Harvard Case - Akshaya Patra: The Covid-19 Pandemic and Thereafter
"Akshaya Patra: The Covid-19 Pandemic and Thereafter" Harvard business case study is written by Anshuman Tripathy, Avani Mishra, Shlok Sangoi. It deals with the challenges in the field of Operations Management. The case study is 17 page(s) long and it was first published on : Jul 31, 2022
At Fern Fort University, we recommend Akshaya Patra implement a comprehensive strategy focused on operational resilience, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships to navigate the post-pandemic landscape. This strategy will leverage the organization's existing strengths in operations and supply chain management while embracing innovation and technology to ensure long-term sustainability and continued impact.
2. Background
Akshaya Patra, a non-profit organization, provides mid-day meals to millions of schoolchildren in India. The organization faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions to its supply chain, manufacturing processes, and logistics. The case study explores the organization's response to the pandemic and its efforts to adapt to the 'new normal.'
The main protagonists of the case study are:
- Akshaya Patra's leadership team: They are tasked with navigating the organization through the pandemic and developing a strategy for the future.
- The organization's beneficiaries: The millions of schoolchildren who rely on Akshaya Patra for their mid-day meals.
- Akshaya Patra's partners: The various stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and suppliers, who contribute to the organization's mission.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
The case study highlights several key challenges faced by Akshaya Patra:
- Disrupted Supply Chain: The pandemic significantly disrupted the organization's supply chain, impacting the procurement of raw materials, transportation, and distribution of meals.
- Shifting Demand Patterns: The closure of schools and changes in attendance patterns led to unpredictable demand, making capacity planning and inventory management difficult.
- Operational Challenges: Implementing social distancing and sanitation protocols within the kitchens and during meal distribution posed significant operational challenges.
- Financial Sustainability: The pandemic's economic impact threatened the organization's funding, impacting its ability to continue providing meals.
To analyze the situation, we can utilize the SWOT framework:
Strengths:
- Strong operational infrastructure: Akshaya Patra has a well-established operations and supply chain management system, with a focus on efficiency and quality control.
- Strong brand reputation: The organization enjoys a positive reputation for its commitment to social impact and transparency.
- Dedicated workforce: Akshaya Patra has a dedicated team of employees and volunteers who are passionate about the organization's mission.
Weaknesses:
- Limited financial resources: As a non-profit organization, Akshaya Patra relies heavily on donations, making it vulnerable to economic downturns.
- Dependence on traditional methods: The organization's reliance on traditional manufacturing processes and logistics makes it susceptible to disruptions.
- Lack of digital infrastructure: The organization has limited digital capabilities, making it difficult to adapt to changing needs and optimize operations.
Opportunities:
- Increased awareness of food security: The pandemic highlighted the importance of food security, creating an opportunity for Akshaya Patra to expand its reach and impact.
- Technological advancements: The rise of digital technologies presents an opportunity for Akshaya Patra to improve its operations and supply chain management, enhance transparency, and engage with stakeholders more effectively.
- Growing partnerships: The pandemic has led to increased collaboration between organizations, creating an opportunity for Akshaya Patra to forge new partnerships and leverage resources.
Threats:
- Economic uncertainty: The ongoing economic impact of the pandemic poses a threat to Akshaya Patra's funding and ability to sustain its operations.
- Competition for resources: The increasing demand for food assistance creates competition for resources, potentially impacting Akshaya Patra's ability to meet its goals.
- Changing food consumption patterns: Shifting consumer preferences and dietary needs could pose challenges for Akshaya Patra's meal planning and distribution.
4. Recommendations
To address these challenges and leverage opportunities, Akshaya Patra should implement the following recommendations:
1. Enhance Operational Resilience:
- Improve Supply Chain Management: Implement a robust supply chain management system incorporating demand forecasting, inventory control, and risk management. This could involve leveraging technology and analytics for real-time data tracking and predictive modeling.
- Optimize Manufacturing Processes: Implement lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure quality control within the kitchens.
- Strengthen Logistics Network: Invest in technology-enabled logistics solutions to optimize route planning, vehicle tracking, and delivery efficiency. This could involve partnering with logistics providers and leveraging GPS tracking and data analytics.
- Develop Contingency Plans: Create contingency plans for various scenarios, including disruptions to supply chains, natural disasters, and pandemic outbreaks. This will ensure the organization's ability to adapt and continue operations.
2. Embrace Digital Transformation:
- Implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System: Invest in an ERP system to integrate various aspects of the organization's operations, including finance, inventory management, logistics, and human resources. This will improve data visibility, decision-making, and operational efficiency.
- Develop a Digital Platform: Create a digital platform for communication, engagement, and transparency with stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and partners. This platform can be used for online donations, reporting on program impact, and sharing information.
- Leverage Technology for Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics to identify trends, optimize operations, and improve decision-making. This could involve analyzing data from supply chains, logistics, and beneficiary demographics.
- Invest in Training and Capacity Building: Implement training programs for employees and volunteers on digital tools and data analytics. This will ensure the organization has the necessary skills to leverage technology effectively.
3. Foster Strategic Partnerships:
- Collaborate with Government Agencies: Partner with government agencies to leverage their resources, expertise, and reach. This could involve joint programs, funding opportunities, and access to data.
- Engage with Private Sector Partners: Seek partnerships with corporations and foundations to access funding, resources, and expertise. This could involve corporate social responsibility initiatives, joint ventures, and technology partnerships.
- Develop a Community Engagement Strategy: Engage with local communities to build trust, raise awareness, and mobilize support for the organization's mission. This could involve community outreach programs, volunteering opportunities, and local fundraising initiatives.
- Explore International Collaboration: Explore opportunities for international partnerships with organizations working in similar fields. This could involve sharing best practices, fundraising, and joint projects.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations align with Akshaya Patra's core competencies in operations and supply chain management while embracing innovation and technology to enhance its impact. They also consider the organization's external customers (beneficiaries) and internal clients (employees and volunteers) by prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
The recommendations take into account the competitive landscape by leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to enhance the organization's resilience and reach. The recommendations are also financially viable, as they prioritize efficiency and cost optimization while exploring new funding opportunities.
Assumptions:
- The organization has the necessary resources and commitment to implement these recommendations.
- Technology advancements will continue to support the organization's efforts.
- Stakeholders will be receptive to the organization's digital transformation initiatives.
6. Conclusion
By implementing these recommendations, Akshaya Patra can enhance its operational resilience, embrace digital transformation, and foster strategic partnerships. This will enable the organization to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, maintain its impact, and continue providing mid-day meals to millions of schoolchildren in India.
7. Discussion
Other alternatives not selected include:
- Maintaining the status quo: This option would be risky, as the organization would be vulnerable to future disruptions and unable to leverage new opportunities.
- Focusing solely on fundraising: While important, focusing solely on fundraising would not address the underlying challenges and risks facing the organization.
Risks:
- Resistance to change: Implementing these recommendations may face resistance from employees and partners who are accustomed to traditional methods.
- Technological challenges: Implementing new technologies may require significant investment and expertise.
- Funding constraints: The organization may face challenges in securing the necessary funding to implement all recommendations.
Key Assumptions:
- The organization has the necessary resources and commitment to implement these recommendations.
- Technology advancements will continue to support the organization's efforts.
- Stakeholders will be receptive to the organization's digital transformation initiatives.
8. Next Steps
To implement these recommendations, Akshaya Patra should:
- Develop a detailed implementation plan: This plan should outline the specific steps, timelines, and resources required for each recommendation.
- Establish a dedicated project team: This team should be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the recommendations and ensuring their success.
- Communicate the vision and strategy: The organization should clearly communicate the vision and strategy for digital transformation and strategic partnerships to all stakeholders.
- Continuously monitor and evaluate progress: The organization should regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of the implementation and make adjustments as needed.
By taking these steps, Akshaya Patra can ensure a successful transition to a more resilient and sustainable future, continuing its vital mission of providing mid-day meals to millions of schoolchildren in India.
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Case Description
The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) headquartered in Bengaluru, India. It was founded by ISKON (religious foundation) in the year 2000 and runs the world's largest school meal program that was serving 1.8 Million children every day in 2019. In March 2020, however, as the COVID-19 pandemic struck India, the schools were shut and hence the mid-day meals were stopped. This gave rise to not only a new challenge of still continuing to feed the underprivileged children but also gave rise to different needs such as relief feeding for poor families and migrant workers. The foundation has a mission is to feed five million children every day in the near future and are challenged in not only how to scale up but also how to sustain their operations and growth (both in terms of capital expenditure and operating expenditure), specially considering that the government subsidisation of their meals (as a fraction of the total cost per meal) is only reducing.
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