Browsing by Author "Mitra, Toorban"

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Consumer Behaviour Towards Online Shopping VIS-A-VIS Traditional Shopping: An Exploratory study on perception of consumers in West Bengal
(Indian Maritime University, 2023) Sikdar, Indibar; Mitra, Toorban
This dissertation focuses on the factors that influence consumers to shift from offline to online shopping. With the increasing popularity of e-commerce, it is crucial to understand the factors that drive consumers to make this transition. The study utilizes a method approach to collect data, including surveys and questionnaires with consumers. The study found that convenience, door delivery service, discounts & offers, product availability, etc. were the primary factors that drove consumers to shop online. Additionally, the study identified differences in the factors that influenced consumers of different age groups and income levels. Understanding these factors can help businesses to develop effective marketing strategies to attract and retain customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace. This dissertation provides valuable insights into consumer behaviour towards online vis-a-vis traditional shopping, highlighting the factors that drive consumers to shop online and the implications for businesses in the retail industry. The present paper is an attempt to study the preferences of customer’s behaviour towards online and offline shopping. For this purpose we have used questionnaire method to get the responses of the people. A sample of 126 respondents was taken to conduct the study.
Consumer perspective on the future of last mile delivery in India
(Indian Maritime University, 2023-05) Tallyan, Shubham; Mitra, Toorban
Online shopping businesses grown significantly in India. Consumers find out that purchasing products online is more effective. Most of consumers in India prefer direct home/door step delivery as their last-mile delivery method, which proposes consumers to receive the purchased goods at home. Due to influence on the growing demand for deliveries, which consequently could have the impact on traffic and congestion problem as well as city environment, one of the biggest problems with home deliveries are not at home which gradually increases more trips which tends to further increase in Co2 emission and congestion as well as it increases the cost of delivery companies. E-commerce has the potential to reduce the distance travelled by consumers, but it also leads to an increase in the distance travelled by delivery service vehicles. As a result, new environmental problems arise, highlighting the need for alternative measures to mitigate the negative impact of this trend. In recent years, parcel lockers have emerged as a popular and intriguing solution for efficient last-mile delivery. This study is focused on examining customers’ intentions to utilize parcel lockers. The parcel locker method emerged as a solution that offers benefits to both consumers and package delivery operators, as it can reduce the distance travelled by both parties. The lockers receive packages that are subsequently collected, sorted, and transported to other designated lockers. Customers then retrieve their items by traveling to the specified locker location. It could minimize the delivery trips, less routing and analyse the potency of parcel lockers in India as there is currently no parcel lockers available in India. This study benefits delivery companies to implement parcel lockers in India as it could minimize the last-mile delivery cost as it was considered more costly than first mile. This study clarifies customers perspective to use smart locker as a last mile delivery. As this also minimize pollution will be more environment friendly in comparison with direct home delivery. This study was to carry out and check Indian consumers will they use parcel locker in future. This study carried out through online surveys with 6 variable that are environment friendly and sustainable, delivery preference, perceived risk, convenience, security, and perceived benefit, where 155 respondents participated. In terms of delivery services, survey participants showed a preference for parcel lockers (63%) over direct delivery.
Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Consumer Preference Towards There Buying Behavior in Ecommerce
(Indian Maritime University, 2023-05) Sinha, Priyash; Mitra, Toorban
This research study examines the impact of social media on consumer behavior in ecommerce. With the increasing use of social media, consumers have more access to information, reviews, and recommendations about products and services, which can influence their purchasing decisions. The study uses a survey of online shoppers and interview, The survey collects data on consumers~ social media use, purchasing behavior, and attitudes towards ecommerce. Previous studies indicate that social media has a significant impact on consumer behavior in ecommerce. Consumers use social media to research products, read reviews, and get recommendations from friends and influencers. The study also identifies several factors that affect the impact of social media on consumer behavior, including the credibility of the information shared on social media, the trustworthiness of the sources, and the perceived value of the products. This study highlights the significant boost in Ecommerce platforms due to these contributing factors in Post pandemic phase. And effect of lockdown on buying behavior of consumer, The present study aims at finding the followings: - • Whether there are differences among gender with regards to different factors of buying through ecommerce. • Whether there are differences among occupation with regards to different factors of buying through ecommerce. • Whether all the factor of ecommerce buying are behaving in a similar way. • To find weather covid-19 pandemic impacts personal preferences towards buying behavior & how such preference impacts different factors of customers buying.
In Search of a Linkage Between Personality Traits and Interpersonal Behaviour During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study on Indian Marine Engineers Using Structural Equation Modelling
(Galenos Publishing House, 2024) Mitra, Toorban
Building and maintaining social and interpersonal relationships are crucial for mental health. However, due to the unique characteristics of jobs, building and maintaining such interpersonal relationships with colleagues as well as others may not be as similar to off-shore employees like shorebased ones. On the contrary, preference towards exhibiting interpersonal relationship behaviour is another area that needs attention in the maritime sector. Such preferences may be unique while individuals pass through uncertain situations like the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigates the linkages between personality traits and interpersonal relationship behaviours among Indian marine engineers. Data was gathered through snowball sampling from 385 marine engineers utilising the Big Five Inventory and the Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation-Behavior™ framework after necessary adaptations of these instruments. Results show that conscientiousness is linked to expressed inclusion and wanted control. Extraversion is linked with all behaviours except wanted control, while agreeableness is associated with expressed control. Neuroticism shows linkages with wanted inclusion, expressed control, and wanted control. This study fills critical research gaps by examining the missing links between personality traits and interpersonal relationships in a high-stress environment like the maritime sector and that too during the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights emphasise the need for effective communication and teamwork in high-stress maritime environments.
In search of a linkage between personality traits and interpersonal behaviour during the covid-19 pandemic: a case study on indian marine engineers using structural equation modelling /
(Galenos Publishing House, 2024-08-14) Mitra, Toorban
Building and maintaining social and interpersonal relationships are crucial for mental health. However, due to the unique characteristics of jobs, building and maintaining such interpersonal relationships with colleagues as well as others may not be as similar to off-shore employees like shore- based ones. On the contrary, preference towards exhibiting interpersonal relationship behaviour is another area that needs attention in the maritime sector. Such preferences may be unique while individuals pass through uncertain situations like the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigates the linkages between personality traits and interpersonal relationship behaviours among Indian marine engineers. Data was gathered through snowball sampling from 385 marine engineers utilising the Big Five Inventory and the Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation-Behavior™ framework after necessary adaptations of these instruments. Results show that conscientiousness is linked to expressed inclusion and wanted control. Extraversion is linked with all behaviours except wanted control, while agreeableness is associated with expressed control. Neuroticism shows linkages with wanted inclusion, expressed control, and wanted control. This study fills critical research gaps by examining the missing links between personality traits and interpersonal relationships in a high-stress environment like the maritime sector and that too during the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights emphasise the need for effective communication and teamwork in high-stress maritime environments.
Linkage of job ranks and personality traits with augmented stress: a study on Indian marine engineers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
(International Maritime Health, 2023-05-04) Mitra, Toorban
Background: Marine engineering is a profession that affects a high level of physical and psychological stress. Such a high level of stress was further aggravated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On the other hand, personality traits and perceived stress are linked with each other, while job ranks also influence stress levels among employees. However, very few clinical studies are available on this mechanism in seafarers. This study explores the hidden area through the collection of cross-sectional data. Materials and methods: Big Five personality traits instrument, along with a stress augmentation questionnaire, were administered among 280 Indian marine engineers across job ranks who have sailed prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collected data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test and structural equation modelling. Results and Conclusions: The analysis reveals significant differences among Indian marine engineers across their job ranks towards their perception of augmented stress levels. It also indicates that, except for extraversion, personality traits have linkages with levels of augmented stress among Indian marine engineers during the pandemic.
Linkage of job ranks and personality traits with augmented stress: a study on Indian marine engineers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic /
(Via Medica, 2023-06-30) Mitra, Toorban
Background: Marine engineering is a profession that affects a high level of physical and psychological stress. Such a high level of stress was further aggravated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On the other hand, personality traits and perceived stress are linked with each other, while job ranks also influence stress levels among employees. However, very few clinical studies are available on this mechanism in seafarers. This study explores the hidden area through the collection of cross-sectional data. Materials and methods: Big Five personality traits instrument, along with a stress augmentation questionnaire, were administered among 280 Indian marine engineers across job ranks who have sailed prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collected data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test and structural equation modelling. Results and Conclusions: The analysis reveals significant differences among Indian marine engineers across their job ranks towards their perception of augmented stress levels. It also indicates that, except for extraversion, personality traits have linkages with levels of augmented stress among Indian marine engineers during the pandemic.
Linking Leadership Integrity - Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DAS) among Sailing Indian Marine Engineers During Covid-19
(Barcelona School of Nautical Studies, Barcelona, 2024-06-05) Mitra, Toorban; Pattanaik, Krushna Mohan
Modern-day leadership demands competencies to embrace challenges and uncertainties as a part of a working career. Uncertainties bring in many unknown outcomes and a loss of direction to any team. This is much acknowledged when the unknown outcomes are affecting the team spirit and, in turn, organisational sustainability. Leadership integrity is a watershed to handle such uncertainties with positive outcomes. Like in any other business domain, uncertainties are part of the business in shipping. However, there are specific instances in the nature of COVID-19 that came with many challenges, like extended work contracts, no shore leaves, infrequent crew change, quarantine rules before sign-in, online surveys, etc. Such an uncertain and challenging work environment on board a ship (which itself is an organisation) results in anxiety, stress and depression. In this context, leadership integrity provides much-needed direction and can create a healthy work environment in any organisation. It is in this context that this paper tries to measure this hypothesis in an explorative study, particularly among active marine engineers who worked on board ships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such knowledge facilitates the understanding of organisational behaviour during challenging times and provides a timely prescription for organisational success during uncertainties and challenging times with much significant focus on the integrity of leaders.
Linking leadership integrity - depression, anxiety and stress (DAS) among sailing indian marine engineers during Covid-19 /
(Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 2024-06-01) Mitra, Toorban; Pattanaik, Krushna Mohan
Modern-day leadership demands competencies to embrace challenges and uncertainties as a part of a working career. Uncertainties bring in many unknown outcomes and a loss of direction to any team. This is much acknowledged when the unknown outcomes are affecting the team spirit and, in turn, organisational sustainability. Leadership integrity is a watershed to handle such uncertainties with positive outcomes. Like in any other business domain, uncertainties are part of the business in shipping. However, there are specific instances in the nature of COVID-19 that came with many challenges, like extended work contracts, no shore leaves, infrequent crew change, quarantine rules before sign-in, online surveys, etc. Such an uncertain and challenging work environment on board a ship (which itself is an organisation) results in anxiety, stress and depression. In this context, leadership integrity provides much-needed direction and can create a healthy work environment in any organisation. It is in this context that this paper tries to measure this hypothesis in an explorative study, particularly among active marine engineers who worked on board ships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such knowledge facilitates the understanding of organisational behaviour during challenging times and provides a timely prescription for organisational success during uncertainties and challenging times with much significant focus on the integrity of leaders.
Linking Logistics Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty: An Indian Perspective
(MANTHAN: Journal of Commerce and Management, 2025-06-15) Mitra, Toorban
In e-commerce, the customers and the sellers are distant and can’t interact face to face regarding their likings and dislikings about the product, delivery quality, buying experience, etc. This results in an absolute need for e-commerce companies to measure customer satisfaction and loyalty to grow and sustain performance in the competitive business world. The available pieces of literature fail to sufficiently explain the relationship between e-commerce logistics service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, especially in the Indian context. This study aims to explain the same through a Structural Equation Model encompassing different factors connected with e-commerce logistic service quality. The finding shows the significant effects of logistics service quality factors like order accuracy and order discrepancy handling on customer satisfaction. This study also indicates a significant impact of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty.
Linking Personality Traits with Entrepreneurial Attitude with Mediation of Entrepreneurial Alertness: An Explorative Study on Indian Marine Engineers
(Journal of Maritime Research, 2023-09-16) Pattanaik, Krushna Mohan; Mitra, Toorban
On the discourse of virtues of entrepreneurship to economic development, a spate of scientific evidence illuminates the mediation effect of entrepreneurial alertness on the linkage between personality traits, and entrepreneurial attitude carried out among university students, and many of the studies are Western oriented. Also, the scanty nature of such studies on the Indian maritime sector calls for an explorative intervention to identify such mediation effects. Using standard questionnaires for measuring personality traits, entrepreneurial attitude and alertness, this study uses convenience sampling to gather evidence from active Indian marine engineers to establish linkages among such attributes. The basis of research anxiety is due to a lack of formal ways to channelise the entrepreneurial attitude among Indian marine engineers. This study calls for arenas of re-conceptualising policy interventions to formalise investment opportunities for marine engineers and thus contribute to higher growth rates of the blue economy of India.
Logistics performance as facilitator to trade performance: An Indian perspective
(The International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference "MARLOG 13", 2024-03-03) Dasgupta, Mrinal Kumar; Mitra, Toorban; Pattanaik, Krushna Mohan
With the growing realisation of the importance of global integration in the production and consumption value chain, the importance of maritime logistics and transportation facilitating international trade is profoundly recognised. Further, a proliferation of collaborative trade agreements among different trade partners is ascribed to play a significant role. However, such external dynamics and engagements in international trade would propel blue economic growth if backed by strong maritime logistics initiatives and establishment. In this context, deep routed challenges, particularly in the domestic maritime logistics sector in manufacturing hubs like India, could potentially hamper her comparative advantages in international trade. It is in this context that this paper comes as an intercession by analysing India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and its impact on trade performance. Also, this paper provides a comparative analysis of India’s LPI with that of other trade competitors from South and East Asia and tries to find out challenging areas of maritime logistics for India and suggest the required policy prescription thereof. Such acknowledgement is a compulsion for a country like India when escalated uncertainties due to episodes of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine War, and dips in the business cycles of many countries that demanded green and resilient supply chain and logistics practices. The paper prescribes that domestic reforms to ease out challenges in Indian maritime logistics coupled with external engagements would provide a flat form for India to reap the optimal gains from international trade.
Measurement of stress among marine engineers: a methodological intervention
(The International Maritime Transport and Logistics Journal, 2022) Mitra, Toorban; Pattanaik, Krushna Mohan
Stress measurement has been an issue on the backburner for maritime sector. In this sector, job related stress has been considered as a way of life. With the onset of pandemic, understanding stress and its management on board ships has become a challenge and of paramount significance to seafarers and shipping companies. Extended contracts of employment, constraints on ships, work fatigue, away from family have all highlighted the need for scientific research on understanding stress on board ships, particularly during challenging times. Most of the studies on stress management and measurement among seafarers employ generalized stress management techniques which do not illuminate sector specific stressors, particularly during uncertain times like Covid-19, let along illuminating general job related stressors. Lack of scientific understanding of stress and stressors in maritime sector adds on to this challenge and thus calls for a sector specific methodological intervention to understanding of stress and stressors among seafarers. In this backdrop, based on previous evidences and discussion with seafarers, a methodology is developed to use a structured questionnaire covering stressors like job itself, company policies, planning activities, away from family, cultural differences and lack of socialization. Since pandemic posed dynamic constraints in the maritime ecosystem, such a structured questionnaire would help in understanding stress and stressor among marine engineers during Covid-19 and facilitate in the development of appropriate stress management strategies by firms in maritime sector. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire has been checked
Optimising manpower and compensation: an empirical study on selected major ports of India
(Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, 2013) Mitra, Toorban