Abstract
https://doi.org/10.58984/smbic250101203t
Many sports institutions fail not due to a lack of funding, but due to an inability to convert allocated resources into compliant and sustainable projects. This paper investigates whether an AI-supported system can reduce financial mismanagement by replacing static grant writing with predictive structured control. The study presents the WinCode system, an AI-driven platform consisting of four interconnected modules: MILES for logical project and financial modelling, SCORE for iterative evaluator simulation, EXECUTE for real-time task and risk tracking, and ECHO for auditready reporting and transparency. Empirical evidence is drawn from pilot workshops conducted with Erasmus+ sport project managers and first-time applicants. The results indicate that the application of predictive logic modelling significantly improves funding success rates, particularly for organisations with limited internal administrative capacity. By reframing project design from a speculative process into a controllable and verifiable system, the WinCode methodology supports scalable, transparent, and financially sound implementation of sports projects.
References
- Guidotti, F., Demarie, S., Ciaccioni, S., Capranica, L. (2023): Knowledge, competencies, and skills for a sustainable sport management growth: A systematic review, Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 9, 7061, https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097061.
- Dowling, M., Leopkey, B., Smith, L. (2018): Governance in sport: A scoping review, Journal of Sport Management, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 438–451, https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2018- 0032.
- Adamantiadou, D. S., Tsironis, L. (2025): Leveraging artificial intelligence in project management: A systematic review of applications, challenges, and future directions, Computers, vol. 14, no. 2, 66, https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14020066.
- Hills, S., Walker, M., Dixon, M. (2019): Theory of Change and programme effectiveness in sport-for-development initiatives, Sport Management Review, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 525– 539.
- Pollack, J., Helm, J., Adler, D. (2018): What is the iron triangle, and how has it changed?, International Journal of Project Management, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 527–547.
- Shirky, C. (2010): Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age, Penguin Press, New York.
- Stegmann, P., Lang, G. (2025): Digital transformation in voluntary sports organizations: A scoping review on multi-level drivers, promoting factors, forms and consequences, Current Issues in Sport Science, vol. 10, no. 2, article ciss053, https://doi.org/10.36950/ 2025.2ciss053.
- da Costa, R. L., Dias, Á. L., Gonçalves, R. A. H., Pereira, L. F. (2022): Artificial intelligence in project management: Systematic literature review, International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 1–20, https://doi.org/10.1504/ IJTIP.2022.10050400.
- Sweller, J. (2011): Cognitive Load Theory, Psychology of Learning and Motivation, vol. 55, pp. 37–76.
10.Thompson, A., Naraine, M., Parent, M. (2024): Exploring the nexus of digital technology and organizational change in non-profit sport organizations, Sport Management Review, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 1–21, https://doi.org/10.1080/14413523.2024.2346633.
11.Todosijević, S., Razbornik, I. (2024): Transformational AI (TRAI): Revolutionizing the modern business world, EMC Review – Časopis za ekonomiju (Apeiron), vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 265–279, https://doi.org/10.7251/EMC2401265R.
12.Todosijević, S., Razbornik, I. (2024b): AI as a grant writing assistant: A game changer for EU sport funding, in: Sporticopedia SMB – Book of Proceedings, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Belgrade, pp. 211–223.

