Rice University’s Sport Business Analytics class (SMGT 440) is currently working on a project to determine the economic impact on Houston from the 2017 World Series. The project is being lead by Dr. Jimmy Disch and adjunct faculty member Carrie Potter. The students assisting are Samantha Quen ‘20, Eric Maeng ‘19, Ryan Carlson ‘20, and Chad Tatum ‘18.
The project collects data on money spent in the city during the time of the World Series. The students collaborate on an economic impact analysis through quantitative and qualitative measures using the RIMS-II model.
“This project will challenge the students to obtain market data first hand with phone calls, visits and surveys and use that data to draw qualitative and quantitative conclusions,” Potter said. “It is an advanced methodology and I am confident the students will succeed and be very proud of the final project.”
The Economic Impact Study gives students an opportunity to participate in something that goes beyond the typical classroom assignment. The final report will be a useful tool for the Houston Astros, the City of Houston, restaurants and hotels local to Minute Maid Park.
“This project was chosen to be a major component to the Sport Business Analytics class” Disch said. “It was timely and a good fit for this initial run of this class.”
Rice University has added an analytics concentration to the Sport Management degree. With the original intention of adding analytics as a minor, Dr. Clark Haptonstall the Chair of the Department, had the idea of making three new tracts in the Sport Management Major. The three tracts that are currently being offered are Sport Leadership, Sport Law, and Sport Analytics.
Lance Wright is a senior from North Pole, Alaska, and is majoring in Sport Management.