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.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1978 N57 / Master of Science

Ett tydligt mönster visar att mängden avfall stiger med den ökande konsumtionen som finns i dagens samhälle. Konsumtionsmönstret leder till att fler produkter måste tillverkas och sedan hanteras som avfall. Förutom att förhindra avfallets uppkomst är återanvändning ett lämpligt alternativ till resthantering. Fritidbanken startade 2013 i Deje Värmland och verkar som ett organiserat utlånssystem av sportartiklar. Verksamhet bygger till stor del på att förespråka återanvändning. Återanvändningen sker via Fritidsbankens lokaler som fungerar likt ett bibliotek fast med sport- och fritidsprylar där alla får låna utrustning gratis. Genom att ge chansen att utöva aktiviteter och idrotter, skapar Fritidsbanken förutsättningar för allmänhetens spontanidrottande. Studien utgår från verksamhetens lokal i Deje, där tre olika sportartiklar undersöktes: slalomskidor, längdskidor samt skridskor. I studien undersöktes produkternas resursflöden, framställning- och resthanteringsprocesser med verksamheten som utgångspunkt. Artiklarna som lämnats in till lokalen jämfördes med motsvarande mängd artiklar som inlämnats, återbrukats och kasserats. Dessutom granskades dåvarande resthantering av produkterna samt alternativa förbättringar. Arbetet utgick ifrån en kartläggning om hur resthantering av produkterna genomfördes vid undersökningens start. Kartläggningen gjordes utifrån dåvarande avfallshantering i centrala Värmland. Det genomfördes också en känslighetsanalys, där materialets enskilda mängd ökades med 5, 10 eller 15 %. Metoden för studien utgjordes till största del av kontakt med producenter, återvinningsföretag, myndigheter samt återvinningscentraler. Databasen CES – Edu Pack samt information från Fritidsbankens lokal i Deje användes som grund för artiklarna och dess innehåll. Resultatet av studien visar att återanvändningen hos Fritidsbanken ger en positiv inverkan på materialframställning, resthantering och resursflöden. Totalt undviks 1480 kg material, 9.3 ton koldioxidutsläpp och 122 GJ energiomsättning vid materialframställning. Förslaget kring resthantering av artiklarna kan leda till: 34 GJ utvunnen energi vid förbränning samt 263 kg separerad och återvunnen stål. Studien utgick ifrån Fritidsbankens tre valda utbud av sportartiklar hösten 2015. Liknande produkter kan innehålla andra typer av material och bör därför undersökas därefter. Känslighetsanalysen visar att stål, nylon och epoxi-glasfiber var materialen som krävde mest energikonsumtion vid materialframställning. Det var även de material som alstrade mest koldioxid för samma process. Resultatet av känslighetsanalysen visar också att epoxi-glasfiber kan innehålla farliga ämnen. Därför borde inte mängden epoxi-glasfiber ökas eller utnyttjas i högre grad än i dagsläget. I och med detta kan eventuella förbättrade materialval övervägas ur artikelns livscykelperspektiv. / A clear pattern shows that the amount of waste increases with the increasing consumption. The consumption leads to more manufactured products which later on must be disposed as waste. Except trying to prevent the amount of waste, reusing products is a great option for waste managements. Fritidsbanken started 2013 in Deje Värmland and works like an organized lending system with sporting goods. The operation is largely based on advocating reuse. Fritidsbanken works like a library with sporting goods where anyone can borrow equipment for free. By giving the chance to practice activities and sports, Fritidsbanken creates conditions for spontaneous sporting. The study is based on the business premises in Deje, where three different sporting goods were examined: downhill skis, cross country skis and ice skates. The study examined the resource flows, production- and waste processes with the business as a base. The submitted articles were compared with the corresponding number of articles submitted, reused and discarded. Also the waste disposal of that time was reviewed and alternative improvements were presented.  The study was based on a separate survey of how waste management of products were carried out at the study’s start. The survey emanated from the central parts of Värmland in Sweden. Additional a sensivity analysis was performed and based on the materials found in the articles, presenting an increased mass of 5, 10 or 15 %.  The method for the study consisted largely of contacts with producers, recyclers, authorities and recycling centres. Information about the articles and its content were collected from CES – Edu Pack and Fritidbanken in Deje. The result of the study shows that the reuse gives a positive impact on the production of materials, waste management and resource flows. A total amount of 1480 kg material, 9.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and 122 GJ amount of energy, were avoided in material production. The proposal regarding the waste disposal of articles can lead to 34 GJ energy derived from combustion and a recycled amount of 263 kg steel. The study was based on three different sporting goods which were collected from Fritidsbanken in Deje during autumn 2015. Similar products may contain other types of materials and should be examined accordingly. The sensitivity analysis shows that steel, epoxy-fiberglass and nylon were the materials that required the most energy in material production. It was also the material that produced the most carbon dioxide for the same process. The result from the sensitivity analysis also shows that epoxy-fiberglass may contain dangerous substances. Because of this the amount of epoxy-fiberglass should not increase or be used with a higher consumption. With that said, improved material selection can be considered from the article’s life cycle perspective.

The aim of this research was to discuss about event management theory and how the Liiga (the major ice hockey league in Finland) team organisations could use this theory to improve their home game events. This topic has been divided into two research questions from which the first discusses the current situation and the other gives suggestions for future improvements for the Liiga team organisations. This research is conducted as a master’s theses and it has been conducted in years 2014 to 2016. In order to understand the research topic the general theory of event management has been told from the sporting event point of view. This theory has been divided into two different sections which are the five stages of event management and the operational strategies of event management. Answers for the research questions have been search with a qualitative research and its methods of interview and questionnaire, observation and content analysis. These methods and the way these have been used in this research are introduced after the event management theory. The data collected with the selected qualitative research methods has been introduced as empirical findings. These empirical findings are introduced a research method at a time and in a same order as the data has been collected. After introducing the collected data it has been carefully analysed. The analysis have also been divided into two section from which the first answers to the first research question concerning the current situation and the other the second questions concerning the future improvement that could be done. The first part of analysis has been made in a same chronological order as the event management theory has been written in order it to be easy to compere these two to each other. In the end the conclusions of this research and its research questions are introduced. Also the knowledge which this research is offering for the tourism industry and for its readers have been discussed. This are also a lot of different ways how this research could be continued and made further and these ways have been discussed as well. Last but not least the research has been viewed critically and the quality of it has been questioned.

It´s important to consider all the risks that the players are exposed to and have a holistic view on the matter. The conclusions from my sponsor and looking through research in the area I came to the conclusion that surface and shoes have minimal consequences and are not an area of interest for me in this project.

by Li Yuk Fung. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-64). / ABSTRACT --- p.i / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.ii / LIST OF EXHIBITS --- p.iv / PREFACE --- p.v / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Objectives --- p.1 / Scope of Study --- p.1 / Methodology --- p.2 / Secondary Data Collection --- p.2 / Observations --- p.3 / Primary Data Collection --- p.3 / Literature Review --- p.4 / Limitations --- p.4 / Chapter II. --- THE COMPANY --- p.5 / History and Background --- p.5 / Organizational Structure --- p.6 / Business Strategies --- p.8 / Marketing Mix --- p.8 / Market Segmentation --- p.14 / Competitiveness --- p.17 / Chapter III. --- INDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS --- p.21 / Environmental Analysis --- p.21 / Economic Environment --- p.22 / Socio/Cultural Factors --- p.23 / Demographic Factors --- p.23 / Technological Environment --- p.24 / Legal Environment --- p.24 / Customers --- p.25 / Government Sector --- p.25 / Private Sector --- p.27 / Institutional Sector --- p.28 / Suppliers --- p.30 / Competitors --- p.33 / Entry Barriers --- p.34 / Critical Success Factors for the Industry --- p.34 / Chapter IV. --- SWOT ANALYSIS --- p.35 / Internal Strengths --- p.35 / Internal Weaknesses --- p.37 / Future Opportunities --- p.41 / Environmental Threats --- p.44 / Problem Identifications --- p.45 / Chapter V. --- CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS --- p.48 / Recommendations --- p.48 / Implications and Evaluations --- p.53 / Conclusions --- p.57 / APPENDIX --- p.58 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.63

Hui, Pik Hung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 23-27). / Abstract also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.I / 摘要 --- p.II / ACKNOWLEDGMENT --- p.Ill / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.IV / LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES --- p.V / Chapter 1. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 2. --- THE INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1 . --- EVOLVEMENT OF MODERN SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES --- p.4 / Chapter 2.2. --- THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT AND ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE --- p.5 / Chapter 2.3. --- BIDDING FOR THE GAMES --- p.7 / Chapter 2.4. --- FINANCING THE OLYMPIC GAMES --- p.8 / Chapter 3. --- WILL OLYMPICS GENERATE ECONOMIC GROWTH? --- p.10 / Chapter 3.1. --- DATA AND MODEL --- p.10 / Chapter 3.2. --- ESTIMATION RESULTS --- p.13 / Chapter 3.3. --- MODEL EXTENSION --- p.16 / Chapter 4. --- HOW TO WIN THE OLYMPICS --- p.18 / Chapter 4.1. --- MODEL AND DATA --- p.19 / Chapter 4.2. --- ESTIMATION RESULTS --- p.20 / Chapter 5. --- CONCLUSION --- p.21 / Chapter 6. --- REFERENCES --- p.23 / Chapter 7. --- APPENDIX --- p.55

In New Zealand the development and promotion of sporting events is becoming increasingly popular, due in part to the role of sport in building the nation's identity, the economic benefits, and a growing awareness of the importance of health and fitness within the community. Given this increased popularity it is important that the impacts of these events upon the local 'host' communities be understood. Social impacts have been given more and more attention in recent years by event researchers, due to the recognition that the long term sustainability of such events can only be achieved with the approval and participation of residents. This research addresses these issues in the context of Taupo, New Zealand using the case of Ironman New Zealand.This thesis adopts a mixed method approach using interviews (n=7), participant observation, and a web-survey (n=111). The findings confirm that it is vital to investigate and understand impacts of events on host communities. The findings are also consistent with theories identified in the literature in terms of the nature of social impacts on host communities. The overall results indicate that residents are aware of both the positive and negative impacts of Ironman New Zealand. Respondents highlight positive impacts such as economic benefits, exposure of Taupo, community togetherness, and the encouragement of sports, yet they also recognize negative impacts such as inconvenience from traffic congestion, and road closures. Accordingly, the community was grouped into three distinct clusters with positive, negative and ambivalent perceptions, and were labelled 'Lovers', 'Pessimists' and 'Realists'. The findings further suggest that the use of web-surveying for community research is still in its infancy and needs further development enabling it to be used as an effective tool. Finally it is proposed that small to medium scale sporting event hosted in regional communities may contribute to a sense of community and to the creation of social capital. Further research is needed to confirm this proposition.

Abstract Title: Does the Country of Origin Matter for Sustainable Products? A Comparison of European Sporting Goods Producers Level: Final assignment for Master Degree in Business Administration Author: Edith Anna Voithofer Supervisor: Jonas Kågström, Ph.D. Date: January 24, 2013 Aim of study: The brand name and its country of origin is information that is used from consumers to make purchase decisions. Although existing research discusses several country of origin – aspects from other industries, literature within the sporting goods industry is still spare. Environmental pollution is an important topic nowadays, and the sporting goods industry is trying to include more “green” aspects within their business strategy, or is already quite successful in doing so. To fill the research gap, this thesis focuses on sustainable producers with a very good sustainable reputation in order to analyze the importance of the country of origin effect within the sustainable outdoor industry. Methodology: For this paper a conclusive research design was taken, as it is more formal, and used to test specific relationships. The quantitative research included respondents from two sustainable outdoor brands (originally from Sweden and Germany) who answered an online survey. Basis for the selection process was the independent bluesign® standard, a strong and global sustainability standard. The survey included five constructs to quantify the dimensions of brand equity and overall brand equity. Results: Both respondent groups are similar regarding their demographic data characteristics and their opinion when it comes to the quality of outdoor goods and its brand association. In particular, they seem to feel strongly connected towards the brands; they were proud and very loyal. Nevertheless, differences were identified. Sustainable products seem to be valued higher from Swedish respondents, whereas loyalty seems to be more important for German participants. Contribution of the study: Although existing research discusses several country of origin related aspects from other industries, relevant literature within the sporting goods industry, and here specifically the sustainable outdoor industry is still sparse. These topics are covered in this study. Keywords: Country of origin, Sustainability, Sporting Goods Industry, Outdoor Industry

Title: Employee Engagement - Sporting goods retail stores in Gävle. Level: Second cycle, Final assignment for Master Degree in Business Administration Author: Maria Claudia Sun Han Cordova and Camille Besnault Supervisor: Maria Fregidou-Malama and Pär Vilhelmson Date: 2013 - May   Purpose: This study examines employee engagement. For that matter, we investigate the factors that influence employee engagement in sporting goods retail stores, and the impact of relationships interactions between the team and the manager.   Method: This study was conducted through a deductive approach. The data was collected from two sporting goods retail stores: Stadium and Intersport, located in Gävle, Sweden; through questionnaires for both store’s employees, and face-to-face interviews to the store managers and employees. Finally, data was analyzed with the programs Microsoft Excel and SPSS.   Result  &  Conclusions:  We  found  out  that  sporting  goods  retail  store’s  employees  were mainly motivated by personal factors, job satisfaction factors and intrinsic factors, such as belongingness to the team. It appears that employees give significance importance to the relationship  they  have  with  their  manager  and  coworkers.  We  also  found  out  that  the relationship with the customers has a huge impact on employee engagement. Suggestions for future research: This research was conducted in a geographic area in a specific  country  (Sweden).  Additionally,  it  is  based  on  the  sporting  goods  retail  market. Thus, it could be interesting to extend this research to others sectors and markets, or to do the same research in another country. Contribution  of  the  thesis:  While  theories  about  employee  engagement  consider  the relationship between employees and co-workers, and employees and manager as important for  employee  engagement,  we  empirically  discovered  that  the  relationship  between employees and customers influences employee engagement significantly. Key  words:  Job  satisfaction,  employee  engagement,  sporting  goods  retails,  motivation, relationships.