EDU404.2: Preparation and uploading of self designed article of pedagogic relevance in the Blog

 

Topic: “USES OF FOOD APPS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO STUDENTS OF ERNAKULAM DISTRICT”

1.0. ABSTRACT

This project study examines the uses of food apps among  students in Ernakulam District. A sample of 100 students was selected using a convenient sampling method, considering the youth as the primary consumers of online food and the lack of studies specifically focused on  students in this area. The study aims to fill this research gap and provide valuable insights for students. The findings indicate that most students prefer using the Swiggy app, with a higher proportion of female users. Time-saving was identified as a significant factor influencing the choice to use food apps. The study suggests that food apps should offer more discounts and promotions during off-seasons to attract more students, reduce food costs for affordability, and prioritize food quality. By understanding customer needs and preferences, food apps can build strong relationships and cater better to students.

2.0. Introduction

            The 21st century has ushered in an era dominated by the internet, giving rise to what can be called the "e-generation." The internet has sparked immense excitement by revolutionizing various businesses, including e-commerce, e-Business, e-Supply Chain, e-Payment, e-Ticketing, e-Learning, and even e-Government. It has opened up endless opportunities by enabling businesses to operate in cyberspace and connect people across the globe, transcending geographical boundaries.

Online food ordering has become a convenient way for customers to have their favorite meals delivered or picked up from local restaurants or food cooperatives. Customers can browse through a variety of cuisines, select their preferred items, and choose between delivery or pickup. Payment options usually include cash or credit card. The significance of mobile apps and web-based food ordering systems cannot be underestimated. With the increasing use of smartphones, rising literacy rates, and greater internet accessibility, the potential for success in the home delivery business is just a click away. For instance, Domino's Pizza claims to deliver over 50,000 pizzas daily, with 15,000 of those orders being made online. Faso's, another popular food chain, processes over 60,000 orders daily, primarily through their mobile app.

The online food and restaurant service sector in India, is experiencing exponential growth. With a population of over 1.5 billion, India is undeniably one of the world's largest consumer markets. Additionally, around 50% of the population is below the age of 25, making India home to one of the youngest populations worldwide. The majority of fast food demand comes from the 15-40 age group. Furthermore, by 2025, the Indian middle-class demographic is projected to reach 550 million. The appetites of young Indians play a significant role in driving the demand in the overall food and beverage industry.

A study conducted in Ernakulam District sheds light on the food app usage habits among students. Nowadays, many people, including students, prefer using food apps to order their meals due to convenience or their busy schedules. This shift in food culture is particularly noticeable among students, who often opt for doorstep food delivery during small gatherings or other enjoyable moments. This study highlights the changing food consumption patterns among students in Ernakulam District, Kerala, with the growing popularity of food apps.

2.1. Significance of the Study

By the emergence of the technological era, more of the youngsters are very much going behind the online food apps rather than preferring the homely food or by going to the restaurants and hotels. All they want the entire world in to their fingertips. Comparing to the families, the students are very much fond to the online world. This rush also leads to the emergence of so many online food apps like SWIGGY, UBER, ZOMMATO, etc. Online food delivery system offers a lot of comfort and versatility and most important is that it is faster than anything else. Various studies are conducted on the concept of online food delivery but none of them focus on the uses of food apps among students. Hence it is believed that this study will be useful for students.

2.2. Statement of the Problem

Online food delivery is one of the modern marketing techniques. Now a day’s customers are giving more priority towards the aspect of online food delivery. As the time passes there will develop new online food app companies. It is necessary for a business to stay online and to keep the online edge. In this increasing online world, it is essential to conduct a study on the use of online food delivery apps because of day-to-day changes in marketing techniques and the arrival of new companies. But there exist some problems in various contexts. Such as the frequent use of such packed food may cause various health issues, and there is a chance for delaying the delivery of ordered food, somehow it replaces the place of kitchen in our home, it needs a good network connection etc. The habit of cooking gradually decreases and we all become the consumers of packed foods.

The present study is an attempt to understand the uses of online food delivery among students with special reference to Ernakulam District.

2.3. Scope of the Study

Following are the scope of this project work.

1. The study is helpful to evaluate the influence of online food delivery apps among  students of Ernakulam district.

2. The result of the study would be able to recognize the factors that attract the youth to purchase food online through various food apps, and what are the other factors that give importance in order to satisfy them.

3. The study mainly focused on the students those who have the internet subscription and using food apps.

2.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

·         To analyze factors affecting attitudes of  students towards food delivery apps

·         To analyse which gender is using the food apps frequently

·         To analyse the age wise relationship of  students with food apps use.

·         To find out whether food apps make any change in the food habits among students

·         To study which of the food app is popular among the  students

 

3.0. Executive Summary of Project

The purpose of this project study is to explore the uses of food apps among  students in Ernakulam District. A sample size of 100 students was selected using a convenient sampling method, considering that young individuals are the primary consumers of online food and that there is a lack of notable studies focusing on college students in this area.

In today's technological era, an increasing number of young people are turning to online food apps instead of home-cooked meals or dining out at restaurants. While various studies have been conducted on the concept of online food delivery, none of them have specifically examined the usage patterns among college students. Therefore, this study aims to fill that gap and provide valuable insights for students.

However, relying excessively on online food delivery can give rise to certain issues. Frequent consumption of packed foods may lead to health problems, there can be delays in food delivery, it may replace traditional cooking practices, and it requires a stable internet connection. As a result, the habit of cooking gradually diminishes, and individuals become reliant on pre-packaged meals.

Online shopping, including food delivery, is a form of electronic commerce that allows consumers to purchase goods or services directly from sellers via the internet using a web browser. When it comes to eating out, several aspects are changing due to the premium value of time. Using food apps offers advantages such as real-time online ordering, a wider range of choices, and attractive and time-saving mobile app interfaces. On the other hand, disadvantages include potential health issues, higher costs, and the inability to physically examine items before purchase. Common methods of payment for online shopping include cash on delivery (C.O.D) and debit card usage.

This study aims to evaluate the influence of online food delivery apps among  students in Ernakulam District. The primary objectives are to analyze the frequency of food app usage based on gender and identify the most popular food app among  students. The hypotheses being tested are: 1) there is a significant relationship between gender and the use of food apps among  students, and 2) there is a correlation between age groups of students and their use of food apps. Data for the study were collected through a structured questionnaire and secondary sources. Data analysis employed methods such as percentage calculations, and chi-square test.

The main limitations of this study are its focus on a specific geographical area (Ernakulam District), which limits the generalizability of the findings and recommendations. Furthermore, the study relies primarily on primary data, thus inheriting the limitations associated with such data collection methods.

The study revealed that the majority of students prefer using the Swiggy app, with a higher proportion of female users. Time-saving was identified as an important factor influencing respondents' choice to use food apps. Suggestions for improvement include offering more discounts and offers during off-seasons to attract more students to use food apps, reducing food costs for students to encourage larger orders, and ensuring food quality. Overall, students expressed that online food delivery apps provided them with convenience and time savings.

In conclusion, understanding customers' needs and wants is crucial for building strong relationships with them. This study highlights the preferences and behaviours of  students regarding food app usage. By addressing the identified areas for improvement, food apps can better cater to the needs of this consumer segment.