Thumbnail Image

Thesis

Browse

2016 - 20172
Reset filters
Author: Amanpreet Singh × End date: 2018 ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Thermal modeling of asymmetric overlap roof greenhouse for year round microclimate control
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2017) Amanpreet Singh; Sethi, V. P.
    In this study global solar radiation availability and thermal model for newly developed asymmetric overlap roof shape of greenhouse was developed. A mathematical model for global solar radiation availability was utilized to compute monthly average daily solar radiation, hourly solar radiation and instantaneous solar radiation; the computed values of solar radiation were utilized in dynamic thermal model to ascertain hourly plant and inside air temperature. Newly developed shape was also compared with previously developed two best shapes of greenhouse viz. even-span and modified arch in terms of solar radiation capture and for inside plant and air temperature buildup. Experimental validation of both the models is carried out for the measured instantaneous solar radiation, plant and inside air temperature for an east-west orientation, asymmetric overlap roof greenhouse (for a typical day in summer) at Ludhiana (310N and 770E) Punjab, India. The per cent difference between predicted inside air temperature and the average of measured values ranged from 0.49 to 24.58 with root mean square error of 5.69. The difference between the measured and predicted values of plant temperature varies from 3.96 to 26.99 per cent with root mean square error of 3.7. During the experimentation, tomato crop is grown inside the greenhouse and modified fan-fogger evaporative cooling system was installed and operated in sequence with different combinations of back side screen net (40×40 mesh size) and assorted sequential timings of on/off operations of fan-fogger. In this study, three different combinations of back side screen net with operational timings of fan-foggers combinations were employed and in order to optimize the operation time of fans and foggers, different combinations of operational time at fixed back side screen opening were also tested. By using modified fan-fogger evaporative cooling system, inside air temperature (Tai) drop was 120 C in twelve minutes during peak hours of solar load. During summer months of May and June, modified fan-fogger evaporative cooling system extracts heat at the rate of 9-10 kW to maintain inside air temperature lower by 8-90 C as compared to ambient air. Optimum value of cooling efficiency of modified fan-fogger evaporative cooling system comes out to be at 6 feet back side screen net slot and at 25 seconds of total operational time of MFFECS.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemRestricted
    Understanding Purchase Behaviour and Analyzing Marketing Mix Strategies: A study of Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) Consumers
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2016) Amanpreet Singh; Kathuria, Lalit Mohan
    The present study was undertaken with the objectives: to investigate purchase behaviour of bottom of the pyramid consumers; to examine the willingness to purchase branded products; to explore the influence of social networks on purchase behaviour; to study marketing mix strategies of companies; and to recommend changes in marketing mix strategies. First three objectives were achieved by collecting primary data through a survey of 600 respondents held across two states of northern India viz. Punjab and Haryana. Findings highlighted that female members in the households play a greater role while taking purchase decisions related to food and FMCG; whereas male members were found to play a major role in purchase decisions related to durable products. The study also provided empirical evidence regarding differences in the purchase behavior of rural and urban consumers towards durable products. For example, perceived behavioral control emerged as the strongest predictor to purchase durable products among urban consumers; whereas subjective norms were found to be the most important predictor of purchase intention among rural consumers. Further, results highlighted attitude as the strongest driver of intention to purchase branded food followed by perceived behavioral control and subjective norms. Factor ‘product appearance, price and brand’ was found to be significant in the prediction of willingness to purchase branded FMCG; whereas three factors ‘familiarity and convenience’; ‘appearance and price’; and ‘quality and brand name’ emerged significant predictors of willingness to purchase branded durable products. The results highlighted trust as the strongest predictor of intention to purchase a product recommended by network members. Fourth objective of the study was achieved by interviewing 50 managers of selected companies. Findings indicated that pricing strategies emerged as the strongest predictor of company’s performance followed by promotion strategies, distribution intensity and product strategies. Based on these findings, the present study also suggested modifications in marketing mix strategies of companies serving BOP consumers.