Doing Events Research ― From Theory to Practice

This is the first events management specific research methods text which encourages students to think about the importance of research in informing good practice and to appreciate the role that it plays in the events industry. Additionally, it provides students with innovative ideas and inspiration to undertake their own research work in events and inform them of the wide diversity of research strategies and contexts that are available.

The content is written from a researcher’s point of view and will provide a step by step guide to accomplishing a research project or dissertation in the field of events. The reader is guided right from the beginning in selecting a topic for research, identifying research aims and objectives and research questions. It then assists the student researcher in determining which research methods are the most appropriate and practical means to answer a research question and to achieve the research aims and objectives. The reader is then shown how to analyze and interpret their data (quantitative and qualitative) as well as writing up the research project.

Many current texts are skewed either towards qualitative or quantitative methods, this text provides a balanced coverage of both methods as well as mixed methods. The book incorporates not only traditional research methods, but also contemporary techniques such as using social networking websites and Google analytics.

It integrates specific event research case study examples to make applications accessible to events students and shows unique characteristics of researching in this field. It integrates a range of useful learning aids to aid navigation throughout the book, spur critical thinking and further students’ knowledge.

This book is visually accessible and whilst written in an engaging style nonetheless maintains academic rigor grounded in research and scholarship. This is essential reading for all events students.

Dorothy Fox, PhD is a Lecturer in Events Management in the School of Services Management at Bournemouth University and has a background of mixed methods research. She has experience of supervising both undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and has most recently co-authored an electronic resource guide for event managers, which will be launched on the web in 2010.

Mary Beth Gouthro, PhD is Programme Leader and Lecturer for BA (Hons) in Events Management Bournemouth University, Bournemouth. Mary Beth’s research interests in events span the event experience, volunteering in events and customer satisfaction in events. Mary Beth draws from a cross section of professional experience that includes working with charities, corporate organisations and government. She is a member of the International Special Events Society (ISES) and Association for Event Management Educators (AEME).

Yeganeh Morakabati, PhD is a Lecturer in Marketing at Bournemouth University and is a specialist in tourism, travel risk and travel risk perceptions. Originally from Iran, she has published in the area of disaster effects on the tourism industry and marketing strategies to recover. She lectures and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students in research methodology and is a specialist in quantitative analyses.

John Brackstone, BSc has been a Projects Manager in the Market Research Group at Bournemouth University since 2001. Within the Group he undertakes a wide variety of commercially focussed leisure research and project management including supporting the largest heritage visitor attraction survey in the world. John manages research for event organisers at a national, regional and local level and advises and supports many organisations in their event research. He has a special interest in the practical applications of e-research