Publications

26 Oct 2018
Blog Post

Making the Switch from Finance to Fitness

go to an indoor cycling class with her. I didn’t understand. The bikes didn’t move – why would I do this? Nevertheless, I went to a class at Flywheel Sports and left feeling better, physically and mentally. While I grew up playing... View Details

01 Oct 1999
News

Banking on Success

time for vacations. What was your first job? I was a paperboy in Hartsdale, New York, for a few years, delivering the Reporter Dispatch. In high school, I sold sporting goods at E.J. Korvettes, a New York metropolitan area discount chain.... View Details

Keywords: Deborah E. Blagg

Profile

Melcolm Ruffin

Growing up on the west side of Chicago, Melcolm Ruffin was immersed in three things: "a loving family that nurtured me," an emphasis on education, and a passion for basketball. "I loved sports and was a big basketball... View Details

Keywords: Entertainment/Media

28 Jun 2022
Book

The Moral Enterprise: How Two Companies Profit with Purpose

How can government and business work together in this fractious political moment, when finding solutions to pressing problems like inequality and climate change are more urgent than ever? Rebecca Henderson, Harvard University’s John and Natty McArthur University... View Details

Keywords: by Avery Forman

August 2021 (Revised February 2024)
Case

Data Science at the Warriors

By: Iavor I. Bojinov and Michael Parzen

The case explores the development and early growth of a data science team at the Golden State Warriors, an NBA team based in San Francisco. The case begins by explaining the initial rationale for investing in data science, then covers a debate on the appropriate team... View Details

Keywords: Data Science; Digital Marketing; Analysis; Forecasting and Prediction; Technological Innovation; Information Technology; Sports Industry; San Francisco; United States

November 2002 (Revised January 2003)
Case

Mount Everest-1996

Describes the events that transpired during the May 1996, Mount Everest tragedy. Examines the flawed decisions that climbing teams made before and during the ascent. View Details

Keywords: Decisions; Groups and Teams; Crisis Management; Sports Industry; Sports Industry; Nepal

January 2014 (Revised August 2017)
Case

StepSmart Fitness

By: Robert J. Dolan, Benson P. Shapiro and Alisa Zalosh

StepSmart Fitness, a manufacturer of exercise equipment, is undergoing a sweeping reorganization. The new CEO has terminated the District Sales Director and Regional VP and promoted 30-year-old Benjamin Cooper to manage the underperforming New England district. A... View Details

Keywords: Analysis; Restructuring; Salesforce Management; Management Succession; Performance Improvement; Sports Industry; Sports Industry; New England

January 2022 (Revised August 2022)
Case

Jackie Robinson: Changing the World

By: Robert Simons and Max Saffer

This case traces the rise of Jackie Robinson from the poor streets of Pasadena, California to one of the most famous people in America after he overturned the color barrier in baseball. The case describes how as a youth he excelled at basketball, football, baseball,... View Details

Keywords: Diversity; Power And Influence; Personal Characteristics; Values And Beliefs; Mission And Purpose; Sports; Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Leading Change; Personal Development and Career; United States

19 Mar 2014
Research & Ideas

A Brand Manager’s Guide to Losing Control

sports some 80 million likes. Nutella has 23 million on its Facebook page. If fan communities feel supported by their brand, they are that much more likely to come to its defense when attacked. "Your best defense against the haters... View Details

Keywords: by Carmen Nobel; Advertising

01 May 2020
Blog Post

5 Reasons to Join a Club at HBS

Student Organization (LASO), sports clubs like the B-School Blades, professional clubs like Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), and interest clubs like the Wine & Cuisine Society. With classes moving online for the remainder... View Details

30 Jul 2007
Research & Ideas

Repugnant Markets and How They Get That Way

disease, and if you thought it was associated with injury—of which there is no evidence—you could pass laws requiring the use of a helmet. It's interesting that some activities that seem repugnant strike me as very similar to other activities that are not repugnant.... View Details

Keywords: by Martha Lagace

20 Aug 2014
Research & Ideas

Why the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a Social Media Blockbuster

Sports teams are not far behind. In fact, almost everyone who is challenged by a friend, coworker, or family member joins in. If ice buckets can help fund research to shed light on a terrible disease, such as ALS, more power to them, and... View Details

Keywords: by John Deighton

October 2010 (Revised November 2010)
Case

The NFL's Digital Media Strategy

By: Anita Elberse, C. Kelsey Calhoun and Daven Johnson

In late 2009, Brian Rolapp, senior vice president of media strategy and digital media for the NFL, was faced with the challenge of determining the league's strategic approach to the wireless market—and presenting his views to NFL team owners. What was the league's best... View Details

Keywords: Business Model; Marketing Channels; Marketing Strategy; Media; Distribution Channels; Mobile and Wireless Technology; Sports Industry