The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports
The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS) is a course utilizing group discussions, case studies, and projects to examine best practices and winning strategies in the worlds of film, television, publishing, music, and sports. The course uses Professor Anita Elberse’s (Harvard University) business case studies to better understand managing products, talent, trends, digital technology, and business models in entertainment & sports.
The course will require students to use their business analytical skills and decision-making ability to apply theoretical business knowledge to real-world scenarios. The course is best suited for those who have career aspirations to work on the business side of sports and entertainment.
Inspiration
While attending North Carolina A&T’s graduation in the spring of 2017, Chris was moved by boxer, author, and TV host Laila Ali’s keynote speech, where she conveyed the importance of supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Chris understood that HBCUs were the vehicle for liberty and equality and recognized the importance of ensuring their continued success. Inspired by a 4-day course he took at Harvard Business School, Chris decided to introduce an entertainment & sports curriculum course to HBCUs, starting at North Carolina A&T State University and Southern University.
By teaching the business of sports, media, and entertainment through a case study method, BEMS’ goal is to build a more diverse workforce from the ground up.
“Taking a chance on yourself is the
most rewarding action anyone
can do for themselves.”
—Asha Abdul-Mujeeb, Student
Student Learning Initiatives
Students will “unpack their toolboxes” built while undergrads at the university.
This course will use case analysis to place them in a position of recommending key management
decisions for contemporary business issues framed in sports and/or entertainment contexts.
By the end of this course students will have the following skill sets:
How do we Implement?
Sample Curriculum
-
Hamilton
An American Musical -
Beyoncé
-
American Ballet Theatre
-
Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Production 2018
-
Ninja: Which Platform Wins ESports’ Biggest Star
-
Spotify
-
MRC’s House of Cards
-
Nike Changing the Sneakers Game
-
The Video Streaming Wars
-
Catch Netflix
Interested in learning more about BEMS?
FAQ
⇨ Will we be able to use the same case studies taught at Harvard?
Yes, all case studies used have been created by Harvard Professor, Anita Elberse.
⇨ How much does it cost to implement the course at each HBCU?
$15k - $25k per semester based on each school’s financial model for compensating professors.
⇨ How long will it take to implement the class?
The course can be implemented in one semester.
⇨ How many students should the course be taught to?
Minimum of 25 students depending on student body interest.
⇨ Will Chris and Anita visit the school?
Chris and Anita will both travel to each school to introduce the masterclass.
⇨ What type of internship opportunities will students have access to?
Internship opportunities will expose students to various career opportunities within the fields of Entertainment, Marketing, and Sports.
