The “For & From: Inditex Group's Social Franchise” case study, written by Dr. Ezequiel Reficco, research professor at EGADE Business School, in collaboration with Dr. Alfred Vernis, professor at ESADE Business School, was chosen as a winner in the Competition of Case Writing 2018 of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), in the category “Inclusive Business Models”.

The award-winning work focuses on the For & From chain of stores, launched by some of the Inditex brands in partnership with social organizations through a franchise model, to create a support ecosystem for people with disabilities, and that they receive training in retail sales, gain experience and strengthen your self-esteem.

“The case of For & From is essentially a new way of conceiving Corporate Social Responsibility. We know the limitations of launching projects to "feel good" separate from the core activity of the company, or to accumulate company stamps that "do good". It is time to bring social projects closer to the main corporate assets and capabilities. The case shows how this can be done through corporate social entrepreneurship, ”Reficco said.

Inditex, one of the largest fashion distribution groups in the world, is made up of brands such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, among others.

EFMD, recognized worldwide as a global accreditation body for business schools, business school programs and corporate universities, has organized its annual case writing competition over the past 30 years.

In the 2018 edition of the contest 17 categories were included, focusing on specific topics and regions of the world, with the aim of encouraging and supporting the drafting and creation of new and innovative case material.

Winning cases, such as co-written by Reficco and Vernis, were made in collaboration with companies, reflecting the current social and economic changes around the world, and providing deep learning and an inspiring experience for students.

The full list of winning cases of the EFMD 2018 Case Writing Competition can be found here.