Visiting Deakin for an intensive consulting program, Ohio students tackled key basketball challenges and delivered strategic recommendations to Basketball Victoria.
Twenty-one students and two staff from Ohio University travelled to Deakin University for the second year of the intensive two-week Global Consulting Program.
Delivered in partnership with Deakin University and Basketball Victoria, the program gave students the opportunity to apply their sport business knowledge to two live projects addressing significant challenges and opportunities for the sport.
Working in consulting teams, the students investigated future design and development of community basketball facilities, and strategies to support the adoption of automated video technology and a national over-the-top streaming platform across Victorian basketball.
Two live projects, two real challenges
The facility-focused teams explored how basketball venues could respond to growing participation, changing community needs and emerging expectations around accessibility, sustainability, technology and the participant experience. As part of their research, students also took part in a wheelchair basketball session, giving them firsthand insight into accessibility considerations for future facility design.
The digital innovation teams examined how Basketball Victoria could support their associations in adopting automated video capture technology and the national streaming platform. Their recommendations addressed stakeholder engagement, change management, barriers for implementations and creating value for players, families, clubs and associations.
The projects tackled two issues of real strategic importance to Basketball Victoria, and culminated in formal presentations to representatives from Basketball Victoria —providing the organisation with practical recommendations and new perspectives.
David Huxtable, General Manager – Memberships, Participation and Growth at Basketball Victoria, said the students’ recommendations had given the organisation practical ideas to take forward.
“The students brought fresh thinking, considerable energy and a genuinely international perspective to the challenges we presented. Their recommendations have given us practical ideas to consider as we plan for the future of basketball facilities and support the continued digital development of our sport.
“The program also gave our staff an opportunity to engage with the next generation of professionals who were prepared to ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions and develop ideas grounded in research. We greatly value our partnership with Deakin University and Ohio University and the contribution these students have made.”
Learning through active engagement
During their time in Melbourne, the students participated in a carefully designed program of academic sessions, industry presentations, sport events, tours of major and community sport facilities.
Students also took part in social and cultural activities in Melbourne and Geelong. These activities helped students understand the distinctive structure and culture of Australian sport, while building industry knowledge needed to address their consulting projects.
Deakin University’s Professor Pamm Phillips said the second cohort had equaled — and perhaps exceeded—the high standard established by the inaugural group.
“The students arrived extremely well prepared by their Ohio University professors and embraced every element of the program. They demonstrated professionalism, curiosity and an impressive capacity to turn research and industry observations into practical recommendations.
This program shows what can be achieved when universities and industry work together. Students develop confidence, professional skills and a global perspective, while our industry partners benefits from fresh ideas and evidence-informed thinking.”
Ohio University Professor Jim Strode said the experience would help students develop professional skills while expanding their international outlook.
“The Global Consulting Program asks students to work across cultures, engage with industry and develop solutions to complex business problems. Melbourne, and Deakin University Sport Management provides an outstanding environment in which to learn about the business of sport and the role sport plays within Australian communities.”
Part of a broader global partnership
The experience strengthened students capabilities in applied research, teamwork, cross-cultural communication and professional presentation. It also deepened the partnership between Deakin University, Ohio University, and Basketball Victoria.
The Global Consulting Program reflects Deakin University’s Sport Management Program’s commitment to experiential, globally connected and industry engaged education—transforming Melbourne and its sport sector into a living classroom for the visiting students.