Dr Mrinmoy K Sarma | Tezpur University (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr Mrinmoy K Sarma

Asean Journal on Hospitality and Tourism, 2003

The first step towards positioning of a tourist destination is to determine the most important va... more The first step towards positioning of a tourist destination is to determine the most important variables tourists consider while evaluating a destination. Looking at the preferences of visitors on these variables, and then by matching these with their perception on the destination, the preferred position for a destination can be arrived at. The process of determining the preferred position for North East India is discussed in the paper. To start with two principal factors namely, infrastructure and external influence are derived from a set of 21 variables in order to calculate the preferences of the tourists. The perceptive scores on these two factors are also determined. As the next step gaps between the preferential and perceptual scores are studied and thus the ideal position for the region with respect to the two principal factors is arrived at. Three segments are also identified for targeting.

Review of Market Integration, 2022

The study’s main purpose is to determine the adoption of digital innovations in a developing coun... more The study’s main purpose is to determine the adoption of digital innovations in a developing country that is continuously introduced on different service platforms. A quantitative approach is taken in the research where structured questionnaires based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model have been used to collect primary data. A total of 821 responses were selected for analysis using structural equation modelling. The findings suggest that the UTAUT model indicates a good fit for determining the behavioural intention to adopt incremental innovations in digital platforms. The model as a whole explains 31.6% of the total variance in the behavioural intention to adopt. Out of the four variables in the UTAUT model, social influence (SI) is seen to have no significant relationship with that of behavioural intention. However, the other three factors, namely performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE) and facilitating conditions (FC), do have a si...

International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management, 2020

Digital innovations are happening all over the globe with the advent of technology. The digital p... more Digital innovations are happening all over the globe with the advent of technology. The digital platforms are not only introducing the traditional services online but are also continuously engaged in making frequent modifications to them in the form of incremental innovations. In our quest of creating a time horizon for innovation adoption, and determining levels of adopters of incremental innovations 837 participants from India were asked about their level of adoption of digital innovations. While most of the respondents did not seem affected by the digital transition, amongst the ones adopting these innovations are mostly Early Adopters and Early Majority. The study arrived at an adoption score for the respondents based on the time from the introduction of the innovation and their adoption. The time horizon suggests the increase in adoption of innovation with each new digital innovation introduced. In the case of incremental innovations, ten levels of adoption, and three categorie...

The Marketing Review, 2017

The paper endeavors to present the picture of transition of Mishing textiles from traditional cos... more The paper endeavors to present the picture of transition of Mishing textiles from traditional costumes of daily use to products embedded with traditional and modern designs produced for the aesthetic need of the local as well as external audiences. During the qualitative survey it was found that though direct contact with outsiders influences the local artists’ product; changes are mostly infused by the artists themselves irrespective of their access to customers. Artists may intuitively produce textiles with different color and design combinations. This occurs when artists get access to information about people and places of other regions, their lifestyles and fashion prevalent outside through various media which leads to innovation and diversification in the product features. In such cases artists drive the process of commercialization rather than the market driving the process. This photo essay based on oral history and in-depth interview explains how commercial endeavor by the M...

Asean Journal on Hospitality and Tourism, 2003

The first step towards positioning of a tourist destination is to determine the most important va... more The first step towards positioning of a tourist destination is to determine the most important variables tourists consider while evaluating a destination. Looking at the preferences of visitors on these variables, and then by matching these with their perception on the destination, the preferred position for a destination can be arrived at. The process of determining the preferred position for North East India is discussed in the paper. To start with two principal factors namely, infrastructure and external influence are derived from a set of 21 variables in order to calculate the preferences of the tourists. The perceptive scores on these two factors are also determined. As the next step gaps between the preferential and perceptual scores are studied and thus the ideal position for the region with respect to the two principal factors is arrived at. Three segments are also identified for targeting.

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2021

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2020

Innovations largely facilitate the growth and development of various sectors, including the servi... more Innovations largely facilitate the growth and development of various sectors, including the services sector. Service innovations are taking place all over, yet this is still under-researched as an academic interest. This is an attempt to list out the typologies of service innovation put forward by various academicians in the past. The paper portrays the typologies of service innovations available through an extensive search for relevant literature in the area. The paper also offers an insight into the service sectors focusing on innovation. The article identifies the typology mostly used to define a service innovation; followed by the typology typically preferred in India. An attempt also is made to highlight the differences in service innovation execution between India, and some developed countries like the USA and Australia. The article also dwells into how technological aid is sought while innovating in services and the role of frugal innovations in India. Finally, the article offers suggestions on scopes for further research.

Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective, 2007

This paper aims at identifying the influence of different information sources in image management... more This paper aims at identifying the influence of different information sources in image management of Indian destinations. Six different information sources namely, word-of-mouth, tourism department publications like travel brochure, PR effort in print and electronic media, professional sources (like tour operators, etc.) and cognitive wisdom of the tourists are examined. The influences of these information sources are tested for a few segments of tourists based on certain common segmentation variables like origin, age, benefits sought and exposure of the travellers. It is observed that cognitive wisdom (of the tourists), the often-neglected source of information, plays the most prominent role in shaping the image about a destination. On the other hand, it is seen that one of the most debated communication media in services marketing–the referral affects image formation process the least. The influences of almost all the information sources across various segments are found to be sig...

International Journal of Tourism and Travel, 2015

Research findings consistently indentified the importance of inbound tourists shopping activities... more Research findings consistently indentified the importance of inbound tourists shopping activities as contributor to local economy. This paper analyses the shopping expenditure of domestic tourists in the Northeast India. Previous studies show the associations of tourists trip typologies and demographic profiles, particularly, of the international tourists with shopping expenditures. A study was carried out in 2011 by employing a convenient method of sampling survey in Northeastern region of India comprising seven sister states to examine the association of trip typology, marital status and gender of domestic tourists with expenditure on shopping. The results indicate probable association of shopping expenditure with trip typology and gender while marital status does not seem to influence expenditure on shopping. Among tourists of different typologies, Rural and culture tourists scaled high reflecting maximum expenditure on shopping while Nature and parks tourists as well as Active o...

IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, 2016

This article identifies, through a retrospective study of literature, the transitional dynamics o... more This article identifies, through a retrospective study of literature, the transitional dynamics of traditional crafts of South and South East Asia. It aims to explain the various factors that necessitate commercialization of crafts, the most important element in transitional dynamics. The review of literature functions at two levels: on the one hand, it reiterates the relationship between commercialization and transition of crafts, whereas, on the other hand, it reveals the changes which accrue to the crafts of the region. A significant number of researchers have documented the reasons behind commercialization and subsequent modification of crafts, which take place either through tourism or through the expansion of export markets. Some countries go into commercial production mode for the betterment of the extremely poor craft-making communities, whereas others try to revive decaying traditions. In such instances of commercialization, it is important to understand the extent of the p...

Iup Journal of Marketing Management, Feb 1, 2013

IntroductionThe diffusion of destination-related information has been well recognized as a strate... more IntroductionThe diffusion of destination-related information has been well recognized as a strategic tool of tourism marketing. Destination marketers use several information channels to gain mileage in creating awareness, enhancing interest, increasing desire and initiating prompt action amongst the targeted tourists to come and enjoy the resources. So, in the context of destination marketing, the use of information source is of strategic importance (Stabler, 1988; Chon, 1990; Echtner and Ritchie, 1991; Chacko, 1997; Chen and Uysal, 2002; Gallarza et al., 2002; and Sarma, 2003). A number of information sources are trusted by the tourists while forming an image of the destination (Reynolds, 1965; Gunn, 1988; and Fodness and Murray, 1997). However, the level of trust reposed on a particular channel for necessary information might be guided by some characteristics innate to the tourists. Researches show that tourists from divergent backgrounds use different sources of information in evaluating the destinations' image (Sung et al., 2001; Fodness and Murray, 1997; Klenosky and Gitelson, 1998; and Gallarza et al., 2002). Some researchers have also suggested that the process of gathering information starts with visitors' internal knowledge (Fodness and Murray, 1997; Vogt and Fesenmaier, 1998; and Gursoy and Umbreit, 2004). It is also recognized that cultural background bears Research Note influence on the use of information channel (Gursoy and Umbreit, 2004). Moreover, demographic characteristics and referrals play a significant role in shaping the use of a particular contour of information source (Vogt and Fesenmaier, 1998; Smith and Gregory, 2000; and Sarma, 2004). Studies also report that the state of destination image does not remain consistent over a longer period of time (Gartner, 1986; Gartner and Hunt, 1987; Chon, 1991; Echtner and Ritchie, 1991; and Gartner, 1993). Similarly, the effectiveness of information sources in communicating destination-related message also changes over the period (Sung et al., 2001). The degree of use may directly or indirectly show the extent to which an information channel is trusted by prospective tourists. Research can be extended to measure the changes, if any, in the degree of use of information channel over time; to measure the relationships between degree of use of information channel and extent of tourists' expenditures and also to see whether specific tourists profile can be delineated on the basis of age, education, occupation and frequency of travel for degree of use of information channel. This paper tries to address these issues.ObjectivesThe broad objectives of this paper include:* To check the degree of usage of information channels over time. The term degree of usage refers to the extent to which a particular channel is used by discerning tourists for gathering necessary information.* To check the relationships, if any, between the extent of tourists' expenditure and use of information sources.* To verify the influence of tourists' age, education, occupation and previous travel experience over the degree of use of information channels for destinations in North-East India.Research MethodInformation Sources Selected for the StudyTourists trust various sources or channels for acquiring knowledge about different destinations (Morrison et al., 1996; Fodness and Murray, 1997 and 1999; Smith and Gregory, 2000; and Bieger and Laesser, 2004). The usage of these sources in decision making was measured on a 4- point Likert-type scale. The information sources include: destination information brochure, regional information brochure, hotel listing, Tour Operator (TO) brochure, oral information sources like retailer/ agency, railway station, tourist information at destination, National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) at Switzerland, advertisement in newspapers and magazines, travel guidebooks, video, CD-ROM, DVD, trade fair, radio/TV broadcast, video text, Internet, friends and relatives among others. …

Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective, 2000

Though the Indian retailing enjoys many unique features, it is still done in a primitive way. Bar... more Though the Indian retailing enjoys many unique features, it is still done in a primitive way. Barring a few exceptions, the Indian retailers, particularly FMCG retailers, are not in a position to implement world class practices of supply chain management. The concepts of Quick Response of Efficient Consumer Response are unheard of in the Indian retailing. The two bases of modern retailing management, the Electronic Data Interface and a mutually respectable partnership among retailers and suppliers (the manufacturers) are missing to a great extent in the Indian context. Also, Indian marketing channel members are performing some unnecessary tasks that make the channel structure heavy and inefficient. Though these inefficiencies are observed in all retailing irrespective of industry, the symptoms are more evident in Indian FMCG retailing. Inefficiency in retailing leads to lower profitability of the retailers and lower service outputs for consumers. Some suggestions are made to improve...

Tourism Review International, 2012

This research note aims at gauging the importance of expenditures incurred by tourists other than... more This research note aims at gauging the importance of expenditures incurred by tourists other than the planned and common ones while visiting a destination. As it is, such expenditures might be more meaningful for the economic benefit of the locals. This exploratory empirical study tries to measure the nature of tourists' expenditure, especially of the unplanned ones, in Northeast India, an emerging tourist destination. Certain relationships could be established between the classification variables like age, origin, and budget with the extent of other expenditures of the tourists.

Tourism Management, 2010

As a part of their travel planning, potential tourists engage in information search that assists ... more As a part of their travel planning, potential tourists engage in information search that assists them in decision-making. Though several studies have been conducted in relation to information sources, yet, much of these seem to be in relation to relatively well-known destinations. This note primarily aims at reporting the use of information sources among various motivation-based segments of travelers to the newly emerging tourist destinations of India's NorthEast. This is a region with tremendous tourism potential that has not been aggressively marketed so far. Analysis of primary data through a survey of visitors to the region using a factor-cluster segmentation approach resulted in three motive-based segments: Nature-loving Explorers, Nature-loving Vacationers and Change Seekers. These segments were found to exhibit differences in information source usage. The results hold implications for destination marketers of the region and would hopefully contribute towards better marketing strategies for its various destinations.

Tourism Management, 2010

As a part of their travel planning, potential tourists engage in information search that assists ... more As a part of their travel planning, potential tourists engage in information search that assists them in decision-making. Though several studies have been conducted in relation to information sources, yet, much of these seem to be in relation to relatively well-known destinations. This note primarily aims at reporting the use of information sources among various motivation-based segments of travelers to the newly emerging tourist destinations of India's NorthEast. This is a region with tremendous tourism potential that has not been aggressively marketed so far. Analysis of primary data through a survey of visitors to the region using a factor-cluster segmentation approach resulted in three motive-based segments: Nature-loving Explorers, Nature-loving Vacationers and Change Seekers. These segments were found to exhibit differences in information source usage. The results hold implications for destination marketers of the region and would hopefully contribute towards better marketing strategies for its various destinations.

Tourist Behaviour, Books by MDI Faculty, 2004

This paper aims at finding out the preference levels of tourists on several variables while selec... more This paper aims at finding out the preference levels of tourists on several variables while selecting a destination for visit. Twenty such variables are identified from the extant literatures. The paper concentrates in finding out the segment-wise difference of the preference levels. In all, five tourist segments based on age, origin, benefit sought, level of exposure (to travel) and per day per person disposable income are examined, and four such bases are identified with significant difference on level of preference from segment to segment. This shows the existence of different destination choice patterns for separate segments.

Vilakshan - XIMB Journal of Management, 2021

Purpose The advent of technology has enabled frequent innovations in the digital modes of doing b... more Purpose The advent of technology has enabled frequent innovations in the digital modes of doing business. While some users are reluctant to adopt one, others have made it their way of life. The purpose of this study is to find out the approximate time frame of a digital user in an emerging economy like India to adopt their favorite digital application. The importance of an individual’s level of internet skills is explored in the aspect of adopting digital innovations. Design/methodology/approach The study follows a quantitative approach where data collected from both primary and secondary sources are analyzed to arrive at the results. In total, 837 responses collected with the help of a structured questionnaire are entered and analyzed using SPSS. Multinomial logistic regression is the statistical tool used in the research. Findings Five sets of adopter categories based on Rogers (1983) are created using an adoption score and are represented in a Time Horizon to understand better. T...

Extant literature reveals that tourists’ expenditures incurred in the destination areas has been ... more Extant literature reveals that tourists’ expenditures incurred in the destination areas has been less focused and studied. The expenditure is a tool enticing development, poverty alleviation and employment creation within the local economy. Tourists’ expenditures, particularly on items like souvenir purchase, shopping etc., are seen as positive spin-off in the local economic development. Attributing proper value, studies have been conducted involving different dimensions of tourists spending behaviours. Tourists’ propensity to spend higher amount while staying long in the destination area has also been established in research findings. Studies have also been carried out to examine the nature, extent and composition of tourists’ expenditure. In fact, the degree of economic benefit derived may vary across the nature or forms of tourists’ expenditure. Research findings show that expenditures on shopping and souvenirs are very meaningful for the local economy. But the nature of associat...

Asean Journal on Hospitality and Tourism, 2003

The first step towards positioning of a tourist destination is to determine the most important va... more The first step towards positioning of a tourist destination is to determine the most important variables tourists consider while evaluating a destination. Looking at the preferences of visitors on these variables, and then by matching these with their perception on the destination, the preferred position for a destination can be arrived at. The process of determining the preferred position for North East India is discussed in the paper. To start with two principal factors namely, infrastructure and external influence are derived from a set of 21 variables in order to calculate the preferences of the tourists. The perceptive scores on these two factors are also determined. As the next step gaps between the preferential and perceptual scores are studied and thus the ideal position for the region with respect to the two principal factors is arrived at. Three segments are also identified for targeting.

Review of Market Integration, 2022

The study’s main purpose is to determine the adoption of digital innovations in a developing coun... more The study’s main purpose is to determine the adoption of digital innovations in a developing country that is continuously introduced on different service platforms. A quantitative approach is taken in the research where structured questionnaires based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model have been used to collect primary data. A total of 821 responses were selected for analysis using structural equation modelling. The findings suggest that the UTAUT model indicates a good fit for determining the behavioural intention to adopt incremental innovations in digital platforms. The model as a whole explains 31.6% of the total variance in the behavioural intention to adopt. Out of the four variables in the UTAUT model, social influence (SI) is seen to have no significant relationship with that of behavioural intention. However, the other three factors, namely performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE) and facilitating conditions (FC), do have a si...

International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management, 2020

Digital innovations are happening all over the globe with the advent of technology. The digital p... more Digital innovations are happening all over the globe with the advent of technology. The digital platforms are not only introducing the traditional services online but are also continuously engaged in making frequent modifications to them in the form of incremental innovations. In our quest of creating a time horizon for innovation adoption, and determining levels of adopters of incremental innovations 837 participants from India were asked about their level of adoption of digital innovations. While most of the respondents did not seem affected by the digital transition, amongst the ones adopting these innovations are mostly Early Adopters and Early Majority. The study arrived at an adoption score for the respondents based on the time from the introduction of the innovation and their adoption. The time horizon suggests the increase in adoption of innovation with each new digital innovation introduced. In the case of incremental innovations, ten levels of adoption, and three categorie...

The Marketing Review, 2017

The paper endeavors to present the picture of transition of Mishing textiles from traditional cos... more The paper endeavors to present the picture of transition of Mishing textiles from traditional costumes of daily use to products embedded with traditional and modern designs produced for the aesthetic need of the local as well as external audiences. During the qualitative survey it was found that though direct contact with outsiders influences the local artists’ product; changes are mostly infused by the artists themselves irrespective of their access to customers. Artists may intuitively produce textiles with different color and design combinations. This occurs when artists get access to information about people and places of other regions, their lifestyles and fashion prevalent outside through various media which leads to innovation and diversification in the product features. In such cases artists drive the process of commercialization rather than the market driving the process. This photo essay based on oral history and in-depth interview explains how commercial endeavor by the M...

Asean Journal on Hospitality and Tourism, 2003

The first step towards positioning of a tourist destination is to determine the most important va... more The first step towards positioning of a tourist destination is to determine the most important variables tourists consider while evaluating a destination. Looking at the preferences of visitors on these variables, and then by matching these with their perception on the destination, the preferred position for a destination can be arrived at. The process of determining the preferred position for North East India is discussed in the paper. To start with two principal factors namely, infrastructure and external influence are derived from a set of 21 variables in order to calculate the preferences of the tourists. The perceptive scores on these two factors are also determined. As the next step gaps between the preferential and perceptual scores are studied and thus the ideal position for the region with respect to the two principal factors is arrived at. Three segments are also identified for targeting.

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2021

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2020

Innovations largely facilitate the growth and development of various sectors, including the servi... more Innovations largely facilitate the growth and development of various sectors, including the services sector. Service innovations are taking place all over, yet this is still under-researched as an academic interest. This is an attempt to list out the typologies of service innovation put forward by various academicians in the past. The paper portrays the typologies of service innovations available through an extensive search for relevant literature in the area. The paper also offers an insight into the service sectors focusing on innovation. The article identifies the typology mostly used to define a service innovation; followed by the typology typically preferred in India. An attempt also is made to highlight the differences in service innovation execution between India, and some developed countries like the USA and Australia. The article also dwells into how technological aid is sought while innovating in services and the role of frugal innovations in India. Finally, the article offers suggestions on scopes for further research.

Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective, 2007

This paper aims at identifying the influence of different information sources in image management... more This paper aims at identifying the influence of different information sources in image management of Indian destinations. Six different information sources namely, word-of-mouth, tourism department publications like travel brochure, PR effort in print and electronic media, professional sources (like tour operators, etc.) and cognitive wisdom of the tourists are examined. The influences of these information sources are tested for a few segments of tourists based on certain common segmentation variables like origin, age, benefits sought and exposure of the travellers. It is observed that cognitive wisdom (of the tourists), the often-neglected source of information, plays the most prominent role in shaping the image about a destination. On the other hand, it is seen that one of the most debated communication media in services marketing–the referral affects image formation process the least. The influences of almost all the information sources across various segments are found to be sig...

International Journal of Tourism and Travel, 2015

Research findings consistently indentified the importance of inbound tourists shopping activities... more Research findings consistently indentified the importance of inbound tourists shopping activities as contributor to local economy. This paper analyses the shopping expenditure of domestic tourists in the Northeast India. Previous studies show the associations of tourists trip typologies and demographic profiles, particularly, of the international tourists with shopping expenditures. A study was carried out in 2011 by employing a convenient method of sampling survey in Northeastern region of India comprising seven sister states to examine the association of trip typology, marital status and gender of domestic tourists with expenditure on shopping. The results indicate probable association of shopping expenditure with trip typology and gender while marital status does not seem to influence expenditure on shopping. Among tourists of different typologies, Rural and culture tourists scaled high reflecting maximum expenditure on shopping while Nature and parks tourists as well as Active o...

IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, 2016

This article identifies, through a retrospective study of literature, the transitional dynamics o... more This article identifies, through a retrospective study of literature, the transitional dynamics of traditional crafts of South and South East Asia. It aims to explain the various factors that necessitate commercialization of crafts, the most important element in transitional dynamics. The review of literature functions at two levels: on the one hand, it reiterates the relationship between commercialization and transition of crafts, whereas, on the other hand, it reveals the changes which accrue to the crafts of the region. A significant number of researchers have documented the reasons behind commercialization and subsequent modification of crafts, which take place either through tourism or through the expansion of export markets. Some countries go into commercial production mode for the betterment of the extremely poor craft-making communities, whereas others try to revive decaying traditions. In such instances of commercialization, it is important to understand the extent of the p...

Iup Journal of Marketing Management, Feb 1, 2013

IntroductionThe diffusion of destination-related information has been well recognized as a strate... more IntroductionThe diffusion of destination-related information has been well recognized as a strategic tool of tourism marketing. Destination marketers use several information channels to gain mileage in creating awareness, enhancing interest, increasing desire and initiating prompt action amongst the targeted tourists to come and enjoy the resources. So, in the context of destination marketing, the use of information source is of strategic importance (Stabler, 1988; Chon, 1990; Echtner and Ritchie, 1991; Chacko, 1997; Chen and Uysal, 2002; Gallarza et al., 2002; and Sarma, 2003). A number of information sources are trusted by the tourists while forming an image of the destination (Reynolds, 1965; Gunn, 1988; and Fodness and Murray, 1997). However, the level of trust reposed on a particular channel for necessary information might be guided by some characteristics innate to the tourists. Researches show that tourists from divergent backgrounds use different sources of information in evaluating the destinations' image (Sung et al., 2001; Fodness and Murray, 1997; Klenosky and Gitelson, 1998; and Gallarza et al., 2002). Some researchers have also suggested that the process of gathering information starts with visitors' internal knowledge (Fodness and Murray, 1997; Vogt and Fesenmaier, 1998; and Gursoy and Umbreit, 2004). It is also recognized that cultural background bears Research Note influence on the use of information channel (Gursoy and Umbreit, 2004). Moreover, demographic characteristics and referrals play a significant role in shaping the use of a particular contour of information source (Vogt and Fesenmaier, 1998; Smith and Gregory, 2000; and Sarma, 2004). Studies also report that the state of destination image does not remain consistent over a longer period of time (Gartner, 1986; Gartner and Hunt, 1987; Chon, 1991; Echtner and Ritchie, 1991; and Gartner, 1993). Similarly, the effectiveness of information sources in communicating destination-related message also changes over the period (Sung et al., 2001). The degree of use may directly or indirectly show the extent to which an information channel is trusted by prospective tourists. Research can be extended to measure the changes, if any, in the degree of use of information channel over time; to measure the relationships between degree of use of information channel and extent of tourists' expenditures and also to see whether specific tourists profile can be delineated on the basis of age, education, occupation and frequency of travel for degree of use of information channel. This paper tries to address these issues.ObjectivesThe broad objectives of this paper include:* To check the degree of usage of information channels over time. The term degree of usage refers to the extent to which a particular channel is used by discerning tourists for gathering necessary information.* To check the relationships, if any, between the extent of tourists' expenditure and use of information sources.* To verify the influence of tourists' age, education, occupation and previous travel experience over the degree of use of information channels for destinations in North-East India.Research MethodInformation Sources Selected for the StudyTourists trust various sources or channels for acquiring knowledge about different destinations (Morrison et al., 1996; Fodness and Murray, 1997 and 1999; Smith and Gregory, 2000; and Bieger and Laesser, 2004). The usage of these sources in decision making was measured on a 4- point Likert-type scale. The information sources include: destination information brochure, regional information brochure, hotel listing, Tour Operator (TO) brochure, oral information sources like retailer/ agency, railway station, tourist information at destination, National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) at Switzerland, advertisement in newspapers and magazines, travel guidebooks, video, CD-ROM, DVD, trade fair, radio/TV broadcast, video text, Internet, friends and relatives among others. …

Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective, 2000

Though the Indian retailing enjoys many unique features, it is still done in a primitive way. Bar... more Though the Indian retailing enjoys many unique features, it is still done in a primitive way. Barring a few exceptions, the Indian retailers, particularly FMCG retailers, are not in a position to implement world class practices of supply chain management. The concepts of Quick Response of Efficient Consumer Response are unheard of in the Indian retailing. The two bases of modern retailing management, the Electronic Data Interface and a mutually respectable partnership among retailers and suppliers (the manufacturers) are missing to a great extent in the Indian context. Also, Indian marketing channel members are performing some unnecessary tasks that make the channel structure heavy and inefficient. Though these inefficiencies are observed in all retailing irrespective of industry, the symptoms are more evident in Indian FMCG retailing. Inefficiency in retailing leads to lower profitability of the retailers and lower service outputs for consumers. Some suggestions are made to improve...

Tourism Review International, 2012

This research note aims at gauging the importance of expenditures incurred by tourists other than... more This research note aims at gauging the importance of expenditures incurred by tourists other than the planned and common ones while visiting a destination. As it is, such expenditures might be more meaningful for the economic benefit of the locals. This exploratory empirical study tries to measure the nature of tourists' expenditure, especially of the unplanned ones, in Northeast India, an emerging tourist destination. Certain relationships could be established between the classification variables like age, origin, and budget with the extent of other expenditures of the tourists.

Tourism Management, 2010

As a part of their travel planning, potential tourists engage in information search that assists ... more As a part of their travel planning, potential tourists engage in information search that assists them in decision-making. Though several studies have been conducted in relation to information sources, yet, much of these seem to be in relation to relatively well-known destinations. This note primarily aims at reporting the use of information sources among various motivation-based segments of travelers to the newly emerging tourist destinations of India's NorthEast. This is a region with tremendous tourism potential that has not been aggressively marketed so far. Analysis of primary data through a survey of visitors to the region using a factor-cluster segmentation approach resulted in three motive-based segments: Nature-loving Explorers, Nature-loving Vacationers and Change Seekers. These segments were found to exhibit differences in information source usage. The results hold implications for destination marketers of the region and would hopefully contribute towards better marketing strategies for its various destinations.

Tourism Management, 2010

As a part of their travel planning, potential tourists engage in information search that assists ... more As a part of their travel planning, potential tourists engage in information search that assists them in decision-making. Though several studies have been conducted in relation to information sources, yet, much of these seem to be in relation to relatively well-known destinations. This note primarily aims at reporting the use of information sources among various motivation-based segments of travelers to the newly emerging tourist destinations of India's NorthEast. This is a region with tremendous tourism potential that has not been aggressively marketed so far. Analysis of primary data through a survey of visitors to the region using a factor-cluster segmentation approach resulted in three motive-based segments: Nature-loving Explorers, Nature-loving Vacationers and Change Seekers. These segments were found to exhibit differences in information source usage. The results hold implications for destination marketers of the region and would hopefully contribute towards better marketing strategies for its various destinations.

Tourist Behaviour, Books by MDI Faculty, 2004

This paper aims at finding out the preference levels of tourists on several variables while selec... more This paper aims at finding out the preference levels of tourists on several variables while selecting a destination for visit. Twenty such variables are identified from the extant literatures. The paper concentrates in finding out the segment-wise difference of the preference levels. In all, five tourist segments based on age, origin, benefit sought, level of exposure (to travel) and per day per person disposable income are examined, and four such bases are identified with significant difference on level of preference from segment to segment. This shows the existence of different destination choice patterns for separate segments.

Vilakshan - XIMB Journal of Management, 2021

Purpose The advent of technology has enabled frequent innovations in the digital modes of doing b... more Purpose The advent of technology has enabled frequent innovations in the digital modes of doing business. While some users are reluctant to adopt one, others have made it their way of life. The purpose of this study is to find out the approximate time frame of a digital user in an emerging economy like India to adopt their favorite digital application. The importance of an individual’s level of internet skills is explored in the aspect of adopting digital innovations. Design/methodology/approach The study follows a quantitative approach where data collected from both primary and secondary sources are analyzed to arrive at the results. In total, 837 responses collected with the help of a structured questionnaire are entered and analyzed using SPSS. Multinomial logistic regression is the statistical tool used in the research. Findings Five sets of adopter categories based on Rogers (1983) are created using an adoption score and are represented in a Time Horizon to understand better. T...

Extant literature reveals that tourists’ expenditures incurred in the destination areas has been ... more Extant literature reveals that tourists’ expenditures incurred in the destination areas has been less focused and studied. The expenditure is a tool enticing development, poverty alleviation and employment creation within the local economy. Tourists’ expenditures, particularly on items like souvenir purchase, shopping etc., are seen as positive spin-off in the local economic development. Attributing proper value, studies have been conducted involving different dimensions of tourists spending behaviours. Tourists’ propensity to spend higher amount while staying long in the destination area has also been established in research findings. Studies have also been carried out to examine the nature, extent and composition of tourists’ expenditure. In fact, the degree of economic benefit derived may vary across the nature or forms of tourists’ expenditure. Research findings show that expenditures on shopping and souvenirs are very meaningful for the local economy. But the nature of associat...