Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Introduction
Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The sporting event will be the most significant occurrence of its kind to be held in the Middle East. It will also be the biggest sporting event held by the country. As the host to an event of such magnitude, Qatar is faced with a gamut of challenges in management, planning, and disaster preparedness cite. One of the biggest challenges is whether Qatar can plan, organize, and stage the global event. The social and economic challenges that come with hosting the event will be averted through sound preparation and planning cite. The departments and agencies tasked with organizing the event have brought forth budget estimates to facilitate the rehabilitation of existing grounds and new stadia and training grounds. Even so, there is no assurance that the small nation is ready to host a global event of this kind.
Evidence from past editions of the FIFA World Cup Show that hosting the event is not always economically sound in the long-term. The renovation and construction of new stadia, as well as other costs that go into the running of the event, are not always recovered during the period of the world cup. In Brazil’s case, economic analysts predicted revenues of close to 3 billion from the event, even though the country ended up spending three times the estimated budget and consequently losing 11 billion dollars. Such occurrences show that making profits from the event can be problematic in some cases. Qatar intends to avert this by taking advantage of all the opportunities available for the host country. For instance, the country should have ways to take advantage of the improved infrastructure and utilize the employment opportunities created as a result.
The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) proposed intends to help Qatar use the opportunity cost of hosting to its advantage. The event comes with large scale improvements in infrastructure, which are welcome as they will improve the country’s economy. While the improvements are justified, the country has to consider the high cost of running the event. Nevertheless, evidence from previous editions shows that the host country stands to benefit, Russia exemplifies the beneficial economic results of hosting the world cup.
In the EOP, the Delphi method is used to forecast the short-term and long-term benefits of hosting the event on the economy. The method is one of the most effective ways of providing forecasts and planning for events of such a scale. The Delphi method has benefits such as the professional opinion of experts from different fields who can freely express their views as they enjoy anonymity.
Purpose Statement
Qatar needs a sound emergency operations plan (EOP) for the smooth running of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Previous editions of the event have shown that hosting can cost more than expected and that the revenues to be gained are not a guarantee. The EOP brought forth is designed to assist the Supreme Committee in planning and organization to meet the strict standards for equipment and infrastructure set for the event. The main goal, in this case, is to ensure the construction and renovation of stadia. The EOP also addresses the strict demands for transit, hotels, and other infrastructure that will be required for the smooth running of the event.
The EOP also considers the scenario in which Qatar finds itself when it comes to preparing and planning for the event. The main aim of this method is to ensure a budget is formulated for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The EOP will take into account the infrastructural and financial resources at the country’s disposal in planning for the event.
Research Questions
This study is designed to address the following questions:
- What considerations should be prioritized for the successful running of the tournament in 2022?
- What can Qatar pick from previous hosts of the tournament to ensure a successful tournament?
- How can Qatar use its infrastructure and resources to host the tournament successfully?
Objectives of the study
The study is conducted with the following objectives:
- To find key learning points from previous hosts such as South Africa, Brazil, and Russia to host the FIFA World Cup successfully.
- To identify the critical action points, the administration needs to take note of successfully hosting the sports event.
- Find ways to maximize organizational performance through the utilization of resources and infrastructure.
Limitations to the study
In researching the study, some limitations were noted. One of the study’s main limitations was the lack of enough events of this kind in the history of the country from which to borrow knowledge. Another limitation was the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it difficult to access various resources and amenities.
Qatar’s Emergency Operation Plan
Qatar is slated to host the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in 2022. While this is an opportunity of a kind for the host nation, it is worth noting that it comes with a myriad of challenges. The existing emergency operation plan (EOP) addresses a variety of problems expected to arise during the event. The plan borrows heavily from the experiences of previous host nations such as Brazil, Russia, and South Africa.
Review of existing literature
Qatar finds itself in the same position as South Africa in 2010, which was the first African nation to host the event. As such, Qatar can pick a lot from the 2010 edition of the FIFA World Cup. South Africa announced an extravagant 4 billion dollar budget that would go into the construction of new stadia. Construction costs overshot the budget going up to 5 billion dollars with FIFA insisting on the construction of the Waterfront stadium, which would impress viewers on television cite. Many of the newly built stadia were underused after the conclusion of the event. The arenas cost billions to build but did not give the forecasted results that would justify the money spent on building them as running costs over R39 million made them more of a liability cite.
Similar issues arose in the 2014 edition of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The costs incurred in the building of stadia went up and exceeded budgetary plans. The excess expenditure was established to be 41 percent above estimates, which shows a poor application of the EOP at the time cite. The Estadio Nacional, which served as one of the games’ highlights, would become a parking lot for buses as club football could not fully utilize the stadium. The 2018 edition held in Russia showed positive results with a smaller margin of deviation from forecasted figures.
History of Qatar’s EOPs
Qatar has remarkably transformed when it comes to economic growth and development. In the early years of the 20th century, the country’s economy was centered on pearling and fishing. Oil and gas deposits discovered in the 1940s have contributed to the accelerated development the country has experienced. Policymakers have had to adapt to the fast-paced nature of development in the country in order to come up with sustainability plans to cater for such development.
Urban development
The seemingly free-flowing oil and gas deposits the country enjoys have changed the socio-cultural patterns of the country massively. Returns from oil trading would be invested in large scale infrastructure developments to modernize Doha. In 1972, a firm specializing in urban planning, Llewellyn-Davies, based in Britain, designed the urban centers surrounding Doha. The northern region was reclaimed to make room for office buildings cite. Pereira Architects, based in the USA, was also contracted to build the Waterfront erected in Doha. According to the Qatar National Development Strategy (2011), the country has developed commendably in the last three decades.
Social Development
The living standards in Qatar have gone up over the last 30 or so years owing to the generous returns from oil and gas deposits. These revenues have been used to develop other sectors of the economy as well as laying the groundwork for a thriving society with all amenities provided. Qataris have been noted to have better spending power than in previous years owing to better living standards. Keeping up these standards has been one of the many credits to the Qatari Government cite. The Vision 2030, as launched in 2008, appears to be on course. The plan hopes to achieve growth in every sector of the economy that can be inherited by future generations.
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
In preparation for the global sporting event, Qatar has prepared a plan through which infrastructure shall be built so as to avoid any congestion from the foot traffic associated with the competition. Congestion shall be avoided by providing attendees with spacious seating in stadia as well as large enough arenas to hold their numbers. Construction is approved by experts in urban planning as well as medical experts. New stadia shall be built with state-of-the-art seating arrangement and equipment cite. The innovations adopted are there to ensure that the country meets FIFA’s regulations for eligibility for the types of stadia matches are to be played at.
Congestion on the roads leading to various stadia is also a concern the EOP intends to solve. This shall be dealt with in two ways cite. First, new roads are to be built directed towards hospitals built around the stadia. Secondly, hospitals around stadia have increased the capacity to take in emergency cases. The Lusail Stadium has emergency roads under construction at the moment whose use shall be reserved for when matches are underway.
Regional climatic conditions such as hot weather are noted to be a problem for matches played in the daytime. Visitors coming from regions of the world with colder weather will find it challenging to attend such events. As such, it creates a public health crisis. Stadia shall be built with climate regulating capabilities.
The Primary Health Care Corporation of Qatar (PHCC) recommends an approach that takes all possible public health risks into account in the duration of the games. All kinds of injuries resulting from the competition shall receive special attention. The agency also recommends a vaccination drive. Stadium security will ensure order around stadia and take action against disruptive behavior. Alcohol intake around stadia shall also be regulated.
Swot Analysis
Strengths
Qatar’s EOP is a guideline to develop stadia. The use of the EOP is justified as it provides a guideline for the massive infrastructure projects to be done in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The research found in this case forms a basis through which future projects of the same magnitude can be done.
We live in an era of data management and cloud computing. The EOP applies online platforms that handle issues related to the plan using Event Management Software. Qatar can take advantage of the online market, which is only just emerging and leverage these systems to its convenience cite. The systems may be used in a few cases but present fast and efficient communication with clients. Innovations such as virtual reality are gradually incorporating into the business model.
Weaknesses
A problem arises when stadia are built and not used after the month-long competition. Such arenas then become a liability to the state. The other weakness noted is the congestion problem that occurs in the stadia and in the cities the arenas are located. The project also faces the power of suppliers as a threat. Construction should use top-of-the-range materials. Many of which have to be sourced outside the country. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought operations to a standstill owing to the massive city lockdowns that have been observed across the world. It is unsure how long the pandemic will last and how this will delay preparation plans.
Opportunities
The construction of venues for the 2022 World Cup will provide locations for other types of events such as festivals, conferences, exhibitions, and other events. The convenience of new technology will benefit organizers on events across the board cite. Online ticket sales will also be introduced to make bookings much more convenient. Stadia shall be built with a food section that incorporates new innovations and partnerships with a wide variety of food companies to cater to the various tastes that fans may want. EOP for the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 should also incorporate specific designs to assist with the processing of payments and ticketing. It is recommended that the EOP also has a navigation feature downloadable as an app to help fans get to various venues.
Threats
There is a threat of alternatives for the EOP as substitutions can be done. Qatar may be unprepared to entertain event attendees in some instances. Countries such as Russia or the United States are viable substitutions for a host nation.
The lack of a market share for the type of event to be hosted also presents a problem for Qatar, which faces opposition from European countries such as France, England, Germany, and Italy cite. These are nations with already-running facilities that meet FIFA criteria.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about serious economic, social, and political issues that have halted all operations in many major industries. The government announced the intention to use 29 billion dollars in combating the pandemic. Even so, the country is not prepared enough to handle a pandemic such as COVID-19.
The Delphi Method
The method is also referred to as Estimate-Talk-Estimate (ETE). It is a forecasting method that is interactive and systematic. The method has been used in many business scenarios and has gained popularity over methods such as prediction markets cite. The Delphi method applies a structured group where a change agent is present, and explanations are given anonymously by experts. Experts can then review their answers in light of other experts’ responses to their submissions. The technique allows for experts to quickly narrow down to the right answer. The process is concluded using a predefined criterion that could be the number of rounds.
Characteristics
The Delphi method uses various characteristics that participants can use to tackle the issues at hand cite. The panel of experts is sourced from the organizations with others brought from outside. Experts with the capacity to make decisions on the issues at hand are picked. Experts then make anonymous predictions.
Expert’s anonymity
Participants have to be anonymous. Their identity should not be revealed after completion of the process cite. By so doing, experts are unencumbered by position or rank.
Information Flow Structure
Experts give first contributions. A panel of directors is set up to control how information flows among experts. The panel avoids the collision that may occur between experts with differing opinions in the scenario of a face-to-face meeting cite.
Feedback regularity
The Delphi method allows experts to comment on each response. Experts can also view their submissions in real-time.
The role of the Facilitator
The facilitator is also referred to as the leader and controls the Delphi method. They regulate the responses given by panelists. They hand out questionnaires with topic-specific questions for the panelists to fill cite.
The method was applied in accessing the country’s capability to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The method has created an opportunity for experts in different sectors of the economy to contribute to the plan for the event cite. The Delphi method is also applicable in predicting the near and distant future for many economic projects cite. Experts from different fields weigh in on the EOP, ensuring that no part of the project is overlooked.
Conclusion
Qatar is elated to win the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The joyous mood also comes with the recognition of the heavy task ahead of the country. This has been noted, and resources are being channeled towards the projects that will make the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, successful. The resources are identified under the EOP and the means to make them available as well. Qatar intends to stage an event that is unique in its own way while avoiding the pitfalls of the 2010 and 2014 editions.