Question

For your company Nike:

1. Firm, Industry and Environment (please be brief, this IS a finance and accounting course not a history class!)
2. 1. Description of firm and its management
   2. Discussion of the competitive environment
   3. Economic climate and outlook
   4. Other factors as appropriate, e.g. governmental regulations, labor issues, litigation pending

(Can be answered in bullet points (3 minimum))

Answer 1

   NIKE

A. Nike is an American multinational company that is incorporated with the sales and marketing of the footwear, accessories, equipment and other services. They mainly contribute sports equipments and apparels. Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight are the founders of the company. The company is headquarted in Beaverton, Unites States. Their current products include jerseys, shoes, running shoes for track events as well. The brand constitute a V shaped logo as 'swoosh' as its status symbol.

The management of the company constitute very personal as well as distinctive type. Mode of management is considered on the basis of straegic planning. The style in management is based on many aspects such as planned risks and decisions which are conservative. A clean analysis of the internal and external environment is done for the implementation of these style of management. A team management style is also been holded by the company and the management hold a fair group of knowledge and skilled people as well

B. Competition constitute on how the company maintains the share in the sportswear market. The top competitors of the company skechers, adidas, reebok, puma etc. The company competitive strategy include product differentiation, focus over niche marketing and supplier and customer intimacy strengthening for the improvement of competitive strategies among the competitors. The major sources of the competitive advantage of the company are its brand equity, global marketing, good customer base, range of products, supply chain, customer loyalty, unique marketing, innovation.

C. Nike contribute their business in different parts of the world and hence the business is not affected by the economy even if it go worse. The company always go with a rise in their sales in every year. During hard times in the economy, consumers go with the brand as because they trust and always get connected with the brand. They also haven't face any drastic change even in a bad economy for their sales. The Nike portfolio is a powerful element for the company growth which helps them to promote best products and stay connected with the customers.

D. Govermental regulations

govermental regulations of the company compliance with the local government regulations such as

• minimum wages
• overtime
• provision for holidays and vacation
• retirement benefits

Labor issues

The company got certified with the fair labor association workplace code of conduct. The company also faced labor issues relating to:

• gender discrimination and sexualharrassment
• foul play reports by the clean clothes campaign
• living wages for garment workers

Litigation pending

The company had faced a public scrutiny on the basis of the way its treats women. A lawsuit was filed on:

• the company not providing women equal pay or other opportunities.
• deficient in supporting pregnant athletes
• company alleging sex discrimination.