UNIVERSI TY OF A GRICULTURAL S CIENCES AND VETERINARY [631573]

UNIVERSI TY OF A GRICULTURAL S CIENCES AND VETERINARY
MEDICINE CLUJ -NAPOCA

FACULT Y OF HO RTICULTURE
SPECIALIZA TION : AGR IBUSINESS

DIPLOMA PROJECT

Grad uate:
Bianca Alexandra MUNTEAN

Scientific Leader :
Lect . dr. Vasile Mihai CUCERZAN

CLUJ -NAPOCA
2020

FACULTY OF HORTICULTURE
SPECIALIZATION:
AGRIBUSINESS

DIPLOMA PROJECT

THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS OF THE
PANDEMIC ON FOODPANDA BUSINESS

Graduate:
Bianca Alexandra MUNTEAN

Scientific Leader:
Lect . Dr.Vasile Mihai CUCERZAN

CLUJ -NAPOCA
2020

Bianca Alexandra Muntean The economic and social effects of the pandemic on foodpanda business

1 TABLE OF CONTENT

INTRODUCTION ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………….. pag 4
PART I. CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE STRICT AREA OF THE
TOPIC APPROACHED . CHAPTER 1. THE PANDEMIC. GENERAL
APPROACHES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..pag 6
1.1 MANAGEMENT OF THE PANDEMIC …………………………………………………………….. pag 7
1.2 CURRENT PANDEMICS ………………………………………………………………………………… pag 8
1.3 CORONAVIRUSES ………………………………………… ……………………………………………… pag 8
1.4 COVID -19……………………………………………….. …………… ……………………………………… ..pag 9
1.5 SOCIAL AND SAFETY MEASURES ADOPTED………………………. ………………………pag 10
CHAPTER 2. THE SOCIAL IMPACT …………………………………………………………………..pag 12
2.1. THEORY OF CHANGE …………………………………………………………………………… ………. pag 12
2.2 EXAMPLES……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……… pag 12
2.3 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESMENT ……………………………………………………………………….. pag 13
2.4 FUTURE EFFECTS OF THE SOCIAL IMPACT (COVID19) ……………………………….. pag 14
CHAPTER 3. THE ECONOMIC IMPACT …………………………………………………………….pag 16
3.1. GENERAL DEFINITION………………………………………………………………………………. …pag 15
3.2. COVID -19. ECONOMIC IMPACT UPON EUROPE………………….. ………………………pag 15
3.2.1. Delivery services. foodpanda business in Europe……………………………………… …pag 16
3.3. COVID -19. ECONOMIC IMPACT UPON ROMANIA………………………………….. ……pag 17
3.3.1. Deliver y services. Foodpanda business in Romania…………………………………….. pag 1 8
PART II. MATERIAL AND METHODS. CHAPTER 4. THE CONTENT OF THE
SOCIAL STUDYING UPON FOODPANDA
BUSINESS …………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………..pag 2 0
4.1. THE GOAL, THE CONTENT AND THE ISSUE…………………………………………….. ..pag 20
4.1.1. The goal……………………………………………………………………………………………….. pag 2 0
4.1.2. The content………………………………………………………………………………………… …pag 2 1
4.1.3. The issue………………………………………………………………………………………………. pag 2 1
4.2. CLASSIFICATION OF THE STUDY. THE SOCIAL RESEARCH……………………..pag 22
4.3. THE PH ASES OF THE STUDYING PROCESS…………………………………………………pag 23
4.3.1. The discovery and the definition of the studied issue……………………………………pag 23
4.3.2. Research design…………………………… ………………………………………………… ……….pag 23
4.3.3. Data collection……………………………………………………………………………….. ………. pag 2 4

Bianca Alexandra Muntean The economic and social effects of the pandemic on foodpanda business

2 4.3.4. Data preparation and analysis…………… ……………………………………………………… pag 2 4
4.3.5. Formulation of conclusions…………………………………………… ………..pag 2 4
4.4. DESIGN OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE……………………………………… ………pag 2 5
4.4.1. Writing the questionnaire………………………………………………… ……pag 2 5
4.4.2. Formulation of questions………………………………………………… ……pag 2 5
4.5. THE SAMPLING METHODS……………………………………………… …….….pag 2 7
4.5.1. Sampling process and methods………… …………………………… ……… …pag 2 7
4.5.2. Establishing the researched population and the sampling framework…… ……pag 2 7
PART III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS. CHAPTER 5. THE ANALYSIS OF THE
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS ON FOODPANDA BUSINESS ………………….. pag 29
5.1. INTRODUCTION PART OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE…………………………………….. pag 29
5.1.1. The department…………………………………………………………………………….. ……..pag 29
5.1.2. The age range…………………………………………………………………………. …………. .pag 29
5.1.3. The work experience in foodpanda………………………………………………………… pag 3 0
5.2. THE GENERAL QUESTIONS……………………………………………………………………. …pag 3 1
5.2.1. The novelty regarding the pandemic……………………………………………………… pag 3 1
5.2.2. Impact upon the personal productivity and business………………………………… pag 3 2
5.2.3. Impact upon the personal lifestyle and relationships……………………………….. pag 3 4
5.2.4. Impact upon the department and colleagues………………… ………………………… pag 3 6
5.2.5. Ordering from foodpanda…………………………………………………………………….. pag 3 8
5.2.6. Future scenarios regarding the business and the work…………… ………………… pag 4 0
5.3. THE INCREASING OF THE ORDERS DURING THE PANDEMIC……………….. pag 4 1
5.3.1. North region of Romania…………………………………………………………………… ..pag 4 1
5.3.2. South Region of Romania…………………………………………………………………. ..pag 42
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS …………………………………………………………………………….pag 4 4
BIBLIOG RAPHY …………………………………………………………………………………………….pag 4 7
ANNEX 1. THE QUESTIONNAIRE …………………………………………………………………pag 49

Bianca Alexandra Muntean The economic and social effects of the pandemic on foodpanda business

3 THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC ON
FOODPANDA BUSINESS

Bianca Alexandra MUNTEAN, Vasile Mihai CUCERZAN

University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3 -5 Manastur St., 400372,
Cluj- Napoca, Romania; bianca.muntean@ foodpanda.ro ; cvmihai@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
This research, regarding the pandemic and its socio -economical effects, on
foodpanda business, had a role of observing and analyzing the main effects and perception,
of the foodpanda employees, regarding the business.
A questionnaire was realized and sent to all the employees of food panda, from
Romania, to see which were the main challenges and approaches, for working in a different
way than before. Because the COVID -19 pandemic had an impact upon all the economy and
on the social matters, this study was designated to analyze the food delivery area and its
impact upon the business and its employees. The new epidemic its a novelty for everybody
and it was hard to know the right approach and management.
Although the number of the orders from foopanda had an increase and the delivery
area had a lot of growth, there are some aspects that are needed to be taken into
consideration. Also, the work from home routine, becames a challenge for a lot of people
and will need a special attention.
The new pandemic definitely left a mark on everybody and the consequences
cannot be seen yet, but, if the people will respect the hygiene measures, will try to
overcome their worries and be more responsible, the effects will be bearable.
KEYWORDS
pandemic, foodpanda, economy, employees, responsibili ty

Bianca Alexandra Muntean The economic and social effects of the pandemic on foodpanda business

4 INTRODUCTION

The beginning of a new pandemic and the unknown moments, that the world is currently
living in, appeared to be an interesting subject to discuss and to explore. The whole novelty
about the virus and its future effects upon businesses might leave an important trace.
The most important reason, why this subject was elected, is to see what future effects,
economic and social, the new pandemic might have and to see how the foodpanda business will
be affected. Due to the fact that, the population of Romania and not only, were restrained to stay
at home and to be protected, the delivery services had a big raise and increased very much, in
terms of orders. Therefore, the business foodpanda, also had its role, for the population, to
deliver the food, to protect the safety and to help as much as possible th e employees. Also,
foodpanda tried its best to ameliorate the effects and to offer the best for the people involved.
The objectives of this paper are making reference to the effective effects, social and
economic, upon the business, but, most important, h ow the employees of foodpanda were
affected. The novelty about the virus and the news, sometimes, made the people lose hope and
going through different emotions. Also, because the state implied some new restrictions, a lot of
people had to work from home a nd make a new ritual and lifestyle. Because the the virus,
COVID -19, can be dangerous for some categories of people, the safety was the most important
thing. Perhaps, the most difficult part was the social distancing and not being able to stay with
the lov ed ones and colleagues. However, the people tempted to adapt pretty fast and to make the
new virus their reality, somehow.
The effective study of the paper, was made by applying a questionnaire, for the
employees of foodpanda, containing 18 general questio ns and 3 demographic questions. The
study was implemented for a period of two weeks, approximately, when the employees had the
time to complete it. The questions were various, and more related to the personal experience and
how they see the effects of the pandemic on the business. Also, there were presented some
graphics, with the evolution of the orders, on both South and North region, of Romania. The
collected data had a confidential character, therefore, the exact numbers, weren’t shown.
The paper it’s s tructured on 5 chapters, containing information about the definition of the
pandemic, the new virus, COVID -19. Also, there was described the general meaning of economy
and social effects. The second part of the paper contains informations about the questio nnaire, its
structure, how it was implemented, the target population etc. The delivery services in Romania
and Europe were also described, but, in particular, the foodpanda business and how it was
affected.

Bianca Alexandra Muntean The economic and social effects of the pandemic on foodpanda business

5 The study of the new coronavirus , COVID19, represents an interest nowadays, because it
is a new virus, the effects are not well known and the people don’t know what to expect, for the
future. The economic effects can be extremely important and therefore, the population has to
adap t. Some times, when hearing the news, especially the fake ones, the anxiety was higher and
even the preocupation. However, the people started to adapt easier and select the information.
From the pers onal experience, working from home, can be difficult and dissa pointing,
because the human contact it’s limited, the feelings can be mixed and the overall productivity
won’t be too high. Depends on the persons, how to manage the stress and the productivity.
As a conclusion, it is obvious, that t he pandemic will affect the economy, the future and
the businesses all around the world, but, it also depends on the people how they will manage
everything. Also, it will depend on the state s and on the health system .

Bianca Alexandra Muntean The economic and social effects of the pandemic on foodpanda business

6 PART I. CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE STRICT AREA OF THE TOPIC
APPROACHED.
CHAPTER 1. THE PANDEMIC. GENERAL APPROACHES

„A pandemic is an epidemic of an infectious disease that has spread across a large region, for
instance multiple continents or worldwide, affecting a substantial nu mber of people. A
widespread endemic disease with a stable number of infected people is not a pandemic. Widespread
endemic diseases with a stable number of inf ected people such as recurrences of seasonal influenza are
generally excluded as they occur simultaneously in large regions of the globe rather than being spread
world wide. ” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic , last access: 17.06.2020)
“An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and spreads around the
world, and most people do not have immunity. Viruses that have caused past pandemics typically
originated from animal influenza viruses. ” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic , last access:
17.06.2020)
Some aspects of influenza pandem ics can appear similar to seasonal influenza while other
characteristics may be quite different. For example, both seasonal and pandemic influenza can cause
infections in all age groups, and most cases will result in self-limited illness in which the perso n
recovers fully without treatment. However, typical seasonal influenza causes most of its deaths among
the elderly while other severe cases occur most commonly in people with a variety of medical
conditions.” (https://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/pandemic/en/ , last
access: 17.06.2020)
“For both seasonal and pandemic influenza, the total number of people who get severely ill
can vary. However, the impact or severity tends to be higher in pandemics in part because of the
much larger number of people in the population who lack pre-existing immunity to the new virus.
When a large portion of the population is infected, even if the propo rtion of those infected that go
on to develop severe disease is small, the total number of severe cases can be quite large.
For both seasonal and pandemic influenza, the highest levels of activity would be expected to occur
in the usual influenza season period for an area. (In the temperate climate zones, this is usually the
winter months, for example). But as was seen with the current H1N1 pandemic, pandemics can
have unusual epidemiological patterns and large outbreaks can occur in the summer months. “
(https://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/pandemic/en/ , last access:
17.06.2020)

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1.1. MANAGEMENT OF THE PANDEMIC

„The basic strategies in the control of an outbreak are containment and mitigation. Containment
may be undertaken in the early stages of the outbreak, including contact traci ng and isolating infected
individuals to stop the disease from spreading to the rest of the population, other public health
interventions on infection control, and therapeutic countermeasures such as vaccinations which may be
effective if available . When it becomes apparent that it is no longer possible to contain the spread of
the disease, management will then move on to the mitigation stage, in which measures are taken to
slow the spread of the disease and mitigate its effects on society and the healthcare system. In reality,
containment and mitigation measures may be undertaken simultaneously. „
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic , last access: 17.06.2020)

“A key part of managing an infectious disease outbreak is trying to decrease the epidemic
peak, known as “flattening the epidemic curve ”. This helps decrease the risk of health services being
overwhelmed, and provides more time for a vaccine and treatment to be developed.[24][27] A broad
group of the so -called non -pharmaceutical interventions may be taken to manage the outbreak.[27] In a
flu pandemic, these actions may include: personal preventive measures such as hand hygiene, wearing
face-masks, and self -quarantine; community measures aimed at social distancing such as closing
schools and cancelling mass gatherings; community engagement to encourage acceptance and
participation in such interventions; and environmental measures such as cleaning of sur faces. “
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic , last access: 17.06.2020)
“Another strategy, suppression, requires more extreme long -term non -pharmaceutical
interventions so as to reverse the pandemic by reducing the basic reproduction number to less than 1.
The suppression strategy, which includes stringent population -wide social distancing, home isolation
of cases, and household quarantine, was undertaken by China during the COVID -19 pandemic where
entire cities were placed under lockdown, but s uch strategy carries with it considerable social and
economic costs. ” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic , last access: 17.06.2020)

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1.2. CURRENT PANDEMICS

„ Although the WHO uses the term „global epidemic ” to describe HIV („WHO HIV/AIDS
Data and Statistics ”. Retrieved 12 April 2020 .), some authors use the term „pandemic ”. HIV is
believed to have originated in Africa. AIDS is currently a pandemic, with infection rates as high
as 25% in southern and eastern Africa. In 2006, the HIV prevalence rate among pregnant women
in South Africa was 29%. Effective education about safer sexual practices and bloodborne
infection precautions training have helped to slow down infection rates in several African
countries sponsoring national education programs. „ ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic ,
last access: 17.06 .2020)

“Writing in March 2020, the current pandemic has had an unprecedented impact across the
globe. COVID -19 is a disease that develops due to infection with a type of coronavirus . The
virus started causing infections in Wuhan, China, before spreading internationally. ”
(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148945#covid -19, last access: 17.06.2020)
On the recommendation of the WHO, more than one-third of the world’s population is on
lockdown. Several countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, India, and China
— have closed their borders, affecting global travel and industry. ”
(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148945#covid -19, last access: 17.06.2020)
“People in many countries have also lost employment as a result of “nonessential”
businesses closing to restrict the spread of the virus. Restaurants, gyms, religious buildings,
parks, and offices have closed in many places. A pandemic can also increase the pressure on
healthcare systems by raising the demand for certain treatments. People with severe COVID -19
symptoms use more ventilators and beds in intensi ve care. As a result, resources may be in short
supply for others who need this equipment. “
(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148945#covid -19, last access: 17.06.2020)

1.3. CORONAVIRUSES

“Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause diseases in animals and humans. They
often circulate among camels, cats, and bats, and can sometimes evolve and infect people.
In animals, coronaviruses can cause diarrhea in cows and pigs, and upper respiratory disease in
chickens. In humans, the viruses can cause mild respiratory infections, like the common cold, but

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can lead to serious illnesses, like pneumonia. “ (https://www.nfid.org/infectious –
diseases/coronaviruses/ , last access: 17.06.2020)
“Coronaviruses are named for the crown -like spikes on their surface. Human
coronaviruses were first identified in the mid -1960s. They are closely monitored by public health
officials. “ (https://www.nfid.org/infectious -diseases/coronaviruses/ , last access: 17.06.2020)
„Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia
and spread to more than 25 other countries. MERS originated in camels and emerged to infect
people. Symptoms usually include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and often progress to
pneumonia. About 3 or 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died. MERS cases
continue to occur, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula; however, as of 2019, there have been only
two confirmed cases of MERS in the US, both in 2014.” (https://www.nfid.org/infectious –
diseases/coronaviruses/ , last access: 17.06.2020)
„Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) originated in small mammal and emerged
to infect people. SARS was first r eported in Southern China in 2002 and the illness spread to
more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Symptoms
include fever, chills, and body aches, and may progress to pneumonia. Infection with the SARS
virus causes acute respiratory distress (severe breathing difficulty), with a mortality rate of about
10 percent. No human cases of SARS have been reported anywhere in the world since 2004.”
(https://www.nfid.org/infectious -diseases/coronaviruses/ , last access: 17.06.2020

1.4. COVID -19

“COVID -19 is a type (strain) of coronavirus. A virus is a very small (microscopic) type
of germ that can cause an infection. It can only replicate in a host, such as a person or other
living things. You might not always feel sick from viruses. However, viruses can make you
seriously ill and cause disease. “ (https://www.kidney.org/coronavirus/covid -19-information , last
access: 17.06.2020)
“The disease caused by this virus has different names. The disease is called COVID -19 –
Coronavirus Dise ase 2019 for the year in which it first appeared globally. COVID -19 is also
known as “novel coronavirus,” meaning a new type of coronavirus not previously discovered or
identified. ” (https://www.kidney.org/coronavirus/covid -19-information , last access: 17.06.2020)

“Coronaviruses are a group (or family) of viruses that cause different illnesses. These
illnesses can range from the common cold to more severe diseases, such as Severe Acute

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Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). “ (https://www.kidney.org/coronavirus/covid -19-information ,
last access: 17.06.2020)

COVID -19 is also called SARS -Cov-2 for severe acute respiratory synd rome coronavirus
2. “ ( https://www.kidney.org/coronavirus/covid -19-information , last access: 17.06.2020)

“The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID -19) are:
• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath ” (https://www.kidney.org/coronavirus/covid -19-information , last access:
17.06.2020)
“The virus that causes COVID -19 seems to be spreading easily in some affec ted
geographic areas. COVID -19 is thought to spread mainly from person -to-person (within about 6
feet) through small drops of liquid made when an infected person coughs or sneezes (known as
respiratory droplets).” (https://www.kidney.org/coronavirus/covid -19-information , last access:
17.06.2020)

1.5. SOCIAL AND SAFETY MEASURES ADOPTED

The local governments, from the countries, that are highly affected by the novel
coronavirus, and not only, took some safety measurements. The most important are:
• wearing the masks, inside closed and small areas
• keeping a distance of 1.5 m, at least, from other persons
• sanitizing gel in every entrance of important spots (malls, shops, offices, libraries etc)
• closing shops and public places, like restaurants, pubs, malls etc
• closing the schools and universities; the classes are hold online
• quarantine of areas/cities, that have a highly number of infected persons
• some circulation restrictions and international travelling

The persons were advice, to follow some rules and keep a social distance from the
people. For example, the main rules were to interact as less as possible and to keep a safe
distance. Also, the people were suggested to wear masks, to regularly wash the hands, to
disinfect the products that were bought from stores and to stay as mush as possible in the houses.

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Many online and offline campaigns were specially made, to inform the people about the
risks of the novel virus. For example, some people can have the virus and be asymptomatic.
Therefore, it’s advisable to stay at home and take care of the people that are at high risk. The
highest risk, of getting very ill from the virus and potentially, to even die, are the people with
chronic diseases, cardiovascular and respiratory problems and obese people. The elderly are the
riskiest group, when talking about chances of surviving, after getting the coronavirus.

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CHAPTER 2. THE SOCIAL IMPACT

„Social impact across has been historically been around in the form of philanthropic
for many decades. In 1972 Bill Drayton, father of social enterprise started a new movement
that gave rise to new social impact approach. While there are thousands of successes and
failures have been documented, the need for improving social impact is growing
exponentially. Since 2008 deep recession gave rise to the impact investing movement.
During the last few years, sustainable development goals along with corporate, impact
investments and philanthropy are leading a quiet revolution. ” (https://w ww.sopact.com/social –
impact -definiton , last access: 17.06.2020)

2.1. THEORY OF CHANGE

„Theory of change is a rigorous yet participatory process whereby groups and
stakeholders in a planning process articulate their long -term goals and identify the conditions
they believe have to unfold for those goals to 12st ie. These conditions are modeled as desired
outcomes, arranged Ugraphically in a causal framework. „ (Taplin and Clark, 2012)
„A theory of change describes the types of interventions (a single pr ogram or coordinated
initiative) that bring about the outcomes depicted in the outcomes framework map. Each
intervention 12st ied to an outcome in the causal framework, revealing the often complex web of
activity required to bring about change. The framewor k provides a working model against which
to test hypotheses and assumptions about what actions will best produce the outcomes in the
model. ” (Taplin and Clark, 2012)

2.2. EXAMPLES

Program theory has been used, basically, to develop agreements for some different
programs. Usually, these kind of programs, are identifying the outcomes and outputs, that need
to be delivered, in order to ensure the good function ability of the product. F or example, if a
country is going to hold an international event, but the transportation infrastructure it not so well
designed, the engineers will develop a project, at least, 2 years before, in order to ensure the
things. (Funnel and Roggers, 2011)

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The t heory of change can be a very vast concept and it includes a lot of areas. From
philanthropic, NGOs, to engineering projects, the theory of change is a component that is highly
needed, in almost any area.
Due to the fact, that COVID -19 pandemic, will have powerful effects over the economy,
in a negative way, some projects/solutions/ideas, will be needed. For example, a lot of businesses
will be affected, therefore, some solutions and future projects need to be done.
The delivery services, are one of the mo st important components, of the economy, that
are developing right now. Therefore, it’s really important to adjust them to the market and to
make sure that they produce enough, to sustain the economy and the people. However, to give a
concrete example over the delivery services, foodpanda, adopted some highly important and
restrictive rules, for the riders, in order to deliver the food safe and well. Also, it’s crucial to
make sure the riders themselves are protected.

2.3. SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESMENT

The social impact assessment is a process, that has in its componence specific
milestones, deliverable products, such as reports and plans, and socio -cultural analysis, done at
certain times. It has been evolving, from being defined as a term, to become mo re of a process.
This process has multiple stages and outputs, which should be implemented, within a project’s
cycle. It’s really important to have all the steps done, in order to ensure an efficient outcome.
(Kvam, 2018)
Against the changes that are made , by the socio -political environment, the social impact
assessment evolved into a numerous schema, by being poorly treated by the economical field
and local involvement. Whereas in some countries, the social impact has been developed pretty
well and the lo cal authorities got involved, in some others, the people didn’t pay too much
attention to the projects, that could benefit the poor groups. (Vanclay and Esteves, 2011)
However, in the actual context of COVID -19 pandemic, more projects and ideas,
should be approached, in order to ensure a smooth transition into the new context. There will
be an economical crisis, perhaps, even greater than the one from the First World War ,
therefore, the countries should be prepared. The focus should be very much on the poor -risk
groups, and on the vulnerable groups as well. Some people are starving and don’t have
anything to eat, while others, are doing a lot better. There should be a bal ance and the
authorities should do some project, to minimize the economic effects.

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2.4 FUTURE EFFECTS OF THE SOCIAL IMPACT (COVID19)

Due to the fact, that the world is currently changing more and more, and the people are
having hard times to adapt, new appr oaches and innovations are getting into the world. For
example, if 3 months ago, the people were used to go for medical care, only to the doctors’
offices and hospitals, now, the people can get the appointments online as well, if the health
allows it. It i s a totally new innovation and an interesting approach, that what the people were
used to .
A lot of people lost their jobs and a lot of other people transitioned to “work from home”
routine. It was definitely a big impact and a novelty. Working from home c an cause a lot of
mixed emotions and can bring out some frustrations. Not being able to socialize over these
times, was hard and difficult, for most of the people. However, the technology kept the people
connected and in touch, even from distance. In the f uture, the “work from home” routine will
be more popular and a lot of jobs, apparently, can be done online and without the need to go to
an office.
“The COVID -19 outbreak affects all segments of the population and is particularly
detrimental to members o f those social groups in the most vulnerable situations, continues to
affect populations, including people living in poverty situations, older persons, persons with
disabilities, youth, and indigenous peoples. Early evidence indicates that that the health and
economic impacts of the virus are being borne disproportionately by poor people. For example,
homeless people, because they may be unable to safely shelter in place, are highly exposed to the
danger of the virus. People without access to running water, refugees, migrants, or displaced
persons also stand to suffer disproportionately both from the pandemic and its aftermath –
whether due to limited movement, fewer employment opportunities, increased xenophobia
etc.”(https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/2020/04/social -impact -of-covid -19/, last
access: 18.06.2020)
“If not properly addressed through policy the social crisis created by the COVID -19
pandemic may also increase inequality, exclusion, discrimination and global unemployment in
the medium and long term. Comprehensive, universal social protection systems, whe n in place,
play a much durable role in protecting workers and in reducing the prevalence of poverty, since
they act as automatic stabilizers. That is, they always provide basic income security , thereby
enhancing people’s capacity to manage and overcome s hocks. ” (
https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/2020/04/social -impact -of-covid -19/, last access:
18.06.2020

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CHAPTER 3. THE ECONOMIC IMPACT
3.1. GENERAL DEFINITION

“An economic impact analysis (EIA) examines the effect of an event on the economy in a
specified area, ranging from a single neighborhood to the entire globe . It usually measures
changes in business revenue , business profits , personal wages, and/or jobs. The economic event
analyzed can include implementation of a new policy or project, or may simply be the presence
of a business or organization. An economic impact analysis is commonly conducted when there
is public concern about the potential impacts of a proposed project or policy. ”
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_impact_analysis , last access: 18.06.2020)
“An economic impact analysis typically measures or estimates the change in economic
activity between two scenarios, one assuming the economic event occurs , and one assuming
it does not occur (which is referred to as the counterfactual case). This can be accomplished
either before or after the event ( ex ant e or ex post ).”
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_impact_analysis , last access: 18.06.2020)
“Economic impact always refers to the level of economic activity in a certain area (in
terms of jobs, income, wealth, etc.) and should not be confused with the monetary value of a
willingness to pay by individuals/communities for e.g. safety, leisure, clean air and so on (the
economic concept of external impact . Social impact, in contrast, focuses more on the more
qualitative effects of a project for society. Examples of social impact of urban planning are: the
impact on the quality of life in general, the labour market, crime, safety, health, and so on.”
(https://securipedia.eu/mediawiki/index.php/Economic_impact , last access: 18 .06.2020)

3.2. COVID -19. ECONOMIC IMPACT UPON EUROPE

„Many businesses are experiencing economic difficulties as a result of the Covid -19
crisis and have had to temporarily suspend or substantially reduce their activities and the
working hours of their staff. To support employers and to protect workers and the self -employed
from losing their jobs or incomes, the European Commission proposed a new temporar y
instrument called Sure (Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency), to
complement national efforts to protect employment. It is expected to be operational by 1 June
2020.” (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society , last access: 18.06.2020)
„During the crisis, the EU would provide financial assistance under the Sure programme
in the form of loans granted on favourable terms to EU countries that request support. Assistance

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would finance national short -time work schemes, unemployment benefits and similar job
protection measures. Up to €100 billion will be available to all 27 member states.”
(https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society , last access: 18.06.2020)
„The contraction in economic activity is strongly associated with observed decline in
mobility, which reflects both voluntary and coerced social distancing. In contrast, the
relationship between de jure non -pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and economic contraction
is weaker. The cross -sectional correlation between the electricity usage across Euro pean
countries and the stringency of mitigation policies is statistically significant only in the early
weeks of the pandemic but not in April. The timing of the NPIs is not significantly associated
with the number of unemployment insurance claims in the U S, whether we control for the size of
the local outbreak and other state -level characteristics or not. This early evidence suggests that
de jure NPIs are only part of the story. Compliance and voluntary social distancing matter
too.” (https://voxeu.org/article/economic -impact -covid -19-europe -and-us, last access:
18.06.2020)

3.2.1. Delivery services. foodpanda business in Europe
„The COVID -19 lockdown has limited the movement of people across nations. It has
also led to behavioral changes among consumers as they limit the number of trips outside the
home and increasingly strive to maintain control on the hygiene of their households through
limiting what comes into thei r home.” ( https://www.citivelocity.com/citigps/how -covid -19-is-
impacting -online -food-delivery -platforms/ , last access: 18.06.2020)
„A comprehensi ve research report created through extensive primary research (inputs
from industry experts, companies, stakeholders) and secondary research, the report aims to
present the analysis of Global Online Food Delivery and Takeaway Market. The report analyzes
the Global Online Food Delivery and Takeaway Market By Order Type (Delivery, Takeaway &
Dine -in). The report analyses the online food delivery market By Region (North America,
Europe, APAC, ROW) and By Country (US, Canada, UK, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlan ds,
China, Japan, India, Australia, Brazil, UAE) for the historical period of 2014 -2018 and the
forecast period of 2019 -2024. „(https://www.marketwatch.com/press -release/ , last access:
18.06.2020)
„Global Online Food Delivery and Takeaway market has been witnessing growth at a
noteworthy rate over the past few years owing to escalating population growth with changing
lifestyle and preferences of consumers with growing number of consumers preferring to try new
cuisines from around the world. Also, the online platforms are offering various promotional

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offers and cashbacks that will be propelling the market for Online Food Delivery and Takeaway
during the coming years.” ( https://www.marketwatch.com/press -release/ , last access:
18.06.2020)
„By the same stroke, Covid -19 has also bolstered online food delivery including local
food systems, with direct -to-consumer channels busting at the seams with d emand. Increasing
numbers of producers — both meat and produce — have opened e -commerce channels to serve
locals with one startup even creating a new service to help them launch into the direct -to-
consumer channel as soon as possible.”( https://agfundernews.com/covid -19-is-accelerating –
inevitable -food-trends -but-which -changes -will-stick.html , last access: 18.06.2020)
„COVID -19 outbreak throughout the region, food delivery platform, Foodpanda APAC
has placed precautionary measures to ensur e the well -being of their employees and service
partners.” ( https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2020/03/10/foodpanda , last access: 18.06.2020)
„The Foodpanda APAC has mobilised to build the Business Continuity Planning (BCP),
a dedicated committee in charge of implementing measures to ensure the safety and health of
employees as well as service partners.”
(https://www.busi nesstoday.com.my/2020/03/10/foodpanda , last access: 18.06.2020)
“The committee made up a cross -functional team of Foodpanda APAC business leaders,
includes C -level executives, regional and local Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) teams
as well as region al and local Human Resource (HR) teams.”
(https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2020/03/10/foodpanda , last access: 18.06.2020)

3.3. COVID -19. ECONOMIC IMPACT UPON ROMANIA

„According to official information, the first case of coronavirus confirmed on the
territory of Romania was announced on 26th February 2020. As per the last Report of the
Strategic Communication Group (2020), 12,732 persons were infected with the new corona virus,
12,060 persons were in institutionalized quarantine and 20,886 persons were in solitary
confinement at home, under medical supervision on 2nd May 2020.„ (Stanciu, 2020)
„From the point of view of the measures package taken at the level of Romania, the
Report of the European Commission (EC, 2020) mentions the increase in the expenses allocated
to the health sector, expenses on the labor market, in order to reduce the impact on companies,
fiscal measures, regional measures / other categories; the decl aration of the emergency state
(period between 16th March – 16th May); total quarantine of the population starting with 25th
March, the circulation being allowed only in limited cases, the closing of schools, of commercial

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units (except for food shops, pha rmacies); restriction on public activities; prohibition of flights
towards and from the red zones at European level; contravention measures on the persons
violating the Emergency Ordinances.” (Stanciu, 2020)
„For Romanians, the effects of an economic crisi s are noticeable mainly by the
depreciation of the national currency against the Euro, which affects bank loan rates, higher
utility bills, reduction of the purchasing power for real estate (apartments, rents etc.) or cars. The
study of Frames consulting c ompany, quoted by România Liberă, highlighted supply problems,
potential price increases and the accentuation of the financial blockage on the domestic markets.
Tourism and transport are two other areas significantly affected, both from the perspective of
investors and consumers. The advance purchase of holiday tickets by Romanian consumers of
tourist services has led to the impossibility of reimbursing the transferred amounts, in full or as
advance payment, by tourism companies, requiring measures from the State.” (Stanciu, 2020)
„The economic context generated by the COVID 19 pandemic is unfavourable for our
country. Following a constant growth of the economy with an annual average of 4 -5% in the last
period, and a rise in consumer demand, Romania has been face with an economic crisis. This
crisis, has reduced revenues and maximized expenses at the budgetary level, such that the
administrative and fiscal apparatus in Romania is currently prone to high financial stress, which
must be manage through viable an d realistic measures, while ensuring the security and health of
the population. In this context, the study conducted by the authors is of particular importance, the
proposed model meeting the steps of the competent authorities to calm the economic recessio n
and revive economy through specific measures.„ (Zlati, Mirica, Stanciu, 2020)

3.3.1. Delivery services. foodpanda business in Romania

„The stay -at-home orders are still in place in Romania, and the restaurants remain closed
due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thus, ordering food online has become increasingly more
popular these days. Below is a selection of food delivery services to try if you don’t feel like
cooking or want to enjoy your favorite foods at home.” (https://www.romania –
insider.com/online -food-delivery -romania -coronavirus , last access: 19.06.2020)
„Foodpanda is one of the most popular mobile food delivery marketplaces in Romania,
especiall y among Bucharesters. The service allows users to order food from a wide range of
local restaurants, and place orders via its mobile app or website. Users can order Romanian or
international dishes, as well as fast food, pizza, pasta, sweets, or coffee. Th e list of available
restaurants depends on the user’s address, and online payment is also possible (in fact, it is

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recommended during this period). Foodpanda is available in Bucharest, Cluj -Napoca, Iasi,
Brasov, Timisoara, and Constanta.” (https://www.romania -insider.com/online -food-delivery –
romania -coronavirus , last access: 19.06.2020)
“Most restaurants have already changed their delivery service charges to free, in an aim
to encourage people to continue ordering from their restaurants, but now foodpanda has stepped
in to fill in the gaps, where possible. ” (https://cluj -napoca.xyz/stauacasa -foodpanda -offering –
free-delivery -until-march -31st/ , last access: 19.06.2020)
„The Romanian subsidiary of French retailer Cora has partnered with one of the biggest
food delivery operators in the country, foodpanda, to increase its capacity to reach potential
customers. ” (https://www.romania -insider.com/cora -foodpanda -partnership -romania , last access:
19.06.2020)
“Over 1,000 food and non -food products sold by Cora will be available on the app -based
foodpanda platform starting April 21. ” (https://www.romania -insider.com/cora -foodpanda –
partnership -romania , last access: 19.06.2020)
Foodpanda also adopted some highly safety and hygiene measures, in order to make sure
that th e employees and the customers are protected. The most important measure and procedure,
that was taken, is the obligativity to wear the mask and gloves, for the riders. Without that, some
restaurants won’t even give the food to the riders, so, that is a hig hly important measure to
respect.
The restaurants also took some measures, in order to deliver safe the food and those are:
• Individual packing of the products (soups, food, meat etc)
• Sterile bags, where the products are stored
• Package given only by signa ture
• Constant cleaning etc
The number of orders increased significantly and there’s a change in the average number
of daily orders, per day. Therefore, the delivery service benefited a lot and that is available even
in other courier services.

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PART II. MATERIAL AND METHODS.
CHAPTER 4. THE CONTENT OF THE SOCIAL STUDYING UPON
FOODPANDA BUSINESS
4.1. THE GOAL, THE CONTENT AND THE ISSUE

The social studying can have different objectives. Three of the most important are:

• the exploration
• the descrip tion
• the explanation

Even if one complex study, doesn’t have only one purpose, these three, can be part of it and their
individual examination, is the one that is making a study concrete. (Babbie, 2009)
The exploration studies, are made because the researcher is curios about the subject, for
testing the fesability of a more important study and also, to develop metods, that are going to be
used in different studies. (Babbie, 2009)
The description has as a goal the description of different situations and events . The
observer is then describing what he observed in his studies. Also, for the observation to be
authentic and genuine, from a scientifical point of view, the descriptions have to be correct and
precised. (Babbie, 2009)
The explanation is ava ilable on the studies, for its purpose and that is to explain the
things. The descriptive studies are answering questions like: „what”, „where” and „when” and
„how”. Those questions are giving an answer to the popular question „why”. Therefore, it is an
important part of the study, because it offers a variety of answers and even questions, to be
asked, because the researcher is trying his/her best, to find a good and reliable answer. (Babbie,
2009)

4.1.1. The goal
The goal of the study and of the most important, is to see and observe the effects, of the
new current pandemic, upon the foodpanda business and not only. The world is facing some real
difficulties nowadays, like it was in other centuries, but, the actual generations and populations,
might no t be totally prepared for it. Therefore, the people and the authorities, are trying their best
to reduce its effects and to see how it can be managed well.

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Unfortunately, the effects of the pandemic, will be visible for a long time and the
population will need a good management and some precise measures.
Foodpanda business, being on the delivery side, didn’t face too many issues, from an
economic point of view, but, for its employees, the effects could be pretty difficult. Being in the
actual context and having the pandemic upon, the employees felt its effects even more and the
changes in their lives could have been pretty impactful. Also, it is important to actually see the
economical pros and cons, and also the social ones, in order to make the study fes iable.

4.1.2.The content
The content of this questionnaire, is based on demographical questions and general ones,
about the study of the pandemic effects. The questions were structured to see exactly the actual
context and the overview about the pandemi c and its effects and also, to see how is the
percepation regarding the future of the business. The questions are anonymous and easy for
answering, describing subjects like: the personal feeling about the pandemic context, the
emotions regarding the new re ality, how was their experience with ordering from foodpanda etc.
The purpose was to see exactly where foodpanda is standing on these difficult times, to
see how to employees are feeling and if they are satisfied and also, to see how the
communication is done, when the social distacing is a must.
The future effects of the pandemic, will definitely leave marks on both foodpanda and the
employees, but, it foodpanda’s duty and not only, to minimize the effects as much as possible
and also to take into consid eration different factors.

4.1.3. The issue
The general and the biggest issue, regarding the pandemic, was the way of
communicating and effects of the pandemic. Because the world is facing new challenges and
changes, the companies and the people, had to adapt to a new reality. foodpanda tried by
different communication channels and friendly e -mails, to stimulate as much as possible the
employees, in order to keep the productive and engaged. Unfortunately, not all the time it was
possible, but the busines s adapted its strategies.
The issue that was tried to be studied and highlighted is present on the final answers of
the study and in the chapters below.

4.2. CLASSIFICATION OF THE STUDY. THE SOCI AL RESEARCH

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Nowadays, the questionnaires are a frequent method of observation in the social sciences.
In a clasic research, the person that is helding the study, is selecting a sample of responders and
applies a questionnaire. This method can be pretty useful and efficient, in order to see the study
complete and to find out the answers that are needed. (Babbie, 20 09)
The social studies can be used for descriptive, explaining and exploring purpose. They
are used in the studies about the individuals. A group of individuals, that are participating to the
study, need to be responders. Therefore, choosing the target group and the studied theme, is
pretty important. (Babbie, 2009)
Perhaps, the questionnaire, is one of the most useful tool, that the researchers, are having
upon them, in order to collect the dat a, that is in their interest. Also, the questionnaires, that are
designed efficient and well, can be really helpful, for the mass study. (Babbie, 2009)
The social research is having a big purpose, in rigorous investigation that has a role to
generate new k nowledge. It’s a pretty good tool, for the researchers, that are trying to answer
their questions and to find new directions. The researchers are also trying to educate as much as
possible the community, via these studies, because it can offer a valid sour ce of „knowledge”.
(Sarantakos, 2012)
Research is usually diverse and has a pluralistic character . The most common types of
social research are qualitative and quantitative. However, there are a lot more types of
reseachers, and, for example:
• basic researc h
• applied research
• longitudinal research
• casul research
• exploratory and more (Sarantakos, 2012)
One of the most important role of the research, is to study the human behaviour and to
understand his/her action. Also, it is fundamental for the research, to emancipate the person and
to offer him/her knowledge and even a correction of the behavior. (Sarantakos, 2012)
„ Positivist research strives to achieve the aims like explore, explain and evaluate, predict
and develop new theories; while interp retitive research focuses more on understanding people.
Critical research aims at facilitating a critique of social reality, emancipating people,
empowering them to change social reality by suggesting possible solutions.” (Sarantakos, 2012)

4.3. THE PHASE S OF THE STUDYING PROCESS

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4.3.1. The discovery and the definition of the studied issue
The actual COVID -19 pandemic, that changed the world already, in a big form, it’s one
of the most actual issues, that can be studied. Due to the fact, that it is a novelty and it affects,
from few months ago the whole world, it seems interesting for a deeper study.
The isolation and the changes, that are in the new context, the people started to order
wether cook more or order more. This study aims to see the reactio n and the perpcetion, of the
people that are ordering, and not only. The delivery services, however, in these days, became
more popular and the people accesed them more.
The social and economic effects of the pandemic, already affected the economy and the
countries. There are some businesses that are highly affected and entered in insolvence, and,
some other, grew from an economic point, like never before. In the second category, foodpanda
also entered, because, the overall economy and number of orders incr eased exponentialy.
The perception of the foodpanda’s employees, regarding these times and the new
working modalities, were very different and various, therefore, the study was able to be
sectioned in more parts.
However, the most important data was shown and described, to be able to see the current
issue, to see how the people reacted and will react from now on and to see if there will be some
possible solutions to all of the problems.

4.3.2. Research design

The design of the questionnaire is as import ant as its nature and the formulated questions.
A questionnaire that is built wrong and the questions are not really relevant or understanble, can
make the respondents to skip questions or to get bored. (Babbie, 2009)
As a general rule, the questionnaire h as to be neat and very logic. If it is too long, or if
the first page it’s interesting, and then the responder, discovers that it is boring, it will be a fail.
However, it’s highly important to be structured well and logical. (Babbie, 2009)
The current que stionnaire, was structured on two parts: 1. Demographic questions and 2.
General questions about the pandemic. The first part had 3 questions, that were used to see
exactly the targeted population and the second part, was used for the general opinnions.
However, the main purpose here, was to see how the foodpanda’s employees will answer and
how they’ll perceive all the information and the new changes that are given.
The questions were dependent, matrics, open answers, closed answers, multiple choices
etc. The structure of the questions was made in a mixed way, in order to be more interesting for
the responders and to be as efficient as possible. The average time of completion was around 10 –

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15 minutes, depending on the interest of the persons to stay and read the questionnaire. The
answers were anonymous and only used in academic purposes. The data was confidential and the
graphics, plus the interpretations will be listed below.

4.3.3. Data collection
The present data, of the research paper, wa s collected during two weeks, when the
foodpanda employe es had the possibility to analyze and complete the questionnaire, It was sent
via e -mail and chat applications. The questionnaire was made in Google forms and available
accesing a link. They received reminders every two days, in order to make sure that the data was
completed well. The total number of the responders was 42. The collected data was available
both from the Google menu and in a spreadsheet, made also automatically. It was shared with the
head of Human Resources department, in order to assure total transparency.
The target group were the foodpanda’s employees from Romania, from both Bucharest
and Cluj -Napoca. Also, there were colleagues from other cities of Romania, but, officialy hired
in one of the two offices. Their characteristics would be available below and more relevant data,
for the study design.

4.3.4. Data preparation and analysis .
The preparation of the data was done automatically, by Google forms, meaning that the
charts and some other datas were available, without manual intervation. Then, the questions were
divided into sections and subjects of importance. The available datas were able to be collected
from the spreadsheet and interpreted as they were.
The analysis of the dat a was done by interpreting the results and the diagrams, explaining
each item what meant and what was it used for. The items of each question was adapted and
analized whether raw or by individual/personal. Some questions were interpreted even by the
popula tion in different ways, but, the final answers were analyzed globally.

4.3.5. Formulation of conclusions
The conclusions that were formulated, for the whole analyze, were done by seeing the
overall results and the interpretation for each question. The fin al results were exposed as
diagram, tabels and interpretations for each one. The conclusions and the considerations were
also, as a form of advice and personal opinnion, regarding the matter.
The future advices and the personal way of seeing the context of the pandemic, were
formulated objectively and had the purpose to summarize the study, in order to see the results.

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The final results were also presented to the foodpanda employees, in order to see if there can be
some room for future improvement.

4.4. DE SIGN OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE

4.4.1. Writing the questionnaire
The draft and the overall design of the questionnaire, was done in Google forms, using
the options available. The questions were determined to have a good logic and to make sense to
the responder. Also, the total number of the questions is 18 and 3 demographic questions.
The quality and the quantity of the topic that is studied was reflected in the results part,
formulated via some conclusions. The general using of questions, both open an d matric, were
really useful, in order to determine the way of going.
The demographic questions were used to see the characteristics of the studied population
and to see which department of foodpanda is the one, that was more impacted.
The general questions were used to see exactly how the people perceive all the changes
and how foodpanda dealt with all the problems, in these times.

4.4.2. Formulation of questions

The questions from the study paper were structured in different categori es:
• open questions
• closed questions
• evaluation scale
• multiple choices questions
The open questions were structured in both demographic categories and general
questions. The first question, regarding the department, was the open one, with the possibility o f
writing the answer. From the general questions, the open ones were number 12 and 15. Question
number 12 referred to the main changes that happened in the way of working. The respondents
were asked to answer it openly. Question number 15 was related to th e future effects of the
pandemic, from an economic point of view, upon foodpanda. The respondents were asked to
answer is a short phrase.
The closed questions were structured in both categories of the questionnaire. In the first
part, questions number 2 an d 3, were closed questions; question number 2 referred to the age,
while the other one, was about the experience in foodpanda.
In the general question part, the following questions were selected:

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• question 1 (regarding the news of the pandemic)
• question 2 (feelings about working from home)
• question 7 (feelings about the social distancing)
• question 8 (feelings about the loved ones)
• question 10 ( interaction online with the colleagues)
• question 14 (ordering from foodpanda , experience )
• question 17 (interaction with the colleagues)
The evaluation scale questions, were present only in the general questions part of the
questionnaire and were the following:
• question 4 (impact upon the productivity)
• question 5 (the business being affected by the pandemic )
• question 13 (safety about ordering from foodpanda)
The evaluation scale questions were designed to see the impact and the perception of the
responders, in order to make sure, that they are understanding well the questions. The measure
scales were from 1 (low impact or expectations not fulfilled) to 5 (big impact, expectations
fulfilled). Each of these questions had around 5 options and 5 scales, for the responders, to be
able to choose.
The multiple choices questions, were present in the general part a nd they were:
• question 3 (information about COVID -19)
• question 6 (lifestyle change)
• question 9 (communication channels)
• question 11 (choosing the communication channels)
• question 16 (personal changes after the pandemic)
• question 18 (changes of foodpanda, a fter the pandemic)
The questions with the multiple choices, had different options for the respondents to pick. The
average number of choices were 5/question, only questions 3 and 11, having 4 answers,
respectively 6 answers. The structure of the question was tried to be as easier as possible, to
make sure that the respondents are having a good variety of choices etc.
The overall design and formation of the questionnaire was done, or tried to be done, as
accurate and as easier as possible. The fin al goal of the study was to see exactly the perception
and how the people dealt with all the changes. From an opinion, the questions weren’t hard to
answer, and couldn’t have taken a lot of time.

4.5. THE SAMPLING METHODS

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The process of selecting the observations is called “sampling”. Even if the sampling can
have any method of choosing the research method, the solution for generalizing from a sample,
to a bigger population , it is called “probabilistic sample”. This idea includes the rand om
selection. (Babbie, 2009)
“Non -probability sampling is defined as a sampling technique in which the researcher
selects samples based on the subjective judgment of the researcher rather than random selection.
It is a less stringent method. This sampling method depends heavily on the expertise of the
researchers. It is carried out by observation, and researchers use it widely for qualitative
research. ” (https://www.questionpro.com/blog/non -probability -sampling/ , last access:
21.06.2020)

4.5.1. Sampling process and methods
The chosen method of sampling the population and also the questionnaire, was the non –
probability sampling. It was the most relevant and efficient in using, because, the population was
made by the foodpanda employees, and the number of respondents was only 42 The sampling
method is called the “convenience sampling”, simply because, it was easier for the researcher to
chose from a population. The topic was most likely to be addressed to the foodpanda employees
because the need of studying the pandemic effects .
The studied population was easy to recruit and to choose from, and, there was not any
need to study an entire population. This method had a good efficiency, did not take a lot of time
and it was available.

4.5.2. Establishing the researched population and the sampling framework

The researched population consisted of the foodpanda employees, from both offices, in
Romania, Cluj and Bucharest. The total number of respondents was 42. The respondents were
from different departments, like Logistics, Sales, Dispatch, Operations, Human Resources and
more. This was the first sample, that t he population could be identified from. Their ages were
between 20 -40+ and the work experience, from less than one year, to more than 2 years. Also,
these two sampling frameworks, were for considering and dividing the population.
Both offices had an important impact upon the answers, because, the working conditions
are similar, but can differ from some point of views. Therefore, the questionnaire tried to
consider the whole population one big sample and not to notice the possible differences.
Due to the fact, that the questionnaire was anonymous, a specific list with the
respondents, was not available. It was hard to identify which respondent is whom, but, this

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28
wouldn’t have been necessary. The most important thing, of the study, was to see the impact and
all the effects of the pandemic.
The results of the study were available and ready for interpretation. It was shared with the
Foodpanda employees and the Human Resources department. As mentioned above, in the paper,
the studies and the results were anonymous and only used for academic purposes.

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PART III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
CHAPTER 5. THE ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS
ON FOODPANDA BUSINESS

5.1. INTRODUCTION PART OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE

5.1.1. The department
The first question, of the Introduction part, from the questionnaire, was regarding the
department . The total number of respondents was 42.
As is it seen in the figure 5.1., the department that gave the most answers is the Sales,
with 10 answers. The second department, with the most answers is the Logistics with 9 answers.
The Dispatch department gave around 5 answers, while the Human Resources gave 4 answers.
The other departments like Content, Partner Care, Contact center and more, gave whether 1
answer or even two. The department question wasn’t that relevant in the study, but, was a
demographic aspect, to see exactly the people.

Figure 5.1. The department

5.1.2. The age range
The ages of the respondents were between 20 -30, with 61.9% and 30 -40, with 38.1%. It
is obvious that the studied population is mostly young and, generally, foodpanda has young
employees.

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Figure 5.2. The age

5.1.3. The work experience in foodpanda
From the figure 5.3., regarding the work experience of the respondents, it is obvious, that
the people with experience between 1 -2 years answered the most, with a percentage of 31, while
the people with experience between 1 -2 years and more than two years, answered in a percentage
of 23.8. The people with the least answers had a work experience of less than one year.

Figure 5.3. The work experience

5.2. T HE GENERAL QUESTIONS

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5.2.1. The novelty about the virus .
The majority of the people that answered question number one, from the General part,
answered that they didn’t know what to expect, when hearing the news about COVID -19. The
second most chosen answer was „worried”, perhpaps, from the lack of information, at the
beginning. The people that felt calm, when hearing the news, had a percentage of 14.3, while the
people that had a neutral emotion, had a percentage of 9.5%. Two people felt overwh elmed,
when hearing about the coronavirus, with a percentage of 4.8, being the minority.

Figure 5.4. The novelty about the virus

The people that heard the news, regarding the „working from home” time, felt calm, with
a percentage of 45.2, while another 28.6% of the respondents, felt neutral. A percentage of 11.9
didn’t know what to expect, and, with a similar percentage of 7.1, the other employees felt
worried or overwhelmed.

Figure 5.5. The „work from home” graphic

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The people that answered the question, regarding the main source of information, had
multiple options to chose from. The majority of the people (n=33), with 78.6%, from the total
answers, said that their main option was the internet, while 47.6% said that the TV and media
was thei r second or the main source. 16.7% of the respondents said that they got the information
from other source and only 2 people (4.8%), got the information from the local newspappers.

Figure 5.6. The main source of information

5.2.2. Impact upon the personal productivity and business
For the first item, the „home office”, the respondents said that the impact, upon the
productivity wasn’t relevant at all, while the second majority said that the impact was pretty big,
with a score of 4. The other resp ondents said that the impact was neutral, big or small one.
For the second item, which is the „household”, similar percentage of people said that it
didn’t have any impact at all, or that it was neutral, upon their productivity. The third majority
said th at the impact was almost big, while, the other ones, had a big impact or a small one.
The news regarding the pandemic had a small impact upon the productivity, of the
majority of the people, while other considered that it had whether a very small impact o r neutral
one. Other respondents considered that it had an important impact or a big impact upon them.
The feelings of the unknown, was the 4th item for this questions and the employees said
that it had an important impact, upon the productivity, while the other majorities said that it had
a neutral one, no impact at all or a pretty big impact.

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The novelty about the virus had no impact at all and a small percentage of impact, in the
same quantity, while the biggest impact have been neutral. The second bigge st impact was pretty
important, while the big impact was in a lower percentage.

Figure 5.7. Impact upon the personal productivity

The people that answered the questionnaire, said that the number of orders had a big
impact upon the business, while the second majority said that it had an important impact. Also,
some people considered that the impact was neutral, or very small.
The second item, which is the „fear” of ordering, had a small impact, or neutral one,
while the other ones , considered that it had a big impact.
The delivery time had a neutral to big impact, upon the business, while other respondents
considered that it had a small or no impact at all.
The availability of the restaurants had an important impact, to a big on e, while the other
majority have thought that it had a neutral to small impact.
The safety and hygiene measures, that were taken, to protect the people, had a big
impact, upon the business, while other people considered that it had an important impact. Th e
minority of the respondents considered that it had a small, to no impact at all.

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Figure 5.8. Impact upon the business

5.2.3. Impact upon the personal lifestyle and relationships
The question regarding the lifestyle change, after the pandemic, had a multiple choice of
questions. The majority of the people, in a percentage of 69, said that they became more
selective, with the informations that are getting. Also, some other employees said that they have
been spending more time with the ir family, and also, paying more attention to the cleanliness
and hygiene. 14 people developed a new hobby or they returned to an old one, while others,
adopted a new diet or they are eating healthier, therefore the changes are pretty good.

Figure 5.9. Lifestyle change

When hearing about the social distancing, the majority of the employees answered that
they felt calm, with a percentage of 38.1. Also, a percentage of 31, felt overwhelmed or sad.

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16.7% felt neutral, while another 9.5% didn’t know what to expect. The last percentage of
people, and that is 4.8%, said that they felt worried.

Figure 5.10. The social distancing

For the question, regarding the interaction with the loved ones, 38.1% answered that it
wasn’t difficult to communicate with the loved ones, while similar percentages, of 31, said that it
was difficult or not so difficult.

Figure 5.1 1. The interaction with the loved ones

The main communication channels, that the respondents used, to communicate with the
loved ones, were Whatsapp, Facebook, Zoom and others. The majority of the people decided
upon Whatsapp, with a percentage of 88.1 and Facebook/Messenger, with a percentage of 78.6.

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Figure 5.12. The communication channels for the loved ones

The main chan ges after the pandemic, that, the responders said that will keep are the
hygiene and cleanliness (69%), the work from home (64.3%), spending more time with the loved
ones (59.5%), reading the information from a trusted source, about COVID -19 (45.2%) , and
also, having a healthy lifestyle (31%) .

Figure 5.13. The changes after the pandemic

5.2.4. Impact upon the department and colleagues
The interaction with the colleagues, during the pandemic, was productive, for 35.7% of
the people, the same for around 28.6%, interesting for 19%, difficult for 11.9% and neutral for
4.8%. These statistics showed how challenging or interesting can be the communication through

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pandemic.

Figure 5.1 4. Interaction with the colleagues

The main communication channels, that the employees used were Slack, with a
percentage of 90. 5, Google Meets, with 69%, Whatsapp (54.8%), Zoom (16.7%) and others.

Figure 5.1 5. Main channels for the interaction with the colleagues

The question regarding the main changes of the department and way of working, was an
open one, and the people had the possibility to write down their ideas. To summarize the
answers, a percentage of 35.7 people said the interaction didn’t have a big change, while other
people said that t hey have became more agile (21.4%). A majority of 16.7%, said that they got
used with the meetings and interactions online, while, another 9.5% said that they have a better
interaction with their colleagues. However, a percentage of 4.8, didn’t answer or d idn’t have any

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more face to face rider recruitment, while the minority of 2.4%, said, that they were paying more
attetion to the hygiene and cleanliness.

Figure 5.1 6. The main changes in the department and way of working

The majority of the respondets , said that, the interaction with the colleagues, will be the
same, while another majority of 35.7%, said that they won’t know. However, 21.4% affirmed
that the interaction will be more personal and closer, and the last percentage of 4.8, said that it
will be more distant and official .

Figure 5.17. The future interaction with the colleagues

5.2.5. Ordering from foodpanda
On the question, regarding the orders from foodpanda, the experience of the employees,
was based on the following 5 items. For the first one, which is the delivery time, the expectations

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were completely fulfilled for the majority, and, only few people said that their expectations were
in a big amount fulfilled, neutral, or not at all.
The availability of the restaurants had a good e xpectations fulfillment, the majority
deciding so, while the neutral response, was the second one.
The attitudide of the courier had a good response, on the expectations of the employees,
while, only a few chose that the expectations were almost unfulfi lled. However, the impact was
quite ok.
The quality of the food was as the people were expecting, with few neutral responses and
even less, the people didn’t like the food.
The hygiene measures were almost exactly as expected, for the majority of the people,
while some others, had the expectations fulfilled neutral. Few people didnd’t have the
expectations as they were hoping for.

Figure 5.1 8. Ordering from foodpanda. Experience

The respondents said that they felt safe, in a proportion of 73.8%, when ordering from
foodpanda. 16.7% answered that their experience was the same as before, while a proportion of
7.1% didn’t want to answer. Only one person said that didn’t feel safe, by ordering from
foodpanda.

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Figure 5.1 9. Safety about the ordering

5.2.6. Future scenarios regarding the business and the work
For the question, with the future economic effects, upon the foodpanda business, from the
point of view of the employees, 31%, answered that the business won’t be affected. A t otal of
23.8% answered that the pandemic will affect the business, but, 16.7 were uncertain about the
answer. Another similar percentage, of 16.7, answered that the other businesses will be affected,
and it might also affect foodpanda, in a direct or indir ect way. 7.1% of the people, didn’t want to
asnwer, while 4.8% said that the couriers will be affected the most.

Figure 5. 20. Future economic effects upon the business

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On the las t question, about the change of foodpanda, after the pandemic, the
majority answered that the safety measures from now on will be changed, with a percentage of
64.3. Another majority chose that the perception of the customers will be changed, while a
perce ntage of 28.6 said that nothing will be changed. Also, 26.2% said that the general
atmosphere in the office will be changed, while the minority said that the interaction with the
colleagues will differ.

Figure 5.2 1. The main changes of foodpand a

5.3. THE INCREASING OF THE ORDERS DURING THE PANDEMIC

5.3.1. The North region of Romania
In the Northen region of Romania, Cluj -Napoca is the most important city. Therefore, the
data was more relevant to be seen from here. From the month of March till May, the numbers of
the orders increased exponentially, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Figure 5.22. Cluj -Napoca

In Timisoara, also, the orders had an increase, but, it wasn’t not as exponentially, as in
Cluj-Napoca. Usually, in Timisoara, the numbe r of the orders are lower, due to different factors,

Figure 5.2 3. Timisoara

5.3.2. South region of Romania
In the southern region of Romania, Bucharest is the most representative city for
foodpanda. The number of the orders has always been the highest in the capital, but, during the
pandemic, the orders grew with almost 50%. The graphic below shows approximately the
increase. The number of the orders are confidentially. MARCH APRIL MAYCluj-Napoca
March April MayGalati

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Figure 5.24. Bucharest

The second most representative ci ty of the southern region is Galati. Even if the city is
not that big, the number of the orders are pretty high. Also, during the pandemic, the increase
was pretty obvious.

Figure 5.25. Galati

March April MayGalati
March April MayGalati

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FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Own contributions

1. Theoretical considerations were added and analyzed by thorough documentation of
specialized , articles, websites and news regarding the novel coronavirus. The experience and the
work at foodpanda, also made the subject of this study paper, because of the possibility to apply
specific data.
2. The effective documentation was made by applying a questionnaire, with 21
questions, for a period of almost 2 weeks, reg arding the effects of the pandemic on foodpanda
business. The study was answered by 42 people, all employees of foodpanda. The main objective
was to see the perception of the employees, regarding the novel coronavirus and to see its future
effects.
3. The s tatistical data was extracted, by using Google forms. It automatically made the
graphics and all the statistics that were needed. Also, the interpretation of the data was done by
reviewing the specific statistics and graphics.
4. The charts and the data, reg arding the number of orders, from the beginning of the
pandemic, was done by extracting data from the internal statistics. Because of its confidential
character, was possible to only show the charts, without numbers.

Conclusions

The new pandemic of coronavirus, also known as COVID -19, represents a novelty and a
challenge, in the same time, for all the people and the economy. Due to its unknown factors and
causes, but, also, future effects, the world and the people need to take a lot of c are and extra –
precaution measures, in order, to be sure, that everything can still run smooth.
Foodpanda business represents one of the most important delivery service, in Romania
and internationally, due to its name and services that is offering. In these times, when the people
started to stay more at home and take extra preccautions, foodpanda represented a good choice.
for ordering food, with few clicks. The mobile application represents an useful tool and it offers
a big variety of restaurants.
The busi ness also took extra care and precautions, in order to help the employees and the
customers, to stay safe and to have the things they need. The safety measures that were applied
in the local offices, from Cluj -Napoca and Bucharest, and also, the possibilit y to stay and work

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from home, were a good objective and measure, to keep the people safe. The restaurants, that are
having collaborations with foodpanda, also took safety measure and packed the food properly.
Also, the riders of foodpanda had the obligativ ity to were masks, gloves and cleaning
gel/sanitary alcohol with them. Without these safety tools, some penalities were applied for
them.
The results of the questionnaire showed that most of the people, that answered were
young, with ages between 20 -30 and having a work experience in foodpanda, of more than one
or two years. The majority of the people, when hearing the news, wether didn’t know what to
expect from the new pandemic, or were worried. Some people remained calm and knew what to
do next. By heari ng the news, that the work will be from home, most of the people felt calm and
safe, because they wouldn’t have been exposed to the coronavirus.
Because of so many fake news and that are trying to scare the people, the trusted
websites and the government’s website, were the most trustful sources of getting the news. The
TV and the media, in general, tried to advice the population as much as possible and to send the
message of taking care. Also, in the local offices of foodpanda, from Romania, the measures w as
shown and exposed, on different areas.
A lot of lifestyles, hobbies and precautions were changed, because the people became
more attentive, more responsible and even calmer. The interaction with the people, during the
lockdown times, was, perhaps, the m ost difficult and that made the people having different
emotions. However, because of the possibility to keep the communication, even from distance,
the times were less harmful for the emotions and feelings.
The future economic effects, upon the business, but, more specifically, on foodpanda,
will be seen in few months. The possibility of an increase in the orders, was realized even at the
beginning of the pandemic. Most of the employees, answered that the pandemic won’t change
too much the business, and th at it won’t be affected. However, some areas, like Hotels,
Restaurants and Catering, will definitely suffer some changes, and, as well foodpanda. It
depends of the perseverence of the business and on the marketing.
Also, the future interaction with the peo ple and the world itself, will be changed and
effects will only be seen in few months or years. It will depend on the humanity to diminish
these effects and to make the right thing for everybody.

Recommendations

Even if the business foodpanda will expand and grow more, by an increased number
of orders, the quality will always be important and the safety measures that will be taken. The

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personal recommendation will be to find a balance, between an increased number of orders,
and all the safety measur es, that the riders will have to take. A close observation and
monitiorization, will be the solution for being effective.
For the employees, will also be important to respect all the indications and rules, that
are being implied, by foodpanda. When going to the office, its fundamental to respect the
other colleagues and to apply the safety measures.
It will also be important, for the whole world and people, to strictly adopt and respect the
hygiene and safety measures, that were implied by the authorities. It is fundamental to protect
the persons and everybody around. The world doesn’t know what times will come, therefore,
being wiser and prudent, from the beginning, will make the things run smoothly.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Sarantakos S. , 2012, „Social research”, published by Red Globe Press, London
Taplin Dana Ph.D., Helene Clark Ph.D., 2012, „Theory of Change Basics. A Primer on Theory of
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Kvam R. , 2018, „Social impact assessment”, published by Inter -America n Development Bank,
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Micu Angela Eliza , C. Mirica, S. Stanciu, Monica Laura Zlati, May 2020, „Managing the Financial
Stress Generated by COVID -19 Pandemic in the Public System. Solutions for Economic Restart in
Romania”, published in „ Annals of Dunarea de Jos University of Galati” XXVI (1/2020), pages 61 -67
Stanciu S. , May 2020, „ Consumer Behavior in Crisis Situations. Research on the Effects of COVID -19
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The economical and social e ffects of the
pandemic on foodpanda business. Get to
know you 🙂
Hello, my dear colleagues! I would kindly ask you, to complete this questionnaire, for my
dissertation paper. The answers will be anonymous and the collected data will only be used for
academic purposes. Thank you very much!
* Required

1. 1. Department *

2. 2. Age range *

Mark only one oval.

18-20
20-30
30-40
40+

3. 3. Your work experience in foodpanda *

Mark only one
oval.

Less than one
year 1 year +
1-2 years
2 years +

50

The economic and social effects of the pandemic on foodpanda business. General
questions

51
4. 1. What was your first reaction, in hearing the news regarding the pandemic? *

Mark only one oval.

Didn't know what to expect
Worried
Overwhelmed
Neutral
Calm

5. 2. How do you felt, after hearing the news, that you will work from home, for a
longer period? *
Mark only one oval.

Didn't know what to expect
Worried
Overwhelmed
Neutral
Calm

6. 3. What was your main source of getting the right information about COVID19? *

Check all that apply.

Local newspappers
Internet
TV and media
Other sources

52
7. 4. What impact had the following items upon your productivity? 1 – no impact, 5 – big
impact *

Mark only one oval per row.

1 (No impact at
all)
2 3
(Neutral)
4 5 (Big
impact)

8. 5. How do you see the business was affected during the pandemic, by the following
items? 1 – no impact at all 5 – big impact *

Mark only one oval per row.

1 (No impact at
all)
2 3
(Neutral)

4 5 (Big
impact)

The number of orders

The "fear" of ordering food
The delivery time
The available restaurants

The safety and hygiene measures
taken The home office
Your household
The news regarding the pandemic
The feellings of the unknown
The novelty about tthe virus

53
9. 6. How did your lifestyle change during the pandemic? *

Check all that apply.

I've adopted a new diet or I'm eating healthier
I've been paying more attention to the cleanliness and hygiene
I've develope d a new hobby or I've returned to an old one
I've been spending more time with my loved ones
I've became more selective with the information I'm hearing

10. 7. How did you felt or react, when hearing about the social distancing? *

Mark only one oval.

Didn't know what to expect
Worried
Overwhelmed or sad
Neutral
Calm

11. 8. Was it difficult for you, to interact with your loved ones, even from distance? *

Mark only one oval.

Yes
No
Not so much

54
12. 9. What were the communication channels that you were using, to keep the
connection with your loved ones? *

Check all that apply.

Facebook/Messenger
Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom
Others

13. 10. How was the interaction with the colleagues from your department, during the
pandem ic? *
Mark only one oval.

Difficult
Interesting
Productive
The same
Neutral

14. 11. What are the main channels that you were using , when having the interaction
with your colleagues? *

Check all that apply.

Slack
Google meets
Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom
Others

55
15. 12. What were the main changes in your department and in your way of working? *

16. 13. If you, personally, ordered from foodpanda, how were the following items
influencing your experience? 1 – my expectations weren't fulfilled 5 – my
expectations were completely fulfilled *

Mark only one oval per row.

1 (My expectations 2 3 4
weren't fulfilled) 5 (My
expectations
were
completely
fulfilled)

The delivery time

The availability of
restaurants

The attitude of
the courier

The quality of the
food

The hygiene measures

56
17. 14. Did you feel safe when ordering food from foodpanda, taking into
consideration the informations regarding COVID19? *
Mark only one oval.

Yes
No
I do not want to answer
It was the same as before

18. 15. How do you see the economical effects after pandemic? Do you think it will
affect the business? Please answer in a short phrase. *

19. 16. What are the main changes, that you will keep, even after the pandemic? *

Check all that apply.

Hygiene and cleanliness
Healthy lifestyle
Spending more time with the loved ones
Working from home
Reading the information from trusted sources

57
20. 17. When you will get back to work, from the local office, how do you see the
interaction with your colleagues? *
Mark only one oval.

It will be the same
It will be more personal and closer
It will be more distant and official
I do not know

21. 18. Do you think foodpanda it's going to be totally changed, after the pandemic is
over? Please choose the main items, that you consider will be changed. *

Check all that apply.

The interaction with the colleagues
The general atmosphere in the office
The perception of the custome rs towards foodpanda
The safety measures taken from now on
Nothing will be changed or few things will