Nike Intro to Business Case Study | Reader’s Theater Format | Econ 101

Challenge your business, marketing, or entrepreneurship class to analyze the iconic rise of Nike with this engaging readers theater script. Tired of dry textbooks? This fresh approach hooks high school students while teaching core business and economics concepts through Nike’s real-world journey. Follow Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman as they turn a shoestring idea into a $50 billion sneaker empire, navigating tight budgets, bold risks, and game-changing deals like Michael Jordan’s. Spanning 10 acts, this script highlights key moments—from Blue Ribbon’s scrappy 1962 start to Nike’s 1980 IPO triumph. With 9 characters, including Phil, Bowerman, and marketing whiz Rob Strasser, it blends authentic business drama with classroom-ready lessons. Each act connects to one of 10 essential concepts (see script summary below).

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What's included?

1) Teacher's Guide & Answer Key

• Standards Alignment (CCSS, NCSS, NCSEE, NCHS, CEE)
• Teacher Tips for use as RT
• Answer Keys for all worksheet sections
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Format: MSWORD DOC (10 pages)

2) Readers Theater Script

• ~9 Characters, 2900 words,
• Format: Google Doc (13 pages) (Can be downloaded to PDF, etc)

3) Script Worksheet

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short-Answer Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script.
• 3 Primary Source Exploration: Students must connect concepts in the script with outside sources (links to primary source text provided).
• Fact vs. Fiction: Identifying whether script details are fact or fictional narrative elements within the script.
• 10 Business Concepts in the Case Study: 10 Questions that explore how the story demonstrates key business concepts and application of them in students' lives.
• Format: Google Slides (32 Slides) (Can be downloaded to PDF, etc)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about ~25 minutes and depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.
• An extra ~25 minutes for prep, discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should also be planned.
• The included primary source exploration and business concept questions can be assigned for homework.

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Script Summary:

(Note: Each act covers an important business/entrepreneurship concept)

Act 1: Scarcity and Choice

In 1962 Stanford, Phil Knight chooses importing Japanese shoes over a safe job; in 1964, he partners with Bowerman over going solo—both show resource trade-offs launching Nike’s path.

Act 2: Supply and Demand

In 1965 Oregon, Blue Ribbon faces high Tiger shoe demand but slow supply; by 1970, the Cortez craze pushes Phil to triple orders—balancing supply with jogging’s rise.

Act 3: Entrepreneurial Mindset

Phil’s 1963 Japan pitch defies doubt with vision; in 1967, Bowerman’s Jogging book shrugs off skeptics—grit drives Nike’s foundation.

Act 4: Business Idea Generation

In 1962, Phil dreams up Blue Ribbon’s cheap-shoe model; in 1972, Bowerman’s waffle iron sparks the trainer—a bold leap to own production.

Act 5: Market Research

In 1963 Japan, Phil studies Tiger appeal for U.S. runners; in 1967, Bowerman’s jogging clubs spot a new market—data shapes Nike’s growth.

Act 6: Business Planning

Phil plans Blue Ribbon’s 1964 launch with track meet sales; in 1971, he maps Nike’s $3 million pivot with Nissho—strategies turn ideas into reality.

Act 7: Marketing and Sales

In 1972, Pre’s fame boosts Nike sales; in 1984, Jordan’s $126 million Air Jordan deal explodes—hype fuels Nike’s rise.

Act 8: Financial Management

In 1964, Phil risks $500 to start Blue Ribbon; in 1971, Nissho’s $1.2 million saves Nike—cash juggling builds a giant.

Act 9: Macroeconomic Concepts

In 1972, yen spikes force a manufacturing shift; in the 1990s, labor scandals hit $5 billion in sales—global forces test Nike.

Act 10: Personal Finance

Phil bets $500 in 1964 on Blue Ribbon; by 1980, his IPO stake hits $178 million—personal risk reaps massive rewards.