International Journal of Business, Management and Commerce (IJBMC)

The changing global economy that appears to be stumbling towards a “new normal” is resulting in angrier taxpayers, stingier governments, and cautious investors. Public finding of mega- sporting events like the Olympic Games, World Cup, and lesser international events are now forced to rethink their marketing strategies well before the bidding even starts. This study breaks down into componential parts, the specifics of the costs and benefit decision analyses associated with hosting mega-events, in this case, the Olympic Games. An investigation is made into the manner in which cities/countries/regions bid for, finance, and then conduct the Olympic Games. From what started as an opportunity for a city and country to show off and “strut its stuff,” the Olympics have evolved into an international marketing extravaganza, which is now a multi- billion dollar gamble which can bankroll, or bankrupt, a city’s, a region’s, and even a country’s future. It has become imperative that a typology of strategies evolve. Decision analysis and case studies comprise the methodology.