Page 3 - IMDR EBOOK 20 OCT 2020

Foreword

“COVID 19 - overcoming challenges, creating opportunities”

I am happy to write the foreword for the eBook “COVID 19 -
overcoming challenges, creating opportunities”, which is a
compilation of research work carried out on the impact of
COVID19 pandemic by faculty of Deccan Education Society’s
Institute of Management Development and Research (IMDR®),
Pune.

The research papers in this eBook study the myriad impacts of the
pandemic and attempt to map responses in terms of strategic
resolve and reorganization. Spanning over a period of 45 days, the
underlying research effort covers various facets and reections of
the pandemic on people, systems, processes, economy and society at large.
Research work on COVID impact on lifestyles of ordinary citizens and their saving and
spending patterns touched upon day to day behavior of Indians from different sections
of the society including employment prole, age group, gender and geography.
Research was done to study digital onboarding, adaptability and virtual working, the
benets and the consequent challenges faced by working professionals from various
sectors.

Changes in advertising and promotion strategies, entrepreneurial activation post
COVID19 and business performance across industry verticals were examined using
primary data and interviews of the corporate. Online learning effectiveness was
assessed by evaluating impact on the student community. Research has also been
carried out to understand the potential of Indian manufacturing sector to beat
competition from China.

A global crises situation of this magnitude obliterates existing order, overturning long-
held norms. Today we are poised to embrace its longevity, inevitable changes in mind-
set and thought processes have emerged and taken hold. It is my hope and expectation
that in the given circumstances this eBook will provide meaningful insights and a
gratifying reading experience.

History reveals the many ways in which a crisis has offered unanticipated benets. Let
us, through our efforts and enquiring minds, strive to nd the treasure beneath the
anomalous.
I express my gratitude towards Dr. Sharadrao Kunte, Chairman DES Council and
Governing body for motivating Team IMDR for the research.

Shri. Mahesh Anant Athavale
Vice Chairman, DES Governing Body
The Chairman LMC IMDR, Pune