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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the main types of sector-based resistance that affect the success of the innovation, and specifically the Internet of Things (IoT), with particular reference to professional football, as a prime example of how institutions can prevent the IoT from being used. The starting point for the research is the assumption that innovation has to address institutional obstacles in the form of economic and cultural resistance. The main purpose of the paper, however, is to highlight resistance at individual level and resistance that is company specific and sector specific, in connection with the introduction of the IoT in professional sport, and the risk of an epidemic effect in relation to the general acceptance of (or opposition to) the IoT. Design/methodology/approach – Research is based on the qualitative analysis of a specific football industry case, with reference to the introduction of innovation within the sports sector. Findings – Sector-based resistance in the football industry can influence other sectors. Scepticism and lack of trust in the IoT vision create obstacles put in place by sectorial institutions. Sector-based resistance propels the obstacles to a more general level, affecting how the IoT vision is acknowledged in every business sector. This leads to a chain-reaction, whereby the general resistance induces sector-based institutions to delay the process of adopting IoT instruments, because of the unresolved cultural and economic issues. Research limitations/implications – This research, which examines how the potential of the IoT can be exploited, is based on a single case study. Originality/value – Supranational regulations addressing the introduction and governance of the IoT are important; however, sector-specific self-regulations must not be underestimated, because of the risk of general, widespread scepticism against the IoT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to illustrate how network analysis can be used to assess the group relationships within a professional football team, starting from the assumption that team results depend, at least in part, on the interaction between team members on the pitch. Elaborating an evaluation model of team relationships can help management in making conscious choices with regards to footballer assessment, selection and acquisition. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology is based on a qualitative/quantitative approach. Data have been acquired through direct observation. UCINET 6.4 software was used to elaborate the data. Findings - An empirical observation was carried out according to the network analysis applicative process, through the analysis of a UEFA Champions League match. The objective was to illustrate the potential of network analysis to assess football team relationships and identify a system of quantitative key indicators, which can be used to elaborate a framework for evaluating the relationships in professional football teams. Originality/value - This model means that it is possible to analyse elements such as the group members' attitude towards cooperation, providing an evaluation tool for membership relationships that have not yet been expressed through quantitative indicators, as these indicators are relevant in the development of football game tactics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]