Svein S Andersen

International journal of sports science & coaching 13(4) p. 533-544 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954117740014

The aim of this study was to explore successful and unsuccessful transitions in Norwegian handball from the youth player level to the adult elite level. The nine youth players in our strategic sample were interviewed in-depth about their experiences. Five of the nine athletes had established themselves successfully at the adult elite level; four had either quit or continued to play at a lower level during the previous season. The data were first inductively analysed before the theoretical analysis was conducted. This enabled us to develop a comprehensive understanding of each athlete’s developmental path and transitions and enabled a comparison between the different outcomes. The lifespan model was used a basis for understanding the individual pathways of development and the transitions made. The ecology of games framework was used to contextualise the individual processes within the particular organisational context of Norwegian handball. The results show how the application of the talent development model used in Norwegian handball is frequently experienced as one which is exhausting for athletes. For a significant number, it may lead to injuries or burnout. Further, our findings demonstrate that there is a thin line separating two different outcomes: (a) a dropout due to a loss of motivation and meaning and (b) a successful transition to the elite level. We discuss how the organisational context of Norwegian handball leads to unintended consequences, both positive and negative, for athletes. Incidents and decisions beyond an athlete’s immediate environment can facilitate or inhibit successful transitions to the elite level.

New Political Economy of Energy in Europe. Power to Project, Power to Adapt p. 49-72 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93360-3_3

Proceedings IFKAD...

The purpose of the present paper is to explore the process of knowledge integration and co-creation within an elite sport context characterized by uncertainty and ambiguity. The study was designed and carried out as a qualitative case study. Data were generated through documents and interviews with key actors within three ski-preparation teams (cross-country skiing, biathlon, Nordic combined) and the ski-preparation project led by the responsible organization for elite sports in Norway, Olympiatoppen. The study identifies three major types of knowledge co-creation. The first concern bridging scientific and experience-based knowledge, where scientists have a more optimistic view on cumulative knowledge development. The second highlight the role of shared testing procedures to compare and evaluate prototypes generated though scientific and practical knowledge. The third illustrate that the extent to which knowledge are used in the different teams depends on their strategies and is reflected in the gatekeeper role. A key finding is that close and trustful relationships are vital in order to allow for new ideas about how to improve. In highly competitive environments such as elite sport, where small variation in judgements matter, knowledge creation as co-creation has a fundament social dimension, where success depends on trustful interaction and shared values. However, the paradox is that although all ski-waxers have a strong commitment to continuous development and improvement, they demonstrate a strong need to control this process within the different teams. The control influence the degree to which close and trustful relationships are developed and hence the possibility for knowledge co-creation. Proceedings IFKAD 2017 St. Petersburg, Russia, 7-9 June 2017 ISBN 978-88-96687-10-9 ISSN 2280787X 1913 More precisely, they engage in an active search for fine-tuning within a set of assumption that are rarely questioned. Close relationships seem therefore to be important for rendering knowledge co-creation possible in ways that also questions fundamental assumptions.

Palgrave Macmillan

Energy Union: Europe's New Liberal Mercantilism? p. 185-200 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59104-3_11

Energy Union: Europe's New Liberal Mercantilism? p. 13-26 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59104-3_2

The European Union's Foreign Policy in Comparative Perspective: Evaluating and generating hypotheses on 'actorness and power'

EU Leadership in Energy and Environmental Governance: Global and Local Challenges and Responses Doi: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137502766_3

Routledge

Event Management 19(2) p. 261-273 Doi: https://doi.org/10.3727/152599515X14297053839773

Test events are important in the preparation of major sporting events. Nevertheless, there are few studies of how such tests are carried out to combat risks and build capacities to manage the unexpected incidents during implementation. This article explores two questions: (1) What role did the test event in 2010 play in the preparation and execution of the FIS Nordic World Championships (SWC) in Oslo 2011? (2) To what extent can experiences from this project be viewed as a successful attempt to apply an overall model of mindful organization? The study is based on in-depth interviews with key leaders in the organizing committee of SWC as well as different documents and media coverage. Data collection and analysis is organized around key concepts from theories of mindful organizations. The study shows that even if project leaders had a conscious and consistent mindful approach to preparations, the test event demonstrated a number of important shortcomings relating to facilities, support, and the event organization itself. The way such shortcomings were analyzed and acted upon was essential for a successful world championship. An important aspect of this was the realization that the real challenge was to reorganize and fine tune the organization to combat risks and manage the unexpected.

Journal of European Integration 37(3) p. 319-334 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07036337.2014.953947

Since the Single European Act the EU has brought many ‘public’ policy sectors characterised by heterogeneity under the umbrella of the Single Market. Consequently, some of the tools employed to shelter these sectors from supranational governance — unanimous decision-making, limited Commission competence and ‘ring fenced’ national regimes — are no longer fully relevant. The member states and the Commission have therefore developed a series of additional measures to accommodate heterogeneity. The central questions here are: as integration proceeds, what can member states reasonably demand in order to safeguard their interests? And, how can the Commission offer the necessary flexibility? The literature on policy implementation and differentiated integration provides a point of departure for generalisations about changes to mechanisms of intergovernmental governance. The present paper uses developments in the EU gas sector to explore and elaborate how the adoption of new measures changes the mechanisms of intergovernmental governance.

International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics 7(2) p. 197-216 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2015.1031811

Research on international elite sport emphasises the convergence of national systems. Such trends are reflected also in the Nordic countries. However, the national elite sport systems in these countries have developed quite differently over the last 30 years, despite strong historical similarities. This article directs the attention to a topic that has been largely ignored in the research on international elite sport systems – the role of institutional entrepreneurs. It builds on earlier research on Nordic elite sport. In addition, we have conducted comprehensive interviews with central leaders in the national Olympic Committees, national confederations of sport and national elite sport organisations in all four countries – a total of 16 informants. They were selected strategically, based on their roles and experiences. The point of departure for the theoretical coding was a model of institutional entrepreneurship with four key elements: field characteristics, the creation of a divergent vision, the mobilisation of allies and the mobilisation of resources. Our findings are consistent with the theoretical model, but introduce nuances and additions to the model. Entrepreneurial efforts take place within institutional fields that may enhance or limit the scope for successful change. The findings point to the significance of entrepreneurs’ active interpretation of challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, change processes take place in a context partly beyond the control of entrepreneurs, and as windows of opportunities come and go, the timing of initiatives may be decisive. The general argument put forward in this article may serve as a framework for identifying and explaining variations in policy changes and implementation across different countries within a broader trend of policy convergence.

Managing elite sport systems : research and practice p. 49-66

Managing elite sport systems : research and practice p. 182-195

Sport, Education and Society Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2015.1087398

Structured talent identification and development, it has been argued, is one of the foundations of international sporting success and many modern elite sport systems have applied normative talent development (TD) models. The success of Norwegian handball, however, is based on an alternative approach to TD. Norwegian handball is characterized by a heterarchical organizational structure in which several key actors function highly autonomously. The aim of this article is three-fold: (a) to describe the organization of TD in Norwegian handball, (b) to identify how the inherent organizational characteristics of Norwegian handball have influenced the TD processes used and (c) to discuss if contemporary TD models provide an adequate conceptualization of the model used in Norwegian handball. This case study includes three units of analysis: (i) the overall organizational structure of Norwegian handball, (ii) the characteristics of the key actors involved and (iii) the intercommunication and collaborations of the key actors. The data sources were (a) documents and (b) interviews with 11 key informants. The informants were selected strategically to represent experienced coaches and professionals from multiple organizational units. The National Handball Federation uses a broad-based model for TD: 23% of male handball players and 15% of female handball players from the age of 13–17 years participate in regional-level initiatives in addition to practising daily in community-based volunteer sport clubs and sport schools. Findings reveal that the broad base of TD initiatives creates multiple access points to the talent pipeline for adolescents. However, because the heterarchical structure involves many actors, the unintended consequences are often related to (im)properly managing training and competition loads. There is a need therefore for welldeveloped coordination mechanisms and good communication between the key actors involved.

Reflective Practice 16(3) p. 403-417 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2015.1052387

Elite sport organizations invest considerable efforts in continuous evaluation of training and development. A key challenge is to promote athletes’′ reliable learning. This requires critical reflection. In this paper we look at how highly successful elite cross-country skiers reflect on their training. The theoretical framework of organizational mindfulness and reliable learning directs attention to three key mechanisms that influence reflection: socialization, sensemaking and interpretation. We identified an inherent tension in the way athletes are socialized into elite athletes. On the one hand, they internalize strong beliefs in key success factors. Such beliefs serve as a normative framework that provides commitment and enthusiasm. However, strong beliefs may weaken the athletes’ ability to notice ambiguous feedback signals in complex training situations. We found four different styles of reflection, but only one of them is consistent with requirements for reliable learning.

Managing elite sport systems : research and practice p. 3-15

Sports Coaching Review 3(1) Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/21640629.2014.901712

This article investigates the coaching behaviour of five Norwegian national elite team coaches in cross-country skiing. It identifies how they acted as ‘sensegivers’ towards the athletes. An important part of this is how coaches, assisted by support personnel, stimulated athletes' reflections in ways that improved the quality of everyday training. It draws upon social and relational aspects of learning within an organizational setting. The theory of mindful organizations, with its emphasis on sensemaking and sensegiving, is introduced to capture how coaches and support personnel can influence athletes' reflections. The article makes both an empirical and theoretical contribution. First, it directs attention to sensegiving as an important element of coaching behaviour. Second, it identifies key mechanisms of sensegiving not previously discussed in the literature.

International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences 25(2) p. 147-158 Doi: https://doi.org/10.24985/ijass.2013.25.2.147

National teams face organizational challenges when planning and preparing for Olympic accommodation. In Norway such efforts are coordinated by the Olympic Top Sport Organization, Olympiatoppen. The ability to deal systematically with the many mundane factors in preparations and competitions is crucial, for example minor and mundane issues related to housing conditions may easily impact athletes’ ability to perform. When discussing perceptions of stressors related to accommodations with ten Norwegian winter Olympians from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games (OWG), they identified four areas of concern that may be central in comprehensive planning and preparation: accommodation and specific individual needs, the quality of recreation and food, managing security issues, and the regulation of press meetings. The most satisfied athletes belonged to sports where leaders took active part in discussions and spent time on details that would give the team an advantage like single room for clear medal candidates, Norwegian chefs, bringing their usual support personnel, extra recreational activities etc. Others were not that satisfied and felt that their needs (or sport) were not considered important enough. In conclusion, the Norwegian preparations for the 2010 OWG reflected a more conscious approach to quality control than previously, and even more important, the athletes felt that they had a say in the decision-making.

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business 6(2) p. 236-250 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/17538371311319007

In elite sport competitions there are small margins, and small advantages may be the key to big success. Details that in many other setting would be considered insignificant can have a major impact on results. Awareness about risks therefore becomes a key concern in such projects, and this is often viewed as the essence of project management. Compensations for negative outcomes do not make sense. Delays, cost-overruns or compensations are not viable options. In such situations, success depends on the ability to manage risks with a high degree of reliability, reflects the ability to mobilize, use and develop new knowledge. This paper aims to offer an opportunity to investigate mechanisms for knowledge development and transfer in relation to risk management in a mindful organization.

Managing high performance sport p. 255-271

Managing Leisure 17(2-3) p. 155-169 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13606719.2012.674392

Studies of politics, welfare states and social issues often emphasize the commonalities that constitute a Nordic model. Similarly, research on international elite sport emphasize the convergence of elite sport systems. In the domain of Nordic elite sport commonalities exist, but the differences are more striking. Not only are there differences among the national elite sport systems, they also often run counter to dominant patterns of political and societal organizations within each country. This article explores how such differences have come about since the Second World War, and how they influence the way today's challenges are dealt within the different Nordic countries.

Ski-VM 2011 : planlegging og gjennomføring p. 31-53

Nordic elite sport : same ambitions - different tracks p. 259-284 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13606719.2012.674392

Universitetsforlaget

Nordic elite sport : same ambitions - different tracks p. 237-256

Nordic elite sport : same ambitions - different tracks p. 11-24

Norsk statsvitenskapelig tidsskrift 28(4) p. 213-240

I 1995 fastslo EU-domstolen at profesjonell fotball var en del av det indre marked. Dette førte til sterke negative reaksjoner fra fotballklubber og -forbund i hele Europa. Bosmandommen presset samtidig EU-kommisjonen til å klargjøre fotballens status som kommersiell aktivitet. De tre mest sentrale temaene var ordningene for spillernes overgang mellom klubber, kvoter for utenlandske spillere, og salg av medierettigheter. I denne artikkelen ser vi på norske reaksjoner på dommen, og utviklingen av et nytt regime for profesjonell fotball i de påfølgende år. Den første reaksjonen fra norsk fotball var at EUs krav utgjorde en trussel. Den videre utviklingen ble imidlertid preget av en dialog mellom EU-kommisjonen og UEFA. Denne prosessen førte frem til et kompromiss som ivaretok både EUs konkurranseregler og verdier som står sentralt i norsk og europeisk fotball. Norsk representasjon i UEFAs ledelse ga nasjonale fotballaktører informasjon og innsikt i lokale tilpasningsmuligheter. Artikkelen illustrerer en form for europeisering preget av gjensidig tilpasning som har fått relativt lite oppmerksomhet i studier av europeisering.

Scandinavian Sport Studies Forum 2 p. 75-98

British Journal of Sports Medicine 45(7) p. 571-575 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2010.081364

Background: The development of strategies to prevent illnesses before and during Olympic Games provides a basis for improved health and Olympic results. Objective: (1) To document the efficacy of a prevention programme on illness in a national Olympic team before and during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games (OWG), (2) to compare the illness incidence in the Norwegian team with Norwegian incidence data during the Turin 2006 OWG and (3) to compare the illness incidence in the Norwegian team with illness rates of other nations in the Vancouver OWG. Methods: Information on prevention measures of illnesses in the Norwegian Olympic team was based on interviews with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Chief Nutrition and Sport Psychology Officers, and on a review of CMO reports before and after the 2010 OWG. The prevalence data on illness were obtained from the daily reports on injuries and illness to the International Olympic Committee. Results: The illness rate was 5.1% (five of 99 athletes) compared with 17.3% (13 out of 75 athletes) in Turin (p=0.008). A total of four athletes missed one competition during the Vancouver Games owing to illness, compared with eight in Turin. The average illness rate for all nations in the Vancouver OWG was 7.2%. Conclusions: Although no definite cause-and-effect link between the implementation of preventive measures and the prevalence of illness in the 2010 OWG could be established, the reduced illness rate compared with the 2006 OWG, and the low prevalence of illnesses compared with other nations in the Vancouver OWG suggest that the preparations were effective.

Retorikk, idrett og samfunn p. 273-286

Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS) 50(4) p. 427-461

Paradigms in public policy : theory and practice of paradigm shifts in the EU p. 261-284

Magma forskning og viten 12(2) p. 44-50

Political economy of energy in Europe: forces of integration and fragmentation p. 63-84

Magma forskning og viten 11(1) p. 38-47

Helena Flam and Marcus Crason(eds.), Rule Systems Theory. Applications and Explorations

Norsk statsvitenskapelig tidsskrift 22(3) p. 278-298

From, J and Sitter N (eds), Europe's Nascent State? Public Policy in the European Union

Magma forskning og viten 9(5/6)

Journal of European Integration 28(4) p. 313-330

Magma forskning og viten

Steve John (ed.): New Activism and the Corporate Response

Horisont

Making policy in Europe/Svein Andersen og Kjell Eliassen (eds.)

Makt- og demokratiutredningen

Den fragmenterte staten : reformer, makt og styring

Norge som petroleumsland - modent for endring p. 373-403

Making Policy in Europe

Making Policy in Europe

Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS)

Kunne ikke finne tidsskrift Walker, A

Making Policy in Europe

Nytt Norsk Tidsskrift (NNT)

Making Policy in Europe

Making Policy in Europe

Questioning the social quality in Europe

ARENA Conference Report

Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS)

Making Policy in Europe

ARENA Report

Lobbyisme, pluralisme et intégration Européenne (Collection"La Cité européenne"), Series "European Policy" no 16

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Universitetsforlaget

Nytt Norsk Tidsskrift (NNT) p. 27-38