Abstract This paper presents a detailed history of ancient and modern Olympic games. The paper includes details of the creating of the winter Olympics, discusses the origins of the modern Olympics and the people behind the movement and looks at the current state of the Olympics.
Tags: ancient games, modern games, greece, coupertin, IOC, olympic ideals, olympic torch, olympic oath, doping
Abstract This essay uncovers how Peter Ueberroth, head of the L.A. Olympic Organizing Committee transformed the games into a monumental opportunity to stage a spectacular event and raise enough to contribute back to the surrounding community. The paper examines the success of the 1984 Olympics through the persepctive of entrepreuneurial organization.
From the Paper "Various factors contributed to the success of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee (LAOOC) and much was due to the "infective" personality of Peter Ueberroth. However, as biologist Bertalanffy professed through his systems theory "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts".
"Without digging deeply into the theory itself and the resulting holistic philosophy, "systems theory focuses on not only how the parts are arranged and what they do but also the relations which connect the parts into a whole."
Abstract On May 13, 1931, the International Olympic Committee, headed by Count Henri Baillet-Latour of Belgium, awarded the 1936 Summer Olympics to Berlin. This paper examines the political and social situation of Germany at the time, under the leadership of Adolph Hitler. It shows how he used the two weeks that the whole world would be watching, to turn Germany into a showcase and soften his anti-semitic policies.
The paper also discusses the games themselves and the controversies surrounding Hitler's apparent snubbing at the victories of black American athletes.
From the Paper "Of course, the Games were not without controversy in the several years prior to 1936. As Hitler assumed power and the Nazis formed a one-party dictatorship, there were efforts to remove the Games from Berlin for political reasons. The United States was especially vehement about moving the games. But, the International Olympic Committee, in trying to prove their rationale for awarding the games to Berlin, claimed that the Games would be under the auspices of the German government, and not the Nazi party,. Perhaps some people forgot that in Germany now these two were one and the same thing. Still, the Games were in the hands of the German Olympic Organizing Committee, headed by a Dr. Lewald, its president, and Dr. Diem, its secretary-general. Both were pre-Nazi Germans, and were not in good standing with the Nazi party, but somehow they managed to retain control."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the ancient and modern Olympic Games that shows how, despite the superficial differences, the events are at heart very similar. It looks at the origin and history of the Olympics.
From the Paper The Olympics have come to us down through the ages as an example of the purity and beauty of athletics. The Olympic ideal is something that we hear touted in the media and that many young athletes dream about as they embark on their athletic careers ..."
Abstract In this article the writer looks at the impact and effects that the Olympic Games have had over the years. The writer discusses the various benefits and advantages involved when athletes from different nations participate in such an event. The writer also highlights the positive economic aspects brought about by the Olympics, such as the encouragement of tourism and jobs for the host country.
From the Paper "The Olympic Games offer an opportunity for people of different nations to meet each other, and to communicate and exchange cultural ideas with each other. Beneficial changes, such as promoting a more positive image to the world, and creating publicity and visibility, are enjoyed by the host city. In this way, tourism to the country may be boosted. In addition, the local economy may be stimulated, and jobs may be created. Finally, infrastructure built for the Games may benefit the local inhabitants for many years to come."
Abstract This creative writing paper attempts to capture the spirit and times of the late eighteenth century when a young French woman ruminates on the recent execution of Olympe de Gouges and what it means for France. The paper explores the challenges confronting French women during the period in question and examines in brief some of the social factors which made bloody revolution perhaps inevitable.
From the Paper "They killed Olympe de Gouges the other day - apparently because they found her ideas too revolutionary ("Olympe de Gouges", para.1). The champion of female rights and equality ("Olympe de Gouges", sec.1; Olympe de Gouges, articles 1-17 and postscript), she died as she had lived - courageously - but she nonetheless died far too young. I am one of the young women who read her work and was inspired by it; I am also one of those young women whole stole in amongst the spectators to witness her death as they first led her to the infernal contraption, mocked her, threw rotten fruit at her, and then shouted out in glee as the blade plunged down through the back of her neck. I cannot tell you my horror and shame that France - my France! - should permit such ghastly atrocities to occur."
Abstract This paper considers the costs and benefits of hosting the Olympics, particularly as an effort to inform the efforts of Beijing in 2008. Through review of the literature, and case studies Seoul and Atlanta, the research shows that Beijing can benefit if they use the hosting to impact the national life of China (including standing in the world) and improve very specific parts of the economy.
This paper evaluates four websites, which describe the Ancient Olympic Games: "The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games", "The Ancient Olympics", "Archaeology's Ancient Olympics Guide" and "The Olympics: The Ancient Olympics".
Abstract The paper relates that the website "The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games" describes how politics, nationalism, commercialism and athletics were related intimately in the ancient Olympic Games and how today's games are surprisingly accurate re-creations of the ancient Olympic Games in relation to climate and circumstances. The author points out that the website "Ancient Olympics Guide" is short on graphics; however, this does not detract in any way from the visual appeal of the site because the lack of graphic fillers allows room for a wealth of scholarly information concerning the ancient and modern Olympic games. The paper relates that the website "The Olympics: The Ancient Olympics" is a very comprehensive website, which provides informational links to the history, origins and events of the ancient Olympics.
From the Paper "The home page of Tufts University's site "The Ancient Olympics" (http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/) has five oblong circles centered on the top half of the page that provides links entitled Ancient and Modern Olympic Sports, A Tour of Ancient Olympia, The Context of the Games and the Olympic Spirit, Athletes' Stories and Frequently Asked Questions. In the center of each circle is an ancient Olympic scene. The bottom half of the home page gives a brief description of the Perseus Project, which in 1996, created this exhibit on the ancient Olympics as a tribute to the Centennial Olympic Games. This exhibit allows one to compare ancient and modern Olympic sports, tour the site of Olympia as it looks today, learn about the context of the Games and the Olympic spirit, or read about the Olympic athletes who were famous in ancient times."
Tags: graphics, links, re-creation, tribute, modern
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that holding the Olympic Games is one of the best ways to promote cultural understanding between countries. It is a great opportunity to show a country's cultural essence to the world because people from different countries flood into the host country for the Olympic Games. The writer notes that the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing is one of the best examples of how much the Olympic Games can promote cultural understanding for one country to the whole world. The writer points out that by holding this event, China provided an opportunity for both domestic people and overseas tourists to experience a combination of Olympic and Chinese cultures. The writer discusses that the dark side in the Olympic Games truly exists, because everything is a paradox, but people can still find ways to solve the conflicts with mutual comprehension through the peaceful power of the Olympic Games. The writer concludes that the International Olympic Committee brings people from all over the world together, which allows people from different background to establish friendship while competing in the friendly sporting contests.
From the Paper "All the tourists see the true appearance of the country, and they bring their experiences and feelings about the host country back to their own countries. China, the host country of the 29th Olympic Games, is an outstanding example, demonstrating the advantages of the Olympics. Foreigners had a great opportunity to learn the essence of Chinese culture during the Olympic Games. Moreover, the Chinese also gained a chance to comprehend other cultures through communication with foreign people. The 29th Olympic Games not only showed the sporting ability of China but also represented the development of China. Although some protests, which were instigated by The Dalai Lama, occurred during the torch relay, the Beijing Olympics was still a powerful tool for promoting and inspiring world peace."
Abstract This paper relates the history of the Olympic Games and the increasing significance of income from the media and other sources, which has led to the issue of commercialization and corporate sponsorship of the Games. The writer then asserts that the Olympic committee's business activities have diminished the Olympic spirit and contends that this commercialization has resulted in the extravagant enhancement of the economy of the host countries, ubiquitous commercial branding and messaging, sponsorship by companies that do not promote healthy living, association with companies that violate human rights and the inequality of the allocation of revenues---all of which violate the spirit of the Olympic Games.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Development of Commercialization
Intentional Olympic Committee Budget
Impact of Media
Commercialized Sporting Display
Olympic Business Mismatches the Ideals
Undermining Professed Ideals
Promotion of Unhealthy Living
Violation of Human Rights
Inequality in Allocation of Resources
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Summer Olympics held in 1936 in Berlin were the first events to be aired on television, though limited to local audiences. The Winter Olympics held in 1956 were the first globally televised games and the subsequent winter sports had their rights of broadcast auctioned for the first moment to specialized broadcasting networks. For instance the CBS allocated nearly three hundred and ninety four thousand dollars for American rights and the EBU allocated six hundred and sixty thousand dollars."
Abstract This paper examines how, for the organizers and advertisers of the Olympics, the event is much more than a series of sport competitions and how, from the moment the bid is placed to host the Olympics, host nations are vying companies for sponsorship, advertising, broadcasting rights, and merchandising rights. It looks at how the games have become much more than sporting achievements, but an opportune time to increase job opportunities and revenue for a country that prepares well in advance for a chance to host the Olympic games and all the visitors and athletes that will be visiting their shores. It analyzes how the Olympic games can make a positive impact on a country's economy and how, in commercializing the games, the Olympics has turned into another money-making event for struggling economies and money-hungry countries.
From the Paper "Advertisers, as in the Super Bowl and World Series, are prepared to pay exorbitant prices for ad time during the Opening Ceremonies as well as significant events important to its viewers, i.e. basketball events and other events which feature prominent sport personalities. NBC acquired the rights to provide broadcast coverage of the Olympic Games for an 8 year period starting from 2000 in which they paid $3.6 billion for the rights (McClellan, 2003) and on top of their profits through advertising; the network stands to commercially gain beyond any Super Bowl or World Series."
Abstract This paper traces the history of the Olympic Games from the first record of the games at Olympia in 776 BC. It looks at how the first Olympic Games were not the games of today that represent a worldwide competition between the best athletes of the world. The ancient Olympic Games were dedicated to the Gods and only involved Greek athletes. It also examines the beginnings of the modern Olympic Games from their inception in France in 1900 and how they have over the years endeared political influences, performance enhancing drugs and the bribery of the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
From the Paper "The ancient Greek Olympics were held every four years from 776 BC for the next 12 centuries. The ancient games lasted until 393 AD. The Romans had won the wars against the Greeks in 146 BC and were now in control of the Olympics. The games lasted until 393 AD, when the Roman Emperor Theodosius I (Rolfe 14) decided to end the games. The Emperor was incensed that the people were worshipping the gods and he wanted them to worship him. The Romans ruined the Olympic stadium and what was left was destroyed by natural events, such as floods and earthquakes. This was the end of the ancient Greek Olympic games. It would be centuries before the games would be reinstated and they would be different from the ancient games, but the influence of the ancient Greeks would forever be evident in the competitions."
Abstract The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of the 2012 Olympics in Los Angeles. Specifically it discusses the pros and cons of hosting the 2012 summer Olympics. The paper notes that 2012 Summer Olympics will be held in London, England, where a complete Olympic Park is under construction in east London. The paper comments that however, Los Angeles, California also bid on the 2012 Games, and is bidding to hold the 2016 Games, as well. The paper discusses the several pros and cons to holding the Olympics in Los Angeles at any time.
From the Paper "Planning is a massive undertaking, and planners are creating timelines to ensure the building stays on schedule and is all completed before the Games begin. Technology is being upgraded, and there will be new timing and scorekeeping technologies in place for these Games. In addition, there is massive planning underway to help handle visitors, athletes, and the many other aspects of the games, from food service to ensuring the venues are all stocked with the right athletic equipment and accessories to help the athletes perform at their best. "
Abstract This paper analyzes a report, prepared by Mexico City's Olympic Economics Committee, that was written with the intention of showing that Mexico City should indeed be a candidate to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The paper presents evidence of Mexico City's robust and growing economy by looking at such economic factors as GDP, jobs and industries, economic outlook, and the Olympic budget.
Economic Overview
GDP
What are primary jobs and industries?
How developed is Mexico City?
What about available workers, total population, etc.?
Currency
Economic Outlook
Infrastructure
Olympic Budget
Benefits for Mexico City
From the Paper "Mexico City has come a long way from its colonial economy that was based mostly on mining, particularly silver. Today it boasts an economy that is diverse. The economy today includes strong agriculture, petroleum and industry sectors. With this diversification, Mexico City is not only the largest city in the world, with approximately 20 million inhabitants, but the city is considered the second strongest economy in all of Latin America (Mexico: Mexico City)."
Abstract This paper examines the Beijing 2008 Olympics within the context of product strategy (marketing and branding). The paper provides recommendations in order to ensure high service quality at the 2008 Games through an examination of the Olympics consumer and his or her expectations. It also looks at key tools in customer service in order to analyze their product strategy.
Table of Contents:
What is a Product Strategy?
Branding as Part of the Product Strategy
Beijing 2008 - The Objective
Beijing 2008 - The Product
The Security Component of the Beijing 2008 Product
Beijing 2008 - The Product Life Cycle
A Different Perspective - the Beijing 2008 PLC
Beijing 2008 - The Brand
What does a Successful Brand do?
Creating the Beijing 2008 Brand
Brand Equity
Brand Contacts
Adding the Beijing Touch to the Olympic Games
Leveraging Secondary Associations
Attracting Sponsors
Beijing 2008 Sponsorship Program: Rights and Benefits
Conclusion
Service Quality as it Impacts the Consumers' Experience
The Characteristics of a Service
The Concept of Service Quality
Expected Service at the Olympics Service Design Standards
Who is the consumer?
Understanding Consumer Expectations
Selection of Partner Companies
Criteria for the Selection of Sponsors, Partners and Suppliers
The Human Element of a Service
Achieving Service Quality
Use of Tangibles
Enhancing the Service Encounters at Beijing 2008 through Tangibles
Conclusion
Appendices
From the Paper "The consumer experience commences from the point of decision, i.e. the moment someone makes a choice to attend Beijing 2008."
"As such, the determinants of service quality - reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and tangibles - have to be applied to the entire process of attending the Olympics."
"This process would include the purchase of airline tickets, the actual flight to Beijing, ground transfers, hotel accommodation, bank, insurance and communication services, purchase of game tickets and entertainment and cultural experiences."
