducted with the purpose of explaining the design of the collective financing model of Iranian football clubs based on the data theory of the foundation. This research is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of collection method in the category of qualitative research and was conducted using the data theory method of the foundation. The statistical population of this research includes presidents and vice presidents of the football federation, the country's football league, presidents of football boards, managing directors and members of the board of directors of football clubs in the provinces of the country, and the sampling was continued with a targeted method until reaching theoretical saturation (N = 15). Research data analysis was done with MAXQDA2020 software. In this research, in order to check the validity of the methods of validity, transferability, reliability and verifiability, and to calculate the reliability, the method of agreement between the coders and determination of Felice Cappa coefficient was used. According to the first methodological process, the codes related to the topic were identified from the primary data, and 92 open codes were obtained. In the axial coding stage, 21 subcategories were determined. In the selective coding stage, sub-categories were classified according to causal, contextual, intervening, strategic and dimensions of financial crowdsourcing, and the corresponding model was presented. In general, the results of the current research strengthen the knowledge base of crowdfunding and confirm the low ability and lack of necessary platforms for income generation, the existence of weak and inefficient structures of football clubs in the country and the accumulation of debts in the clubs. It is hoped that this exploratory study will be the basis and stimulus for future efforts to improve and optimize the performance of football clubs and reduce their debts and financial problems
mehri mohammadi; akram sadat hosseini semnani; zahra nobakht
Abstract
Aiming to deepen understanding of the factors that shape sport entrepreneurship within Iranian tourism, this study develops a neural‑network model to explain and predict the phenomenon. The applied research employed an exploratory sequential mixed‑methods design. In the qualitative phase, data were ...
Read More
Aiming to deepen understanding of the factors that shape sport entrepreneurship within Iranian tourism, this study develops a neural‑network model to explain and predict the phenomenon. The applied research employed an exploratory sequential mixed‑methods design. In the qualitative phase, data were gathered through interviews with 12 academic and industry experts and a literature review, and then analyzed thematically. In the quantitative phase, 282 sport‑ and tourism‑sector practitioners completed a researcher‑made questionnaire containing 52 items across nine constructs; content validity was verified via the Lawshe method and reliability via Cronbach’s alpha (0.86). Data were examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network. Before entering the network, all variables were normalized to the [0–1] range. The analysis identified nine principal constructs—cultural factors, economic factors, consumer/user, online advertising, satisfaction, credibility, trust, customer‑relationship management, and sport entrepreneurship in tourism. The nine‑factor structure explained 61.83 % of the total variance. The developed MLP model displayed high predictive power and confirmed a direct, positive, and significant impact of all eight independent constructs on sport entrepreneurship. Cultural (normalized importance = 100%) and economic factors (99.4%) were the most influential. The model offers a conceptual and practical framework for analyzing and fostering sport entrepreneurship. The chief innovation lies in designing and validating the first comprehensive predictive model for this domain.
Mohtaram Payandeh; Nematollah Nemati; Tahereh Bagherpour
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to create branding for athletes: a new model in the age of social networks. The research method was exploratory-fundamental with a qualitative approach. The statistical population of the study included university professors, sports club managers, sports marketing specialists, ...
Read More
The aim of the present study is to create branding for athletes: a new model in the age of social networks. The research method was exploratory-fundamental with a qualitative approach. The statistical population of the study included university professors, sports club managers, sports marketing specialists, and professional athletes active in social networks, of which 20 people were ultimately selected as a sample. The sampling method of this section included purposive sampling based on the use of the snowball technique until theoretical saturation was reached. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The questions asked during the interviews were designed to be open and general. Finally, Brown and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis was used to analyze the data in the qualitative stage. It should be noted that all statistical analyses were performed manually. The results obtained from the analysis of the interviews showed that the codes extracted from 20 interviews were equal to 123 initial codes, which were then categorized into the main themes: athletes' personal brand strategies in social media, athletes' personality and psychological characteristics, leadership and social interactions, economic factors and sponsorship, lifestyle and cultural identity, the role of social platforms on the athlete's reputation and success, acceptance of changes and innovations, and challenges and opportunities for building athletes' personal brands. Finally, it can be said that these studies have examined different dimensions of personal branding from individual, social, functional, and media perspectives and have emphasized the importance of the role of these factors in shaping and developing personal brands.
moslem غلامی; mohsen behnam; mohammad kashef; behzad izadi
Abstract
Investigating the role of sports club service consumers in service innovation is beneficial for developing new strategies. The aim of the present study was to identify the roles of consumers in service innovation in sports clubs. The present research method was qualitative, applied and exploratory in ...
Read More
Investigating the role of sports club service consumers in service innovation is beneficial for developing new strategies. The aim of the present study was to identify the roles of consumers in service innovation in sports clubs. The present research method was qualitative, applied and exploratory in accordance with the research results. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect research data. The research population included consumers of individual and team sports in Kermanshah province. 21 participants were selected to represent consumers of sports clubs in Kermanshah province. The interviews were conducted purposefully and in a snowball method and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis in three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. Nine subcategories were obtained from the interviews of sports service consumers, which were placed in three main categories: interaction and participation, support and learning, and technology acceptance. The results can be used to supplement the theoretical foundations of this field. Also, the results of this research can act as a roadmap for relevant organizations to pursue service innovation more effectively.
Narges Bakhshali Dehkordi; Reza Nikbakhsh; Abolfazl Farahani; Ali Mohammad safania
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop an Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) of the key factors affecting the effectiveness of commercial advertising featuring athlete endorsers. This study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. The qualitative phase involved a systematic ...
Read More
The purpose of this study was to develop an Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) of the key factors affecting the effectiveness of commercial advertising featuring athlete endorsers. This study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. The qualitative phase involved a systematic literature review, while the quantitative phase utilized a descriptive-analytical method. In the qualitative phase, the population consisted of relevant scientific resources, from which a sample of 20 studies was selected through purposive sampling based on theoretical saturation. The quantitative population comprised sports marketing experts, and a final sample of 15 experts was selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a research checklist in the qualitative phase and a 14x14 matrix-style questionnaire in the quantitative phase. The instrument's face and content validity were confirmed, and its reliability was established with a Spearman-Brown coefficient of 0.839. Data analysis was conducted using the Fuzzy Delphi technique to screen the factors, followed by Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to establish their hierarchical structure. Findings revealed that out of 21 initially identified factors, 14 were deemed influential and were organized into a six-level model. In this model, the sixth (most foundational) level consists of 'Product-Endorser Fit'; the fifth level includes 'Endorser's Expertise, Knowledge, and Sincerity'; the fourth level comprises 'Brand Credibility, Endorser Satisfaction, and Endorser's Personality'; the third level contains 'Attractiveness and Information Quality'; the second level features 'Brand Image, Fame (Stardom), Advertising Frequency, and Endorser's Eloquence'; and finally, the first level, as the dependent variable, is 'Consumer Attitude'. Given the hierarchical relationships among the factors, it is concluded that the ultimate impact of advertising on consumer attitude is not the result of a single factor, but the outcome of an interaction between foundational factors—such as 'Product-Endorser Fit'—and the brand's communicative and perceptual attributes.
Sahar Sohrabi Shirazi; Farshad Tojari; Negar Arazeshi
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop an indigenous theory of mediated consumption in Iranian sport using a grounded theory approach. The research employed the grounded theory methodology based on Glaser’s (1978) approach. Participants included experts in the field of sport, such as faculty members ...
Read More
The purpose of this study was to develop an indigenous theory of mediated consumption in Iranian sport using a grounded theory approach. The research employed the grounded theory methodology based on Glaser’s (1978) approach. Participants included experts in the field of sport, such as faculty members in sport management and marketing, marketing consultants, and managers of sports clubs. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 experts until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed through three stages of open, axial, and selective coding, resulting in the extraction of 100 unique initial codes. These codes were categorized into 24 concepts and seven main categories, including: (1) motivation and personal experience, (2) benefits of online viewing, (3) social interactions and communication, (4) psychological and security issues, (5) cultural and social influences, (6) technological and innovative advantages, and (7) economic policy-making. Research validity was ensured through sample diversity and careful participant selection, while reliability was confirmed by reanalyzing three interviews by an expert, yielding 85% code consistency. The findings indicate that these categories, through their mutual interactions, reveal the multidimensional nature of mediated consumption in sport and highlight the role of social media and emerging technologies in transforming sport consumption experiences and shaping sustainable behaviors. Therefore, a comprehensive explanation of this phenomenon requires integrating multiple theories and considering contextual and environmental factors. Finally, it is recommended that policymakers adopt a holistic approach by developing technological infrastructures, supporting local content, and designing efficient economic models to foster the sustainable development of digital sport.
mozhdeh matin; Sara Keshkar; habib honari; Gholamali Kargar
Abstract
The aim of the present study was the native social marketing pattern of Iranian national team female athletes. The statistical population of this study was 16 experts (national-level female athletes, coaches of women's national teams, and university professors with a history of scientific and practical ...
Read More
The aim of the present study was the native social marketing pattern of Iranian national team female athletes. The statistical population of this study was 16 experts (national-level female athletes, coaches of women's national teams, and university professors with a history of scientific and practical activity in the field of marketing). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with experts. After implementing the interviews, conceptual codes were identified from the interview texts, and the interview texts were analyzed. Data analysis was performed simultaneously and continuously with information collection. The results showed that the causal conditions included the factors of social norms, moral and social commitment, behavioral norms, and professional understanding. The background conditions included the factors of general and professional education, the complexities of the professional market, organizational culture, and the level of credibility in society. Also, the intervening conditions consisted of social factors, political and economic factors, and gender discrimination. The results showed that the strategies consisted of the factors of providing attractive and suitable content for women, social approval, marketing through social networks, and value creation. Finally, the results showed that the consequences included social development factors for female athletes, sustainable development, economic consequences, individual consequences for female athletes, and social benefits. The central category was: social phenomena, cultural phenomena, and advertising phenomena.
Jamal Asadi; Shahab bahrami; Farzaneh Bagheri Asl; Mona Farzadfar
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to propose a modern revenue-generation model for private sports clubs using an entrepreneurial marketing approach. The research employed a qualitative design with a thematic analysis approach. Participants included owners and managers of sports clubs in Ilam Province and ...
Read More
The purpose of this study was to propose a modern revenue-generation model for private sports clubs using an entrepreneurial marketing approach. The research employed a qualitative design with a thematic analysis approach. Participants included owners and managers of sports clubs in Ilam Province and university faculty members. Using purposive sampling, 21 interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and to assess the trustworthiness of the findings, the strategies of credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability were applied. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that the modern revenue-generation model for private sports clubs with an entrepreneurial marketing approach comprises 69 basic themes, 14 organizing themes, and 4 global themes: revenue and cost streams, marketing principles of sports clubs, formation of an entrepreneurial marketing mindset, and the goal of entrepreneurial marketing. These results show that the entrepreneurial marketing process in such clubs is triggered by establishment and operating costs and by the limitation of income to membership fees and on-site revenues, and it concludes with resource optimization, productivity gains, and increased revenue.
Seyed Ali Naghavi; Ghasem Zarei; Mohammad Bashokouh Ajirlou; Naser Seifollahi
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to design a scenario-based simulation model to predict the development of phygital sports tourism in Iran's Free Trade and Industrial Zones. A mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) was employed, which was applied research in terms of its objective and ...
Read More
The purpose of this study was to design a scenario-based simulation model to predict the development of phygital sports tourism in Iran's Free Trade and Industrial Zones. A mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) was employed, which was applied research in terms of its objective and descriptive-analytical in nature. The statistical population for the qualitative section included university professors, managers, and current and former experts from Iran's Free Trade and Industrial Zones. The quantitative section's population consisted of university professors with scientific and practical experience in sports tourism.
In the qualitative phase, purposive snowball sampling was used until theoretical saturation was reached (N=16). For the quantitative phase, judgmental sampling was utilized (N=31). Data collection instruments were semi-structured interviews in the qualitative section and a questionnaire in the quantitative section. Using thematic analysis, the main and sub-themes for the development of phygital sports tourism were identified. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase, the identified influential factors were prioritized using the Fuzzy Delphi method. The Taguchi experimental design method was then employed to extract the scenarios. Finally, the optimal scenario was simulated using System Dynamics and Agent-Based Modeling.
The results identified 61 initial codes, 19 sub-themes, and 5 main themes: Modern Governance in Phygital Sports Tourism, Economic, Infrastructural, Smart Technologies, and Phygital Marketing. Modern Governance in Phygital Sports Tourism was identified as the most influential factor. The simulation results indicated that implementing the optimal scenario would increase the development of phygital sports tourism in Iran's Free Trade and Industrial Zones by up to 83%. This model provides a practical framework for tourism managers and policymakers to strategically enhance phygital sports tourism development in these zones.
Vajiheh javani; Qasim Abdulhafedh Mahmood; Fateme abdavi
Abstract
Social media has transformed the communication structures of Iraqi football in recent years and has led to the emergence of new patterns of interaction among stakeholders in this field. The present research, employing a qualitative approach and using Netnography, examines the role of social networks ...
Read More
Social media has transformed the communication structures of Iraqi football in recent years and has led to the emergence of new patterns of interaction among stakeholders in this field. The present research, employing a qualitative approach and using Netnography, examines the role of social networks in redefining relationships among clubs, players, fans, media, and sports institutions. The research population consisted of active Iraqi users on football fan pages and groups, selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through direct observation of digital interactions and semi-structured interviews, and then analyzed using thematic analysis. The results demonstrate that the online space has not only replaced official communication channels but has also become a dynamic platform for direct participation and the reproduction of communicative power. In this context, the role of fans and informal content producers has become more prominent than before, and the credibility of sources is defined not on the basis of institutional status but rather according to information quality, track record, and the level of user engagement. At the same time, social media sometimes contributes to strengthening cohesion and collective solidarity, while in other circumstances it leads to the emergence of tensions and conflicts. Based on these findings, it is recommended that Iraqi clubs and sports institutions revise their communication strategies in line with these developments and move toward two-way interaction, transparency, and broader cooperation with the fan community.
Jamal Zare
Abstract
Abstract
The main purpose of this research was to model the effect of esports spectators' customer experience on purchase intention toward sponsoring brands, considering the mediating role of social identification. This research was applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive-survey in terms of ...
Read More
Abstract
The main purpose of this research was to model the effect of esports spectators' customer experience on purchase intention toward sponsoring brands, considering the mediating role of social identification. This research was applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive-survey in terms of method, using a cross-sectional approach. The statistical population consisted of Iranian esports spectators. The minimum required sample size was estimated using G*Power software, and ultimately, a sample of 324 individuals was selected using the non-probability convenience sampling method. The data collection instrument was a standard online questionnaire comprising scales for customer experience (Hsu & Tsou, 2011), social identification (Hu et al., 2017), and purchase intention (Biscayart et al., 2013). Its validity and reliability were confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Hypotheses were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and the bootstrapping procedure in SmartPLS software. The results indicated that the cognitive, affective, sensory, and social dimensions of customer experience have a positive and significant impact on social identification. Furthermore, social identification had a strong positive impact on purchase intention toward sponsoring brands, and its mediating role in these relationships was confirmed. It is concluded that social identification, as a key psychological mechanism, links customer experience to commercial outcomes for sponsors. Brands should focus on creating rich, multidimensional experiences aimed at strengthening this identity.
baktash ghaidi; ali asghar dorodyan; mostafa afshari; shiva azadfada
Abstract
With the rapid growth of electronic sports (eSports), identifying the factors influencing consumer responses in this field is of increasing importance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of financial sponsorship and team identity on eSports consumer responses, considering the mediating roles ...
Read More
With the rapid growth of electronic sports (eSports), identifying the factors influencing consumer responses in this field is of increasing importance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of financial sponsorship and team identity on eSports consumer responses, considering the mediating roles of involvement and sponsor image, using structural equation modeling (SEM). The research is applied in nature, quantitative and correlational in strategy, and field-based and cross-sectional in terms of data collection. The statistical population included active eSports athletes and spectators selected through convenience sampling. A sample size of 420 was determined to ensure 80% statistical power. Data were collected via a questionnaire: sponsorship components were measured using Costa et al. (2022), sponsor image using Eddy and Cork (2018), team identity using Tsordia et al. (2018), involvement using Hurbelet et al. (2016), and consumer response to sponsorship using Costa et al. (2022). Data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS 3.2.9. The results revealed that sponsor ubiquity, sponsor sincerity, attitude toward the sponsor, and team identity had significant effects on sponsor image. Furthermore, sponsor image and involvement significantly influenced consumers’ interest, purchase intention, and word-of-mouth communication in the eSports context. The findings indicate that financial sponsorship and team identity significantly affect consumer responses through enhanced involvement and an improved sponsor image. These results highlight the importance of strategic planning in marketing and sponsorship within the eSports industry. Marketing managers and sponsors are recommended to strengthen team identity and design appealing sponsorship campaigns to enhance consumer engagement and build a favorable brand image among eSports audiences.
tarifeh payami; jafar barghi; Mohammadrahim najafzade; habib mohammadpour
Abstract
Interpretive Structural Modeling of Branding in Iran's Premier Football League
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop an interpretive structural model for branding in Iran's Premier Football League. This research is applied in terms of purpose and mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) ...
Read More
Interpretive Structural Modeling of Branding in Iran's Premier Football League
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop an interpretive structural model for branding in Iran's Premier Football League. This research is applied in terms of purpose and mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) in nature. In the qualitative phase, the fuzzy Delphi method was used, and in the quantitative phase, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was applied. Participants included sports managers and experts, managers of Iran's Premier Football League organization, and managers of sports clubs, with 14 individuals purposefully selected based on specific criteria. Data collection tools included a Delphi questionnaire and a paired comparison matrix. The validity of the tools was confirmed through face validity, and their reliability was ensured using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Data analysis was conducted using the two-stage fuzzy Delphi method and interpretive structural modeling. The findings revealed that out of 47 identified factors, 16 were deemed more significant and were categorized into six levels. At the highest level, positive fan experience; at the intermediate levels, factors such as the presence of quality players and coaches, effective interaction with fans, development of fan culture, understanding the needs and expectations of stakeholders, integrated marketing communications, use of digital platforms, a distinct and attractive visual identity, and appropriate market positioning; and at the lowest level, factors such as management stability, commitment and support of senior managers, alignment of club strategies, definition of the league's brand core values, actual privatization of clubs, financial transparency, and attracting foreign investment were identified. These results demonstrate that branding Iran's Premier Football League is a multidimensional phenomenon that requires addressing the interplay of various factors at different levels for effective management. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of developing strategies to brand Iran's Premier Football League by paying attention to and focusing on lower-level factors.
Keywords: League Advancement, Branding, Fan Experience, Football, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM).
karrar majid abdullah; mohammad soltanhoseini; Mehdi Salimi
Abstract
The rising influence of modern marketing on university athletics has created a need for adaptable development strategies. This study developed a sustainable model for university sports in Iraq using a multichannel marketing framework. A qualitative, thematic analysis was performed using MAXQDA software. ...
Read More
The rising influence of modern marketing on university athletics has created a need for adaptable development strategies. This study developed a sustainable model for university sports in Iraq using a multichannel marketing framework. A qualitative, thematic analysis was performed using MAXQDA software. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 purposively selected experts in sports management and university athletic administration. Findings identified six strategic pillars supporting multichannel marketing in Iraqi university sports: managerial, educational, technological, cultural-social, economic, and infrastructural-operational. The results show that implementing a multichannel marketing framework can boost student engagement, increase the domestic and regional visibility of university sports, diversify funding sources, and foster a sustainable athletic ecosystem. Among all strategic areas, economic strategies were deemed most vital for long-term growth, while cultural and social approaches were less emphasized.
Arghavan Hassanzadeh; Habib Honari; Mohsen Bagherian Farah Abadi; Ali Mohammad Safania; Saleh Rafiee
Abstract
Given the alarming prevalence of physical inactivity among children, developing physical literacy requires a transition from traditional methods to novel behavior change approaches such as social marketing. Therefore, the aim of this research was to present an Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) for ...
Read More
Given the alarming prevalence of physical inactivity among children, developing physical literacy requires a transition from traditional methods to novel behavior change approaches such as social marketing. Therefore, the aim of this research was to present an Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) for the application of social marketing in promoting children's physical literacy. In terms of nature, this is a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) study. Thematic Analysis was employed in the qualitative phase, and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was used in the quantitative phase. The participants in both phases consisted of professors, coaches, and managers specializing in social marketing and physical literacy. These individuals were selected via purposive sampling, and 18 experts were chosen based on theoretical saturation. In the qualitative phase, validity and reliability were confirmed using Guba and Lincoln’s (1985) four criteria. In the quantitative phase, content validity was ensured through the purposive selection of experts, and reliability was guaranteed through consensus of opinions (based on the mode). For data analysis, Thematic Analysis, ISM, and MICMAC analysis were utilized. The findings indicated that the identified factors are classified into a five-level model. Environmental drivers and challenges were placed at the lowest level (Level 5), followed by institutional capability and inter-organizational collaboration at Level 4. At the intermediate level (marketing drivers/Level 3), the social marketing mix and process effectiveness were identified. At the higher levels, sports opportunities and environments and transformation in mechanisms were placed at Level 2, and finally, the promotion of physical literacy, inclusive growth of sports participation, and their functions were positioned at the final level (Level 1). These results indicate that the application of social marketing is a pivotal, multi-level process dependent on environmental and institutional contexts. This model offers a comprehensive strategic roadmap for policymakers and practitioners in the field of children's sports.
Fereshteh kotobi
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explain the role of customer engagement on the brand equity of aerobics sports clubs in Yazd Province, emphasizing the mediating role of brand trust and brand identity. This research was causal in nature and conducted using a survey method. The statistical population ...
Read More
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explain the role of customer engagement on the brand equity of aerobics sports clubs in Yazd Province, emphasizing the mediating role of brand trust and brand identity. This research was causal in nature and conducted using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of customers of aerobics sports clubs in Yazd Province. Since the exact size of the population was unknown, the sample size was determined as 384 individuals based on Krejcie and Morgan’s table, assuming an infinite population. The measurement instruments were standard questionnaires for customer engagement (Lee & Park, 2024), brand trust (Roest & de Graaf, 2023), brand identity (Alakkas et al., 2022), and brand equity (Azimzadeh et al., 2019). The reliability of the questionnaires, assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, was estimated to be 0.84, 0.76, 0.81, and 0.85, respectively. The findings from data analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that customer engagement had a positive and significant effect on brand equity, brand trust, and brand identity. Moreover, brand trust and brand identity both had positive and significant effects on brand equity. Therefore, managers of sports clubs can enhance customers’ trust in the brand and strengthen brand identity by focusing on factors that influence customer engagement, thereby significantly improving the brand equity of their clubs among target customers.
Zahra Sohrabi; Mehrdad Moharramzadeh; Rasool Nazari
Abstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of developing a business ethics model for the management of professional sports clubs in Iran, and to investigate the ethical complexities in sports management. The research process began with the selection of the field based on the researcher's interest in ...
Read More
The present study was conducted with the aim of developing a business ethics model for the management of professional sports clubs in Iran, and to investigate the ethical complexities in sports management. The research process began with the selection of the field based on the researcher's interest in business ethics without an initial framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants using purposive and snowball sampling. Analysis was performed using line-by-line open coding, continuous comparison of codes, theoretical sampling to enrich categories, focusing on the central category, developing theory from analytical notes, and stopping at theoretical saturation. Findings were extracted from 156 initial codes. Key categories included financial and contractual transparency (such as honesty in contracts and clarity of financial goals), avoiding conflicts of interest (such as financial neutrality and segregation of duties), ethical interaction with the media and society (such as responsibility in advertising and social accountability), institutionalizing values in the organizational structure (such as internalizing values and preparing a code of ethics), training and transferring values (such as repeated training and behavioral modeling), ethical accountability and reporting (such as ethical reporting and accepting mistakes), and managing external pressures while maintaining principles (such as resilience in crisis and moral sustainability). The final conclusion emphasizes that this model not only places ethics as the center of decision-making, but also establishes a balance between economic and social interests and provides a practical model for sports clubs, with suggestions such as a blockchain system for transparency, virtual training programs, and a digital ethics committee for innovative implementation, suggesting to managers.
Azam Mokhtarzadeh; Mohsen behnam; meysam noori khanyourdi
Abstract
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effect of sports salespersons’ networking behavior on customers’ purchase intention, with a focus on the mediating role of customer engagement. This research is applied in purpose and descriptive-correlational in method. The statistical population consisted ...
Read More
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effect of sports salespersons’ networking behavior on customers’ purchase intention, with a focus on the mediating role of customer engagement. This research is applied in purpose and descriptive-correlational in method. The statistical population consisted of sports salespersons and their customers in Urmia city. The sample included 131 salespersons (census) and 393 customers (non-random convenience sampling). Data were collected using standardized questionnaires: the Networking Behavior Scale by Macintosh and Krush (2017), the Customer Engagement Scale by Hollebeek et al. (2014), and the Purchase Intention Scale by Chiu et al. (2018). Data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with PLS software. The findings revealed that salespersons’ networking behavior had a positive and significant effect on both customer purchase intention and engagement (P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, customer engagement positively and significantly influenced purchase intention (P ≤ 0.01), and its mediating role in the relationship between networking behavior and purchase intention was confirmed (P ≤ 0.01). These results suggest that networking behaviors of salespersons can enhance customers’ emotional, cognitive, and behavioral engagement, thereby increasing their willingness to purchase. The study provides a practical framework for improving marketing strategies in the sports industry and highlights the importance of purposeful salesperson–customer interactions.
Erfan Safarpour Dehkordi; Sanaz Shafiee
Abstract
Sport, especially football, is one of the most important cultural and social phenomena in contemporary societies. Sports fans, in addition to being consumers, function as influential promotional agents for teams; the nature of their cognitive and affective engagement with the team brand can influence ...
Read More
Sport, especially football, is one of the most important cultural and social phenomena in contemporary societies. Sports fans, in addition to being consumers, function as influential promotional agents for teams; the nature of their cognitive and affective engagement with the team brand can influence their promotional behaviors. This study aimed to examine the impact of fans' cognitive and affective engagement on sports promotional behavior, with the mediating role of brand love, among fans of Iranian Premier League football teams. The research was applied and descriptive-correlational in method. The statistical population consisted of fans from 16 Premier League teams in 2024, and the sample size, determined by Cochran’s formula, was 384 individuals. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires: the cognitive and affective engagement scale by Hollebeek et al. (2014), the brand love scale by Carroll & Ahuvia (2006), and the sport brand love model by Tavormina (2013). Additionally, aspects of promotional behavior were assessed using adaptations from Bagozzi et al. (2016) and Amani (2025). Sampling was done non-randomly and accessibly. The reliability of the tools was confirmed, with Cronbach's alpha exceeding 0.7 for all variables. Data were analyzed via structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 3.0 software. The results showed that both cognitive and affective engagement have significant positive effects on brand love. Moreover, these types of engagement directly strengthen fans' promotional behavior. Brand love also has a significant positive effect on promotional behavior and mediates the relationship between engagement (cognitive and affective) and promotional behavior. The findings indicate that club managers can promote fans’ promotional behaviors by strengthening cognitive and affective bonds and enhancing brand love.
SIAVASH HAMIDZADEH; Alimohmmad Safania; Sayyed salahedin Naghshbandi; Mohsen Bagherian Farahabadi
Abstract
The main objective of this study was the structural analysis of determinants for blockchain adoption in the marketing of Iranian football clubs, using an exploratory sequential mixed method (Thematic Analysis and DEMATEL). In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews ...
Read More
The main objective of this study was the structural analysis of determinants for blockchain adoption in the marketing of Iranian football clubs, using an exploratory sequential mixed method (Thematic Analysis and DEMATEL). In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 experts from the football and technology ecosystem, who were selected via purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. In the quantitative phase, a panel of 12 academic and executive experts responded to a researcher-made DEMATEL questionnaire (based on the 12 final themes). The validity and reliability of the tools and findings in both sections were confirmed using appropriate strategies such as peer review, content validity, and group reliability. Finally, qualitative data were analyzed using Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke), and quantitative data were analyzed using the DEMATEL technique. Qualitative findings led to the identification of 232 basic themes, 25 organizing themes, and 12 overarching themes. The results of the structural analysis revealed that factors such as "Technological and Knowledge Empowerment" and "Lack of Infrastructure and Macro Strategy" play the main causal (influential) roles, while factors like "Institutional Infrastructure and Regulation" and "Gradual Maturity of Technological Acceptance" play the main effectual (influenced) roles. Furthermore, "Technological and Economic Value Creation," along with "Policy Bottlenecks" and "Lack of Infrastructure," demonstrated the highest systemic interactions within the relationship network. These results indicate that the successful entry of blockchain into Iranian football is not an automatic or purely technical process, but rather a strategic transformation requiring a focus on root causes and the main drivers of the system.
Ramyar Masjedi; Mohsen Behnam; Roghayeh Sarlab
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of learning agility on the financial and social performance of sporting goods manufacturing firms, as well as to test the moderating role of sustainable market orientation in these relationships. This research was applied in purpose and descriptive-survey ...
Read More
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of learning agility on the financial and social performance of sporting goods manufacturing firms, as well as to test the moderating role of sustainable market orientation in these relationships. This research was applied in purpose and descriptive-survey in nature, utilizing a cross-sectional design for data collection. The statistical population comprised managers, supervisors, and experts working in the managerial and marketing departments of sporting goods manufacturing firms in Iran. The sample size was estimated using Cochran's formula for an infinite population. Data were collected through convenience sampling using standardized questionnaires; after removing incomplete responses, 391 questionnaires were retained for the final analysis. The validity and reliability of the instrument were assessed and confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, AVE, and HTMT indices. To test the hypotheses, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 3 software with 5,000 bootstrap resamples was employed. The results indicated that learning agility has a positive and significant effect on financial performance and social performance. Furthermore, sustainable market orientation significantly moderated the relationship between learning agility and social performance, whereas its moderating role for financial performance was not supported. Accordingly, strengthening rapid learning mechanisms and aligning them with sustainability-oriented strategies can contribute to the simultaneous improvement of economic and social outcomes in the sporting goods industry.
mohammad soltanhoseini; zahra borgheyan; Mehran haghparast
Abstract
This research has explored the themes related to the development of brand culture in sports organizations. The research method was qualitative, and the statistical community included university professors, managers, and sports marketing specialists in the city of Isfahan. Interviews continued until theoretical ...
Read More
This research has explored the themes related to the development of brand culture in sports organizations. The research method was qualitative, and the statistical community included university professors, managers, and sports marketing specialists in the city of Isfahan. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, with a total of 10 interviews conducted, utilizing thematic analysis for data examination.In this study, Creswell and Poth’s coding approach and the method proposed by Rao and Perry were used to assess the research’s validity and reliability. The findings indicate that the main themes include “determining values and unique managerial features,” “managing customer relations and interactions,” “employee participation in brand culture development,” “creating attractive and quality content,” “adaptability and flexibility in electronic development,” “creating a unique experience,” and “evaluation and adaptation.”These themes can assist managers and experts in sports organizations in designing and executing effective branding strategies, paving the way for their success and sustainability in competitive markets. The overall conclusion of this research highlights that brand culture in sports organizations is not only crucial for attracting and retaining customers but also for strengthening employee morale, motivation, and retaining talents. Organizations’ ability to create and establish this culture, focusing on identified key themes, can enhance brand performance and positively impact other organizational aspects, such as attracting new talents and market growth. This study emphasizes the necessity of continuously evaluating and adapting brand cultural strategies.
)
