The Role of Marketing Communication in Recognition of the Global Brand: a Case Study of Nike

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Role of Marketing Communication in Recognition of the Global Brand: a Case Study of Nike The Role of Marketing Communication In Recognition of The Global Brand: A Case Study of Nike Thesis By Aleksander Madej Submitted in Partial fulfillment Of the Requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science In Business Administration State University of New York Empire State College 2019 Reader: Tanweer Ali Statutory Declaration / Čestné prohlášení I, Aleksander Madej, declare that the paper entitled: The Role of Marketing Communication In Recognition of The Global Brand: A Case Study of Nike was written by myself independently, using the sources and information listed in the list of references. I am aware that my work will be published in accordance with § 47b of Act No. 111/1998 Coll., On Higher Education Institutions, as amended, and in accordance with the valid publication guidelines for university graduate theses. Prohlašuji, že jsem tuto práci vypracoval/a samostatně s použitím uvedené literatury a zdrojů informací. Jsem vědom/a, že moje práce bude zveřejněna v souladu s § 47b zákona č. 111/1998 Sb., o vysokých školách ve znění pozdějších předpisů, a v souladu s platnou Směrnicí o zveřejňování vysokoškolských závěrečných prací. In Prague, 26.04.2019 Aleksander Madej 1 Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to thank my family for their support and the possibility to study at the Empire State College and the University of New York in Prague. Without them, I would not be able to achieve what I have today. Furthermore, I would like to express my immense gratitude to my mentor Professor Tanweer Ali, who helped and guided me along the way. I am incredibly lucky to have him. In addition, I want to thank my professors who enriched me greatly over the course of four years. 2 Table of Contents 1. Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................. 5 2. Chapter 2: Critical analysis of marketing theories ........................................................ 8 2.1 Definition of a global brand ............................................................................ 8 2.2 Elements of the Global Brand Equity ........................................................... 12 2.2.1 Brand Identity, Visual Brand Identity and Brand Image ............... 12 2.2.2 Brand Positioning .......................................................................... 16 2.2.3 Marketing communication – historical models, one-way and two- way .......................................................................................................... 21 2.2.4 Integrated Marketing Communication – New concepts of communication, definitions, and tools .................................................... 25 3. Chapter 3: Analysis of building the global brand recognition on the example of Nike – case study ..................................................................................................................... 30 3.1 The history of building the brand’s capital ................................................... 30 3.2 Nike as a Global Brand ................................................................................. 33 3.3 Elements of the Global Brand Equity ........................................................... 36 3.3.1 Brand Identity, Visual Brand Identity, and Brand Image .............. 36 3.3.2 Brand Positioning .......................................................................... 40 3.3.3 Integrated Marketing Communication ........................................... 41 3.3.3.1 Advertising ...................................................................... 41 3.3.3.2 Public Relations .............................................................. 46 3.3.3.3 Digital Marketing ............................................................ 49 4. Chapter 4: Conclusion ................................................................................................ 59 5. References ................................................................................................................... 61 3 Abstract Global brands and their roles are constantly growing in today’s fast-paced world. Consumers expect to be emotionally connected with companies and their causes. The aim of this thesis is to verify the significance of a brand’s image and its recognition, the impact of various promotion-mix components regarding consumer relationships, brand stability, and placement among other brands. It is assumed that, based on the case study method of global marketing icon, Nike, we will find the answer to the following research questions, “Which theories concerning the global brand, its positioning, and Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) presented in the literature of the subject have been reflected in the communication practices of the selected company.” The most important element in creating advantage is the brand, its positive image created in the minds of target consumers, and a clear distinction from the competition. In recent years, the concept of integration of communication has become more popular, and it is believed that it is foundational for building strong brand equity because it integrates individual communication channels. The most significant foundational concept is that communication should be tailored as much as possible to the consumer to build an emotional bond and ensure proper two-way interaction (with feedback) between sender and recipient. The analysis of the global brand, Nike, confirms the importance of a properly integrated marketing communication strategy in the brand’s success. 4 1. Introduction Rivalries for customers, similarities in products, changing attitudes, and knowing what motivates consumers are some of the challenges for companies on the contemporary fast-growing global market. In the book “Ted Levitt on Marketing” (2006), the author presents the global market as a place where the product can be accepted without adapting to the local market. For example, the products of brands like Nike, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola. This standardization results in lower costs and higher quality of the products. The role of the global brand is constantly growing and the consumers are more connected to the world than ever before. Properly selected marketing strategies are crucial in distinguishing a company from the competition and matching the brand to a broader group of consumers. The research was done in order to identify the biggest factors that influenced global brand equity in the market. An important differentiating element of a global brand is the brand’s image and its recognition from the customer. The brand needs to carefully select proper communication channels to favorably place itself in the mind of consumers. The above-mentioned premises of our fast-paced globalized world influenced the choice of the topic of this thesis, “the role of marketing communication in recognition of the global brand: a case study of Nike”. It was acknowledged that Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) plays a significant role in creating a competitive advantage. Verification of various definitions of IMC will allow me to asses “how” and “whether” these factors affect brand recognition by consumers on the global market. In addition, 5 there is no agreement on one main definition of a global brand and its positioning in the literature on the subject. No single agreement was proven by closely analyzing the global brand, Nike. The aim of this work is to verify the significance of the brand’s image and its recognition, the impact of various promotion-mix components on consumer relationship, brand stability, and placement among other brands. It was assumed that, based on the case study method of global marketing icon Nike, we will find the answers to the following research question: “Which theories concerning the global brand, its positioning, and Integrated Marketing Communication presented in the literature of the subject have been reflected in the communication practices of the selected company?” For the purpose of the analysis, the following hypothesis was formulated: “A global brand with a high degree of recognition by the consumers achieves a stable and strong market position among the competition.” Verification of the hypothesis considers the analysis of marketing theories in scientific literature on the subject (chapter 2) and the evaluation of the results from the case study method (chapter 3). Choosing Nike for a case study justifies the long-term presence in the Interbrand Best Global Brands rankings (Interbrand, n.d.-b) and the highest position among sports brands. It was speculated that the so-called “good practices” of the brand 6 in its communication have contributed to its success and can set an example for companies wanting to participate and appear on the global market. Nike is an American company with the highest recognition in the world. They are offering footwear, clothing, and sports equipment. This global brand was created by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman in 1971. They are selling in over 170 countries and their annual revenue for 2018 was 34,365 million United States dollars. Nike is a cultural icon that knows exactly who their audience is and how to communicate their brand’s values. The thesis is divided into four chapters. The first is the introductory part. The second, theoretical, presents selected definitions related to the topic of the thesis and they are the foundation for the research in the third chapter. The analysis of marketing theories was made in relation to the global market. The global brand is explained, as
Recommended publications
  • Nike's Pricing and Marketing Strategies for Penetrating The
    Master Degree programme in Innovation and Marketing Final Thesis Nike’s pricing and marketing strategies for penetrating the running sector Supervisor Ch. Prof. Ellero Andrea Assistant supervisor Ch. Prof. Camatti Nicola Graduand Sonia Vianello Matriculation NumBer 840208 Academic Year 2017 / 2018 SUMMARY CHAPTER 1: THE NIKE BRAND & THE RUNNING SECTOR ................................................................ 6 1.1 Story of the brand..................................................................................................................... 6 1.1.1 Foundation and development ................................................................................................................... 6 1.1.2 Endorsers and Sponsorships ...................................................................................................................... 7 1.1.3 Sectors in which Nike currently operates .................................................................................................. 8 1.2 The running market ........................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 Competitors .................................................................................................................................... 12 1.4. Strategic and marketing practices in the market ............................................................................ 21 1.5 Nike’s strengths & weaknesses ......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • If the Ip Fits, Wear It: Ip Protection for Footwear--A U.S
    IF THE IP FITS, WEAR IT: IP PROTECTION FOR FOOTWEAR--A U.S. PERSPECTIVE Jonathan Hyman , Charlene Azema , Loni Morrow | The Trademark Reporter Document Details All Citations: 108 Trademark Rep. 645 Search Details Jurisdiction: National Delivery Details Date: November 5, 2018 at 1:16 AM Delivered By: kiip kiip Client ID: KIIPLIB Status Icons: © 2018 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. IF THE IP FITS, WEAR IT: IP PROTECTION FOR..., 108 Trademark Rep. 645 108 Trademark Rep. 645 The Trademark Reporter May-June, 2018 Article Jonathan Hyman aa1 Charlene Azema aaa1 Loni Morrow aaaa1 Copyright © 2018 by the International Trademark Association; Jonathan Hyman, Charlene Azema, Loni Morrow IF THE IP FITS, WEAR IT: IP PROTECTION FOR FOOTWEAR-- A U.S. PERSPECTIVE a1 Table of Contents I. Introduction 647 A. Why IP Is Important in the Shoe Industry 648 B. Examples of Footwear Enforcement Efforts 650 II. What Types of IP Rights Are Available 658 A. Trademarks and Trade Dress 658 1. Trademarks for Footwear 658 2. Key Traits of Trademark Protection 659 3. Remedies Available Against Infringers 660 4. Duration of Protection 661 5. Trade Dress as a Category of Trademarks 662 a. Securing Trade Dress Protection 672 6. Summary of the Benefits and Limitations of Trademarks as an IP Right 680 B. Copyrights 680 1. Copyrights for Footwear 680 2. Key Traits of Copyright Protection 689 3. Duration of Protection and Copyright Ownership 691 4. Remedies Available Against Infringers 692 5. Summary of the Benefits and Limitations of Copyrights as an IP Right 693 C.
    [Show full text]
  • Influencer Marketing's Effects on B2C Brand Image: a Case Study of Nike
    Influencer Marketing's Effects on B2C Brand Image: A Case Study of Nike By: Judith Armenteras, Rebecca Paech & Iris Politiek Influencer Marketing's Effects on B2C Brand Image: A Case Study of Nike Judith Armenteras, Rebecca Paech & Iris Politiek Abstract Aim: To analyze how influencer marketing affects brand image. This is achieved by analyzing to which extend a B2C brand’s identity is effectively communicated to consumers through influencer marketing. Design/methodology/approach: This research is based on a single case study approach. Comparative focus groups were conducted to analyze the effects of Nike’s influencer marketing on consumers’ perceived brand image. Findings: In the empirical research, both the control groups’ and the influencer marketing groups’ perceived brand image matched closely Nike’s identity. Thus, the hypothesis that “Influencer marketing supports a better understanding of a B2C brand’s identity” was rejected in the context of this focus group study. Originality/value: This study represents a first attempt to analyze how a B2C brand’s influencer marketing affects its brand image. Keywords: Influencer Marketing, Brand Strategy, Brand Image, Brand Identity, Business to Consumer Branding, Consumer Buying Process. Paper type: Research paper. Introduction to connect with their consumers to create a lasting value and loyalty (Kapferer, 2012). The interest for strategic brand management stems from the key strategic role that brands Influencer marketing affects the stage of the have in companies (Melin, 2002). Firstly, customer mindset in the brand value chain offering a superior product than the (Keller, 2006). Influencer marketing is a tool competition is no longer a guarantee for to reach a large consumer group at once within success (Melin, 2002).
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents
    Media Table of contents Media information & fast facts ......................................................................................................... 3 Important media information ....................................................................................................................................................4 Race week Media Center..............................................................................................................................................................4 Race week schedule of events ..................................................................................................................................................7 Quick Facts ...........................................................................................................................................................................................8 Top storylines ......................................................................................................................................................................................10 Prize purse .............................................................................................................................................................................................13 Time bonuses ......................................................................................................................................................................................14 Participant demographics ............................................................................................................................................................15
    [Show full text]
  • Nike's “Just Do It” Advertising Campaign
    Mini-case Study: Nike’s “Just Do It” Advertising Campaign According to Nike company lore, one of the most famous and easily recognized slogans in advertising history was coined at a 1988 meeting of Nike’s ad agency Wieden and Kennedy and a group of Nike employees. Dan Weiden, speaking admiringly of Nike’s can-do attitude, reportedly said, “You Nike guys, you just do it.” The rest, as they say, is (advertising) history. After stumbling badly against archrival Reebok in the 1980s, Nike rose about as high and fast in the ‘90s as any company can. It took on a new religion of brand consciousness and broke advertising sound barriers with its indelible Swoosh, “Just Do It” slogan and deified sports figures. Nike managed the deftest of marketing tricks: to be both anti-establishment and mass market, to the tune of $9.2 billion dollars in sales in 1997. —Jolie Soloman “When Nike Goes Cold” Newsweek, March 30, 1998 The Nike brand has become so strong as to place it in the rarified air of recession-proof consumer branded giants, in the company of Coca- Cola, Gillette and Proctor & Gamble. Brand management is one of Nike’s many strengths. Consumers are willing to pay more for brands that they judge to be superior in quality, style and reliability. A strong brand allows its owner to expand market share, command higher prices and generate more revenue than its competitors. With its “Just Do It” campaign and strong product, Nike was able to increase its share of the domestic sport-shoe business from 18 percent to 43 percent, from $877 million in worldwide sales to $9.2 billion in the ten years between 1988 and 1998.
    [Show full text]
  • Competing in Cedar: Nike, Superstar Athletes, and the Unseen Strangers Who Make Our Shoes
    Competing in Cedar | 7 Competing in Cedar: Nike, Superstar Athletes, and the Unseen Strangers Who Make our Shoes Matthew S. Vos, Covenant College Abstract Nike’s global dominance in the athletic shoe and sports apparel market is without serious rival. Its current worth stands at $32.4 billion worldwide. Nike manufactures through an “export-processing system,” where the intellectual work of design and marketing takes place in the US and the labor-intensive assembly work takes place in hundreds of factories spread throughout Asia. Consequently, most Nike labor comes from young Asian women who typically work 10-13 hours per day with frequent forced overtime, and who earn around 50% of the wage required to meet subsistence needs. Nike’s cultural hegemony and “hip” image gains traction through celebrated athletes of color who enchant the public and powerfully showcase the company’s products. Using ideas from W. E. B. Du Bois, as well as Immanuel Wallerstein’s world-systems theory, this essay draws attention to the relationship between the women of color who work in Nike’s factories and big sport – in particular the athletes who profit greatly from Nike endorsements. The focus falls on how some exceptional athletes of color offer, perhaps unwittingly, a potent legitimation for a glitzy industry that is inextricable from the exploited labor and lives of girls and women of color – the unseen strangers who make our shoes. Keywords: Nike, strangers, sport, capitalist world-system, meta-national corporations, supply chains, export-processing, endorsements “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice; who makes his neighbors work for nothing, and does not give them their wages; who says, “I will build myself a spacious house with large upper rooms,” and who cuts out windows for it, paneling it with cedar, and painting it with vermilion.
    [Show full text]
  • Shoe+Dog+-+Phil+Knight.Pdf
    Opening Quote: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” —Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind ​ ​ One of the best books I’ve read in recent years. Phil takes us on an autobiographical journey of personal and professional growth. The first chapter “Dawn” introduces Phil Knight’s Crazy Idea: to import high-quality, low cost shoes from Asia and sell them in the US—an idea he, an avid runner, presented to his business class at Stanford. The next 19 chapters are arranged annually—1962 through 1980—revealing a play-by-play on how his Crazy Idea grew into the world’s most successful athletic & lifestyle brand, Nike Inc. with a market cap of $98B and annual revenue of $34B as of May 2017. Table of Contents ● 1962 ● 1966 ● 1970 ● 1974 ● 1978 ● 1963 ● 1967 ● 1971 ● 1975 ● 1979 ● 1964 ● 1968 ● 1972 ● 1976 ● 1980 ● 1965 ● 1969 ● 1973 ● 1977 ● Night Copyright © 2017 DBT Ventures, LLC 1 All action items from this book: ● People ○ Research General MacArthur, one of Phil Knight’s personal heroes ​ ​ ○ Learn about Knight’s three main heroes: Churchill, Kennedy, and Tolstoy ○ Research the Eighty-Second Airborne (reference on p. 307) ​ ​ ○ Read about General Vo Nguyen Giap ​ ○ Read about Masuro Hayami, CEO of Nissho ​ ​ ● Skills ○ Talk less. Heroes don’t need to say much. None are blabbermouths. None micromanaged. ○ Research: what is the best book on negotiation tactics? ○ Communication learning from Phil Knight: in business, when in doubt, SPEAK LESS ​ ● Books ○ Find and buy the top book on the warrior mentality.
    [Show full text]
  • Advertising Practices: the Case of Nike, Inc
    International Journal of Business and Management Invention ISSN (Online): 2319 – 8028, ISSN (Print): 2319 – 801X www.ijbmi.org || Volume 6 Issue 5 || May. 2017 || PP—45-47 Advertising Practices: The Case of Nike, Inc. Nur Hamizah Ahmad Zawawi1, Wan Rasyidah Abd Razak2 Master Student, Faculty of Business Management and Information Technology, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah, Bukit Chandan, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia. Abstract: Nike, Inc. is a well-known company that produce branded sport shoes and quality sportswear that has been admired by everybody for their brand. Brand management of Nike, Inc. has play an important role to the company as they are successful in capturing brand minded of consumers in all levels. Although at first Nike, Inc. faced tremendous critics from public about their inconsistent attitude which constantly changing their plans as they wanted, suddenly they realized that they need to come out with something to encounter the perception of public by introducing ―Just Do It‖ campaign which give the spirit of doing something without hesitate. At the time being, Reebok, the biggest competitor of Nike, Inc. trying to compete with them in term of sales but Nike, Inc. has proved that their ―Just Do It‖ campaign has been successfully implemented. The ―Just Do It‖ campaign has become one of the advertising methods by the Nike, Inc. in order to promote their brands until now. Keywords: Advertising, Brand Promotion, ―Just Do It‖, Marketing, Nike, Inc., I. INTRODUCTION In this era of competitive market, businesses are struggling compete each other in order to be on the top of the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Kickstart Catalog Ideas
    Kickstart Catalog Ideas Brand: Nike 1: What symbols and signs can be combined to generate a new meaning, representing the product or serviceʼs advantage? The Nike swoosh can be used as a checkmark on a checklist to convey the idea of accomplishment (like accomplishing tasks on a list), and communicate the “Just Do It” concept. 2: What opportunities for ambiguity, double meanings or wordplay are there in the words you use to describe the benefit? The Nike Shox line of shoes could be used to replace the shock paddles used during defibrillation, using the double meaning/wordplay to associate the shoes with reviving life. 3: Can you construct rhymes, puns or other kinds of wordplay from the product or brand, which will underline the subject? For the NIKEiD line of customizable shoes, a list of “Iʼd (or iʼD) like to _______” statements could be depicted, followed by “What is your iʼD? Customize your footwear to fit your fitness goals with NIKEiD.” 4: How can the benefit be depicted by inverting something familiar into its opposite? Using pictures of either acts of laziness, competing brands, or just general bad ideas, invert the tagline to “Just donʼt do it” to contrast it with the positive outcomes of using the brand. 5: How will the product change the userʼs future? Using a split-screen execution, a commercial could show how an internʼs future is different with and without a pair of Nike shoes that he keeps handy to run a crucial errand. (The future with the Nike shoes shows the intern getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, while in the other future he is fired.) The tagline might say “Just in the Nike of time” for an extra wordplay effect.
    [Show full text]
  • Al Sadd Survive Rayyan Scare to Book Final Berth
    NBA | Page 5 AATHLETICSTHLETICS | Page 6 Warriors cut Bekele in a down Blazers, hurry for Westbrook London runs out of gas Marathon glory Friday, April 21, 2017 FOOTBALL Rajab 24, 1438 AH ‘Blood, sweat and GULF TIMES tears’ not enough for beaten Barcelona SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL PREVIEW/QATAR CUP SEMI-FINAL 2 Al Sadd survive Lekhwiya target third Rayyan scare to title of season By Sports Reporter Doha ekhwiya, who are well placed to sweep all the four book fi nal berth titles that form part of Qa- Ltar’s domestic season, will take on El Jaish today in the second Al Sadd will play the winners of today’s second Qatar Cup semi-final between semi-fi nal of the Qatar Cup. A victory for Djamel Belmadi’s Lekhwiya and defending champions El Jaish in the final on April 29 men today would earn them the right to take on Al Sadd in the fi nal after the Wolves thrashed Al Rayyan yes- terday. The Red Knights began the do- mestic season with a bang, winning the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup and earlier this month asserted to win the trophy but we will face a their supremacy by clinching the tough challenge,” he noted. Qatar Stars League title for the fi fth Lekhwiya midfi elder Abdurah- time in seven years. man Mohamed added that he fully If they win the Qatar Cup fi nal believed in his team’s ability to win on April 29, then only the Emir Cup the Cup. remains. Victory in Qatar’s most lu- “We are all looking forward to the crative tournament would be a great Qatar Cup.
    [Show full text]
  • NEW B2B Website, Now LIVE…
    AUGUST 2018 £3.50 sportsSPORTS OUTDOOR CYCLING RUNNINGinsight FITNESS TRADE sports-insight.co.uk OUTDOOR INTERVIEW RETAIL LIVING LIFE A BROKEN NECK FACE TO FACE WITH ON THE EDGE P.36 CAN’T STOP TIM P.45 A DIGITAL FUTURE P.30 EUROPE’S NO.1 SPORTS WHOLESALER NEW B2B Website, now LIVE… reydonsports.comsee page 17… OUR LATEST DEVELOPMENT... THE PERFORMANCE SUPERLIGHT As it says on the package these are superlight... weighing in at 52 grams (based on size Medium). Specially designed for all race/extreme sporting activities to training hard at the Gym, the Performance Super Light range sports quick drying mesh fabrics with strong breathability and wicking capabilities. Incorporating the PackageFront™, designed for ultimate comfort by reducing heat transfer and restricting package movement without compromising support. Extremely curved panels combined with innovative use of elastic fabric seams lift the user experience to a new level. All products incorporate flat-lock seams and super soft oeko-tex certified fabrics for superior comfort and breathability. We are also pleased to announce that a women’s range is now available to buy in the UK, 3 style are currently available Superlight, Performance and Wood. For more information on comfyballs and how you can get your hands on a pair please contact official UK distributor Solo Sports Brands Ltd. Tel: 015396 22322 Email: [email protected] Web: www.comfyballs.co.uk Think Soccer, BUY ® SAMBA All our new products are now in stock and available for you to buy. • 24 hour delivery • £100 Minimum Carriage Paid Order • Dedicated Field and Telesales Team For more information contact Samba on 01282 860077, [email protected] or contact your local sales representative.
    [Show full text]
  • How Much Further for the Sub-2-Hour Marathon?
    Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2018 How much further for the sub-2-hour marathon? Sousa, Caio Victor ; Sales, Marcelo Magalhães ; Nikolaidis, Pantelis Theodoros ; Rosemann, Thomas ; Knechtle, Beat Abstract: The sub-2-hour marathon is a new barrier in endurance running performance, and it has been widely debated in the scientific community. In this review we present a mathematical model to estimate the possible year when a male could break through the sub-2-hour barrier, and also an estimation of when a female could break Paula Radcliffe’s marathon running record. Further, we present several aspects (ie, physiology, nationality, age, biomechanics, pacing, and drafting) that are associated with marathon running performance in elite runners and, finally, the possible characteristics of the male to break thesub- 2-hour barrier. In summary, with the results of the developed equations, it is possible that a male athlete can break through the sub-2-hour barrier in the next decade (with Nike Breaking2 performance 1920-2018 [NBP]: =0.0417-14.18 +3,128; year of 2026; without NBP 1920-2018: =0.045-15.12 +3,194; year of 2027). This marathoner will possibly have a maximal oxygen uptake >85 mLkgmin and should perform the race at a pacing higher than 85% of maximal oxygen uptake. In addition, this runner should pay more attention to strength training, endurance strength, speed training, and focus on running training at an intensity above the anaerobic threshold. Most likely, this runner originates from East Africa (especially from Ethiopia) and will have an age of 27 years.
    [Show full text]