Articles from:November 2024

• Brock experts share tips for ‘Swifties’ searching for last-minute Eras tickets

  Friday, November 22, 2024 | By Brock University

  EXPERT ADVISORY – November 22, 2024 – R0139

  With only a few dates left on the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, fans who haven’t experienced the concert phenomenon are hopeful they won’t have to pack up their friendship bracelets in defeat just yet.

  But Brock University experts say those hoping to score last-minute tickets should be prepared to navigate high prices for everything related to the event, as well as protect themselves from bad actors trying to capitalize on the popularity of the record-breaking tour.

  Associate Professor of Marketing Eric Dolansky says Taylor Swift’s popularity has generated “excitement, activity and anticipation, but also lots of higher prices for things like hotel rooms and parking.”

  “Businesses can take advantage of this by charging more, due to the higher demand, though that is not always the best idea,” says the pricing expert who examines consumer decision-making as it pertains to prices and value. “If the customer is willing to hand over their money, though, are businesses and people — legitimate and otherwise — doing wrong by charging a lot, or just pricing according to expectations?”

  Because the 22-month tour is now nearing its finale, Dolansky says demand for tickets and other events related to the tour is at an all-time high.

  “Given the short timeframe for fans to experience the effects of her visit, many will feel like they might miss out, or the opportunity to enjoy is scarce,” he says. “This can lead to a greater perceived value of being in on the action, even if that doesn’t include the concert itself.”

  Consumers thus have a “greater willingness to spend,” he says, which also makes it easier for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting purchasers.

  Associate Professor of Information Systems Francine Vachon says online fraudsters “try to target any asset of value,” pointing to the rash of fraudulent Taylor Swift tickets sold through social media as the most recent example.

  Vachon suggests fans scouring the internet for tickets abide by the tried-and-true advice that “if an offer seems too good to be true — it probably is.”

  Although people who fall victim to scams of this nature may sometimes feel somewhat helpless in the situation, she also says that contacting the police — and sometimes even the media — can provide options for recourse, as well as raising much-needed awareness that could prevent others from being targeted.

  Vachon also shared tips to keep ‘Swifties’ safe while hunting for tickets:

  • Purchase from reputable stores or resellers whenever possible.
  • If purchasing on social media and the seller says they are a friend, acquaintance or relative, reach out to the person they are claiming to be by phone or in person to verify their identity.
  • If it is safe to do so, consider meeting sellers in person and do not carry large amounts of cash. Beware of requests to pay by Interac, e-transfer, cash or crypto-currency online as such requests may be a red flag. Report sellers requesting these methods of payment.
  • If the e-commerce platform being used offers appropriate consumer protection, pay by credit card using a secure payment platform such as PayPal, GooglePay or ApplePay. Should the transaction prove fraudulent, be aware that it may take a few days for the e-commerce platform to reverse the charges.
  • Check the purchasing marketplace’s policies regarding fraudulent transactions and returns before buying.
  • Report suspicious account activities as soon as possible to your credit card and banking institution, as well as to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

  Associate Professor of Marketing Eric Dolansky is available for media interviews on this topic.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

   *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

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  Categories: Media releases

• Canada Soccer is in ‘crisis’: Brock experts

  Thursday, November 14, 2024 | By Brock University

  EXPERT ADVISORY – November 14, 2024 – R0138

  Earlier this week, Canada Soccer released the results of a months-long independent investigation into a scandal involving illegal drone use at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

  Brock University experts say the heavily redacted nature of the report leaves more questions than answers, however, and calls into question the organization’s commitment to what they argue is much-needed organizational change.

  “In terms of crisis communications — because that’s what this is for the organization, a crisis — Canada Soccer hasn’t given anyone much of a reason to believe anything they say,” Associate Professor of Sport Management Olan Scott says. “Without having it all in the open in the report — recognizing the need for protecting some of the names and the legalities that come with that — does anyone really believe that change is going to occur?”

  Members of Canada Soccer’s national women’s team were involved with flying a drone over the New Zealand training camp days before they were set to play against one another in the Olympic tournament. Team Canada was docked six points as a result, and head coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were all suspended, and later fired.

  In its report, Canada Soccer has committed to actions it says will curb similar unscrupulous activity in the future, such as implementing policies about mandatory reporting of unethical behaviour and the creation of a compliance committee for oversight.

  Professor of Sport Management Julie Stevens says these are only “structural” changes, however, and the organization needs a “value commitment to change” to truly get its house in order.

  “It seems Canada Soccer is in a reaction phase. It’s easy to create new structures on paper but will it truly address the crisis they face? This organization must transform and must do so within a broader sport system that also needs to transform,” she says. “An external factor or a crisis, such as the drone spying scandal, builds pressure, but you need a value commitment by organization leaders to trigger a change process, and internal capacity to actually execute the change process effectively.”

  Stevens says a black cloud has long been lingering over Canada Soccer.

  Pay disputes with its players, broadcasting rights controversies, and investigations into player mistreatment and abuse allegations have seen the national soccer federation battling mounting fiscal challenges and highlights a history of value-based organizational issues, says Stevens.

  “Canada Soccer has hit the tipping point as the challenges accumulate. Achieving the radical change that is necessary is scary, extremely difficult and time consuming. But it can be done,” she says.

  Scott says “knock-on” effects of the drone incident may be “widespread.”

  “The unpredictability and spontaneity of sport is what draws us to watch; it brings people together and can be that social glue,” he says. “When we start to question whether or not the game we’re watching is honest, or if an organization is seen to be cheating, viewership, sponsorships and merchandise sales can start to drop off.”

  Stevens and Scott say while the impacts of this incident won’t linger forever, Canada Soccer has work to do to restore confidence that repeat occurrences won’t happen in the future.

  “As it stands, we’re left wondering what the sport integrity of Canada Soccer is — and whether it has any — and if Canadian sport overall will be tarnished by these reports of cheating and other violations?” Scott says. “Canada Soccer needs to do something to truly prove to the public that they are going to be an organization that holds integrity to a higher level than it has over the last few years.”

  Professor of Sport Management Julie Stevens and Associate Professor of Sport Management Olan Scott are available for media interviews on this topic.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

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  Categories: Media releases