If you are studying business, you need to learn how to do a company analysis. Nike is a great company to use as a case study for this kind of analysis. In this guide on Nike Analysis, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Nike, including its history, mission, products, market position, and main rivals.

Nike is one of the largest companies in the world that makes athletic shoes and clothes. Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight started it in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports. In 1971, the name was changed to Nike. Nike is a global brand that can be found in more than 190 countries around the world.

Understanding company analysis is important for business students because it lets them figure out a company’s strengths and weaknesses, find possible opportunities and threats, and learn more about how the company works and what strategies it uses. By looking at a successful company like Nike, students can learn a lot about how to do marketing, come up with new ideas, and be good corporate citizens.

Company Profile

A. Company History

Nike was founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, who were both track and field coaches at the University of Oregon. Originally named Blue Ribbon Sports, the company initially operated as a distributor for the Japanese shoemaker Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS). In 1971, the company officially became Nike and began designing and manufacturing its own shoes.

Over the years, Nike has become synonymous with athletic footwear and apparel, and its iconic “swoosh” logo is recognized around the world. The company has grown through a combination of innovative product design, savvy marketing, and strategic partnerships with athletes and sports teams.

B. Vision, Mission, and Core Values

Nike’s mission is to “bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.” The company’s vision is to “remain the most authentic, connected, and distinctive brand.” Nike’s core values include innovation, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion.

C. Products and Services

Nike produces a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel for various sports, including basketball, football, soccer, and running. The company also offers accessories such as bags, socks, and hats. In addition to its core products, Nike has expanded into other areas, such as digital fitness tracking and smart clothing.

D. Industry and Market Position

Nike operates in the highly competitive athletic footwear and apparel industry, which includes companies such as Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma. Despite intense competition, Nike has maintained a dominant market position and is consistently ranked as one of the most valuable brands in the world.

One of Nike’s key strengths is its ability to innovate and stay ahead of trends in the industry. The company is known for its cutting-edge product design and technology, such as its Flyknit shoes and Nike+ digital platform. Nike has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

E. Key Competitors

Nike’s key competitors include Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and New Balance. Adidas is Nike’s biggest rival, and the two companies often compete head-to-head for market share in key categories such as basketball and soccer footwear.

SWOT Analysis

To gain a deeper understanding of Nike’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, we’ll conduct a SWOT analysis.

A. Strengths

Nike’s strengths include:

• Strong brand recognition and reputation
• Innovative product design and technology
• Extensive distribution network
• Effective marketing and advertising campaigns
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices

B. Weaknesses

Nike’s weaknesses include:

• Dependence on a few key product categories, such as basketball footwear
• Vulnerability to economic downturns and shifts in consumer preferences
• Criticism for labor practices and working conditions in overseas factories

C. Opportunities

Nike’s opportunities include:

• Expansion into new markets, such as China and India
• Expansion into new product categories, such as smart clothing and wearable technology
• Growth potential in the women’s athletic apparel market

D. Threats

Nike’s threats include:

• Intense competition from rivals, particularly Adidas
• Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
• Increasing scrutiny of environmental and social impacts of athletic footwear and apparel manufacturing

Noteworthy Research Papers on Nike

There have been several noteworthy research papers published on Nike over the years. Here are a few that provide valuable insights into the company’s operations and strategies:

A. Noteworthy Research Papers on Nike

1. “Nike’s Global Women’s Fitness Business: Driving Strategic Integration and Operational Efficiency” by Michael E. Porter and Elizabeth Kind (2018). This paper examines Nike’s approach to the women’s athletic apparel market and its strategies for driving growth and profitability.

2. “Nike’s Sustainable Innovation Journey: New Frontiers in Nike’s Business Model Innovation” by Stefan Gold and Florian Lüdeke-Freund (2019). This paper explores Nike’s sustainability initiatives and how they have been integrated into the company’s business model.

3. “Nike’s Global Labor Practices: A Case Study in Supplier Relationship Management” by Richard M. Locke and Fei Qin (2007). This paper provides a critical analysis of Nike’s labor practices and supply chain management, and offers recommendations for improvement.

4. The impact of Nike’s marketing and advertising on consumer behavior
5. Nike’s approach to innovation and product design in the athletic footwear and apparel industry
6. Nike’s supply chain management practices and efforts to improve labor conditions in overseas factories
7. The impact of Nike’s sustainability initiatives on its brand reputation and financial performance
8. The competitive landscape of the athletic footwear and apparel industry and Nike’s strategies for maintaining market leadership

 Essay Titles on Nike

1. “The Evolution of Nike: From Blue Ribbon Sports to Global Athletic Brand”
2. “Marketing Strategies of Nike: How the Swoosh Became a Global Icon
3. An Analysis of Nike’s Sustainable Business Practices
4. “Nike’s Impact on the Athletic Footwear and Apparel Industry”
5. “The Role of Innovation in Nike’s Success”
6. Nike’s Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility”
7. “The Power of Branding: How Nike Built a Global Empire”
8. “A Critical Look at Nike’s Labor Practices and Supply Chain Management”
9. “Nike’s Investment in Women’s Sports: A Strategic Move or a Social Responsibility?”
10. “The Nike-Adidas Rivalry: A Battle for Athletic Footwear Supremacy”

Research Topics on Nike

1. The impact of Nike’s marketing campaigns on consumer behavior
2. Nike’s approach to innovation and product design in the athletic footwear and apparel industry
3. Nike’s supply chain management practices and efforts to improve labor conditions in overseas factories
4. The impact of Nike’s sustainability initiatives on its brand reputation and financial performance
5. The competitive landscape of the athletic footwear and apparel industry and Nike’s strategies for maintaining market leadership
6. Nike’s partnerships with athletes and sports teams and their impact on brand image and sales
7. The role of digital technology in Nike’s marketing and distribution strategies
8. Nike’s expansion into new markets and product categories and their potential for growth and profitability
9. An analysis of Nike’s financial performance and its position in the global market
10. Nike’s response to criticism and controversy, such as the Colin Kaepernick ad campaign and allegations of labor abuses in its supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions on Nike

1.   When was Nike founded?

Nike was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports, before officially becoming Nike in 1971.

2.   Who are the founders of Nike?

Nike was founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight.

3.   What does Nike’s “swoosh” logo represent?

The “swoosh” logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971 and represents the wing of the Greek goddess Nike, who was the goddess of victory.

4.   What is Nike’s mission statement?

Nike’s mission statement is to “bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

5.   What are Nike’s core values?

Nike’s core values include innovation, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion.

6.   What products does Nike sell?

Nike sells a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel for various sports, including basketball, football, soccer, and running. The company also offers accessories such as bags, socks, and hats.

7.   Who are Nike’s key competitors?

Nike’s key competitors include Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and New Balance.

8.   Where is Nike headquartered?

Nike is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, USA.

9.   How many employees does Nike have?

As of 2021, Nike has approximately 75,000 employees worldwide.

10.               What is Nike’s stance on sustainability?

Nike has made a commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices, and has set ambitious goals for reducing its environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. The company has launched initiatives such as the “Move to Zero” campaign, which aims to create zero waste and carbon emissions in its supply chain by 2030.

Conclusion

In summary, Nike is a global brand with a rich history, a dominant market position, and a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. Through our analysis of Nike’s company profile, SWOT analysis, research papers, essay titles, and frequently asked questions, we have gained valuable insights into the company’s operations, strategies, and impact on the athletic footwear and apparel industry.

For business students, understanding how to conduct a company analysis is a critical skill to develop. By studying successful companies like Nike and conducting in-depth research on their operations, strategies, and impact, students can learn valuable lessons on best practices for marketing, innovation, and social responsibility. They can also gain insights into the competitive landscape of the global market and develop the analytical skills necessary to make informed business decisions.

 Further Reading

Recommended sources on Nike:

1. “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike” by Phil Knight
2. “Just Do It: The Nike Spirit in the Corporate World” by Donald Katz
3. “The Nike Controversy” by Ballinger, J.
4. “Sustainability at Nike” by Andrew Winston
5. “The Power of Nike’s Brand Image” by Emily Delbridge

External links to reputable sources:

1. Nike’s official website
2. Nike’s sustainability report
3. Nike’s investor relations page
4. Forbes article on Nike’s marketing strategy
5. Harvard Business Review case study on Nike’s digital strategy