On March 21, Center for Business Analytics staff and student interns were invited to Converse HQ in Boston to meet with the Executive members of the Nike team. Amy Carroll White (UNH ’86), Chief Operations Planning Officer, Nike Inc, graciously helped to organize the visit, the central topic of which was the company’s approach to Data Analytics.
Needless to say, it was a fantastic day in Boston for such a trip, and we all enjoyed time with our colleagues at UNH Graduate Programs.
Our interns learned more about Nike’s data science and business analytics approach. For example, Carrie Beaulieu, a Senior Director, Data Science Product Management at Nike, told us how teams work closely with data scientists to scale and plan using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. We heard about the company’s understanding of success, its decisions in inventory optimization, and its understanding of demand. It was fascinating to hear about the decision to acquire Celect, a retail analytics company, to build out data science skills for Nike’s consumer-facing strategy. This being said, while Nike makes many data-driven decisions, there is always space for human insight.
Nike’s team went above and beyond, sharing their expertise with our student interns and answering questions related to their approach to predictive analysis. Students got a chance to learn how optimization strategy affects operations and what challenges can arise in particular business models.
The next day, this visit was followed by a Boston Executive Forum organized by UNH Alumni Community. What an incredible networking opportunity it was. We had a chance to reconnect with our UNH colleagues, establish new connections and share information about the Center’s work.
After the attendees had a chance to socialize, Amy White and Lucy Gilson, Dean of Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, held a fireside chat titled “Analytics in Action: Accelerating a Digital-First Connection to Consumers.”
Nike’s approach to business analytics takes into consideration several factors, including consumer needs, product innovation and brand connection, and inventory optimization. Nike is transforming to build more personalized consumer experiences in all aspects (online and in-person). Powered by AI and ML, Nike empowers their consumers, balancing it with strengths in digital marketing, product creation, distribution, and more. Amy White told the audience about her personal 25+ years journey at Nike. She answered several thought-provoking questions regarding how having consumers first in the value chain is shaping their operations and how Nike is adapting to external factors which significantly impact businesses.
Thanks to the variety and functionality of products manufactured by Nike, and their socially oriented programs, the number of people choosing favor of self-development and sports is increasing yearly.
The brand has come a long way from an ambitious idea to a massive corporation throughout the decades. Thus, Nike became the classic embodiment of American success with their passion for innovation and a commitment to the sport’s heritage.
Learning from professionals is something we are proud to be able to provide at the Center for Business Analytics. We are grateful to our amazing partners and UNH Alumni who support our ambitions and long-term plans.
