Page 69 - Management Digest Udyama Vol 1 Isuue 2

Knowing that a Tomato is a fruit

is – Knowledge

Not using a tomato in a

fruit salad is – Wisdom

WCIC THOUGHT LEADERSHIP ARTICLE SERIES

Covid 19 is not going to go away and are discovering that there now look at how we can proceed,
in a hurry. That is the knowledge is no foolproof answer yet. given the knowledge that these
the whole world has grudgingly However, two things seem to issues may continue. The wisdom
accepted. But who has got make a lot of sense, primarily, we derive has to find solutions to
anywhere near the wisdom? the vaccinations have to stay, overcome the limitations.
secondly looking after yourself,
Ironically an invisible, virus has with prescribed protocols will During the last year or so,
brought the world to its knees, need to continue. That would be while we had to undergo many
there isn’t a single country in the wisdom. restrictions, such as getting locked
world that has been spared, and down from time to time, working
no country managed to come out How does this affect us, the from home, children learning
unscathed yet. Almost one and a entrepreneurs? What we do has to virtually, schools being closed,
half years into the situation, we be re-examined and re-structured no entertainment, no holidays etc.
have tried many actions without if necessary. The random overall economy was impacted
success. lockdowns worldwide and significantly. However, it is
disruptions to regular business interesting to note that the FMCG
Not just in Sri Lanka, the world operations impacted all of us in space recorded significant growth.
over everyone is experimenting one way or the other. We should MAT 2021 Vs. MAT 20 indicated
a 17% volume growth contributed
by F&B – 18%, Personal Care –
17%, and House Hold care- 15%.
During the period 2018 and 2019,
the segments were under pressure.
( Source - Kantar World Panel)
It indicates that some businesses
thrived even when things were
sour, how you may ask? They had
robust plans with contingencies in
place; they ensured that sensible
forecasting was incorporated
and logistics were structured
to deliver. They evaluated the
changing needs, the behavior of
the consumer and adapted to be
still relevant. They understood
that keeping the business running
was paramount and explored the
ways to make it happen. They
gained wisdom that made them
come on top.

September 2021 67