Skip to content

Larissa Davies

  1. About us
  2. Our people
  3. Staff profiles
  4. Larissa Davies

Professor Larissa E Davies PhD, PGCertHE, BSc (Hons)

Professor of Applied Sports Economics

Summary

I am Professor of Applied Sports Economics at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU).  I specialise in measuring the societal impact of sport and physical activity.  Specifically, my work focuses on valuing the economic and social impact of the sector, using a range of methods including Social Return on Investment (SROI).  My research is both multidisciplinary and applied.  I work at the interface between academic and practice, regularly engaging with policy makers, industry partners and funders of sport, nationally and internationally.   I am the SHU Research Excellence Framework (REF) coordinator for Unit of Assessment 24: Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism.

Larissa Davies stood posing for a photo

About

My academic background is in the discipline areas of sport management, economics and geography. I have a PhD in sports economics (SHU) and a BSc in Geography (University of Sheffield). I also have a PGCert in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

I have over 20 years’ experience researching and teaching in the Higher Education sector. Currently, I am based in the Sport Industry Research Group (SIRG), which is part of the Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre (SPARC) at SHU. I lead our research theme relating to social impact and Social Return on Investment (SROI). I also make contributions to other core areas of research activity in the Centre, including sports economics, major events, sports participation and outdoor physical recreation. 

My role involves conducting and managing research on behalf of, and in partnership with, a wide range of organisations including government, policy makers, National Governing bodies, industry partners, and funders of sport, both nationally and internationally.  I also hold various senior leadership roles in Research & Innovation (R&I) at SHU.  Most notably, I am the SHU Research Excellence Framework (REF) coordinator for Unit of Assessment 24: Sport and Exercise Science, Leisure and Tourism.  In addition, I have senior leadership roles in the Health Research Institute (HRI) and SIRG.

In 2020, I was awarded a Chair in Applied Sports Economics, in recognition of my outstanding contribution to R&I.  Prior to this, I held a Readership in Sport Management in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity (2013-2020); and a Senior Lectureship in Geography in the Department for the Natural and Built Environment (1999-2012).

Teaching

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and I have over 20 years’ experience teaching in the discipline areas of sport management, economics and geography.   While the primary focus of my work is Research and Innovation (R&I), I continue to contribute to various modules relating to my subject expertise.

Sport Business Management

- MSc Sport Business Management
- BSc Sport Business Management

I have taught, managed and led a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules on Sport Business Management courses including:

-Research methods in Sport and Physical Activity
-Impact of Major Events
-Contemporary Issues and Policy in Sport
-Global Economics of Sport
-Event Management and Viability

I have extensive experience of teaching and managing geography, planning and urban regeneration courses. Examples of modules I taught in these areas include:

-Geographies of Sport, Leisure and Tourism
-Research Methods in Human Geography
-Contemporary Debates in Geography
-Economic Regeneration
-Localities, Regions and Economic Change
-Urban Conflict and Change

Research

My research focuses on the societal impact of sport and physical activity, and the application of this knowledge to understand and address challenges facing the sports industry, nationally and internationally. I work closely with policy makers, funders and practitioners to bring academic rigour and challenge to the policy process. My research informs contemporary sport policy debates, assists in the monitoring of impacts related to policy decisions and supports the management of sport in professional practice.

My research programme focuses on the economic (market) and social (non-market) benefits and costs of sport to society.  It is clustered around two main themes, which are inter-related through applied economics.  These are the social value of sport and physical activity, and the economic importance of sport.

Social value of sport and physical activity

Since 2014, the primary focus of my research programme has been on the social impact of sport and physical activity.  Specifically, the development and application of Social Return on Investment (SROI) for measuring the non-market impacts of sports participation and volunteering.  With colleagues, I have developed an international programme of research, which focuses on measuring and valuing the wider impacts of sport and physical activity, such as health, subjective wellbeing, crime, education, and social capital. This includes population-level SROI analysis of sport at the national, regional and local level, sport-specific SROI studies, and social value studies of sports organisations and interventions.

Illustrative examples of funded research projects include:

  • R&A (2022) The social value of golf in the UK.
  • Sport New Zealand Aotearoa (2021-2022) A Social Return on Investment of recreational physical activity in New Zealand.
  • Sport Flanders/ADEPS (2020-21) A Sport Satellite Account for Belgium & the Social Return on Investment of sport in Flanders & Fédération Wallonia – Bruxelles
  • UEFA Research Grants Programme (2020-21) The value of volunteering in grassroots football 
  • Sport England (2020-2021) Moving Communities Social Value Calculator
  • NEOM/4 Global (2020) The value of sport in Neom
  • Lima Legacy/4 Global (2020) Social Value Calculator for Lima
  • England Netball / 4 Global (2020) Social Outcomes Project
  • Sport England (2019-20) The social and economic value of sport and physical activity in England 2017/18
  • Sport England (2018-19) Sport Outcomes Evidence Review 
  • Sport Wales (2018) The social and economic value of sport in Wales
  • ERASMUS (2017-2019) Benefits of outdoor sport to society (BOSS)
  • Sport England (2017) Measuring social value using the National Benchmarking Service (NBS)
  • Sport England (2017) Analysis of Active Lives outcomes data
  • UK Sport (2017) Social value of medal success
  • UK Sport (2017) Review of research and evidence on the social impact of major events
  • Birmingham City Council (2016-2018) Run Birmingham evaluation
  • 4 Global (2016-2020) Social value calculator
  • England Golf Partnership (2016) Social Return on Investment for golf in England
  • Sheffield International Venues (2016) Social Return on Investment in sport for the Sheffield City Trust group of sports facilities
  • Sport England (2015) Sport for development - a measurement framework
  • DCMS (2013-2015) A review of the social impacts of engagement with culture and sport

 

Economic importance of sport

Since the completion of my doctoral research in 2000, I have continued to actively research the economic importance of sport.  Within this theme, my work focuses on measuring the economic value of the sports sector using traditional measures such as GVA, consumer spending and employment; and the impact of major sports events.  I have also developed a sub-theme of interdisciplinary research around sport-related regeneration, which has contributed to understanding the wider economic, social, and physical effects of mega-sports events and sports stadia on the urban environment.  My publications relating to this theme contributed to an Impact Case Study in REF 2014 and REF 2021.

Illustrative examples of funded research include:

  • Special Olympics (2017) Economic impact of Special Olympics National Summer Games
  • Sheffield City Council (2016) Usage and economic impact of the Porter Valley
  • UK Sport (2014-2019): Evaluation of the UK Gold Event Series

For a full list of my research outputs see SHURA

Highlighted research projects: 

Benefits of Outdoor Sport to Society (Erasmus+)

Social return on investment of sport in Greater London (London Sport)

Funders of my research include:

AHRC,

England Golf Partnership,

DCMS,

Erasmus Sport+,

London Sport,

R&A,

Sheffield City Trust,

Sheffield City Council,

Special Olympics,

Sport England,

Sport Flanders and ADEPS,

Sport New Zealand Aotearoa,

Sport Wales,

UEFA,

UK Sport,

4Global.

Publications

Journal articles

Griffiths, K., Davies, L., Savage, C., Shelling, M., Dalziel, P., Christy, E., & Thorby, R. (2023). The value of recreational physical activity in Aotearoa New Zealand: A scoping review of evidence and implications for social value measurement. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20 (4). http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042906

Scharfenkamp, K., Wicker, P., Thormann, T.F., & Davies, L. (2022). Do women perceive a payoff from working without pay? A gender comparison of perceived career outcomes of sport volunteering. Sustainability, 14 (19). http://doi.org/10.3390/su141911907

Peake, R., & Davies, L.E. (2022). International sporting success factors in GB para-track and field. Managing Sport and Leisure. http://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2022.2046487

Davies, L., & Spiers, A. (2021). How much is sport and physical activity worth to society? Understanding Society. IPSOS MORI.

Shibli, S., Ramchandani, G., & Davies, L. (2021). The Impact of British Sporting Achievements on National Pride among Adults in England. European Sport Management Quarterly. http://doi.org/10.1080/16184742.2021.1916553

Davies, L., Taylor, P., Ramchandani, G., & Christy, E. (2020). Measuring the Social Return on Investment of community sport and leisure facilities. Managing Sport and Leisure. http://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2020.1794938

Davies, L., & Kokolakakis, T. (2019). Fit as a Fiddle. HCM Handbook 2019.

Davies, L., Taylor, P., Ramchandani, G., & Christy, E. (2019). Social return on investment (SROI) in sport: a model for measuring the value of participation in England. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics. http://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2019.1596967

Eigenschenk, B., Thomann, A., McClure, M., Davies, L., Gregory, M., Dettweiler, U., & Inglés, E. (2019). Benefits of outdoor sports for society. A systematic literature review and reflections on evidence. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16 (6). http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16060937

Davies, L. (2016). A wider role for sport : community sports hubs and urban regeneration. Sport in Society, 19 (10), 1537-1555. http://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2016.1159192

Ramchandani, G., Davies, L., Coleman, R., Shibli, S., & Bingham, J. (2015). Limited or lasting legacy? : the effect of non-mega sport event attendance on participation. European Sport Management Quarterly, 15 (1), 93-110. http://doi.org/10.1080/16184742.2014.996583

Bullough, S., Davies, L., & Barrett, D. (2015). The impact of a community free swimming programme for young people (under 19) in England. Sport Management Review, 18 (1), 32-44. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.smr.2014.09.001

Davies, L., Coleman, R., & Ramchandani, G. (2013). Evaluating event economic impact : rigour versus reality? International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 4 (1), 31-42. http://doi.org/10.1108/17582951311307494

Davies, L. (2012). Beyond the Games: regeneration legacies and London 2012. Leisure Studies, 31 (3), 307-337. http://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2011.649779

Gratton, C., & Davies, L. (2012). The regeneration promise: Will the Olympics deliver for East London? The Economist. http://www.sportsthinktank.com/uploads/legacy-2012---understanding-the-impact-of-the-olympic-games-(1).pdf

Davies, L. (2011). Using sports infrastructure to deliver economic and social change: Lessons for London beyond 2012. Local Economy, 26 (4), 227-231. http://doi.org/10.1177/0269094211404638

Davies, L. (2010). Sport and economic regeneration: a winning combination? Sport in Society, 13 (10), 1438-1457. http://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2010.520935

Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., & Coleman, R. (2010). Measuring attendance: issues and implications for estimating the impact of free-to-view sports events. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, 12 (1), 11-23. http://www.imrpublications.com/journal-landing.aspx?volno=L&no=L

Davies, L. (2010). Legacy stadia: What happens when the party leaves town. Football and Stadium Management, 3, 1-12.

Davies, L.E. (2008). Sport and the Local Economy: The Effects of Stadia Development on the Commercial Property Market. Local Economy: The Journal of the Local Economy Policy Unit, 23 (1), 31-46. http://doi.org/10.1080/02690940801906718

Davies, L.E. (2008). Sport and the local economy: the role of stadia in regenerating commercial property. Local Economy, 23 (1), 31-46. http://doi.org/10.1080/02690940801906718

Davies, L.E. (2006). Sporting a new role: stadia and the real estate market. Managing leisure: an international journal, 11 (4), 231-244. http://doi.org/10.1080/13606710600893726

Davies, L.E. (2005). Not in my back yard! Sports stadia location and the property market. Area, 37 (3), 268-276. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/

Davies, L.E. (2004). Valuing the voluntary sector: rethinking economic analysis. Leisure studies, 23 (4), 347-364. http://doi.org/10.1080/0261436042000209146

Davies, L.E. (2002). Consumers' expenditure on sport in the UK: Increased spending or under-estimation? Managing leisure: an international journal, 7 (2), 83-102. http://doi.org/10.1080/13606710210137237

Davies, L.E. (2002). Sport in the city: measuring economic significance at the local level. European sport management quarterly, 2 (2), 83-107. http://doi.org/10.1080/16184740208721915

Conference papers

Peake, R., & Davies, L. (2020). Determining elite para-athletic development pathways: An investigation of Track & Field [abstract only]. In NASSM 2020 Conference, Virtual, 28 May 2020 - 30 May 2020. NASSM: https://www.nassm.org/files/conf_abstracts/2020-262.pdf

Shibli, S., Ramchandani, G., Davies, L., Downward, P., & Bingham, J. (2018). The impact of elite sporting success on national pride in England. In European Association of Sport Management, Malmo, 5 September 2018 - 8 September 2018. EASM

Davies, L., Taylor, P., Ramchandani, G., & Christy, E. (2017). Social Return on Investment in Sport: Measuring the value of participation in England. In European Association of Sport Management, Bern. EASM: http://www.easm2017.com/bookofabstracts.html

Kokolakakis, T., Davies, L., & Jethmalani, S. (2017). Measuring the impact of sports stadia on property prices: A hedonic analysis of the Etihad Stadium, UK. In 9th ESEA conference on sport economics, Paderborn (Germany).

Ramchandani, G., Davies, L., Coleman, R., Shibli, S., & Bingham, J. (2013). Limited or lasting legacy? The effect of non-mega sport event attendance on participation. In European Association for Sport Management, Istanbul. EASM

Davies, L. (2012). Regional development and regeneration, mega-events and sport: A case study of North West England, UK. In American Association of Geographers (AAG), New York, 22 February 2012 - 26 February 2012. AAG

Davies, L. (2010). Sport and urban regeneration: theory, policy and practice: A regional case study of North West England, UK. In European Association of Sport Management, Prague, 1 September 2010 - 4 September 2010. EASM

Davies, L. (2006). Major events, stadia and property markets. In Regional Studies Association Conference. The 2012 Games and the FIFA World Cup: The National and Regional Impacts of Major Sporting Events, Birkbeck University, London. Regional Studies Association

Davies, L. (2005). Sporting a new role? Stadia and the property market. In European Association of Sport Management, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1 September 2005 - 4 September 2005. EASM

Davies, L. (2002). Sport in the city: Measuring the economic significance at the local level. In Sport in the City conference, Melbourne, 15 September 2002 - 22 September 2001.

Davies, L. (1999). The role of sport in economic regeneration: A case study of Sheffield. In Sport Conf 99, Sheffield.

Davies, L. (1997). The economic impact of sport: A case study of Sheffield. In European Association of Sport Management, Glasgow, 1 September 1999 - 5 September 1999. EASM

Davies, L. (1997). Sport Tourism - the missing player? In Second Annual Conference on Sport Tourism, Normal, Illinois.

Peake, R., & Davies, L. (2019). Determining International Parasport Success Factors For Para-Athletics In The UK. In Breitbarth, T., Bodet, G., Luna, Á.F., Naranjo, P.B., & Bielons, G. (Eds.) European Sport Management Conference, Seville, Spain, 3 September 2019 - 6 September 2019 (pp. 691-692). Universidad Europea: https://easm2019.com/BOAEASM2019.pdf

Book chapters

Ramchandani, G., Coleman, R., Davies, L., Shibli, S., & Bingham, J. (2017). Valuing the inspirational impacts of major sports events. In Lundberg, E., Armbrecht, J., Andersson, T.D., & Getz, D. (Eds.) The value of events. (pp. 136-158). Abingdon: Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/The-Value-of-Events/Lundberg-Armbrecht-Andersson-Getz/p/book/9781138678415

Davies, L. (2017). Sustainable Urban Legacies of Hosting the Olympic Games. In Wagner, U., Storm, R., & Nielsen, K. (Eds.) When Sport Meets Business: A Socio-Critical Approach. (pp. 203-218). Sage

Davies, L. (2016). Applying the balance scorecard approach to evaluating events. In Routledge Handbook of Theory in Sport Management. Routledge

Davies, L. (2014). Beyond the games: Regeneration legacies and London 2012. In Horne, J. (Ed.) Leisure, Culture and the Olympic Games. (pp. 47-75).

Davies, L. (2011). Sport and regeneration: A winning combination? In Sam, M., & Hughson, J. (Eds.) Sport in the City: Cultural Connections. (pp. 22-41). Routledge

Reports

Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., Griffiths, K., & Christy, E. (2021). The value of sport in NEOM: Research findings. NEOM / 4 Global.

Griffiths, K., Davies, L., & Christy, E. (2021). The value of sport in NEOM: Review of evidence on the social impact of sport. NEOM / 4 Global.

Griffiths, K., Davies, L., & Christy, E. (2021). The value of sport in NEOM: Review of evidence on the social impact of sport – summary report. NEOM / 4 Global.

Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., & Christy, E. (2021). The value of sport in Lima: Methodological briefing note and research findings. Lima Legacy Company / 4 Global.

Griffiths, K., Davies, L., & Christy, E. (2021). The value of sport in Lima: Review of evidence on the social impact of sport. Lima Legacy Company / 4 Global.

Griffiths, K., Davies, L., & Christy, E. (2021). The value of sport in Lima: Review of evidence on the social impact of sport – summary report. Lima Legacy Company / 4 Global.

Davies, L., Christy, E., & Ramchandani, G. (2020). Social impact of netball. England Netball / 4 Global.

Davies, L., Christy, E., Ramchandani, G., & Taylor, P. (2020). Social Return on Investment of sport and physical activity in England. Sport England. https://sportengland-production-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2020-09/Social%20return%20on%20investment.pdf?5BgvLn09jwpTesBJ4BXhVfRhV4TYgm9E

Kokolakakis, T., Christy, E., & Davies, L. (2020). The economic importance of sport and physical activity in England. Sport England. https://sportengland-production-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2020-09/Economic%20importance%20of%20sport%20and%20physical%20activity.pdf?iCexEpBSeom2xu2uWfoAYacI2VwGbvK6

Davies, L. (2020). Social and economic value of sport and physical activity in England. Summary report. Sport England. https://sportengland-production-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2020-09/Social%20and%20economic%20value%20of%20sport%20and%20physical%20activity%20-%20summary.pdf?Ifr7FqnmAz.8U3LLQu14rb1yIKL4SUJ7

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., & McClure, M. (2019). Benefits of Outdoor Sport for Societies - dissemination of findings. http://outdoorsportsbenefits.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/BOSS-WP4-Report.pdf

Davies, L., & Christy, E. (2019). Measuring the social value of libriaries. GLL / 4 Global.

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., & Mcclure, M. (2019). Benefits of Outdoor Sports for Society (BOSS) - Toolkit. http://outdoorsportsbenefits.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Toolkit-final.pdf

Davies, L. (2019). Sport participation in Scotland: quantifying the benefits. Observatory for Sport in Scotland. https://www.oss.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Sport-in-Scotland-benefits-Davies.pdf

Davies, L., Mansfield, L., Griffiths, K., John, A., Christy, E., & Kay, T. (2019). Sport outcomes evidence review: Subjective wellbeing; individual development; social and community development; economic development. Sport England.

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., & McClure, M. (2019). Benefits of Outdoor Sports for Society (BOSS). Development of methodology to value social impact of outdoor sport. European Network of Outdoor Sports. https://outdoorsportsbenefits.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/11257-BOSS-Stage2-Report.pdf

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., & McClure, M. (2019). Benefits of Outdoor Sports for Society (BOSS). Testing of methodology to value social benefits of outdoor sport. European Network of Outdoor Sports. https://outdoorsportsbenefits.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BOSS-Stage-3-Report.pdf

Shibli, S., Davies, L., Gregory, M., Ramchandani, G., & Hart, G. (2018). Run Birmingham evaluation. Birmingham City Council.

Davies, L., & Kokolakakis, T. (2018). Measuring the social and economic importance of sport in Wales. Report 2: The Economic Importance of Sport in Wales 2016/17. Sport Wales.

Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., Christy, E., & Taylor, P. (2018). Measuring the social and economic value of sport in Wales. Report 1: Social Return on Investment of sport in Wales 2016/17. Sport Wales. https://www.sport.wales/content-vault/social-return-on-investment-in-sport/

Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., & Shibli, S. (2018). Measuring social value using the National Benchmarking Service in England. Sport England.

Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., Christy, E., & Taylor, P. (2018). Social Return on Investment in Sport and Physical Activity for Greater London. London Sport. http://londonsportsroi.org/

Coleman, R., Davies, L., & Ramchandani, G. (2018). Economic impact and audience perceptions of Special Olympics GB National Games. Special Olympics.

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Christy, E., Eigenschenk, B., Thomman, A., & McClure, M. (2018). Benefits of Outdoor Sport for Societies (BOSS) - systematic review of evidence - summary report. http://outdoorsportsbenefits.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BOSS-Stage1-Summary-Report.pdf

Davies, L., Shibli, S., Kokolakakis, T., & Ramchandani, G. (2017). Active Lives Adult Survey: Understanding mental wellbeing, individual development and social and community development in the context of participation and volunteering in sport and physical activity. Sport England. https://sportengland-production-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/active-lives-adult-survey-detailed-report-december-2017.pdf

Davies, L., Christy, E., & Coleman, R. (2017). The social impact of major events: Literature review. UK Sport.

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Eigenschenk, B., McClure, M., & Thomman, A. (2017). Benefits of Outdoor Sport for Society (BOSS) systematic review of evidence - medium report. http://outdoorsportsbenefits.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BOSS-Stage1-Medium-Report.pdf

Gregory, M., Thomman, A., Eigenshenck, B., Davies, L., Gregory, M., & Mcclure, M. (2017). Benefits of Outdoor Sport for Society (BOSS) systematic review of evidence - full report. https://outdoorsportsbenefits.eu/. http://outdoorsportsbenefits.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BOSS-Stage1-Full-Report.pdf

Shibli, S., Davies, L., Ramchandani, G., & Downward, P. (2017). The social value of medal success. UK Sport.

Davies, L., Shibli, S., Kokolakakis, T., Griffiths, K., & Ramchandani, G. (2017). Active Lives Adult Survey: Understanding mental wellbeing, individual development and social and community development in the context of participation and volunteering in sport and physical activity (May 16-17). Technical report. Sport England.

Davies, L., Taylor, P., Ramchandani, G., & Christy, E. (2016). Social Return on Investment in sport for the Sheffield City Trust group of sports facilities: An evaluation of the Physical Activity Referral Scheme. Sheffield International Venues.

Davies, L., Taylor, P., Ramchandani, G., & Christy, E. (2016). Social Return on Investment in sport for the Sheffield City Trust group of sports facilities. A participation-wide model. Sheffield International Venues.

Davies, L., Taylor, P., Ramchandani, G., Christy, E., & Griffiths, K. (2016). Social Return on Investment for golf in England. England Golf Partnership.

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Kokolakakis, T., & Barrett, D. (2016). Economic impact of the Porter Valley. National Trust / Sheffield City Council.

Davies, L., Shibli, S., & Griffiths, K. (2016). Social impact of golf: Desk study and insight brief. England Golf Partnership.

Gregory, M., Kokolakakis, T., & Davies, L. (2016). Assessing the value of Sheffield's Porter Valley.

Davies, L., Taylor, P., Ramchandani, G., & Christy, E. (2016). Social return on investment in sport : a participation wide model for England. Department for Culture, Media and Sport. https://www4.shu.ac.uk/_assets/pdf/research/sirc/Final-SIRC-SROI-England-Web-report.pdf

Davies, L., Taylor, P., Ramchandani, G., & Christy, E. (2016). Social Return on Investment in sport: A participation wide model for England. Summary report. Sheffield Hallam University. https://www4.shu.ac.uk/_assets/pdf/research/sirc/Final-SIRC-SROI-England-Web-report.pdf

Taylor, P., Davies, L., Wells, P., Gilbertson, J., & Tayleur, W. (2015). A review of the social impacts of culture and sport. Department for Culture, Media and Sport. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/a-review-of-the-social-impacts-of-culture-and-sport

Kelly, S., Davies, L., Harrop, D., Mcclimens, A., Peplow, D., & Pollard, N. (2015). Reviewing art therapy research : a constructive critique. Sheffield Hallam University.

Shibli, S., Ramchandani, G., & Davies, L. (2015). An analysis of Northern Ireland’s performance in the Commonwealth Games: 1950-2014. Sport Northern Ireland.

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Kokolakakis, T., & Barrett, D. (2015). Sheffield: The Outdoor City: economic impact study. Everything grows outside. https://silo.tips/download/everything-grows-outside-including-jobs-and-the-economy-valuing-the-contribution

Shibli, S., Davies, L., Gregory, M., & Coalter, F. (2015). Sport for Development measurement framework. Sport England.

Shibli, S., Ramchandani, G., & Davies, L. (2015). An analysis of Wales’ performance in the Commonwealth Games: 1950-2014. Sport Wales.

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Kokolakakis, T., & Barrett, D. (2014). Everything grows outside–including jobs and the economy. Valuing the contribution of the outdoor economy in Sheffield. Summary report. Sheffield CIty Council. http://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/images/fromassets/100_3329_161014125319.pdf

Gregory, M., Davies, L., Kokolakakis, T., & Barrett, D. (2014). Everything grows outside - including jobs and the economy. Valuing the contribution of the outdoor economy in Sheffield. Sheffield City Council.

Shibli, S., Ramchandani, G., & Davies, L. (2014). An analysis of Scotland’s performance in the Commonwealth Games. sportscotland.

Shibli, S., Kokolakakis, T., & Davies, L. (2014). Child taking part survey: multivariate analysis of the determinants of child participation in arts, sport, heritage, museums and libraries. DCMS.

Davies, L. (2012). The value of the sport and leisure market in the Sheffield City Region: Current position and future forecasts. Sheffield City Region Local Economic Partnership.

Theses / Dissertations

Bullough, S. (2022). Evaluating the efficacy of UEFA’s home-grown rule in European football. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Davies, L. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00461

Shibli, S. (2015). Performance analysis in sport and leisure management. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Davies, L.

Liu, K.Y. (2014). A critical evaluation of the Kaohsiung arena Build Operate Transfer project. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Davies, L., Watson, P., & Griffith, A.

Presentations

Davies, L. (2020). Social Return on Investment model of Sport and Physical Activity in England: Measuring MSK and other health outcomes (Invited presentation). Presented at: National MSK Health Data Group event [online event], Online

Davies, L., & Spiers, A. (2020). The social and economic value of sport and physical activity. UK Active National Summit 2020: Lessons for a better future (Invited presentation). Presented at: UK Active National Summit: Lessons for a better future, Online, 2021

Davies, L. (2019). Social Return on Investment in sport: Measuring the value of participation in Wales (Invited keynote). Presented at: What’s your value? How to demonstrate the difference you help to make, Cardiff

Davies, L., & Goodspeed, T. (2018). Challenges of definition: Balancing principles with a rigorous approach to measuring value to society (Invited presentation). Presented at: National Social Value Conference 2018, Manchester, 2018

Davies, L. (2018). Social Return on Investment in Sport: Measuring the value of volunteering and participation (invited presentation). Presented at: Sports Volunteering Research Network seminar series, Cardiff

Davies, L. (2018). Major Event Legacies: Revisiting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (Invited keynote). Presented at: Taiwanese Society for Sport Management (TASSM) International Sport Management conference, Taipei, 2018

Davies, L. (2016). Leveraging legacy from mega sports events (Invited presentation). Presented at: International conference: State strategies for leveraging sport mega-events, Birmingham

Davies, L. (2016). Social Value Calculator (Invited presentation). Presented at: Elevate National Conference, Olympia, 2016

Davies, L. (2016). Sport and regeneration: a winning combination? (Invited keynote). Presented at: Sport in the community, Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Davies, L. (2015). Sport, economic growth and regeneration: What works? (Invited keynote). Presented at: City Sport Summit, Plymouth

Davies, L. (2014). How cities use major sporting events and build a lasting legacy (Invited presentation). Presented at: Birkbeck Business Week, Birkbeck University, London, 2014

Davies, L. (2012). The London Olympics and urban regeneration ‘legacy’ (Invited presentation). Presented at: Leveraging Legacies from Sports Mega-Events, University of Birmingham

Davies, L. (2012). Beyond the Games: Regeneration Legacies and London 2012 (Invited presentation). Presented at: A Sporting Chance: The Legacies of Mega-Events for Post-Industrial British Cities, University of Manchester

Davies, L. (2011). S(up)porting regeneration: Delivering an economic legacy for London beyond 2012. Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) (Invited presentation). Presented at: Olympic Legacy Lecture Series, University of East London

Davies, L. (2011). The regeneration game: Football stadia and urban development (Invited presentation). Presented at: Football and Urban Development Symposium, University of Bristol

Davies, L. (2007). Sport and regeneration: A winning combination? (Invited presentation). Presented at: Sport in the City Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand

Davies, L. (2006). The potential economic benefits of the London 2012 Olympics for South Yorkshire (Invited presentation). Presented at: South Yorkshire Partnership Research Forum, Barnsley

Davies, L. (2002). Sports events – A major economic generator? (Invited presentation). Presented at: Bid to Benefit Conference, Manchester

Other activities

Scientific Advisory Board/Research Board memberships:

  • Chair and Board Member: THiNK Active Scientific Advisory Board, EuropeActive.
  • Board Member: GO fit LAB Scientific Advisory Board, Ingesport. 
  • Research Associate: Observatory for Sport in Scotland (OSS).
  • Board Member: parkrun Research Advisory Group.
  • Co-Chair (academic): Sport Outcome Evidence Review Steering Group.  Sport England.

Editorial Board Memberships:

  • Annals of Leisure Research
  • Frontiers in Sports and Active Living – Sports Management and Marketing
  • European Sport Management Quarterly
  • Managing Sport and Leisure: An International Journal

 

Professional body memberships:

  • Advance HE
  • Social Value UK
  • Social Value International

 

I regularly deliver invited presentation to academic, national policy and practitioner conferences.  For full details, please see SHURA.

 

Postgraduate supervision

Current supervision:

- Rahat Haque. Sheffield Hallam University / La Trobe University. The social impact of sport and physical activity on youth development. PhD by Thesis (FT). (Director of Studies).

-Steve Bullough. Sheffield Hallam University. Evaluating the efficacy of UEFAs home-grown rule in European football. PhD on the basis of published work. (Director of Studies).

-Alice McNeal. Sheffield Hallam University. The Social, Cultural and Economic Implications of 'Nature Prescription.  Graduate Teaching Assistant/PhD by Thesis (PT). (Director of Studies).

I welcome enquires from potential doctoral students interested in the following areas:

  • Social impact of sport and physical activity
  • Social Return on Investment in sport
  • Sports economics
  • Social value and major sports events
  • Sport and urban regeneration
 

Completed supervision:

-Annie Smith. Sheffield Hallam University. The impact of the 2010 Vancouver winter Olympics and Paralympics on British Columbia youth. PhD by Thesis (PT). August 2020. (Supervisor).
-Ricardo de Souza. Sheffield Hallam University. The inspiration effect of major sports events on attenders’ attitudes and behaviour. PhD by Thesis. March 2020. (Supervisor).
-Rebecca Peake. Sheffield Hallam University. International sporting success factors for United Kingdom Paralympic athletes. Doctorate in Professional Studies. 2019. (Director of Studies).
-Simon Shibli. Sheffield Hallam University. Performance analysis on sport and leisure management. PhD on the basis of published works, 2015. (Director of Studies).
-Kun-Yu Liu. Sheffield Hallam University. A critical evaluation of the Kaohsiung Arena Build Operate Transfer project. PhD by Thesis. 2014. (Director of Studies).

Media

Recent examples of my research in the media:

Social value of gyms: https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/hallam-research-used-to-highlight-the-social-value-of-gyms

SROI of sport and physical activity in England: Every £1 spent on local sport earns £4 for economy, say researchers | Yorkshire Post

 

Cancel event

Are you sure you want to cancel your place on Saturday 12 November?

Close