This study seeks to show how Nike, Inc. has effectively followed a strategy to increase the sale of its products that can be characterized as propaganda. Regarding method, this is a qualitative study which applied the propaganda analysis plan developed by Jowett & O'Donnell (1992) to examine and describe (1) Nike's ideology, (2) corporate structure and culture, (3) purpose, (4) targeted audiences, (5) the dissemination of the propaganda, (6) techniques for increasing its effectiveness, (7) existing counterpropaganda and contradictions, and (8) the effectiveness of the campaign. The study provides evidence that Nike engages in propaganda through an organized, systematic, and deliberate attempt to influence the beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and actions of specific audiences for the purpose of accomplishing fixed objectives.

The goal of this diploma thesis is to describe current and past marketing activities of Nike, Inc. in particular and to focuse on the company's marketing campaigns targeted at women (Nike Women). This thesis also wants to describe current influence of the Internet and social networks in marketing, the main characteristics of marketing targeted at women and to describe ongoing Nike Women campaign. Main goal of this diploma thesis is to evaluate its own survey, which is required to determine the current position of Nike, Inc. on the Czech market and the success of marketing campaigns targeted at women.

This master's thesis deals with the analysis and presentation of the global company Nike, especially the perception of the brand as a symbol of basketball. The master's thesis is divided into two parts. The first part describes the theoretical and methodological starting points, particularly the international marketing environment, concepts and strategic approaches, international marketing mix, plus the event marketing and sponsorship, which are an integral part of Nike marketing. The practical part describes the Nike company both from an international perspective, and marketing activities in the domestic environment. Based on the information and the survey, conducted gives recommendations for marketing activities in the basketball category in the domestic market.

The main task of my master's thesis is to identify the function of the code of conduct in multinational corporations, it's real gain in the proces of solving various situations and the measure of it's implementation into the supply chain. Through the comparison of two codes of conduct of multinational corporations is shown the measure of involvement and efficiency of standards stated in these codes applicable in real business environment. Theoretical part is an introduction needed to gain an overall knowledge about this theme. Main part is dedicated to code of conduct, it's content, categories and meaning in business. Also the business ethics is involved and the demand for implementation it's principals into business practices of multinational corporations. Practical part uses the knowledge gained from my bachelor's thesis about influence of globalisation on multinational corporation Nike, Inc, which are extended by up-to-date information. The choice of european corporation IKEA has the contribution to comparison and evaluation of codes of conduct of two different companies in wide range of aspects. The main effort is according to the collected information and their further analysis to evaluate the purpose and efficiency of code of conduct in everyday use of companies.

Substantial research on the functionality of athletic apparel has been conducted; however little consideration has been given to the plus size figure. Societal messages suggest that overweight women are lazy and therefore would not be interested in athletic apparel. The purpose of this study was to determine overweight adult women's experience with athletic clothing. The sample consisted of 14 women, ages 30 to 65 who wore size 1X to 3X. They were each supplied with a Nike brand athletic outfit and participated in two in depth interviews. Data collection methods included qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys and guided journaling. The major findings suggest that overweight women have difficulty shopping for clothing. Difficulty and frustration was experienced on a number of levels including; limited stores, limited selection and styles, fitting issues, over-priced items and less color options compared to smaller sizes. The findings suggest overweight women experience emotional anxiety when trying on clothing for the first time. Dissatisfaction with clothing fit was attributed to the belief their body is unsuitable and needs to change. Satisfaction with clothing fit was attributed to the ability of the apparel designer. Many negative experiences have left this sample feeling disappointed and marginalized. Some participant's experienced increased desire to participate in physical activity while others felt exercise was a necessity regardless of the clothing available. By trying on the Nike brand clothing, it gave the women in this study an alternative way of dressing themselves which has enabled several women to feel differently about their size and their body in athletic clothing. The current sample showed behaviors of internalization by using dehumanizing terms to describe body parts. The sample felt discriminated against in the media and wanted to see larger women modeling clothing. Apparel companies should include a wider variety of sizes in their brick and mortar stores as to not alienate a population. Apparel companies should incorporate diverse models into advertisement to include the plus-size population. Proving high quality athletic apparel to plus size women provided an opportunity for them to experience their bodies in a new perspective. Future studies should develop new pattern making, grading and sizing techniques in order to provide better fitting athletic apparel for large size bodies. Studies expanding on fit and comfort of athletic apparel for large bodies should be explored. This paper provides an initial indication of how plus size women experience athletic apparel. Further understanding of clothing, fit and exercise behavior are needed. / Graduation date: 2013 / Access restricted to the OSU Community at author's request from July 18, 2012 - January 18, 2013