Gobikas, Mindaugas

Youth sport programs in Lithuania are delivered in public and private sports schools, also by private sport clubs and various non-government organizations. However, a recent shift from public sector towards private sector has been observed. As a result, public-private partnerships in sport sector and, particularly, in youth sport program delivery, could be seen as a logical next step in strive for good governance. Private sector is mainly focused on utilization of sport facilities, while public sector – the owner of sport facilities – is mainly concerned with the economics of facility maintenance and additional income to offset budget reductions. Similarly to the findings of Legg and colleagues (2018), potential partnership efficiencies are not always realized due to a lack of goal alignment and limited resources. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, data were collected through online questionnaires from 8municipality representatives who were either the heads of sport division or had direct contact with youth sports programs. Research findings were constructed along three phases of partnership governance – formation, management, and outcomes. Study results provide insights into the advantages and disadvantages of public-private partnerships in youth sport delivery, as well as identify possible solutions towards increased effectiveness of collaboration in future. Multiple positive outcomes were identified by this study – from improved infrastructure, increased sport participation numbers to successful collaboration in event management and constructive influence on the establishment of a more efficient regulatory framework. And although, this research has not uncovered more systematic findings regarding public-private partnerships, it clearly proved that benefits outweighed shortcomings, thus, indicating future potential of such governance model.

Purpose – the goal of this article is to determine how police sports events enable the officers to develop their necessary skills. Design/methodology/approach – a quantitative analysis of empirical data was carried out. The method of the research – a questionnaire-based survey and statistical analysis. The generalized results of the research were presented in two tables. Findings – Police sports events are one of the most unconventional means for officers to develop certain skills and competences. Upon analyzing officers’ skill development through sports events based on gender aspect, statistically significant differences were not detected. However, education and age influenced the development of the skills among certain officials. Officials with higher education had the highest preference for access to skills development through sports competitions. From an age perspective, senior officials underestimated the ability to develop skills of selfless behavior and critical thinking through sports events, while developing skills of communication and cooperation as well as ability of quick decision-making were indicated as important among junior officers. Research limitations/implications – the research was conducted in 2019 and was based on the sports events of police officers carried out in 2018. Performance of multiple studies of such nature could lead to a more detailed conclusions and suggestions based on the results obtained. Due to this limitation, we can only evaluate the insights of the research as first time statements regarding the skills development of police officers at sports events. Practical implications – the results of this research could benefit the highest police administration. It could lead to their decisions to enhance the importance of sport events in strengthening the development of professional skills of police officers. Originality/Value – based on the results of the research, the authors were able to discuss the necessary skills that need to be developed for police officers. At the same time, the significance of sports event in society was broadened and its more extensive applicability was discussed.

The actual venue where a basketball game is played needs to be considered (Volossovitch 2017) when looking at the effectiveness of a team's performance playing in front of home crowd. Clarke (2005), Gomez and Pollard (2011) and Bray and Widmeyer (2008) explored the home court advantage topic and argued that this exists and is influenced by various factors (such as familiarity with environment, crowd support and loud arena, shooting percentages, absence of travel, etc.). A top division professional basketball team from Lithuania (Žalgiris Kaunas) was selected for this study using a convenience sample method (Veal and Darcy 2014). Similar to findings from literature, playing at home in front of full capacity crowd was beneficial for Žalgiris Kaunas, as their performances improved for all major statistical categories, alongside with being victorious in 11 out of the 19 home games that were scrutinised for the purpose of the research.

Abstract. Relevance of the research. It is suggested here that social networks are the most important tools for the image creation the context of organizational and personal image management, which presents the problem of research. The purpose of the research is to present a brief overview of theories pertaining organizational image and its main features; to provide a more detailed analysis of social networks and it is leveraging for creation and management of professional athlete image. The object of research is the mass media outlets and social networks. Analysis of recent researches and publications, which initiated the solution of this problem: use of articles by authors Cornelissen (2001), Mamedaityte (2003), Druteikiene (2003), Virvilaite, Dilys (2010), Scott (2008), Dulworth (2008), Goffman (2000), Arai et al. (2013), Neves et al. (2015), etc. The methodology of the research. In order to fulfill these objectives, an academic literature analysis, and theoretical modeling and interpretation methods were applied. Conclusions. Organizational image refers to identity, vision and basic operational aspects of organization. It is one of the most important phenomena of organization management, as positive image enables organization to achieve competitive advantage and strengthen connection with target groups. Professional athletes contribute to the creation of sport organization image. At the same time, professional athletes create their own image and brand. Using their athletic achievements, celebrity lifestyle and personal facade, professional athletes utilize social networks in order to create and enhance personal image.

This article aims to analyse the process of formation of sports public policy in Lithuania within the theoretical context of hierarchy governance. This study consisted of collection and analysis of official documents regarding sports public policy formation from 2011 until 2018. The data collection was aimed at uncovering of key components of the process of public policy formation – environmental analysis, strategic planning, competence and decision-making power, and stakeholders. The main findings of the research concluded that Lithuanian sports governance, along with the majority of other European countries, is defined as bureaucratic configuration. The main responsibility within the process of sports public policy formation falls on the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and active national non-government sports organisations, while principal objectives of the Lithuanian sports public policy formation are laid out in strategic documents. However, the implementation needs to be centred on institutional and personal responsibility, proper environmental regard and tolerance, and the ability to listen and to reach an agreement.

This paper argues the merits of hosting small-scale rather than large-scale sport tourism events. First, distinction between large-scale events and small-scale events will be drawn. Next, along with emphasizing potential markets for hosting small-scale sport tourism events, argument that there is a need for hosting those types of events will be introduced. Following provided arguments, the developmental issues surrounding sport tourism events will be discussed. Issues of commodification and authenticity will be explored in greater detail.

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of selected organizational theories pertaining to the process of organizational change. The emphasis is made on organizational capacity outlining its relevance in the context of understanding the changes taking place within the National Sports Federations.