The Atlantic has an article on the tremendous waste and cost incurred by companies after consumers buy and return their Internet clothes, shoes and tchotchkes. It can cost a company $10-20 before shipping to process an item and decide to scrap it or salvage parts.
The article says every business school teaches supply chains and basic logistics, but there is little teaching or research about reverse returns - just emphasis on sales. This seems important if 15-50% of items are returned. (Blame is often apparently given to Zappos no-question return policy when buying unseen items seemed riskier.)
What other important business topics should schools teach, or teach better?