An analysis of the risk management processes and perceptions for road race events in Malta

Abstract

A physical sport is amongst one of the things that benefits the human being in a number of ways, both physically and mentally. Physical inactivity can lead to the development of severe health issues and conditions such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. This dissertation outlines the risk management area of sports with particular focus on a specific sport, i.e. road races.

Furthermore, this dissertation aims to build a holistic approach amongst organisations, athletes and event attendees to road race events happening in Malta and understand what risk management processes and which challenges organisations face, including what athletes and event attendees perceive as risk. To achieve this result, two empirical approaches were used to derive the appropriate results. The first approach involves a quantitative study distributed amongst athletes and event attendees in Malta. The second approach involves a qualitative study which includes in-depth interviews distributed amongst road race organisations that organise events in Malta.

In addition, a qualitative approach in terms of collecting primary data was achieved by going on site during a road race event and observing real time challenges and ways to improve such road races. All the data collected through these approaches were analysed and key factors and themes were pointed out, leading organisations to further improve on their risk management program. The general findings of this study include the effect of an individual’s participation in sport events as well as the level of safety and trust by organisations and the processes and challenges faced by road race organisations when an event is held. In conclusion this dissertation will serve to enlighten individuals as well as organisations as to how different strategies and occurrences can either improve an event or not. Most importantly, this dissertation aims to improve the ways one looks at risk management in the road race event industry.