London Olympics: Impacts and Legacy

This assignment requires an in-depth analysis of the London 2012 Olympic Games, focusing on their multifaceted impacts. Students must explore the social, economic, and technological consequences of hosting the event, drawing upon a range of academic journal articles and online publications. The provided bibliography offers a starting point for research, covering topics such as urban development, tourism, risk management, and the legacy of technological innovation.

Event Operational
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
ABOUT LONDON OLYMPICS....................................................................................................1
ANALYSIS OF THE LONDON OLYMPICS CASE 2012...........................................................2
RISKS IN THE LONDON OLYMPICS.........................................................................................3
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................................6
INNOVATION IN THE LONDON OLYMPICS...........................................................................7
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Event operational management is associated with management all the key activities on
the basis of which any particular event are being organized. Further, it is well known fact that, at
the time of organizing any event the authorities have to ensure that all the activities are carried
out as per plan or not. Success or failure of any particular event depends on the kind of
operations being carried out. For conducting the present study London Olympics as a event has
been considered which has been organized in the year 2012 (Herstein and Berger, 2013). The
2012 Olympics game is regarded as the third summer games to be held in the city of London.
Further, it has limited the Summer Games program to a maximum of 28 sports, 301 events and
10,500 athletes. Further, the overall exclusion of the softball and baseball from the official
program after 2008 Beijing Olympics states that 2012 London Olympics will feature just 26
sports. At present swimming, athletics, fencing and artistic gymnastics are only sport that have
been part of the Olympics program but in the 2012 Olympics women boxing has also been
undertaken where it is possible for female athletes to compete in all the sports as men.
ABOUT LONDON OLYMPICS
The 2012 Olympics held in London made the city first to host the modern games of three
Olympiads. Further, city like London is considered as the only city in country like United
Kingdom to have hosted summer Olympics on more occasions than the UK. The Olympic along
with paralympic games are considered as the world’s peace time event. All the athletes who are
participating in this event are encouraged to live by a set of shared principles. Further, its core
values are equality, respect, determination, excellence, inspiration and courage. Generally games
are held in time period of every four years and in the year 2012 London has hosted games.
Further, the city received around 54 votes in the final round as compared to the 50 votes which
were awarded to Paris. The organizing committee for the Olympic and Paralympic games of the
city is responsible for organizing, planning (Sadd, 2012). Amount of £2 billion is required with
the motive to organize and run the overall games in appropriate manner. Further, the overall
funds have been obtained with the help of merchandising, selling sponsorship, selling tickets etc.
Apart from this the overall event organized has provided platform to 14,000 athletes from around
205 countries. Individuals who are sports enthusiastic and spectators will purchase around nine
million tickets and around billions of people will watch the event on television. City like London
has been benefitted from hosting Olympic and Paralympic events which can be in the form of
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economic development also. Apart from this, it has supported in creating thousands of jobs.
More training and development opportunities have been delivered to the local people across UK
and they have been provided opportunity to prepare effective plans for the games so that entire
project will benefit country like United Kingdom in every possible manner. One of the most
effective and advanced technology used in London Olympics was robotic camera.
ANALYSIS OF THE LONDON OLYMPICS CASE 2012
While organizing any specific case various operations have to be carried out in
appropriate manner so that it may provide long term benefits to the entire nation. Further, the
range of operations while organizing London Olympics held in 2012 were planning, risk
management, venue management, competition structure, sports medicine, transportation services,
financial requirement, workforce management etc (Hoxley, 2012).
Risk management as a major operation is most crucial where authorities linked with
organizing event have to manage all the risks associated with this event. Further, main strength
of this operation is that it supports in dealing with all the major risks associated with the event
and corrective actions can be taken well in advance. In short, it enhances overall value of the
event which is being organized and acts as development tool. On the other hand, main weakness
of this operation is that it does not support in knowing what type of risks are associated with the
event. Another major operation is linked with sports medicine where it has to be ensured in
advance those proper medicines along with other type of equipments through which participants
in the sports event are provided proper support. Main strength of this operation is that it supports
in providing proper support to participants at the time of injury (Asteriou and et. al., 2013).
Transportation as a service is also regarded to be most important where authorities have
to ensure that proper transportation facilities are present for local public along with participants
in the events. In case if proper transportation facilities are not delivered then it becomes difficult
to organize the event in effective manner. Workforce management is also regarded as one of the
crucial operation of London Olympic event being organized in the year 2012. Main strength of
this operation is that through this it is possible to utilize human resource in appropriate manner
and in turn all the major operations can be carried out in appropriate manner. On the other hand,
main weakness of this operation is that it is not easy to satisfy need and overall requirement of
every staff member. Venue management is also regarded as one of the most operation while
organizing London Olympics event (Chanavat and Desbordes, 2014). Authorities have to ensure
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that place is appropriate so that large number of local public take watch the event in a single
number of times. Main strength of this operation is that it supports in fulfilling overall
requirement of the customers and they can easily enjoy the experience of watching different
events. On the other hand main weakness of this operation is that it is not possible to identify the
effective way through which venue management is being possible. Therefore, these are some of
the effective operations which have been carried out for successful implementation of the event
which has been organized on larger basis. On the other hand, while organizing the event different
targets have been set by the authorities which can be easily accomplished if proper planning is
present and in turn it is fruitful for the entire event in every possible (Bamford and Dehe, 2015).
All the operations designed were customer focused so that large number of local public
and other individuals can be influenced or attracted to watch the entire event being organized on
larger basis. Further, processes were well designed as they were undertaken with the help of
experts and appropriate control measures were taken so that entire range of activities can be
carried out in proper manner. Apart from this culture of the operation were favorable which
encouraged active participation from each and every member involved in the planning. On the
other hand, large numbers of factors were present in the external environment which adversely
affected entire event where major one was credit crunch which states the condition of lack of
funds available in the credit market due to which proper funds were not at all present for
organizing the entire event (Arnold and et. al, 2015). Further, inflation along with recession
adversely affected the entire event due to which it became difficult to obtain funds for this event.
RISKS IN THE LONDON OLYMPICS
While organizing the big event such as London Olympics 2012 there were many risks
present this affected efficiency of the entire event. Further, risk can be regarded as the main
limitation which may adversely affect the entire event. In case of London Olympics different
risks were present which are as follows:
Security risk: It is considered as one of the major risk as it may be possible that planners of
London Olympics have to undertake. Further, it is necessarily required that proper security
guards must be present for safety of local public. Apart from this file explosion along with other
tools are required so that it can support in unfavorable conditions. Moreover, certain risks may
have adverse impact on public property and can affect local public (Liu and Wilson, 2014).
Event planners have to take corrective actions well in advance so that security risks may not be
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faced in near future. Further, in case if proper security is not present then it may adversely affect
players who are participating in the event. This risk can surely disturb the entire event and it is
required to manage all the key activities in appropriate manner.
Health related issue: It is another type of risk which organizers of the event can face which can
be due to lack of sanitation facilities in the playing field and other major area of ground. The
place where Olympics has been organized must be clean and safe as it will have positive impact
on the local public along with the players who are participating in the event (Randeree, 2011). It
is required for event planners to comply with the legal requirement linked with health related
issues. Therefore, in this way health related issue can also act as major risk which has adversely
affected London Olympics 2012.
Financial risk: It is well known fact that while organizing big event finance is regarded as one
of the major source which has to be considered necessarily. Without proper finance it was not at
all possible to organize such big event. The main sources of finance in case of London Olympics
held in 2012 were Sponsorship, ticket etc. All these sources supported in satisfying the financial
needs of organizing new event where the entire event can be carried out in appropriate manner.
This was the major risk where it has to be ensured that financial resources are utilized in
appropriate manner. Further, corrective actions were taken in advance so that situation of
inadequacy of finance may not be faced by the business. All the sources considered acted as
good source of income and it became possible to organize the event in appropriate manner
(Nadeau and et.al., 2015).
Construction, transportation and infrastructure risk: This risk is also major one which was
faced at the time of organizing London Olympics 2012. Transportation is one of the risks where
planners have to ensure that proper facilities are present so that players along with local public
can travel from one place to another. Lack of proper transportation facilities may have adverse
impact on the entire event where it is not possible for different type of people to visit the place
where event is being organized. Construction is also main issue where it has to be ensured that
place where event is organized in constructed in proper manner and lack of proper construction
can be unfavorable for the entire event. So, this risk is associated with transportation and
infrastructure at the time when London Olympics 2012 was organized.
Risk associated with fluctuation in currency: This risk is linked with fluctuation of currency
rates in the market. In the year 2012 entire country like UK was adversely affected due to
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inflation and this adversely affected the people living in the society. Further, this also increased
the level of risk by reducing their enhanced income which could be obtained from the visitors in
the United Kingdom (Ritchie and et. al., 2010). Apart from this, fluctuations in the currency rate
may decrease overall rate of currency in the world. Major nations in the country were adversely
affected due to fluctuation in the currency. Therefore, in this way risk associated with the
fluctuation in currency was also major and it adversely affected London Olympics 2012.
Planning risk: Before organizing any event different plans are prepared on the basis of which
overall operations are carried out. This risk was major one at the time when London Olympics
was organized. Event planners prepared different plans and it is possible that ineffective plans
may be prepared due to which activities may not be carried out in proper manner. So, this was
not in favor of the entire event and proper plans have to be prepared for the welfare of the event.
Plans have to be prepared in relation with sitting arrangement of local public, sequence in which
activities has to be carried out. In case when proper plans are not at all prepared then it becomes
difficult to implement the range of activities and in turn it may have adverse impact on the entire
event which has been organized (Giannoulakis and et, al., 2008). This may lead to large number
of complexities and in turn the main goals associated with organizing event cannot be
accomplished easily. Therefore, in this way the risk associated with planning was also major one
and event planners have to make effective plan for overall development.
Reputation risk: This risk is also crucial as in case if the event planners present in London are
not able to plan event in appropriate manner then the overall reputation of the nation may be
affected. The overall issue linked with reputation has to be tackled carefully so that other type of
events in near future can be organized in London successfully for the growth of the nation.
Theory of risk management
In order to better understand the major risks associated with project management it is
required to determine the major sources from where risk can arise. It can be threat from project
failure, natural causes, accidents, legal liability etc (McDonald, 2012). Further, two type of
events are present named positive and negative where former one is linked with risk and later
one is opportunity. While organizing event such as London Olympics it is necessary to determine
the major sources of risk on the basis of which corrective actions can be taken so as to deal with
them. Further, the overall interaction taking place between the tangible aspect of risk and human
factors are required to closely focus on human factor which is one of the major drivers for risk
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management. On the other hand, different strategies are present with the motive to manage
threats and they are avoiding the threat, reducing adverse impact, transferring threat to another
party etc. So, the theory associated with risk management is favorable and has supported in
dealing with the major risks in effective manner. Apart from this, different principles of risk
management are present which are creating value, considering human factors into account,
transparent and inclusive, continuous improvement, part of decision making process etc. So, this
can be fruitful especially at the time when event is being organized and this enhances efficiency
of the entire event.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It has been spotted that there are number of issues or risk that can influence the
effectiveness of London Olympics. In this respect, it can be said that there are number of
recommendations that can be adopt by event management company to overcome key issues. One
of key issue in context of health and safety so the event management firm can focus on various
safety measures that can overcome this key issue in effective manner. Number of health and
safety policies can be formed in order to reduce the negative impact of health and safety issues. It
has been identified that the hygiene factor plays a key role in context of health and safety so
management can focus on improvement of hygiene factor. In this respect, it is necessary for
management to focus on proper structure of sanitation facilities so that standards can be
maintained in proper way (Hunter, 2012). In this support, it can be said that the various
medicines and chemicals can be used in order to reduce the impact of germs and improvement of
hygiene factor.
Other than this, security risk is also one of key issue that impacts the operational
activities in diverse manner. In order to overcome key issue the event management firm needs to
concentrate on effective monitoring system. In order to have effective establishment of
monitoring system the organizers can have proper installation of CCTV cameras so that every
activity within Olympic premises can be recorded and monitored in appropriate manner. This
process can also help the management to monitor the people and it can aid them to identify the
potential suspects and threats in the programme. In addition to this, it can be said that event
management firm must have proper coordination with diverse local authorities that can assist in
effective management of security actions. Improved level of assistance from police and other
authorities will assist in effective management of higher security aspects in Olympic premises as
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well as outside the ground. It will also reduce the risk of terrorist attacks. In order to avoid this
kind of situations, management should focus on installing cameras everywhere and should be
monitored regularly (Poynter and et. al., 2015).
In the support of above statements, it can be said that the issues in context of construction
and transportation is also one of critical aspect. Olympic is considered as an international sports
event so number of guest visit from diverse nations to enjoy it. This clearly indicates that proper
accommodation and transportation services are required to meet the needs of guest and
accomplish event in successful manner. Moreover, construction of Olympic premises consist of
various risk such as use of bad raw material that can influence effectiveness of Olympic
premises. In this respect, it is necessary for management of event firm to focus on effective
supply chain management as per various guidelines that can enhance the operational
opportunities.
INNOVATION IN THE LONDON OLYMPICS
Innovation is must in every event and it is required for event planners to ensure that
advanced technology is being used for enhancing efficiency of the entire project. Further, the
range of innovation which were associated with this event are:
Souped up sound system: This innovation relies on the fact that most of the sound which are on
the head on the television while playing game is not at all real. Further, they are considered to be
pre developed and in many conditions it is possible that some of the sounds are recorded in
advance and they are recorded from audience who arrives with the motive to watch sports event
or any other. So, this was the main technology which was being used while organizing the event
and this was beneficial for entire nation where event is being organized (Lindsay, 2014).
Robotic cameras: This was another innovation tool which was being organized where advanced
cameras were used which are capable or rotating at 360 degree. Further, this device is effective
enough in taking 3D pictures. Apart from this it is possible to take delicate pictures and security
issues can be tackled easily (Rossi, 2014). Further, photographers are not allowed on the place
where events are being organized and it plays key role in organizing the entire event
successfully. Every special moment of the event can be captured easily and in turn it is effective
in every possible manner. Therefore, in this, the robotic cameras which were being used while
organizing the event were successful and it enhanced efficiency of the entire event.
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Track suits: The biggest innovation was in the suits which were being given to the participants.
Company like Nike has done innovation in the track suits which are convenient for players as
they can participate with full efficiency. Further, it provides advantage in terms of 0.043 seconds
to participants. Apart from this suits were heavy and due to this basic reason all the participants
faced difficult where performing (Jenkibns, 2011).
No false start: This was one of the major innovations in London Olympics 2012 through which it
was quite possible to measure the actual force being applied by the participants while starting the
race. Further, the device introduced supported in knowing the movement made by the
participants due to which false start may not be possible. Therefore, this type of innovation leads
to perfect start which is beneficial for entire event.
Therefore, these were the major innovations which took place at the time when London
Olympics 2012 was organized and this enhanced efficiency of the entire event being organized
on larger basis.
Innovation theory
In order to better understand the concept of innovation theory linked with diffusion of
innovation is effective which takes into consideration larger number of elements where
innovation is major one and it is linked with the current knowledge where any idea, practice or
object which is perceived by individual an innovation. Adopters are the next element which is
the minimal unit of analysis and they are the individuals who undertake innovation for obtaining
favorable results (Bes, 2012). Communication channels are next element which supports in
sharing information from one unit to another. Time is another element which states that
innovation must be adopted timely and social system is last element which is the combination of
external influences. Therefore, this model supports in knowing the different type of individuals
along with companies who indulge into the practices of innovation and through this large number
of benefits can be obtained easily. In case of London Olympics the innovation too place in the
form of advanced technology which was adopted so that operations can be carried out in
effective manner.
Further, the communication channels were kept open so that the range of event planners
can easily share idea and information with each other and this is for the betterment of the entire
nation. Apart from this, the new technology used was not used earlier in any other type of event
and was totally new. Therefore, this was also fruitful for the London Olympics where each and
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every operation carried out was effective and increased the overall value of the event being
carried out. It was convenient for the performers and allowed them to perform better (Poynter
and MacRury, 2009). There are five stages of adoption process where were considered at the
time of organizing London Olympics event which are knowledge, persuasion, decision,
implementation and confirmation. In the first stage of knowledge all the event planners were
having full knowledge regarding the new innovation and this encouraged them to implement the
same. In second stage of persuasion individuals are interested and obtain information regarding
new technology. In next stage decision is taken followed by implementation and conformation.
Therefore, in this way the stages of innovation followed were effective.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Innovation and technology also plays a key role in success of every event so it is
necessary for management of event organizers to focus on diverse ways that can amend
innovative opportunities. In this respect, it can be said that the event management firm can focus
on diverse technological tools that can reduce the risk in diverse context. For example, the
management can focus on installation of various technological tools in order to reduce sanitation
issues. Use of automatic pumping machine to evacuate the water from ground and latest cleaning
tools to improve effectiveness also facilitates in maintaining the innovation factor. Other than
this, transportation is also one of key factor in success of London Olympic so it is also necessary
for government and authorities to bring various innovation in context of transportation. In this
respect, it can be said that the eco friendly transportation mediums can be used such as bio-gas
fuel auto mobiles so that environmental conditions can be improved and innovation aspects can
also be maintained in proper way. Buses and light weight vehicles can be introduced that uses
bio-gas fuel (Nadeau and et.al. 2015).
In the support of this, it can be said that the online mobile application can also be
introduced by governing authorities with an assistance of local taxi corporation. It will assist
guest to access the taxi and transportation facilities in easy way which is beneficial for success of
event and maintenance of innovation factor. Number of sensors and other digital tools can be
used to ensure about security aspects. Such as metal detectors and drones for effective
monitoring of Olympic premises. With an assistance of sensors and drones the security persons
can easily accomplish goals. Number of communication tools can also be used by event
organizers to flow the correct information among members and visitors. Such as 3D display
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during sports so that guest can have enhanced level of experience during the sports events.
Moreover, number of innovative software can be used in order to to manage all operations during
the event in the United Kingdom.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Herstein, R., and Berger, R., 2013. Hosting the Olympics: a city's make-or-break impression.
Journal of Business Strategy. 34(5). pp.54 - 59.
Sadd, d., 2012. The Olympics – The Basics. International Journal of Event and Festival
Management. 3(3) pp.335 - 337.
Hoxley, M., 2012. Olympics, jubilees and surveyors. Structural Survey. 30(4).
Asteriou, D., and et. al., 2013. The London 2012 Olympic Games announcement and its effect on
the London Stock Exchange. Journal of Economic Studies. 40(2). pp.203 - 221.
Chanavat, N., and Desbordes, M., 2014. Towards the regulation and restriction of ambush
marketing? The first truly social and digital mega sports event: Olympic Games, London 2012.
International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship. 15(3). pp.2 - 11.
Bamford, D., and Dehe, b., 2015. Service quality at the London 2012 Games – a paralympics
athletes survey. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. 33(2).
Arnold, R., and et. al, 2015. Preparing our greatest team: The design and delivery of a
preparation camp for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Sport, Business and Management: An
International Journal. 5(4). pp.386 - 407.
Liu, D., and Wilson, R., 2014. The negative impacts of hosting mega-sporting events and
intention to travel: a test of the crowding-out effect using the London 2012 Games as an
example. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship. 15(3). pp.12 - 26.
Randeree, K., 2011. Islam and the Olympics: seeking a host city in the Muslim world.
International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management. 4(3). pp.211 -
226.
Nadeau, J., and et.al. 2015. Cityscape promotions and the use of place images at the Olympic
Games. Marketing Intelligence & Planning. 33(2). pp.147 - 163.
Ritchie, B. W., and et. al., 2010. The role of the media in influencing residents' support for the
2012 Olympic Games. International Journal of Event and Festival Management. 1(3). pp.202 -
219.
Giannoulakis, C., and et, al., 2008. Olympic sponsorship: evolution, challenges and impact on
the Olympic Movement. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship. 9(4).
pp.14 - 28.
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Hunter, N., 2012. The London Olympics 2012. Raintree.
Hampton, J., 2012. The Austerity Olympics: When the Games Came to London in 1948. Aurum
Press.
Poynter, G., and et. al., 2015. The London Olympics and Urban Development: The Mega-Event
City. Routledge.
Lindsay, I., 2014. Living with London's Olympics: An Ethnography. Palgrave Macmillan.
Jenkibns, R., 2011. The First London Olympics: 1908: 1908. Hachette UK.
Bes, 2012. London, the City of Angels and Olympics: Towards Greatness. Xlibris Corporation.
Poynter, G., MacRury, I., 2009. Olympic Cities: 2012 and the Remaking of London. Ashgate
Publishing, Ltd.
Online
McDonald, C., 2012. How Risk Management Kept the Olympics on Track. [Online]. Accessed
through < http://ww2.cfo.com/risk-management/2012/09/how-risk-management-kept-the-
olympics-on-track/ >. [Accessed on 11th Jan 2016].
Rossi, B., 2014. Gold for innovation: The technology legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.
[Online]. Accessed through
http://www.information-age.com/industry/uk-industry/123457565/gold-for-innovation--the-
technology-legacy-of-the-london-2012-olympics. [Accessed on 11th Jan 2016].
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