CERTIFICATECERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project titled “Consumer preference towards the

“Soni Vaio” Laptop in Bhilai & Durg, Chhattisgarh.” Is an original work of Mr.

Gaurav Ujawane a student of Shri Shankaracharya Institute Of Management &

Technology, Bhilai and is being submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of

Master of Business Administration degree of Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand

Technical University, Bhilai.

Date: Name and Signature of the Guide:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the following

personalities without whose help and guidance the successful completion of my

project work would have been remained a dream.

I extend my heartful thanks to our Sony Exclusive, Bhilai for the constant and

valuable guidance by them through out my research.

I would like to take the pleasure of this opportunity to express my heartful

gratitude to my guide Mr. Souren Sarkar (Faculty Member, ssimt) who took

personal interest and gave valuable suggestions through out my field work and

completion of the project.

I thank all my faculty members of MBA department for their valuable suggestions

throughout my research.

The importance of the moral support and good wishes of my parents and friends is

external and I am very much indebted to them.

Finally I thank all my friends who directly or indirectly helped me a lot during my

project.

Vijay Prabhat Kanwar

DECLARATIONDECLARATION

I hereby declare that this research report “Consumer Preference towards the “Soni

Vaio” laptop in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh” is the result of my own effort in the training

which I did as a part of the curriculum, for the fulfillment of MASTER OF

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) degree.

Date: Vijay Prabhat Kanwar

Place: MBA 3th SEMESTER

LIST OF CONTENTSLIST OF CONTENTS

SI. No. Title Page No.

1 Introduction` 1-12

2 Research Methodology 13-34

3 Objective 35-62

4 Sony Story 63-64

5 Data Analysis 65-68

Bibliography

Annexure

Introduction

Executive Summary

One of the most recognized brand names in the world today, Sony Corporation,

Japan, established its operations in India in November 1994, focusing on the

sales and marketing of Sony products in the country. In a span of 12 years Sony

India has exemplified the quest for excellence in the world of digital lifestyle

becoming the country’s foremost consumer electronics brand. With relentless

commitment to quality, consistent dedication to customer satisfaction and

unparalleled standards of service, Sony India is recognized as a benchmark for

new age technology, superior quality, digital concepts and personalized service

that has ensured loyal customers and nationwide acclaim in the industry.

In India, Sony has its footprint across all major towns and cities through a

distribution network comprising of over 7000 channel partners, 215 Sony

World and Sony Exclusive outlets and 21 direct branch locations. Manned by

customer friendly and informed sales persons, Sony’s exclusive stores ‘Sony

World’ are fast becoming the most visible face of the company in India.

Introduction

One of the most recognized brand names in the world today, Sony Corporation,

Japan, established its India operations in November 1994, focusing on the sales

and marketing of Sony products in the country. In a span of 12 years Sony India

has exemplified the quest for excellence in the world of digital lifestyle becoming

the country’s foremost consumer electronics brand. With relentless commitment to

quality, consistent dedication to customer satisfaction and unparalleled standards

of service, Sony India is recognized as a benchmark for new age technology,

superior quality, digital concepts and personalized service that has ensured loyal

customers and nationwide acclaim in the industry.

In India, Sony has its footprint across all major towns and cities through a

distribution network comprising of over 7000 channel partners, 215 Sony World

and Sony Exclusive outlets and 21 direct branch locations. Manned by customer

friendly and informed sales persons, Sony’s exclusive stores ‘Sony World’ are fast

becoming the most visible face of the company in India.

Sony India also has a strong service presence across the country with 21 company

owned and 172 authorized service centers. A distinctive feature of Sony’s service

is its highly motivated and well-trained staff that provides the kind of attentive and

sensitive service that is rare today.

Sony is committed to ensuring that both the products and the marketing activities

employed truly make a difference to people’s lifestyles and offer them new

dimensions of enjoyment and an experiences which are ‘like no other’.

Research Methodology

Need For Study

The study on “Consumer Preference towards the “Soni Vaio” laptop in Bhilai,

Chhattisgarh”. This study will give insights to the marketer that would help the

markets to understand the consumer segment and increase the buying pattern and

general satisfaction level of this target group.

This helps the marketing people to arrive at meaningful ways to promote Sony

products.

PROBLEM DEFINITION

“Consumer Preference towards the “Soni Vaio” laptop in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh”

My study was conducted in Bhilai & Durg which is a potentially growing town in

state of Chhattisgarh. SONY has all sorts of outlets (SONY Exclusive &

Multibrands counters) where people comes to see the electronic gadget and spend

their money to purchase this gadget (Products)

Especially youth (20-30 years of age) are often considered to be interested to buy

the SONY products due to the advanced technology and Brand image. The study

undertaken revealed that the segment belonging to 30-40 years of age group

consider that the SONY products are very costly. They also feel that the after sale

service which is given by the Company is not as good in comparison with the

amount charged for the goods.

The population of Bhilai is vast and it is 8, 25,837 in 2007. The youth population is

also sizeable enough.

Since today the pace of change is not easy to recognize, it is not possible simply

for the marketer to judge the taste, decision, trend, feature and pattern of consumer

purchases. So my research problem is associated with the turbulent of change in

technology.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

1. To study the Consumer Preference towards the “Soni Vaio” laptop in Bhilai &

Durg, Chhattisgarh.

2. To determine the major factors influencing to purchase the “Sony Vaio” laptop.

INFORMATION REQUIRED

1) What is the profile of customer in Bhilai & Durg with respect to products

and services they purchase and the places they visit?

2) Which outlets/places are visited by them to purchase SONY products?

3) On what products and services do they spend most?

4) What are the sources of information for purchase of products?

5) How much do they spend?

6) How do they spend?

7) What are the basic factors influencing their buying decision process?

RESERCH DESIGN

I. Aim of Study.

The study aims to understand the Consumer Preference towards the “Soni

Vaio” laptop in Bhilai & Durg, Chhattisgarh.

II. Place of Study.

Bhilai is the second-largest city in Chhattisgarh, India with a population of

5, 53,837 (2001 census}. The city is located 22 km west of the capital

Raipur on the Howrah-Mumbai rail line, and National Highway 6.

III. Data Collection.

The data which has been chosen for this report was primary data and

secondary data.

For the collection of data I have targeted the Nehru Nagar, Sectors areas

and Supela due to heavy purchase of SONY products in this area.

The study takes place from 16/03/09 to 22/03/09.

Data has been collected by preparing a set of questionnaire.

IV. Sample Design.

I have taken the sample design of 50.

T- test is based on t- distribution and is considered an appropriate test for

judging the significance of a sample mean.

Chi-square is an important non-parametric test and as such no rigid

assumptions are necessary in respect of the type of population.

Data Analyzed.

Data will be analyzed through survey which is going to be held in some part of Bhilai & Durg.

Objectives of Study

The objective of the research is to ensure that I as a management student develop in real life for handling the specific project and also to develop all roundness in various management activities related to the area of my specialization. This training gives me a substantial corporate exposure and also serves as a useful tool of interaction with the corporate sector.

The project has been derived from the field of ‘Marketing’ and is entitled as “A study to know the consumer preference towards the “SONY VAIO” Laptops at Durg & Bhilai”.

The main idea behind this project is:

To make a knowledge about the consumer preference towards the SONY VAIO in Bhilai & durg.

Sony's Story

It was in 1946 that Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita together with a small team of passionate and committed group of employees started to build “Tokyo Tsushin Kenkyujo” (Totsuko) or “Tokyo Telecommunications Research Institute” into the billion dollar global conglomerate that it is today. The main objective of the company was to design and create innovative products which would benefit the people.

From early attempts at creating products like the rice-cooker to the later success of creating Japan’s first magnetic recorder, the innovative company went on to create other hit products which won the company widespread recognition and international acclaim as a truly global company known for its quality and innovative products. Significant product milestones included Japan’s first transistor radio (1955), Trinitron colour television (1968), Walkman personal stereo (1979), Handycam video camera (1989), PlayStation (1994), Blu-ray Disc recorder (2003) and PlayStation 3 (2006).

The company name of Sony was created by combining two words of “sonus” and “sonny”. The word “sonus” in Latin represents words like sonic sound. The other word “sonny” means little son. Used in combination, Sony is supposed to represent a very small group of young people who have the energy and passion towards unlimited creations and innovative ideas. With the far-sight of expanding worldwide, it was in 1958 that the company formally adopted “Sony Corporation” as its corporate name. Easy to pronounce and read in any language, the name Sony, which has a lively ring to it, fits comfortably with the spirit of freedom and open-mindedness.

List of SONY VAIO Products

VAIO P

Go everywhere with VAIO P, the Pocket Style PC. You can surf the Web or play songs quickly by “instant mode”. Video chat and Blog, even when you’re on the go. And count on its premium design to turn heads while fitting into any occasion.

VAIO Z

The choice of uncompromising executives, VAIO Z embodies Sony’s high-end PC technology, merging supreme performance with lightweight mobility and elite styling that communicates your elevated status.

VAIO TT

Graceful VAIO TT offers supreme mobility and exciting AV entertainment, thanks to premium-quality images and sound. Discover the pleasure of elegant refinement.

VAIO SR

Effortless performance and superior mobility — an unbeatable combination for both office and personal use. Slim and strikingly handsome, VAIO SR is the wise choice for those on their way to the top.

VAIO FW

VAIO FW provides a perfect union of functionality and style. Blu-ray Disc™ compatibility and the newly-developed 16.4 (41.6 cm), 16:9 Real Wide LCD deliver a breathtaking high-definition home theatre experience.

VAIO BZ

VAIO BZ was built for business — the culmination of a 15.4 (39.12 cm) screen in a slim and sleek design, with sturdy construction that has been rigorously tested for reliability in the field,

VAIO CS

Stay in touch with the latest trends with the CS Series. The fun, multicolour LED glows and winks at your touch while the body’s lustrous surface and luminous trim define your unique fashion style.

VAIO NS

Human-friendly VAIO NS has the style to fit anyone, anywhere. Its harmonious form reveals at a glance a notebook computer specially designed for comfortable, convenient operation.

Products

A Sony Vaio FJ series without webcam

Sony is expanding the use of the VAIO label. It can now be found on notebooks, subnotebooks, desktop, media centres, and a hard-disk-based audio player that comes in both 20GB and 40GB variations (called VAIO POCKET player). Network media solutions by Sony will also carry the VAIO brand.

VAIO notebooks are usually shipped with Microsoft Windows Vista Business (Business line) or Windows Vista Home Premium, with the highest end of the AR series spec being the exception, coming with Windows Vista Ultimate.

In mid-2005, all models stopped shipping with a Recovery CD, which was replaced by a hidden partition on the hard drive, accessible at boot via the BIOS or also within Windows via a utility. The partition allows the user to either reimage his hard drive to factory state, or to create recovery media. VAIO users are prompted to create a set of recovery CDs or DVDs as part of the out-of-box experience, along with a prompt to register at My Club Vaio, an internet forum for VAIO users which also provides automatic driver updates and technical support via email, along with exclusive desktop wallpapers and promotional offers.

On recent models, you are also prompted to register your trial versions of Microsoft Office and the installed antivirus software (Norton Anti-Virus on older models, and McAfee Antivirus on newer ones) upon initial boot.

VAIO computers come with components from companies such as Intel processors, Seagate Technology, Hitachi, Fujitsu or Toshiba hard drives, Infineon RAM, Atheros and Intel wireless chipsets, Sony (usually made by Hitachi) or Matsushita optical drives, Intel, NVIDIA or ATI graphics processors and Sony speakers. Recent laptops are being shipped with Qimonda RAM, HP speakers with Realtek High Definition Audio Systems, optional Dolby Sound Room technology.

Technology

The VAIO brand holds many unique technologies to its name. Some of these are:

Sony VAIO SZ Keyboard

Some Sony VAIO models come with Sony's proprietary XBRITE (also named as ClearBright in Japan and Asia-Pacific region) displays. The first model that introduce this feature is the VAIO TR series. It is also the first consumer product to utilize such technology. It is a combination of smooth screen, anti-reflection (AR) coating and high-efficiency lens sheet. Sony claims that the smooth finish provides a sharper screen display, the AR coating prevents external light from scattering when it hits the screen, and the high-efficiency lens sheet provides 1.5 times the brightness improvement over traditional LCD designs, while also extending battery life due to less usage of the LCD backlight. The technology was pioneered by Sony engineer Masaaki Nakagawa, who is in charge of the VAIO TR development.

The TX series introduced in September 2005 was the first notebook to implement an LED back-lit screen, which provides lower power consumption and greater color reproduction. This technology has been widely adopted by many other notebook manufacturers now. It was also the first to use a 16:9 aspect ratio screen with 1366x768 resolution.

The SZ series was the first to use switchable graphics, integrated Intel and discrete Nvidia graphics. The former could be used for less power consumption and greater battery life whereas the latter would be used when greater graphics processing power was needed. A switch is used to toggle between the graphics but required a cold-boot. The Z series has recently replaced the SZ series but does not require a restart of the system to change graphic modes, it can be done on the fly. This feature has subsequently been used by other manufacturers, including Apple, Asus and Alienware.

The high-end AR Series VAIOs were the first to incorporate a Blu-ray Disc burner. This series was designed to be the epitome of high-definition products including a

1080p capable WUXGA (1920 × 1200 pixels) screen, HDMI output and the aforementioned Blu-ray burner. The AR series also includes an illuminated logo below the screen. Blu-Ray/HDMI capable models have been the subject of intense promotion since mid-2007, selling with a variety of bundled Blu-Ray discs.

WinDVD BD for VAIO, the Blu-Ray disc playing software for VAIO BD notebooks, running in Windows Vista Home Premium

Another recent addition to the VAIO series is the TZ model. This new design features a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD) for rapid boot-ups, quicker application launches and greater durability. If selected, a 250GB Hard Drive may also be included in place of the built-in CD/DVD drive to provide room for additional storage. For security this model includes biometric fingerprint sensor and Trusted Platform Module. The TZ offers a Built-in highly miniaturized MOTION EYE camera built into the LCD panel for video conferencing. Additional features include the XBRITE LCD, integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology and Bluetooth technology.

A selection of media centers were added to the VAIO range in 2006. These monitorless units (identified by a product code prefixed by VGX rather than VGN) are designed to be part of a home entertainment system, which typically take input from a TV tuner card, and output video via HDMI or composite video connection to an ideally high-definition television. This range so far includes the XL and TP lines. The VGX-TP line is rather visually unique, featuring a circular, 'biscuit-tin' style design with most features obscured behind panels, rather than the traditional set-top box design.

The VAIO line also features a series of desktop computers, which incorporate motherboard and widescreen LCD monitor into a single unit (in a manner similar to the more recent models of Apple's iMac series). These are identified by VGC in the product code.

Bundled software

Sony has been criticized for loading its VAIO laptops with bloatware, or software that supposedly allows the user to immediately use the laptop for multimedia purposes. Sony forces users to install software such as AOL, Norton, SonicStage, Napster and Roxio, among countless "free trials" and intrusive advertisements. Dell had been accused of the same practice, but after strong customer feedback agreed to offer "limited" pre-installed software on its machines.[1]. The default

webcam software in VAIO notebooks is ArcSoft WebCam Companion. It offers a set of special effects called Magic-i visual effects, through which users can enhance the images and videos taken through the webcam. It also features the face detection feature. Certain other Sony proprietary software such as Click to Disc Editor, VAIO Music Box, VAIO Movie Story, VAIO Media Plus are also included in the recent models. Those shipped with ATI Radeon Video cards feature the Catalyst Control Center, which enables the user to adjust the various video features such as brightness, contrast, resolution etc, and also enables connecting with an external display.

Current models

Consumer laptops

AW Series - Sony's flagship model. 18.4" High-end multimedia machine, with 1080p resolution screen and SSD options. Replaces AR series.

AR Series (discontinued) - Display of 17", with 1080p capable screen, HDMI output and the optional BD burner.

FW Series - The world's first 16.4" notebook, features Blu-ray Disc burner. Also has an option for a full 1080p display.

FZ Series (discontinued) - A 15.4" notebook, features Blu-ray Disc burner in high end model. Marketed as the ultimate HD entertainment notebook with HD LCD screen in all the models.

CR Series (discontinued) - New 14" successor of the C series. Marketed as a 'lifestyle' laptop ("Whether you're studying at the coffee shop or out on the town with friends, the VAIO CR has the head-turning looks to get you noticed"), available in red, blue, pink or white. Sony were one of the first manufacturers to offer notebook computers in multiple colors - a feature later offered most notably by Dell, which produced a series of TV advertisements in mid-2008 stressing this feature

CS Series - A 14.1" notebook marketed as a slightly higher end laptop compared to CR Series with multiple variant for users to choose from.

NR Series (discontinued) - 15.4" entry level Vista laptop for home users.

NS Series - 15.4" entry level Vista laptop for home users. Successor of the NR Series.

P Series - 8" notebook that uses a 1.33 GHz Intel CPU, runs on Windows Vista, does not have an optical drive, but has a GPS.

Professional laptops

TZ Series - Ultra portable 11.1" professional notebook (1.2kg) TT Series - Ultra portable 11.1" professional notebook. The smallest

notebook computer to accommodate a Blu-ray Disc drive at 11 inches. Z Series - 13.1" Ultra portable, featuring a WXGA++ display with a 1366 x

768 and an optional 1600 x 900 resolution and integrated WWAN. (Replaces the high-end models of the SZ Series.)

SR Series - 13.3" Ultra portable, aimed at young professionals for home and business use. (Replaces the low-end models of the SZ Series.)

BZ Series - Robust business notebooks with Trusted Platform Module and biometric fingerprint security technology. (Replaces the BX Series.)

From Q2 of 2008, all models (starting with the SR, FW, BZ, and Z-series) have incorporated a cylindrical spine, with no ports on the back of the computer. Generally, the AC adapter port is located on one end of the cylindrical spine, and the power button on the other.

Heat problemsOn September 4, 2008, Sony announced a worldwide voluntary product inspection and rework program for TZ-series notebook computers manufactured since June 2007. All model numbers beginning with VGN-TZ1 and VGN-TZ2 were eligible, along with some VGN-TZ3 notebooks. The issue involves "a limited number of units" which could potentially "generate heat around the DC jack inlet and frame of LCD screen, which creates the potential of deformation of the plastic casing"[12]. In the United States, the service offered is generally on-site, whilst in the rest of the world the service typically involves collection of the notebook by a courier, often DHL, for servicing in a Sony repair centre. ChannelWeb reports 100,000 have been recalled.

Desktops/Digital home

L Series - 24" (LV Series. Features Full HD 1080, hybrid TV Tuner and Blu-ray reader/recorder. Able to record TV shows on Blu-ray) 20" (LN Series. Slightly lower end than LV Series. Features Blu-ray reader rather than recorder) 19" (LM Series) and 22" (LT Series) All-in-one

TP Series- Mini PC

RM Series - HD Workstation

HS Series - Home Server.

Nearly all Sony VAIO computers have hardware virtualization technology (VT) disabled, the exception being the new BZ range, which uses an Aptio BIOS by American Megatrends, rather than the customized Phoenix BIOS common on older models. The feature can be re-enabled by booting from a DOS disk and manually modifying the BIOS, but it is a relatively advanced and technical task.

Released in late 2008, the HS series are a fully-featured DLNA Certified media server. It is similar to the TP series in looks, albeit slightly smaller. The main differences from the rest of the VAIO range are that, surprisingly, it runs a VAIO-specific version of Linux rather than the standard Microsoft Windows products, and that it has no video output of its own, so must be accessed via a client machine over a network.

About BHILAI

Bhilai is the second-largest city in Chhattisgarh, India with a population of 5, 53,837 (2001 census}. The city is located 22 km west of the capital Raipur on the Howrah-Mumbai rail line, and National Highway 6.

The word Bhilai came from the actual native tribes of this area called 'Bhilai', after them it was named Bhilai as with the formation of Bhilai Steel Plant.

The town is famous for the Bhilai Steel Plant, one of the largest in the world. Nearby mines, connected to the steel plant by specially built rail lines, supply it with iron ore, dolomite, and manganese. Some of the steel products manufactured by Bhilai Steel plant are railway sleepers, rails, construction materials, and other steel products. Other factories in Bhilai produce chemicals, acids, and gases.

There are important companies like Simplex, ACC, BSBK Private Limited and Bhilai Engineering Corporation Ltd which started as ancillary of BSP but of late have become international entities in themselves.

The nearest big railway station is Durg, other railway stations being Bhilainagar, Bhilai Powerhouse, Kumhari and Bhilai-3. Bhilai has earned a reputation for a good educational hub especially for sending large number of students to Indian Institutes of Technology and to other reputed institutes of the country. Three of the town's educational institutions viz. Delhi Public School, BSP Senior Secondary School, Sector - 10 and BSP Senior Secondary School, Sector - 4 have been exceptional in their standards of quality of education and lead the way for schools throughout the state. Also, the city has produced 2 IIT JEE Toppers - Navin Budhiraja & Shashank Shekhar Dwivedi. Formerly a small town, Bhilai grew rapidly in the decades following the construction of the steel plant and other ancilliary units.

During 1990 and 2000 Bhilai has emerged as an excellent educational centre in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, both at school and college level. Six engineering colleges have come up in and around the city contributing to the educational needs in technological fields for the new developing state. Bhilai Institute of Technology, Durg is the pioneer of all the engineering colleges in the

state. It is the only college in the state which is offering Six Post Graduate and Six undergraduate courses in professional studies.

Beside this Chatrapati Shivaji Institute of Technology, a fast emerging engineering institute has also contributed to the development of the area near Pisegaon, and has also emerged as one of the most beautiful structural building in the city. Other colleges like M.G.M School, St. Thomas College and MP Christian College are among the pioneer Institutes in the city.

Bhilai is divided among 11 sectors. Each sector has a community hall, schools, health centers and market. Sports facilities are also maintained. There are two main stadium i.e. Pant stadium and Jayanti Stadium. Many Outdoor stadiums are also there for handball, and badminton. Main market places are Power House Market, Supela Market, Civic center, Aakash Ganga, Sector -6 'A' market.

Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Apollo Hospital are two of the most prestigious hospital of the state with research work. The pace of development has increased since the formation of Chhattisgarh state. The city itself is a very calm and peaceful place. Since the employees of Bhilai Steel Plant are the primary residents of the town, its population is a cosmopolitan one. Unlike other industrial towns, the residential areas in Bhilai are clean and green. Due to the employment opportunities created by the Bhilai Steel Plant, people from all over the country flock here and the culture here provide a scintillating example of "Unity in Diversity".

If you just want to check up the local hangouts, The Maitri Bag Zoo & Park is a nice place. The colorful musical fountain & the accompanying show are a must to watch. Sectors also have recreational parks where you can take a leisurely stroll. If you are serious about shopping and checking out the malls, Civic Center & Aakash Ganga are right choices. Things obviously tend to get a little expensive here, so for a price conscious buyer, the neighboring Durg and Sector-6 markets offer a welcome respite.

Bhilai is famous for Iron & Steel Plant. It is the only steel city of Chhattisgarh State. It is famous for technical tourism. Visitor passes are issued by the P.R.O. Department. The main places in the Steel Plant are: Coke oven battery, Blast furnace, Rail & Structure Mill, Plate Mill, Wire Rod Mill etc. It is also famous for

its Zoo. Various types of Indian & Foreign animals & birds are kept in this zoo. The zoo also consists of lake, toy train and many more. The big and spacious cinema halls attract large crowds and give entertainment throughout the year.

The steel plant township which is the dominant populated area is basically an artificially created area of domicile. And the people who have made this their home have come from all parts of the country. This merging of peoples from all over of India has created its own cosmopolitan culture. And since this is also predominantly a town of educated technocrats, has given rise to a culture of meritocracy and value for education.

The people of Bhilai also have a great tendency towards adopting new trends and life styles. Bhilai thus is a multicultural people from all over the world who have come and settled in this region. Bhilai people are also known for their simplicity, kindheartedness and adaptability. And this has emerged as the actual culture of Bhilai.

The people of this region are very fond of colours. The dresses they wear are all colourful. Women too wear sarees with Kardhani. In rural areas women wear “mala” (necklace) made of one rupee coins. Of course this has gone out of trend these days. The people of this region are also known for creating humour out of language. Comical plays are very popular and are worth watching.

Bhilai is rich in its cultural heritage. Bhilai has its own dance styles, cuisine, music, and traditional folk songs in which sohar song, bihav(marriage) song, and Pathoni songs are very famous. Sohar songs are related to childbirth, Bihav songs are related to marriage celebration. The main parts of Bihav songs are Chulmati, Telmati, Maymouri, Nahdouri, Parghani, Bhadoni and other songs related to Bhanver, Dowery and Vidai songs. Pathoni songs are related to gouna (departure of bride to bridegroom home). Seasonal Chhattisgarhi folk songs are Fag (Basant Geet), Baramasi (12 months), Sawnahi (in rainy seasons). Festival's related Chhattisgarhi folk songs are Cher-Chera songs (in welcome of new crops, child songs), Dohe of Rout Nacha (Dipawali), Sua songs (Dipawali).

Regional folk songs are Goura songs (worships Shivji & Parvati in Dipawali), Mata Seva songs, Janvara songs, Bhojali songs, Dhankul songs, songs of Nagpanchami. Loriya & playing songs of child are Loriya, Fugdi, Kau-Mau, Chau-

Mau, Khuduwa (Kakdi), Dandi Pouha. Karma songs, Danda songs & Dewar songs are most popular of Entertainment songs in Bhilai.

Bhilai is rich in its cultural heritage. Durg has its own dance styles, cuisine, & music. Pandwani the musical narration of the epic Mahabharata, "Raut Nacha"(The folk dance of cow-herds) and the Panthi and Soowa dance styles are very popular in the region. Teejan Bai, the Pandwani artist was awarded Padmashree for her contribution to this dance style. Ritu Verma is also a well known name.

People of Durg celebrate marriage and other cultural festivals like Navakhani, Ganga Dushhara, Sarhul Chherka, Durga Puja, Dushara, Dipawali, Karma & Kartika, Guru Govind jayanti and Christmas.

In Bhilai with the brand names such as BRAVIA, Xplod, Sony hi-fi, Handy cam, Cyber-shot‚ WEGA, VAIO, Walkman, PlayStation, Sony has established itself as a value leader across its various product ranges of Audio/Visual Entertainment products, Information and Communications‚ Recording Media, Business and Professional products.

Bhilai located in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, is a major travel destination of central India. With the help of Russian Government the second Indian Steel plant was grown from the date 2nd Feb 1955. At that time Bhilai was an unknown remote village. But now that very place is known to all over the world. A new and modern city has been developed there surrounding the steel plant, with the growing population of 8, 25,837  (2007 census).

Consumers are mainly focused on the broad-scale adoption of new technologies that can empower them in previously unimagined ways. As a result, buying behavior of consumer is changing to adapting to new technological advances so rapidly that marketers or the consumer based enterprises sometimes cannot keep pace.

To maintain the pace of consumer for advanced technologies Sony is putting in the effort over the years in Bhilai region and has the limits of possibilities and boggled the mind with its breakthrough technology. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that it’s been the soul of technology for the past few years.

Sony cutting-edge digital products have set new standards in entertainment for Bhilai customer .They have enriched and evolved Bhilai people lifestyle. Whether people consider the brilliance of the Sparkling Wega technology in its colour televisions or the incredible colour and clarity of BRAVIA in its LCDs, they are engineering marvels that bring images to life of Bhilai people.

The VAIO L panel PC turns conventional thinking of people of Bhilai. Its designer-thin sleek profile can change the look of any room. A retractable keyboard, an integrated handle and wireless LAN capability make it incredibly easy to operate. It’s a product that will take your breath away.

Sony also boasts of an incredible range of easy-to-use Handy cams and Cyber-shot digital still cameras. They are designing to capture and preserve precious moments with flawless detail, superb clarity and high colour accuracy.

People of Bhilai are music lover for those music enthusiasts, Sony’s range of personal audio is just what they need. It brings together superb technology, mind-blowing sound and compact design, like-never-before.

So, if Customer is thinking of bringing home a world-class entertainment product, he must choose a Sony. Simply because when it comes to design, Sony is like no other.

(calculation)

Bibliography

1) Kothari, C. R. – Research Methodology, New Delhi, New Age International

(P) Ltd, Edition 2006

2) Kotler Philip, “Marketing Management”, 8th Edition, June, 1995, Page no. 172-197.

Websites

1) Google Search Engine (www.google.co.in)

2) Yahoo Search Engine (www.Yahoo.co.in)

3) Sony India Private Limited official Website (www.sony.co.in)

4) www.Bhilai.co.in

Questioner

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am conducting a study to know the consumer preference towards the “SONY VAIO” Laptops at Durg & Bhilai. I need your help in conducting this study. Kindly provide me your valuable opinion to fill this questioner. Your information will be kept confidential and will be exclusively used for academic purpose.

Gaurav Ujawane

MBA II sem,

SSIMT, Bhilai.

Please rate the following factor interim of their importance that you consider while purchasing any laptop (5 as strongly disagree, 4 as partially disagree, 3 as neutral, 2 as partially agree & 1 as strongly agree).

Question 5 4 3 2 1

1. I value price as an important factor to purchase any laptop.

2. I value brand is an important factor while purchasing any laptop.

3. I value configuration as an important factor to purchase any laptop.

4. I value Service is an important factor while purchasing any laptop.

5. I value guarantee & warranty of laptop parts as an important factor while purchasing any laptop.

6. I value free gifts as an important factor while purchasing any laptop.

7. I value availability as an important factor while purchasing any laptop.

8. I value after sales service as an important factor while purchasing any laptop.

9. I value available of spares as an important factor while purchasing any laptop.

10. I value Finance as an important factor while purchasing any laptop.

1. Name:………………………………………………….

2. Age (in years)

Below 20 ( ) 21 – 30 ( )

31 - 40 ( ) 41 - 50 ( )

51 Years & above ( )

3. Gender

Male ( ) Female ( )

4. Educational Profile

Up to School level ( ) Up to H.S ( )

Graduates ( ) Post Graduate ( )

5. Annual Income (in Rupees)

Below 100,000 ( ) 100,001 –200,000 ( )

200,001 – 300,000 ( ) Above 300,000 ( )