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This paper aims to ascertain: whether (1) there were any immediate effects on managers’ leadership competencies, leadership outcomes and teamwork as a result of the Outdoor Management Development (...

The concept of online teaching and learning is widely adopted by universities due to the pandemic of COVID-19, which forced them to shift from blending learning (including both direct and remote education) to exclusive online education. Technology has provided a multitude of tools, which can prove very useful in the hands of people who want to serve such a great purpose as education. During the days of the pandemic, where people are isolated, virtual community and virtual learning technology brings people together to experience a sense of educational community in the virtual world. This chapter introduces the reader to the importance for social skill training of the learning communities during times that online learning is the sole type of education, exploring methodologies, tools, and practices that can be used to counterbalance the deficiencies introduced by distance learning methods regarding social skill development.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to acquire improved comprehension of the motivational factors and the various constraints associated with individuals’ participation in mass running events.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was used for the purpose of this research, and 1.357 questionnaires were completed. This study proposed two broad hypotheses: intrapersonal constraints influence motivation factors (amotivation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation); and motivation factors influence the intention to continuous participation.FindingsBoth broad hypotheses were supported by the evidence while the lack of knowledge, interest, confidence and feelings of tiresomeness were found to contribute more to explaining motivation. All three motivational factors had a significant influence on intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical evidence for this study came from runners only. The special attributes of running may have influenced the explored relationships in a way that may not be directly applicable to other activities. Further research in various activities is necessary before such findings are generalized.Originality/valueThe aim of this paper is to provide empirical evidence of the relationships between the motivational factors and the various constraints associated with individuals’ participation in mass sporting and physical activity events. This research focused on developing a model to explain relationships among constraints, motivators and participation, and empirically test the proposed model within the marathon running participants context.

The objective of this study is to investigate the growing importance of societal marketing, by identifying the key variables in the sport sponsorship relationship, and more specifically to examine the impact of sponsor image on one major behavioral outcome, fans' purchase intention. Furthermore, the role of sport activity involvement and team attachment was investigated, in enhancing sponsor's image between football fans. The findings supported that Sponsor Image has a significant effect on the purchase intention (R2 = 0,813, p < 0.001) regardless of the product fit. Sponsor image was weakly linked with sport involvement and team achievement.

The purpose of this research is to study expectations regarding ageing (ERA) among individuals who participate in running events as well as to explore personality and demographic features as potential variables that influence ERA values. A quantitative questionnaire was selected as the predominant means of collecting the data and 196 successfully completed questionnaires were analyzed by means of the SPSS. Results indicate a positive correlation between ERA values and Change Seeker Index in our sample. Moreover gender and frequency of exercise found to have no significant effect on ERA score. Finally, ERA was examined among three generational cohorts and differences were noticed to physical subscale.

Purpose: The object of this research is to investigate work motivating factors in the public sector in Greece, as well as to study demographic attributes, placing emphasis on age and gender as determinants of employee motives. Design/methodology/approach: To answer our research questions, a questionnaire was distributed at the beginning of 2015 to a public - sector organization in central Greece. A total of 318 anonymous survey responses were collected and analysed with SPSS. Findings: In the public organization under survey, the leading employee motives are an increase in salaries, opportunities for hierarchical advancement in the organization, as well as the development of personal skills. Moreover, motivational differences are noted among Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y. Research limitations/implications: As the present study has been conducted on a single public organization, awareness should be raised as far as the generalizability of the results providing useful insights for further exploration. Originality/value: Limited research has been conducted in the Greek public sector comparing motives among generations.

The aim of this study is to present a theoretical framework of sport entrepreneurship research and to bridge the gap between sport participation and entrepreneurship. More specifically, the aim of this research is to investigate the factors influencing participation in high performance sport events. Furthermore, the present research explores the impact of gender on motivation of athletes as well as the impact of the various type of events. A quantitative method was used and questionnaires were gathered from three different races. A total of 616 questionnaires was achieved, which were then analysed using SPSS. Regression analysis showed that the intention to participate in future events is explained by the proposed variables; physical and mental health, attachment to the event, and sportscape factors. Moreover, the type of the event was found to have a moderating role.

The current study contributes to the understanding of quality practices adopted by Greek SMEs, under economic crisis conditions. In the context of the survey, a questionnaire was distributed to Greek ISO certified SMEs. Using as criterion the number of employees currently employed, different groups of SMEs were formed. From the email sent to SMEs all over Greece, a total of 180 companies responded (45% response rate). The quality criteria used for measuring TQM implementation level were the 'organisational performance assessment', the 'organisational culture', the quality processes and the quality tools and techniques. Conclusions support the belief that Greek SMEs continue their quality journey giving greater emphasis on cultural dimensions. The low rates recognised for quality tools and processes implemented support the perception that ISO certified SMEs reinforce TQM implementation but not in such a level as to contribute to a 'continuous improvement' process.