Indian Journal of Marketing July 2006

Volume XXXVI • Number 7 •July 2006

Price Spread in Marketing of Coconut in Tamil Nadu
To find out the price spread of the coconut marketing system in Tamil Nadu, a study wasconducted among the randomly selected 50 coconut intermediaries in Theni District. From thedata obtained, the price spread of coconut, channels of distribution were analysed in the studyarea. In order to see a best channel Shepherd’s market efficiency index was used and the study showed that the channel III is the best one.
Dr.N.Namasivayam Professor & Head Department of Commerce (DDE) Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai Tamil Nadu	Dr.V. Richard Paul Lecturer Department of Commerce Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar College,Usilampatti Tamil Nadu
Analysis of Brand Preference of Soft drinks in the Global Environment
The PVC industry, which made a modest beginning during 70’s had really taken off during the post liberazation era. The current business environment and abundant domestic availability of PVC raw materials have resulted in double digit growth rate during the recent years. In 2000-2001, the growth in PVC consumption was about 12%. More over it is estimated that about Rs. 20000 crores has been invested during 1997-2000 in this industry, leading to doubling of capacity. Continued growth in consumption at this rate would make India 3^rd largest PVC consumer in world by 2010. At present per capita consumption of PVC in India is just 3.5 kg as compared to the global average of 19 kg. Hence there is great scope for this industry in India.
Dr.Rajiv Kaushik Asia Pacific Institute of Management New Delhi
Changing Scenario of Indian Insurance Sector
Insurance Sector has not only been playing a leading role within the financial system in India but also has a significant socio-economic function, making inroads into the interiors of the economy and is being considered as one of the fast developing areas in the Indian financial sector too. It has also been facilitating economic development with an objective to build an efficient, effective and a stable insurance business in India as well as a strong base to both the needs of the real economy and socio-economic objectives of the country. It has been mobilising long-term savings through Life-Insurance to support economic growth and also facilitating economic development, insurance cover to a large segment of people, while the non-life insurance and reinsurance firms in India are main providers of risk financing for man made disasters and natural catastrophes. Thus, both life insurance and non-life insurance are found playing a significant role in avoiding or facing the risks of life and business enterprises and also aiding to certain extents for their smooth sailing. Therefore, an attempt is made in this paper to highlight the developments of insurance sector in India in a phased manner and to examine the reasons for the entry of private and foreign insurance players into indian insurance market and to present the changing scenario of insurance business in India. It is also attempted to examine the growth of the indian insurance sector during the period of pre and post liberalisation and finally to suggest the strategies and challenges need to be adopted by indian insurance sector in the light of global scenario so as to enhance its market share.
Dr.Ch.Rajesham Associate Professor Department of Commerce & Business Management,University PG College ,Kakatiya University Khammam,Andhra Pradesh	Dr.K.Rajender Assistant Professor Department of Commerce & Business Management,University PG College,Kakatiya University Khammam,Andhra Pradesh
Gaining System-Product knowledge and Receiving Training Services- Organisational Consumers' Preferences for Service Provider,Reference Group and Self Service
Many Indian organisations have been involved in extensive computerisation of their functions, since the late 90s. After extensive computerisation of functions gained momentum, System products / Software packages providing business information solutions to various customer-organisations have become an integral part of many organisations. Outsourcing of computerisation functions has been the most preferred option for many organisations. Information system products (meant for business application purposes) are of many types – Standard packages or System products developed -to -order.For example, Small packages on Accounting, Sales & Distribution, etc., Large system products like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Other business solution products on specific functional areas. All these information system solution products meant for business applications would be hereinafter referred as ‘Systems’ or ‘System products’ in this paper. “System products” and “Related (system) training services” were taken up for the present study.
Dr.S.K.G Ganesh Assistant Professor Department of Management Studies BSA Crescent Engineering College Chennai	Dr.M.S.Bhat Professor School of Management Studies Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University,Hyderabad Dr.R.B.Kumar Retd.Professor Anna University Chennai
Doctors' Preferences of Anti Histamines : A Comparative Study
The marketers must do more than simply adapt to the needs of target customers. They must provide greater customer value and satisfaction than its competitors do. They also must gain strategic advantage by positioning their offerings strongly against competitors’ offerings in the minds of customers. In order to position their product, the pharmaceutical companies need to know what are the preferences and what is the important factor, the doctors look for, in anti-histamines. This study helps the pharmaceutical companies in general and anti-histamine marketers in particular to identify the key factor to differentiate and position their products
Dr.N.Rajyalakshmi Professor Department of Commerce & Management Studies,Andhra University,Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh	Ms.N.S.Priya MBA Probationary Officer State Bank of India New Delhi
Market Research in Distribution Network Analysis of Cement Industry in Tamil Nadu
Cement is one of the basic important and powerful, raw materials used in the construction of a variety of structures like dams, roads, bridges, storage tanks, flyovers, towers, multistoried buildings etc., It has a variety of applications like hollow-bricks, solid bricks, precuts door and frames, pipes, asbestos, cement sheets, concreting, plastering and other pre-cast and pre-stressed elements etc.
Dr.M.Sumathy Lecturer in Commerce Periyar University Salem,Tamil Nadu	Dr.D.Mahesh Faculty Member-Management Studies ICFAI National College Erode,Tamil Nadu