Identifying the Management Pattern of Gymnastics Clubs in the Smart Era

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify and present a management pattern for gymnastics clubs in the smart era in Iraq. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, employing Glaserian grounded theory methodology. The statistical population of the study consisted of academic experts in the fields of sport management and information technology in Iraq, who were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. The data collection process was carried out through in-depth semi-structured interviews and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis led to the identification of five categories: digital transformation of managerial and educational infrastructures in gymnastics, the digital ecosystem of gymnastics club management, systemic and environmental challenges of digital transformation in gymnastics club management, strategic approaches to gymnastics club management in the digital era, and the consequences of digital transformation in gymnastics club management. It is suggested that future studies undertake a quantitative assessment of the readiness of Iraqi gymnastics clubs to embrace digital transformation. Furthermore, evaluating the effectiveness of new technologies on gymnasts' athletic performance, conducting comparative studies with pioneering countries, designing innovative business models, and developing a digital maturity assessment framework specific to gymnastics clubs could further pave the way for the development of this field.