1. In what ways are elements of the classical and behavioral management approaches evident in how things are done at Zara International?
2. How can systems concepts and contingency thinking explain the success of some of Zara's distinctive practices?
3. Would you want to work in an environment like that at Zara? Why or why not?

Fast Fashion Puts Stress on Environment BonnieBCiShutterstockcom History teaches us that consumers love the latest styles and colors in their clothing choices. History also teaches us that unless we're careful, damage done to the earth today is going to irreparably harm future generations. Is there a lesson here? Do you know how many times a newly purchased garment is actually worn? Data gathered by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation says the answer for those purchased in the United States is about 40. That doesn't sound too bad, right? Well, it's actually about 25% of the worldwide average. Another report by Boston Consulting Group says that 13% of clothing produced worldwide gets recy- cled, while 73% ends up in landfills or gets burned in incinerators. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says in just one year that the amount of textiles in landfills grew by almost 70%. Fast fashion has been a great thing in retail. But are we focus- ing enough on its cost to the environment? The Wall Street Journal says: \"The world is wearing new clothes fewer times before discard ing them. Most of the trashed garments end up in landfills, creating an environmental problem that is expected to get worse." Think about this the next time you shop at Zara, owned by the Spanish firm Inditext SA, or at H&M. owned by a German c0mpeti tor Hen nes & Mauritz AB. Both giobal giants sell the latest fashions at affordable prices. Their fashion savvy, technologies, and distri bution systems make sure what we buy today goes quickly out of style while being easily replaceable at low prices. Both H&M and Zara are investing in "closed loop recycling\" that makes new clothes from old ones. But the task isn't easy due to the composition of materials and presence of chemicals. Prog- ress is being made but there's still a lot to be accomplished. Mean- while, time flies and the planet risks being on the wrong side offast fashion history. Your Decision? What responsibility do clothing makers have for cutting back on the waste their business models and products create? How about consumers? Should we pay a bit more to ensure that what's fast in fashion today doesn't slow progress on preserving the planet for future generations? What more should manufacturers and retail- ers be doing to support closed loop recycling? Can \"recyclability\" become a source of competitive advantage? And speaking about business competition, do fast fashion firms face disruption from an old economy stand bythe consignment store