Informatics Publishing Limited

R. Alamelu ¹, L. Meena ²

Affiliations
1 School of Management, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy University, Tanjore. No. 19, First Floor, Annai Teresa Nagar, Tanjore-613 005, IN
2 Department of Management Studies, Fatima College, Madurai, IN

Abstract

Searching product information and buying goods online are becoming increasingly popular activities, which would seem likely to affect shopping trips. Consumers are posited to make purchasing decisions based on the value they derive from a service provider. It is further argued that the value drivers of shopping for a basic need, such as groceries, are distinct from those for other goods. Within the grocery acquisition activity, it was the contention in this study that the value drivers of online grocery shopping are different than those of store grocery shopping. By relating individual value components to behavioral loyalty in these two grocery shopping formats, the study was able to verify the significance o f value in the prediction of loyalty, and compare between consumers of the two shopping mediums in terms of the importance they place on different components of value. Given the physical differences that exist between shopping in a store versus shopping online, this study specifically investigated the influence of the need to touch, smell, and see goods, and the need to interact with people in the grocery-shopping context. Overall the study found that consumers' assessments of value components do predict behavioral loyalty, and that store and online shoppers are indeed influenced by different value considerations. Store shoppers placed the most value on service quality and goods assortment, while online shoppers were most influenced by convenience, serves quality, and perceived monetary sacrifice. In addition, desire to touch and the need for social interaction were found to relate significantly to the loyalty of online shoppers, but not store shoppers. Results from this exercise suggest that a meaningful rise in online grocery usage is not likely to occur until over ten years from now. This finding relates closely with the idea that it will take a new generation of consumers to readily, and in critical mass, adopt what today seems like a "new" way of buying groceries.

Keywords

Store Grocery Shopping, Online Grocery Shopping, Customer Value Drivers.

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S. T. Surulivel ¹, S. Selvabaskar ¹, R. Alamelu ¹, L. Cresenta Shakila Motha ¹, R. Amudha ¹

Affiliations
1 Senior Assistant Professor, School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: This study focuses on customer preference to the Mobile phone Service Providers among the University students. In a shorter span, the usage of mobile phones has a drastic increase and that emerge new technology devices to innovated, but still the process of innovation have not stopped to make the user/consumer more sophisticated. The very frequency word which we heard from the mobile service provider is the offers. Methods/Analysis: This study shows the customer preference and loyalty mobile service provider as compared to others. The data will be collected through a structured questionnaire. Random sampling method was used. Findings: Due to more customized offers, add-on services makes the subscribers to shift from one provider to another and that leads to a solid rivalry among the mobile service providers. This study is to identify the student preference on mobile services. As the result shows that in various situations and from the SERVQUAL dimensions, influencing dimension for reliability is the responsiveness and empathy dimensions in way of staff’s willingness to help, promptness, politeness which helps the service providers to meet promises on time, providing correct information to the customers. Applications /Improvement: The scope of this research is based on the mobile phone industry and telecom industry and it throws light on the customer preference of Smartphone and telecom services usage among university students. The study has some limitation. The study concentrates only on the university students in Tanjavur and Trichy. Due to time constraints it is not possible to cover vast area. So that survey has limited scope for application in wide market.

Keywords

Customer Preference, Mobile Service Provider, SERVQUAL.

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S. C. Sivasundaram Anushan ¹, S. Selvabaskar ¹, R. Alamelu ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur – 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the factors those contribute and curtail people from online shopping and to verify whether the online shopping behaviors of rural people and urban people vary. Methods/Analysis: Descriptive research design was used; the primary data was collected from 320 samples from rural and urban areas of Trichy district using a structured questionnaire with the help of snow ball sampling method. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, one way Analysis of Variance and Factor analysis. Findings: Delivery on door steps was the top ranked and multitasking abilities was the lowest ranked contributing variable towards online shopping. The factors contributing towards online shopping were door delivery and frequent purchase loyalty bonus; purchase time saving and easy payment; easy cancellation and replacement guarantee services; exclusive new product launches; product comparison possibilities; return of goods; service quality and access to international products and product review option for users. Lack of real shopping experience was the top ranked and products are not boxed was the lowest ranked curtailing variable towards online shopping. The factors curtailing online shopping were absence of real shopping experience; delay in replacement and re-fund and lack of privacy; expired products and late product delivery; out of stock and inaccessible to illiterates; poor warranty service and pirated products; mismatch between ordered and received products and poor delivery and high shipping charges. Applications/Improvements: The uniqueness of the study is that it finds that the E-enabled people from rural and urban areas do not vary in their on line shopping behaviors.

Keywords

ANOVA, Descriptive Statistics, E-Commerce, Factor Analysis, Online Shopping.

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R. Alamelu ¹, S. T. Surulivel ¹, L. Cresenta Shakila Motha ², R. Amudha ¹, S. Selvabaskar ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur – 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Training and Placement, SASTRA University, Thanjavur – 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: Indian economy is agrarian based and the rural population shared half of the gross domestic product of India. Though, with changes in economy, advanced technology and innovative marketing, the rural population is exploited by way of poor quality products and services, common shortages leads to black marketing, irrational pricing, promotions and others. To accord with it, this study intends to identify the various factors inducing the purchase of FMCG products in both rural and urban areas and the level of impact on these factors towards the purchase of fake FMCG products. Methods/ Analysis: This study is conducted in rural and urban areas of Madurai District in Tamil Nadu which is considered primarily as the universe of the present study. The present study comprising of 20 villages in Madurai District consisting of 100 rural sample respondents and also covered 100 sample respondents from Madurai city (urban). Thus, the researcher has used multistage simple random sampling technique within the sampling frame to collect the urban and rural responses for the study. This study depends mainly on primary data. A structured interview schedule (in regional language) was constructed and administered to collect primary data among the rural and urban groups for a period of one month from November 2015 to December 2015. Findings: The study findings pointed out that urban consumers were influenced by ‘conviction’ and ‘appeal’ factors and the rural consumers were influenced by ‘conviction’ and ‘promotions’ during their purchase behavior towards fake FMCG products. Thus, an integrated approach including representative from corporate firms, retailer forum, sales executives is needed to empower the rural and urban consumers by way of including consumer education, training for government enforcement officials, research and statistical analysis, public policy analysis and support for policy development and sharing global best practices information. Applications/Improvement: This study has given a new acumen in the field of creating consumer awareness towards purchasing of fake products among rural population.

Keywords

Consumer Awareness, Fake Products, FMCG Products, Madurai City, Rural and Urban Consumer.

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S. Selvabaskar ¹, R. Alamelu ², R. Amudha ², S. T. Surulivel ², L. Cresenta Shakila Motha ³

Affiliations
1 Marketing, School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Department of Training and Placement, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the usage and preferences for mobile and mobile services among respondents in rural and urban areas of delta districts of Tamil Nadu and identify their impact on digital divide. Analysis: The research was conducted across various parts of Tiruchirapalli and Thanjavur districts of Tamil Nadu. A sample of 340 respondents (140 in rural areas and 200 in urban areas) was approached with a questionnaire (bilingual-Tamil and English) having pre-tested items. Convenience sampling method was used. Appropriate statistical tools were employed to analyse the basic data. Multiple- Regression was used to build the digital divide model. Findings: The analysis has pointed out the usage pattern of the rural and urban respondents across mobile-oriented and mobile-service oriented factors. Further the model indicates the extent of influence of these two variables in creating the digital divide. The service providers need to improve the standard of service in rural markets to strategically narrow down the existing digital gap. Similarly, the online activities of the rural population are also limited to messaging and few mobile applications. Mobile handset manufacturers should promote the use of smart phones in rural areas by introducing customise, affordable and feature rich models. With such a digital gap existing, it may slow down the development process and may restrict the beneficiaries from getting the government’s aids on time. The people in both urban and rural areas too should familiarise themselves with the use of various online services of the government and other voluntary organisations. Though the data usage is relatively low, the trend has picked up as the rural youth are familiar with these technologies. Applications/Improvements: This study has taken into consideration, two major communication factors viz., mobile and mobile service and investigated their impact on digital divide which is a new orientation in this area.

Keywords

Digital Divide, Mobile Usage, Rural-Urban Divide, Rural Consumer Behaviour.

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R. Alamelu ¹, R. Amudha ¹, R. Nalini ¹, V. Aishwarya ¹, A. Aarthi ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: This paper analyzes the techno management path assumed by Human Resource Information system in a leading car manufactures in Chennai. The study enclosed the objectives of minimizing transaction time, contribution towards decision making process, maximize the accuracy, reliability and validity of workforce records, usage of information on HRIS and facilitate faster processing of information and to make optimum use of the available human resources. Methods/Analysis: The present study is based on descriptive analysis. Primary data is used to study the objectives and for testing the hypotheses. Employees from the Human Resource department, general supporting, IT department, and Employee relations, Finance department at operational and middle level executives were used as the sample respondents. A well assessed questionnaire was used to collect the primary data.100 responses were collected using simple random sampling for a period of fifteen days in the month of December, 2015. Findings: The information contributed towards decision making for the top management is less due to much time taken for data retrieval. The HR information system should monitor the updating of information by the employees periodically and this process would be facilitated through data mining software and cloud computing sharing platforms. Initializing a portal especially for employees who contains all processes can be easily accessed by the employees. Applications/Improvement: The rationale behind using Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) prompted an opportunity to HR professionals to be a part of business and strategic associates with top executives. HRIS would allow the effective functioning of HR and to provide better information for decision-making.

Keywords

Decision Making, Data Retrieval, Human Resource Information, Techno Management, Transaction.

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R. Nalini ¹, R. Alamelu ¹, R. Amudha ¹, L. Cresenta Shakila Motha ²

Affiliations
1 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Training and Placement, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: Financial literacy helps the persons to understand the information regarding financial aspects and make well-versed decisions when investing their money. The key objective is to explore the literacy level of individual in investment decisions and to suggest sustainable measures of increasing the awareness level in urban areas. Methods and Analysis: The study covered the 200 investors residing in the area of Chennai (Tier-1) and Trichy (Tier-2). Simple random sampling has been followed to collect the primary data from the investors to analyze theirApplications/Improvements: literacy level. Primary data was gathered with help of the questionnaire and secondary data from the related research journal publications and websites. Primary data collected were analyzed using SPSS package and statistical tools like percentage analysis and factor analysis. Findings: Five variables are loaded on five factor and all are positive loadings based on the loadings the factor is named was as ‘facing the problem in investment’. Based on the Factor analysis, in total, five factors such as ‘investment decisions personally, revision of the investment, maintaining the investment portfolio, influence on personal investment and facing the problem in investment’ are able to extract 72.9% of variance. These five factors were identified as important factors influencing the financial literacy. Applications/Improvements: This study can be applied to the investors of any kind to make a rational financial decision to achieve their financial goal.

Keywords

Economic Security, Financial Literacy, Financial Stability, Financial Resources, Investment Decisions.

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R. Nalini ¹, R. Alamelu ¹, R. Amudha ¹, R. Gowri ¹, S. Sai Sujana ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: Each corporation has to retain competent employees and their survival is essential in the present scenario of competition nationally and internationally. This study aimed to identify the impact of various competency driven factors towards the satisfaction level of IT professionals. Methods/Analysis: The present study was conducted with the 100 employees of leading IT service providers. The primary data were collected from IT professionals through the distribution of a pre-tested research questionnaire. The data collection was undertaken between March 2015 and April 2015. Findings: The findings pointed out that level of pay satisfaction among employees may be improved by evaluating performances based on various performance rating measures. It is expected that employee performance level, motivation level and level of satisfaction may increase when the factors of competency pay expected by the employee are satisfied. Applications/Improvement: The present study enhances the understanding of connection between pay variable system and the satisfaction level of employees which in turn determines the employee performance on the job.

Keywords

Competency Pay, Employee Performance, IT Professionals, Pay Structure Variable Pay.

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L. Cresenta Shakila Motha ¹, R. Nalini ², R. Alamelu ², R. Amudha ², T. A. Sanghamithraa ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Training and Placement, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: Mentoring describes a confidential relationship between two people in making improvement in work or knowledge and through this process enhancing their capacity. The objective of study is to find out the problems faced by mentor and mentees in extending the relationship and to suggest suitable measures to improve the relationship among the employees of AUTOLINKS, Chennai. Methods and Analysis: The primary data were collected from all employees of AUTOLINKS using census method. Primary data for the study was collected using interview schedule which had been analysed with the help of SPSS package by adopting statistical techniques like percentage analysis and ANOVA single factor. Findings: The results of the study highlighted that the mentoring facility enhanced the relationship between mentor and mentees. The age and gender of the mentor do not influence the relationship with mentees, as mentor’s opinion was based on performance and behaviour of the mentees. As far as the opinion of mentees is concerned, the elder mentor had more experience than the younger mentor resulting in an influence of age of mentors towards the relationship. They also opined that male mentor have more knowledge than the female mentor resulting in an influence of gender of mentors in relation with the judgement of the behaviour of mentees. Applications/Improvements: This study can be applied to the institutions like education, hospitals, hospitality and other forms where the people need direction and motivation in performing the job.

Keywords

Mentor, Mentee, Opinion and Motivation, Relationship.

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R. Amudha ¹, L. Cresenta Shakila Motha ², S. Selvabaskar ¹, R. Alamelu ¹, S. Surulivel ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Training and Placement, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: The major objectives of the study is to evaluate, measure, and also recommend solution for solving the problem of glass ceiling and career development of female employees in executive level. Methods and Analysis: The primary data were collected through the questionnaire from the women employees in IT companies in Chennai following random sampling method. In order to collect the data for the analysis, 250 questionnaires were distributed to the women employees of various departments in IT sector. From the 250 samples, 220 were responded. The data were analyzed using percentage analysis and ANOVA single factor with the help of SPSS package. Findings: The women in the corporate are drained because of the existing corporate cultures and missed prospects to find successful careers. Ultimately, they decide to eschew the organization. The major obstacle to women career development is culture involved inside their work place, and their capacity building nature. Based on age and marital status the women are valued in their job. The government should enhance the awareness of gender inequality and act as a catalyst to promote gender equality to reap the benefits on women and community at large. Employers should also act proactive in their obligation to gender diversity and equity prior to breaking down the barriers of structural, organizational and cultural factors. Applications/Improvements: The present study can also be extended in various institutions namely, religion, family, education, politics and in any field where the disparity prevails.

Keywords

Corporate Culture, Challenge Aversion, Capacity Building, Glass Ceiling, Work Life Conflict.

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R. Alamelu ¹, L. Meena ², L. C. Cresenta Shakila Motha ³, V. Rengarajan ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Management Studies, Fatima College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Department of Training and Placement, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: This paper examines the satisfaction level of villagers towards the public transport facilities provided by the Government with respect to factors like: frequency of public transport, waiting time by villagers for buses, bus provision to different areas in Madurai, number of buses operated in Utchapatti village route and service quality of public transports. Methods/Analysis: The study is a descriptive study with survey method. An interview schedule was prepared to solicit responses from villagers. The sample constituted 200 respondents from the Utchapatti village. Convenience sampling method was adopted for collecting the primary data through interview schedule. Secondary data were collected from websites and books. The data were analysed using appropriate statistical techniques such as Percentage analysis, weighted average, ANOVA and multiple regression. Findings: Compared to the bus provision to different areas and number of buses operated to the village, frequency of the bus operation is ranked high as per weighted average ranking. According to the multiple regression analysis, the variables frequency of buses and the commute time are identified as the major factors responsible for disparity in rural transport. Applications/Improvement: This paper provided a bird’s eye view of need for inclusive economic growth system which is to be initiated with mobility through provision of public transport to remote areas and the policy recommendations need to be reinvented by the Government.

Keywords

Madurai District, Public Transport, Regional Disparity, Transport Facilities, Village Transport.

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L. Cresenta Shakila Motha ¹, R. Amudha ², S. T. Surulivel ², S. Selvabaskar ², R. Alamelu ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Training and Placement, SASTRA University, Thanjavur – 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 School of Management, SASTRA University, Thanjavur – 613401, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: In the past three decades the usage of concept maps for understanding interests of individuals and for instructional purposes has grown significantly. Mind Maps have been considered as a tremendous tool for collaboration with everyone in the organization and to expand the ways of implementing important programmes. It eventually permits individuals to connect the input of each member in the group in creative and dynamic manner. When applied in brain storming sessions within a group, mind mapping can augment critical thinking and co-operation among the members which provides a base for mutual problem-solving. Individuals who participated in the group sessions expressed that they enjoyed the exercise very much and explicitly shared their opinions openly. Methods and Analysis: This paper aimed at studying the perception of employee motivation of Quality Assurance Design Department which was carried out at TVS SUNDARAM CLAYTON LTD. in Padi, Chennai, using census sampling method. Findings: Based on the Factor analysis, in total, four factors such as 'Human factor', 'Working attitude', 'Communication with team' and 'Motivation practices' are able to extract 75.3% of variance. The study concluded that these five factors were identified as important factors of perception of employees towards motivation using Mind Map. Applications/Improvements: This study can be applied in any learning situation where individuals or groups have a free will to express their opinion and develop on sub-domains relating the main theme.

Keywords

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Employee Perception, Mind Map, Motivation.

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S. Dinesh ¹, S. Selvabaskar ¹, S. T. Surulivel ¹, R. Alamelu ¹, M. Ananthi ²

Affiliations
1 School of Management, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Department of Commerce, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the inter-relationship between organs of the dividend policy in Indian pharmaceutical industry. This study implies the nature of empirical research design. Purpose of this study is to know the trends and patterns of dividend policy in the pharmaceutical industry. Find out the significant determinants that influence the dividend decisions in the pharmaceutical industry. The inter-relationship between the determinants of the dividend was identified and examined by applying appropriate statistical techniques. The extent of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables occurred and rediscovered. This study has tested twelve hypotheses to arrive the assumption for the formulation of the conceptual framework for this study. The results revealed from the value of the coefficient of determination known as R2 is equal to 0.956. It means that the variables are put together to explain the variations in DPS to the extent of 95.6% in the pharmaceutical industry. The Structural Equation Modelling has applied in this study to identify the dividend policies followed in the pharmaceutical industry, and it has discovered that the following mediating variables like Earnings Per Share, Debt-Equity Ratio, Sales Growth, Net Profit to Net worth Ratio, and Operating Profit Ratio as the essential determinants for dividend decisions.

Keywords

Model Validity, Earnings Per Share, Profitability.

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