University of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101Phenomenological Analysis of the Key Factors in Foreign Player Recruitment in Iranian Professional Football Clubs115386210.22098/rsmm.2025.16257.1433ENAmir MohammadNasiriMA of Sport Management Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, IranHabibHonariProfessor of Sport Management Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1279-427XJournal Article20241126<strong>Purpose: </strong>Player recruitment significantly impacts a football team's performance and general success. Due to the economic context, this aspect of management has grown in importance to be a delicate process for football clubs in Iran, especially in the case of signing foreign players. This study aims to identify the key factors in the process of foreign player recruitment in Iranian professional football clubs to mitigate the potential risks and enhance the odds of success.<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>The present study is qualitative in nature, and the applied methodology is Phenomenological Analysis. The statistical population for this research consists of 7 experts who have held positions in coaching or administrative capacities within Iranian professional football clubs. Semi-constructed interviews were used as a collection tool. Concepts of credibility, confirmability, and transferability were also incorporated to verify validity.<br /><strong>Results: </strong>The results indicate that the factors professional football clubs need to consider in foreign player recruitment consist of 8 main themes and 27 sub-themes, divided into two club-related and player-related categories. The club-related themes include strategic factors and coaching factors. The player-related themes include physical, technical, contractual, psychological, statistical, and social factors.<br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The relevant managers' consideration of these factors in the recruitment process, aids the clubs through assessment of the process from a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective to mitigate the risks and increase the likelihood of improving the sporting and financial performance of the club.https://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_3862_00957470d95d966b7cf2f1c285f0a2f0.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101Innovating the Business of Sport: A Systematic Review of Cross-Industry Business Model Innovation with a Focus on Fitness1637432610.22098/rsmm.2025.17937.1498ENRouzbehAmiryPhD Student of Sport Management, Faculty of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, IranGhodratollahBagheriAssociate Professor of Sport Management, Faculty of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, IranAliSaberiAssociate Professor of Sport Management, Faculty of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, IranMohammadPourkianiAssistant Professor of Sport Management, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, IranMortezaSoltaniAssociate Professor of Business Administration, Faculty of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, IranJournal Article20250816Purpose: This study aims to examine how business model innovation (BMI) practices from various industries can inform the development of innovative and adaptive business models in the sports sector, particularly in fitness. By identifying transferable strategies, the research seeks to support the application of cross-industry innovation to enhance resilience, value creation, and sustainable growth in sport industry. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA framework. Relevant studies were retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus. The initial search yielded 418 records, which were manually analyzed using thematic synthesis techniques. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, 33 studies were selected for final analysis. The study categorizes business models based on key characteristics, revenue structures, and technological advancements. Result: The findings highlight business model innovations in the sports industry, particularly in the fitness sector. The fitness sector was selected for focused analysis due to Its rapid digital transformation ,Diverse revenue structures mirroring broader sports industry trends, High responsiveness to market disruptions. Digitalization has emerged as a significant driver of innovation, facilitating virtual platforms, flexible service offerings, and enhanced customer engagement. Additionally, the study highlights the growing emphasis on sustainability, customer-centric strategies, and resilience in response to market disruptions. Conclusion: business model innovation (BMI) offers significant potential for transforming the sports industry by aligning business strategies with technological advancements and consumer expectations. Particularly in the fitness segment, innovation is essential for long-term success. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to foster adaptive and sustainable business modelshttps://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_4326_20b8e80c583741429bd2e1f7fbde6e99.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101Analyzing the Factors Influencing the Discrimination of A Sports Product Brand3854306310.22098/rsmm.2024.14984.1348ENFatemehKatebi JahromiPhd Student of Sports Management, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranMasoumehKalateh SeifariAssociate Professor of Sport Management University of Mazandaran, Iran0000-0002-6115-3436SomayehNamdar TajariAssistant Professor of Motor Behavior, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar,IranJournal Article20240429<strong>Purpose: </strong>The challenge that many sports brand managers face is the power of brand discrimination in sports products. A brand emerges victorious in the realm of brand competition when it possesses strong brand discrimination. In line with this, the objective of the research is to study the elements that influence the brand discrimination power of sports products.<br /><strong>Method: </strong>This research answers the question of whether brand elements such as logo, shape, color, slogan, and packaging enhance brand discrimination in consumers of sports supplements through the use of implicit methods and experimental block designs. The research population consists of consumers of sports products (creatine supplements) in Fars province, who were selected as a convenience sample of 384 individuals.<strong><sup> </sup>Results: </strong>degree of impact of logo, shape, packaging, and spatial design on the power of brand discrimination for sports supplements exceeds that of the color element, which should be taken into consideration.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The results of this study would be beneficial for domestic and international sports supplement manufacturers to gain better insights into consumer behavior and predict their actions. Furthermore, this research focuses solely on the case study of creatine supplements and examines the mentioned elements within this specific supplement.<br /> https://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_3063_0450789b28bd75be3e580c852c06dd68.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101Providing Scenarios for the Development of Professional Sports in Iraq5567307310.22098/rsmm.2024.15005.1351ENAli Ahmad NajmJabryPhD student of Sports Management, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, IranMajidKhorvashAssistant Professor of Sports Management, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, IranAliAtea DakheelAssistant Professor of Sports Management, Babel Branch, Babel, IraqAhmad RezaAskariAssistant Professor, Mobarakeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, IranJournal Article20240504<strong>Purpose</strong>: The development of professional sports is a primary concern for nations as they aim to improve elite performance and provide opportunities for collective participation, so the purpose of the present study is to generate scenarios for the development of professional sports in Iraq.<br /><strong>Methods</strong>: Based on purposeful and snowball sampling, theoretical saturation was achieved through 25 interviews. The data collected were then coded and summarized with the Nvivo software and a focus group. Using scenario wizard software and expert opinions, the interplay between these factors was discussed and synthesized.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: The coding of the interviews and the input from the focus group led to the identification of 10 trends and 30 drivers. Further analysis with the help of an expert focus group revealed 6 key drivers (Creating a national strategy for hosting major sporting events, Gender justice and a supportive view of women's sports, Involvement of key stakeholders, Meritocracy and meritocratic system, Standard guidelines for financial support of professional athletes in terms of contract and reward system and Standardization of equipment and facilities of professional clubs), each with 3 uncertainties.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The findings of the current study suggest that, given the unstable security conditions that currently prevail in Iraq, the country must prioritize security and executive stability, as well as work towards greater social acceptance of women and the development of sports infrastructure. Additionally, standard guidelines for financial support and contracts must be put in place, and sports hardware must be improved to support key stakeholders and promote meritocracy.https://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_3073_9c1aec68d6e5136797d6034d7ca024c4.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101A Phenomenological Exploration of the Impact of Using New Technologies and Artificial Intelligence on the Development of Sports for Veterans and the Disabled6885395210.22098/rsmm.2025.16588.1441ENAsadollahAtabakiPh.D. Student of Sports Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, IranSiavashKhodaparastAssociate Professor of Sport Management, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran0000-0002-3662-6852FahimehAdibSaberAssistant Professor of Sports Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.Journal Article20250120<strong>Purpose</strong>: With the rapid advancement of new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), the accessibility and performance of sports for veterans and individuals with disabilities are undergoing transformative changes. This study aims to phenomenologically explore the influence of these innovations on the development of adaptive sports.<br /><br /><strong>Method</strong>: A qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenological method was employed. Participants included 15 experts in the fields of sports for veterans and the disabled, as well as technology and AI. Purposeful sampling was used, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was conducted using MaxQDA (version 2020). The reliability of the findings was ensured through inter-coder agreement between two coders.<br /><br /><strong>Results</strong>: Data analysis resulted in the identification of 81 interview codes, organized into four main themes and eight sub-themes. The effects of AI and new technologies on the development of adaptive sports were categorized as follows: (1) Sports Technology (Technology and Equipment Development; Data Analysis and Management), (2) Health and Welfare of Veteran and Disabled Athletes (Improving Training Methods; Health Promotion and Prevention), (3) Individual Empowerment (Personal Growth and Development of Self-Efficacy Skills; Motivation and Social Support), and (4) Management and Strategy (Sports Management; Development Strategies).<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The findings highlight the significant and multidimensional role of AI and emerging technologies in enhancing training, health, empowerment, and management within adaptive sports. These advancements present valuable opportunities for expanding participation, improving performance, and fostering inclusion for veterans and individuals with disabilities.https://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_3952_8bc072b6efb7fe93d034385f4115e516.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101Identifying and Explaining the Effective Factors Developing the Sustainable Sports Tourism in Ardabil Province (Emphasizing the Marketing Approach)86103421110.22098/rsmm.2025.14612.1323ENRahimZareAssociate Professor of Tourism Management Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, IranArmaghanRezaeiMaster of Entrepreneurship, University of Kashan, Kashan, IranAhmadMahmoudiAssistant Professor of Sport Management University of Tehran, Tehran, IranMohammadGhasemiPh.D. Student of Sport Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20240205Sports tourism is defined as one of the key types of tourism that has been implemented in different countries. One of the main goals of countries is the development of sustainable sports tourism in the regions providing this type of tourism. That's why it is necessary to identify and analyze the effective factors in this area. Hence, this study aims maily to identify the effective factors developing sustainable sports tourism in Ardabil province, which is done using a mixed method through the Concurrent Nested approach. In this regard, in the first step, using the qualitative method of systematic review, the required information and data were collected to extract "thematic axes" to conduct semi-structured interviews. Then, in the second phase, effective factors are identified using the thematic analysis method. According to research findings, among 115 related research, 16 qualified research were investigated and 100 related indicators were extracted. To be more detailed, in the second phase of research, 72 basic themes, 24 organizing themes, and 6 global themes were extracted, which all are considered effective factors developing sustainable sports tourism in Ardabil. According to results, it can be pointed out that the effective elements in the development of sustainable sports tourism make the residents and businesses providing sports tourism services can gain the advantages of special economic pros and create innovation and competitive advantages in sports tourism destinations.https://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_4211_cd4429e21d899cb7f79b096f1273539f.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101Designing a brand orientation model from the customer perspective (sports goods brand)104120424010.22098/rsmm.2025.17135.1466ENRezaNorouzi AjirlooAssistant Professor of Business Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-5787-6140ParisaMahmudpourPh.D. of Sports Management, Tabriz University, Tabriz, IranMoslemSoleymanporAssistant Professor of Business Management, Payame Noor university, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250508<strong>Purpose: </strong>In the dynamic and emotional sporting goods industry, branding is not just a choice, it’s a necessity. A strong brand is not just your name or logo; it’s an intangible asset that creates trust, loyalty, and value, ultimately ensuring the long-term success of your business.The present study was conducted with the aim of developing a brand orientation model of customers for professional volleyball products.<br /><strong>Method</strong>: The present research method was qualitative and used an interpretative phenomenological approach. The statistical population included customers of sports products of domestic brands Merozh and Yousef Jameh from the cities of Tehran and Urmia. They were selected based on a purposive sample of 20 citizens who had purchased from two renowned domestic brands in the past until information saturation was reached. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: To check the reliability and objectivity of the information, the opinions of researchers outside the research community were also consulted, and the acceptability of the data was checked through peer review and corroboration. Smith & Shinebourne's phenomenological method of analysis was used to analyze the data.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: A total of 56 subthemes, 13 sub-themes and 6 major themes were extracted and categorized. The main themes included brand desirability, brand power, personal and social factors, economic factors, cultural factors and other related factors such as technology and advertising. The results of this study show how sports brands can use these factors to build lasting relationships with their customers.https://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_4240_42dbc6de5f80cc6075ad20bd5900c6ab.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101Exploring the Consequences of Sports Development among Students at Imam Ali (AS) Military University: A Phenomenological Study121132432710.22098/rsmm.2025.17036.1464ENHamidOmidiPh.D. of Sport Management, Imam Ali UniversityAliGhaediPh.D. of Sport Management, Imam Ali UniversityMohammadZare AbandansariPh.D of Sport Management University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Ardabil, IranJournal Article20250322<strong>Purpose</strong>: Identifying the consequences of sports activities of students at Imam Ali (AS) Military University helps to provide appropriate sports programs in accordance with students' desires and improves physical health, reduces stress, and increases students' mental health through the development of sports, as well as the university's success in international sports events. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to identify the consequences of sports development of students at Imam Ali (AS) Military University.<br /><strong>Method</strong>: the research method is qualitative and based on grounded theory with the Strauss-Corbin approach. The research population was experts related to the subject. The sampling method was purposive and the data collection tool was a semi-structured interview. Data analysis was performed in MaxQDA software version 2020.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: the outcomes of developing sports among students at Imam Ali (AS) Military University include 104 concepts categorized into 8 themes: physical development, psychological development, educational development, organizational development, social development, cultural development, economic development, and military development. These outcomes are presented in Table 6, which illustrates the impacts of sports development on the students of Imam Ali (AS) Military University.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: by embedding sports within the university’s strategic vision, Imam Ali (AS) Military University can solidify its position as a leader in nurturing well-rounded military professionals, capable of excelling both nationally and internationally. This research not only validates the transformative potential of sports in military academies but also calls for institutional commitment to leveraging sports as a cornerstone of comprehensive education and national security.https://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_4327_59628759e5d43eedd4eb80b6fe628c55.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliResearch in Sport Management and Marketing2783-23927120260101How Can We Effectively Evaluate the Quality of Services and Enhance Satisfaction in Physical Education Courses for Iranian University Students Throughout the Years?133150436510.22098/rsmm.2025.16177.1430ENMaryamNiazitabarPh.D. of Sport Management, Alzahra University, Tehran, IranZhalehMemariAssociate Professor of Sport Management, Alzahra University, Tehran, IranFatemehMohammadiMsc of Sport Management, Alzahra University, Tehran, IranMahsaSaadatiAssociate Professor, Statistical Methods/ Population Studies, National Institute of Population Research, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20241112<strong>Purpose</strong>: This study aimed to identify the difference between the expectations and perceptions of management and students regarding the quality of services provided by physical education courses 1 and 2.<br /><strong>Methods</strong>: This research was conducted through a descriptive survey, in which the statistical population included staff and students who have taught, served, or studied the physical education course during the second semester of the academic year 2022-2023 at Alzahra University. The sample size included 100 students and 25 staff. The research tool was the SERVQUAL questionnaire with 22 items. The data was analyzed using SPSS software.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: Results revealed a significant difference between students' satisfaction levels regarding the overall quality of services and the five dimensions. Expectations and perceptions among staff and students, except for the dimensions of responsiveness and empathy in expectations and the dimensions of reliability and assurance in perceptions, are consistent. This adaptation of expectations and perceptions indicates that the sports sciences faculty has not fully satisfied the students. Emphasizing students' perceptions shows that the faculty excels in responsiveness.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The identified gaps in service quality dimensions can guide planning to achieve university service quality goals. Therefore, it is recommended that the dimensions with the most significant gaps be prioritized, and that more effort be devoted to enhancing service quality and student satisfaction by periodically reviewing the performance of program managers and ensuring compliance with the guidelineshttps://rsmm.uma.ac.ir/article_4365_bbf862423d1f86421b309545b07637e7.pdf