FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT REPORT ON

“A STUDY ON INVESTMENT PREFERENCES OF DOCTORS

IN NAVI MUMBAI.”

Submitted in Partial Fulfilment for the Award of the Degree of

Master of Management Studies (MMS)

(Under University of Mumbai)

BATCH 2019 - 21

SUBMITTED BY
SHRUTI SHRIDHAR VARUDE
ROLL NO: 191101

SPECIALISATION
FINANCE

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

PROF. SHAILENDRA PAWASKAR

PILLAI INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND RESEARCH,

NEW PANVEL - 410206
 DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this Project Report titled “A STUDY ON INVESTMENT

PREFERENCES OF DOCTORS IN NAVI MUMBAI ” Submitted by me to

PILLAI INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND RESEARCH,
NEW PANVEL – 410206 is a bonafide work undertaken by me and it is not submitted
to any other University or Institution for the award of any degree diploma or certificate or
published any time before.

Name – Shruti Varude

Roll No.- 191101

Signature of the Student

2
 PILLAI INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND RESEARCH,
NEW PANVEL - 410206

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that project titled “A STUDY ON INVESTMENT PREFERENCES OF

DOCTORS IN NAVI MUMBAI” Is successfully completed by Mr. / Ms.SHRUTI
SHRIDHAR VARUDE during the IV Semester, in partial fulfilment of the master’s degree
in Management Studies recognized by the University of Mumbai for the academic year
2019–21 through PILLAI INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND

RESEARCH, NEW PANVEL – 410206. This project work is original and not
submitted earlier for the award of any degree / diploma or associateship of any other
University / Institution.

Name of Guide: Prof. Shailendra Pawaskar

 

(Signature of the
Date: ______________________ Guide)

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I sincerely thank Prof. Shailendra Pawaskar for the guidance and encouragement
in carrying out this project work. I also thank the Director of Pillai Institute of
Management Studies & Research, Dr. R. Chandran for providing me the
opportunity to embark on this project.

4
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

How and where the people invest their hard earned money is an important decision.
Investment is the application of money for earning more money. The investment basically
refers to the buying of a financial product or any value item with anticipation that positive
returns will be received in future. People are earning, but they do not know where, when and
how to invest their funds or money earned by them. A proper understanding of money, its
value, the available investment avenues, the rate of return/risk etc. are very important to
successfully manage one's finance for achieving future goals.

This project is based on study of investment avenues available to the consumers. This project
will share a light on the investment preference of doctors in Navi Mumbai. The study
basically focuses on various investment avenues available and what factors are considered for
making an investment. The study is based on survey conducted through structured
questionnaire on

This study led to the conclude that many people are not ready to take risk for their funds they
prefer to make investment in Bank Deposits, Post office saving Schemes, etc. and many
people are not aware about how to make an investment in the shares.

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 CONTENT
SR.NO TABLE OF CONTENT PAGE
NO.
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION OF THE
PROJECT
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Need of Study
1.3 Aim of the Study
1.4 Objective of Study
1.5 Scope of the Study
1.6 Limitations of the Study

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 Background of Investment Preferences
2.2 Theories related to Investment Preferences
2.3 Factors of Investment Preferences

CHAPTER III: RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.1.1 Type of Research
3.1.2 Research Method
3.1.3 Population of the Study
3.1.4 Data Collection Methods
3.2 Sampling Design
3.2.1 Sample of the Study
3.2.2 Sampling Technique

CHAPTER IV: DATA REPRESENTATION

AND DATA ANALYSIS
4.1 Data Representation
4.2 Data Analysis

CHAPTER V: FINDINGS AND

DISCUSSION OF THE STUDY

6
5.1 Results/Findings of the Study

CHAPTER VI: CONCLUSION

CHAPTER VII: BIBLIOGRAPHY /
REFERENCES

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

7
1.1 INTRODUCTION

“In investing money, the amount of interest you want should depend on whether you

want to eat well or sleep well.”

- J. Kenfield Morley

The word Investment is defined in many ways according to various theories and principles.
However, the different meanings of "investment" are more alike than dissimilar. Investment
is the application of money for earning more money. Investment is the utilization of resources
in order to increase income and/or production output in the future. An amount deposited in a
bank or machinery that is purchased in anticipation of earning income in the long run is both
examples of investments. The most important feature of financial investments is that they
carry high market liquidity. The method used for evaluating the value of a financial
investment is known as valuation. The act of investing has the goal of generating financial
gains and increasing value over time. An investment can refer to any mechanism used for
generating future income. This includes the purchase of bonds, stocks, or real estate property,
among other examples. Also the purchasing a property that can be used to produce goods can
be considered an investment. An investment may not generate any income, or may actually
lose value after some period of time.

An investment is the employment of funds with the aim of achieving income and gains in
value the main characteristics of investment are waiting for a reward. Investment is the
allocation of monetary resources to assets that are expected to yield some gain or positive

8
return over a given period of time. Investment aims at multiplication of money at higher
or lower rates depending upon whether it is long term or short term investment and
whether it is risky or risk-free investment. Investment activity involves creation of assets
or exchange of assets with profit motive. “An investment in knowledge pays the best
interest”. The investment is a commitment of a person’s funds to derive future income in the
form of interest, dividends, rent, premium, pension benefits or appreciation of the value of
their principle capital. Most investments are considered transfers of financial assets from
one person to another. Various investment options are available with differing risk-reward
trade-offs.An understanding of the core concepts and a thorough analysis. Investment refers
to the concept of deferred consumption which may involve purchasing an asset, giving a
loan or keeping funds in a bank account with the aim of generating future returns. An
understanding of the core concepts and a thorough analysis of the options can help investors
create a portfolio that maximizes returns while minimizing risk exposure.

Savings form an investment part of the economy of any nation. With the savings invested in
various options available to the people, money acts as the driver for growth of the country.
One need to invest and earn return on their idle resources and generate a specified
sum of money for a specific goal in life and make a provision for an uncertain future.
One of the important reasons why one needs to invest wisely is to meet the cost of inflation.

1.2 TO NEED OF STUDY

This analysis on individual investor’s behaviour is an attempt to know the profiles

of the investor and also know the characteristics of the investors so as to know their
preference with respect to their investments. The study also tries to unravel the
influence of demographic factors like age on risk, tolerance level of the investor.

1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to analyze the investment behavior of Investor i.e Doctors in this
research study. A particular area is taken into consideration for this research which is Navi
Mumbai.

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 1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study has been undertaken in order to achieve the following objectives:

● To know various options available to invest.

● To know investor’s perceptions regarding various investment options.
● To study the investment behaviour of investors and the factors that impact their
investment decision.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This analysis is based upon the investor's pattern for investment preference, awareness,
during normal time Vis-a-vis recessionary period. This analysis would be focusing on
the information from the salaried people about their knowledge, perception, and
behaviour on different financial products.

● The total number of financial instruments in the market is so large that it

needs a lot of time and resources to analyse them all.

● As the analysis is based on primary as well as secondary data.

● Research was carried on in Navi Mumbai.

● Investment pattern analysis has been limited to only individuals.

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1.6 Limitations of the Study

● The data collected is basically confined to secondary sources, with a survey i.e
primary data associated with the project.

● There is a constraint with regard to time allocated for the research study.

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

11
 2.1 BACKGROUND OF INVESTMENT PREFERENCES

In India the socio-economic profile of the people changes dramatically. Today people are not
only spending on products and services, earlier considered a luxury but are also looking
at smarter ways of investing their money. This is mainly due to the fact, that people today
not only have a wider choice of investing in different saving instruments, but are also
more educated and aware about their choices. People are now moving beyond the traditional
saving options of fixed deposits, post office savings to wider investment options in the
form of insurance, mutual funds, bonds, equities and even property.

Saving Is income not spent, or deferred consumption. Methods of saving include

putting money aside in a bank or pension plan. Saving also includes reducing expenditures,
such as recurring costs. In terms of personal finance, saving specifies low-risk preservation of
money, as in a deposit account, versus investment, wherein risk is higher.

What is savings?

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Income – expenditure = savings. In today’s rapidly changing financial environment, it
is critical that individuals not only protect and enhance their current financial resources, but
also prepare for future security and against loss of income. This requires careful
planning and prudent management of one’s financial assets. Financial planning is the key
and the first step towards fulfilling ones dreams and aspirations

whether it is about providing for the family, buying a home or a car. Good planning
also ensures financial security for the family throughout life, even in the eventuality of the
death of the earning member of the family. An important component of a sound financial
plan is not only the inclusion of life insurance investment but also providing for adequate
insurance coverage in the plan. It is therefore critical for individuals to discuss their unique
needs with qualified Financial Planning Advisers who can assist in determining the
right plan and amount of coverage required. Consumers are now exposed to an array of
modern and innovative products. Depending on the needs of the customers, Investment is
the certain present value for the uncertain future reward. It entails arriving at numerous
decision such as types, mix, amounts, timing, grade etc of investment and
disinvestment .further such decision making has not only to be order to get return on its in the
future, which is known as investment .There are various investment avenues such a equity,
bonds, insurance and bank deposit etc. A portfolio is a combination of different investment
assets mixed and matched for the purpose of achieving gold. There are various factors which
affects investors Portfolio such as annual income government, policy natural
calamities, economical changes etc

PRINCIPLES OF INVESTMENT

1. Invest For the Long Term

Short term investing is one of the downfalls of current investing strategies. The truly great
investors realize if you buy an investment at a favorable price it may take time for the market
to recognize its true value. Long term investing is one of the most important investing
principles because short term trading usually leads to poor long term performance. This is
common because many investors let fear and greed cause them to make bad decisions. The
long term will take care of itself if you make wise investment decisions.

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 2. Asset Allocation

The asset allocation, how you divide your portfolio among different asset categories, will be
the biggest determinant of your investment returns. This is where many investors fail because
they put little thought or effort into their asset allocation strategy. If you place your money
into overvalued asset categories you will experience poor long term returns. It’s important to
overweight asset categories that are bargain priced and underweight or avoid asset categories
that are expensive.

3. Invest With a Margin of Safety

If you buy an asset for less than its real value you have a margin of safety. One of my favorite
sayings is: ‘Price Matters’ The best plan to lower risk is to buy investments at a price that is
lower than the real or intrinsic value.

A low price means greater upside appreciation if conditions are favorable. At the same time,
a low price provides a margin of safety if circumstances are not ideal. Always plan on less
than ideal conditions, something usually goes wrong.

4. Diversification

Investment diversification in small numbers provides enormous benefits. Don’t put all the
eggs in one basket is the best example of diversification.

5. Maintain a balanced outlook on the market

The investment portfolio would be regularly monitored to understand the impact of changes
in business and economic trend as well as investor sentiment. While short-term market
volatility would affect valuations of the portfolio, this is not expected to influence the
decision to own fundamentally strong companies.

6. Disciplined approach to selling

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The decision to sell a holding would be based on either the anticipated price appreciation
being achieved or being no longer possible due to a change in fundamental factors affecting
the company or the market in which it competes, or due to the availability of an alternative
that, in the view of the Investment Manager, offers superior returns.

TYPES OF INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE INVESTORS-

1. Shares

Equity shares are long-term financing sources for any company. These shares are issued to
the general public and are non-redeemable in nature. Investors in such shares hold the right to
vote, share profits and claim assets of a company. The value in case of equity shares can be
expressed in various terms like par value, face value, book value and so on.

Investing in best equity shares has the following benefits, such as –

• High Income

• Hedge Against Inflation 

• Portfolio Diversification 

The Risks Associated with this Investment -

Share market tends to be the most volatile segment in a stock market, profoundly affected by
minor fluctuations. Returns on equity investments are paid out after all other obligations of a
company have been met. During market downturn, production cycle of a business is affected,
thereby reducing profits generated by a business. This lower share of profit is used up to meet
all existing liabilities before funds are disbursed to as equity investment returns. Thus equity
markets tend to be adversely affected during market downturn.

2. Mutual Funds

A mutual fund is a type of financial vehicle made up of a pool of money collected from many
investors to invest in securities like stocks, bonds, money market instruments, and other
assets. Mutual funds are operated by professional money managers, who allocate the fund's
assets and attempt to produce capital gains or income for the fund's investors. A mutual

15
fund's portfolio is structured and maintained to match the investment objectives stated in its
prospectus.

Mutual funds give small or individual investors access to professionally managed portfolios
of equities, bonds, and other securities. Each shareholder, therefore, participates
proportionally in the gains or losses of the fund. Mutual funds invest in a vast number of
securities, and performance is usually tracked as the change in the total market cap of the
fund—derived by the aggregating performance of the underlying investments.

Types of Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are divided into several kinds of categories, representing the kinds of securities
they have targeted for their portfolios and the type of returns they seek. There is a fund for
nearly every type of investor or investment approach.

• Equity Funds

• Fixed-Income Fund

• Index Funds

• Balanced Funds

• Money Market Funds

• Income Funds

• International/Global Funds; etc

Investing in mutual funds has the following benefits, such as Diversification

• Easy Access

• Economies of Scale

• Professional Management

• Variety and Freedom of Choice

• Transparency

3. Debentures

A debenture is a type of bond or other debt instrument that is unsecured by collateral. Since
debentures have no collateral backing, they must rely on the creditworthiness and reputation

16
of the issuer for support. Both corporations and governments frequently issue debentures to
raise capital or funds.

4. Derivative

Derivatives can be used to hedge a position, speculate on the directional movement of an

underlying asset, or give leverage to holdings. Their value comes from the fluctuations of the
values of the underlying asset.

Originally, derivatives were used to ensure balanced exchange rates for goods traded
internationally. With the differing values of national currencies, international traders needed a
system to account for differences. Today, derivatives are based upon a wide variety of
transactions and have many more uses. There are even derivatives based on weather data,
such as the amount of rain or the number of sunny days in a region.

Types of Derivatives

There are many different types of derivatives that can be used for risk management, for
speculation, and to leverage a position. Derivatives is a growing marketplace and offer
products to fit nearly any need or risk tolerance.

• Futures

Futures contracts—also known simply as futures—are an agreement between two parties for
the purchase and delivery of an asset at an agreed upon price at a future date. Futures trade on
an exchange, and the contracts are standardized. Traders will use a futures contract to hedge
their risk or speculate on the price of an underlying asset. The parties involved in the futures
transaction are obligated to fulfil a commitment to buy or sell the underlying asset.

• Forwards

Forward contracts—known simply as forwards—are similar to futures, but do not trade on an

exchange, only over-the-counter. When a forward contract is created, the buyer and seller
may have customized the terms, size and settlement process for the derivative. As OTC
products, forward contracts carry a greater degree of counterparty risk for both buyers and
sellers.

• Swaps

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Swaps are another common type of derivative, often used to exchange one kind of cash flow
with another. For example, a trader might use an interest rate swap to switch from a variable
interest rate loan to a fixed interest rate loan, or vice versa.

Swaps can also be constructed to exchange currency exchange rate risk or the risk of default
on a loan or cash flows from other business activities. Swaps related to the cash flows and
potential defaults of mortgage bonds are an extremely popular kind of derivative—a bit too
popular. In the past it was the counterparty risk of swaps like this that eventually spiralled
into the credit crisis of 2008.

• Options

An options contract is similar to a futures contract in that it is an agreement between two

parties to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined future date for a specific price. The key
difference between options and futures is that, with an option, the buyer is not obliged to
exercise their agreement to buy or sell. It is an opportunity only, not an obligation—futures
are obligations. As with futures, options may be used to hedge or speculate on the price of the
underlying asset.

5. Gold

There are a plethora of precious metals, but gold is placed in high regard as an investment.
Due to some influencing factors such as high liquidity and inflation-beating capacity, gold is
one of the most preferred investments in India. Gold investment can be done in many forms
like buying jewellery, coins, bars, gold exchange-traded funds, Gold funds, sovereign gold
bond scheme, etc.

Though there are times when markets see a fall in the prices of gold but usually it doesn’t last
for long and always makes a strong upturn. Once you have made your mind to invest in gold,
you should decide the way of investing meticulously.

The basic gold investment methodologies -

● Physical Gold

● Gold ETFs (Exchanged Traded Funds)

● Gold Mutual funds

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 ● Sovereign Gold Bonds

● Digital Gold

6. Government Securities

These are debt instruments issued by the government to borrow money. The two key
categories are treasury bills – short-term instruments which mature in 91 days, 182 days, or
364 days, and dated securities – long-term instruments, which mature anywhere between 5
years and 40 years.

G-sec are the low-risk products, there are many types of government securities in India for
you to choose from. They can broadly be classified into four categories, namely Treasury
Bills (T-bills), Cash Management Bills (CMBs), dated G-Secs, and State Development Loans
(SDLs).

7. Banks

• Bank Fixed Deposit (FD)

Bank FDs are considered as one of the safest investment options in India as there are hardly
any instances of a bank defaulting on FD. Bank FDs offer a much higher rate of interest than
a regular savings bank account. Investments in 5-year tax-saving FDs are covered under
Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and investors can deduct up to Rs 1,50,000 a year
by investing in this.

FDs offer a slightly higher rate of interest for senior citizens. The rate of interest varies across
the investment tenure, amount, residential status (NRI or not), and bank. FDs come with a
lock-in period. If you wish to withdraw within the lock-in period, then the bank would levy
penalties in the form of deducting interest accrued on the investment. Apart from banks, other
financial institutes also offer FDs.

• Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a government-backed investment scheme. PPF investment has a lock-in period of 15

years. PPF is considered as one of the safest investments as sovereign guarantees back the
scheme. Like bank FDs, PPFs offer a much higher rate of interest than a regular savings bank
account.

• National Pension Scheme (NPS)

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NPS is another government-backed retirement scheme. The scheme is managed by the
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). NPS is a combination of
various investments such as liquid funds, fixed deposits, and corporate bonds. There are
various schemes under NPS, you can choose as per your requirement. The rate of interest
various across the funds.

• Equity-Linked Savings Scheme

ELSS is the only equity-linked and mutual fund scheme that is covered under Section 80C of
the Income Tax Act, 1961. ELSS has the lowest lock-in period (3 years) among all Section
80C avenues. Also, ELSS offers the highest rate of returns among Section 80C options, and
hence, it is one of the most popular investment options in India. It provides the twin benefit
of tax deductions and wealth growth. Investing in ELSS has moderate risk.

• Recurring Deposit (RD)

Recurring deposit is an alternative to FDs. Under RDs, individuals invest a fixed sum
regularly. Like FDs, RDs too offer a much higher rate of interest than a regular savings bank
account. You can furnish your RD investment as a collateral to avail secured loans.

Apart from the investment avenues covered in this article, the other popular investment
options in India are the National Savings Certificate (NSC), stock markets, and real estate.

2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

1 Investment Pattern of Salaried People – A study in Coimbatore district

This study has made an attempt to analyze the saving and investment pattern of salaried class
investors. An in depth analysis is done to identify the attitude, factor influencing
investors to save and savings preference of investors. It is hoped that the saving
public (particularly salaried class) will analyse their savings and investment. This study
identified the problem faced by the investors and the impending problems could be solved in
the right direction.
(R. SreePriya ,P. Gurusamy,2013 International journal of scientific research ,issue 1)

20
2 Investment Behaviour: An Analytical Review
The study covers that there are numerous variables that direct an investor’s decision to invest.
It also proposes the further studies which can be done to study the saving and investment
behaviour of professional women of Indore. The outcomes of present study would be of great
relevance to investors, financial planners, policy makers and wealth managers etc
(Jain Priyanka and Tripathi L.K.2 Vol. 12 (1) March (2019))

3 Savita Pandey D.S. Chaubey Durgesh Mani Tripathi (2016)

To analyse the investor information seeking behaviour for taking investmentDecision and
examine the impact of financial accounting Information on Investors investment
decisions.The study showcases investment horizon and their investment intention. It was
found that the years of experience has no significant impact on investment source choice.
Similarly it was found that the investment horizon has no significant impact on investment
source choice.

4 Perception of Investors towards the Investment Pattern on Different Investment

Avenues - A Review

In India, usually all investment avenues are professed risky by the investors. The main
features of investments are security of principal amount, liquidity, income stability, approval
and easy transferability. Investment avenues are available such as shares, banks, companies,
gold and silver, real estate, life insurance, postal savings and so on. The required level of
returns and the risk tolerance decided the choice of the investor. The investment may be
differ choices from national savings certificates, provident fund, mutual fund schemes,
insurance schemes, chit funds, bank fixed deposits, and company fixed deposits, company
shares, bonds /debentures, government securities, postal savings schemes and real estate. It
could be concluded that in this fast affecting world, we save and get extra money. Added risk
directs to more profit. For the example total liquidity, income stability a variety as shares,
bank companies, gold and silver, real estate, life insurance postal etc., but, most of the people
preferred bank deposit by the cause of more respondents invested for purchasing home and
long-term growth but, most of the investors could not aware to investing their money in
mutual funds and shares. More of debate and confusions in the investment pattern,
investment avenues. Therefore, in this paper, the researcher wants to check the earlier
research work based on investors among the investment avenues to get an idea about the
investment pattern.

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(MANIKANDAN A Research Associate, School of Social Sciences and Languages,
Department of Commerce, VIT University, Vellore, India)

5 Investment Behavior of Rural Investors

The diversification of the financial services sector has provided the individual investor with a
wide range of opportunities to invest. Savings are the mantras that any investment advisor
will recite. Savings are the difference between the amount an investor earns and the amount
an investor spends. One reason could be that there are certain materials goals that they want
to save for. Indian investor’s behavior has been changing drastically in the post-economic
reforms era in investment activity, preferences in selecting various financial instruments,
evaluating and in analyzing the investment avenues. In this paper the diverse literature
available worldwide on individual investor behavior has been explored. Its main objective is
to understand individual investor behavior. In order to review the literature, research papers
have been collected from various referred journals related to individual investors’ behavior.

(Dr. K. Malar Mathi1 , A. Kungumapriya Associate professor at Bharathiar school of

Management and Entrepreneur Development (BSMED), Bharathiar University,
Coimbatore.600 046, India Assistant professor, Department of Management, Sree Ramu
College of arts and science, N. M. Sungam, Pollachi, India)

6 A Study Of Savings And Investment Patterns Of Small Investors

The financial position of a country largely depends on the inflation rate, foreign exchange
rate, per capita Gross domestic product, etc. Savings from middle class households also plays
a vital role in improving the financial position of a country as it leads to more investments
and capital formation in the economy. Savings and investments are directly proportional to
each other. There are a number of studies conducted in this area analyzing the factors
affecting the saving and investment patterns, but there is a dearth of literature available which
shows, whether the investors have been able to achieve their investment goals and the
performance of different investment options meeting their expectations. This study is focused
upon different literature available on saving and Investment patterns of small investors in
Uttarakhand region of India. It also focuses upon impact of factors on small investors as
considered by the esteemed learners and how far it is applicable in the Uttarakhand region of

22
India. After study of the available vast literature the researcher will try to find research gaps
in this area which will be considered for the further scope of study

(Sachin Kumar Rohatgi, Dr. P.C. Kavidayal, Dr. Krishna Kumar Singh)

7 Understanding the Investment Behavior

It is a normal tendency amongst most of us that every purchase we do or produce is not meant
for an immediate consumption. There is always a provision or a scope for a certain future
period. We also have a tendency to save a certain amount of money and this saving is done
mostly for fulfilling future needs or unknowingly or knowingly it is made as a hedge against
expected inflation for the coming period. The process of increasing wealth actually starts with
savings. Savings are also essential for the nation’s growth. If the savings are not properly
channelized it will not give us the desired fruits. For all the above mentioned activities
appropriate decisions have to be taken. This paper is an attempt to understand and present a
glimpse of research work done on the said subject. For the purpose of the study the research
papers were selected on random basis from various National and International Journals &
Conference Proceedings.

(Gaurav Chhabra and Ankesh Mundra; International Journal in Multidisciplinary and

Academic Research (SSIJMAR) Vol. 3, No. 2, March- April -2014 (ISSN 2278 – 5973) )

8 A Study of Investment Preferences of Investors

Financial Planning is very important for developing clear financial goals and chalking out the
right investment portfolio to meet the financial needs and aspirations. Designing an effective
investment portfolio require skills, knowledge and disciplined financial planning. This study
explores association of demographic characteristics with the investment preferences of the
individual investors. In this study, survey approach has been adopted using a structured
questionnaire with sample size of 229 respondents. The study has been taken within the
geographical area of Indore district in Madhya Pradesh State of Central India. The main
findings of research are that fixed deposit is most preferred and capital market debt
instruments are least preferred. Demographic variables have found to have significant
association to investment preferences.

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(FCA Pratibha Chaurasia Research Scholar, Banasthali University)

9 Investor’s preferences towards Savings & Investment:

In the current economic system, there are numerous investment opportunities to choose.
Some of these investment avenues offer attractive incomes but with high risks, some suggest
lower incomes with very low risks. An investment can be defined as a perfect investment, if it
fulfils all the requirements of all investors. Saving is income not spent, or deferred
consumption. Methods of saving include keeping money aside in a deposit account, a pension
account, an investment fund, or as cash. Saving also involves reducing expenditures, such as
recurring costs. Saving generally identifies low-risk conservation of money, as in a deposit
account, versus investment, wherein risk is a lot higher; in economics, it refers to any income
not used for instantaneous consumption. All investments involve risk, as the investor parts
with his/ her money. A proficient investor can reduce the vulnerabilities and maximize
returns. Investors can avoid pitfalls and safeguard his/ her interests. Hence, the initial opinion
of searching of every perfect investment must have an overview through the investor‟s
requirements. If all those requirements are met by the investment, then that investment is
called the perfect investment.

(Surbhi Dubey & Dr. Sameer Sharma; Research Scholar, People’s University, Bhopal
Professor & Director, People’s Institute of Management & Research, People’s University,
Bhopal)

10 The factors influencing given investment choices of individuals

This study aims to examine the effects of several factors such as demographics (i.e., gender,
age, education and marital status), investment decision criteria (i.e., risk, repay, corporate
data and society criteria), and financial literacy level (i.e., basic and advanced literacy) on
more preferred investment alternatives in Turkey (e.g., foreign currency, bank deposit, bond,
stock and mutual fund). Through the survey method, the study sample consists of 112
participants working in the finance sector or being able to make financial investments.
Results indicate that age, marital status and society criterion (i.e., considering socially
beneficialness of an investment) make no difference in the choice of all investment
alternatives. In explaining the preferability of each investment alternative, different factors
play a role at varying levels. This study provides notable insights toward understanding
investment choice behavior of individuals.

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(Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 210 ( 2015 ) 126 – 135;Selim Aren , Sibel Dinç
Aydemir)

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CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

Research design is the conceptual structure within which research is conducted. It constitutes
the blueprint for collection, measurement and analysis of data for a descriptive research.
Descriptive research involves collecting numerical through self-reports collected, through
questionnaires or interviews (person or phone), or through observation. For present study, the
research is descriptive and conclusion oriented.

3.1.1 Types of Research - The type of research for this study is survey method.

3.1.2 Research Method

The research method for this is survey method wherein the questionnaire was send to a group

3.1.3 Population of the Study

The research was conducted for a particular population i.e for a group of doctors in Navi
Mumbai area

3.1.4 Data Collection Methods

The data was collected by using the main two methods i.e. primary data and secondary data.

⮚ Primary data: - Primary data are those collected by the investigator

himself/herself for the first time and thus they are original in character, they
are collected for particular purpose. Combination of non probability
connivance sampling technique and snowball sampling will be used for
collecting the data from different investor. The salaried people are selected by
the connivance sampling method. The selection of units from the population
based on their easy availability and accessibility to the researcher is known as
sampling. Information is collected by conducting a survey by distributing a
questionnaire to 100 doctors. These 100 doctors are of different age group,
different occupation, different income level and different qualification.

I chose the following resources for my research.

• Questionnaire Design: - Here in our research we set questions for salaried

individuals and answer can be easy to fill out with a minimum amount of

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 time and efforts and request the customer to answer these questions with
correct information.

• The questionnaire consisted of Close ended questions.

Close ended question: It contains those questions in which the respondent is given a limited
number of alternatives responses from which he/she is to select the one that most
closely matched his attitude.

⮚ Secondary Data: Secondary data are those, which have already been collected by
some other Persons for their purpose. Secondary data are usually in shape of
finished products.

• Statistical tools and techniques used: The data has been analyzed by graph and
charts

3.2 SAMPLING DESIGN

Universe: The Universe is most commonly defined as everything that physically exists: the
entirety of space and time, all forms of matter, energy and momentum, and the physical laws
and constants that govern them. In this context, all those people making investments are the
Universe.

Theoretical Universe: It includes investors investing all over the world.

Accessible Universe: It includes investors investing in the Indian Stock Market

3.2.1 Sample Of The Study

The target population must be defined that has to be sampled. The sampling unit of research
included 100 Doctors in Navi Mumbai

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CHAPTER IV: DATA REPRESENTATION AND DATA
ANALYSIS

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4.1 DATAREPRESENTATION

The data collection included a structured questionnaire, which was forwarded to150 doctors
out of which 100 respondents from the Doctors in Navi Mumbai area from which. For the
clear interpretation of data the sample size was divided on the basis of income slabs, gender,
age, qualification and their risk taking capacity. Following are the results of the analysis of
data in the form of pie charts and bar diagrams.

4.2 Data Analysis

INCOME SLABS OF THE RESPONDENTS

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Most of the respondents fall in the income slab of 55000 and above per month with 23.8%,
followed by the income slabs of 46000 to 55000 at 20.8%.

QUALIFICATION (under which pathy do the doctors fall)

The most doctors who responded fall under B.A.M.S as their qualification by 62.4%,
followed by B.H.M.S 13.9%.

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DO YOU INVEST IN SHARE MARKET?

On investment in share markets, the graph shows that the respondents believe in a safe game
and they do not wish to invest in the share markets as it involves the risk factor. The graph
clearly indicates that 65% investors have not invested in the share markets as compared to
35% who are willing to take risk by investing in the share markets.

WHICH TYPE OF INSTRUMENT ARE THE RESPONDENTS AWARE OF?

On the methods of investment awareness criteria, the respondent said that they are mostly
aware of the banking investment options at 62%, followed by Gold investment at 62%, then
Mutual Funds at 51% and they are least aware of the investment options available in the form
of debentures and derivatives as observed above.

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WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN INVESTING?

The respondents were asked where they have invested their money, to which the graph
indicate that maximum people have invested in Banks deposits with 56%, followed by Gold
investment at 45%, and then Mutual Funds at 39%.few of the respondents were keen to invest
in Shares with 25% which indicates fewer are willing to take risk. Selected of the employees
were keen to invest their money in debentures and derivatives 5% each, as selected ofthem
had an idea what are those.

WHICH FACTORS DO YOU CONSIDER BEFORE INVESTING?

The investors are mostly concerned about the return of investment as the first priority, followed by
Risk factor and Tax benefits.

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WHAT PERCENTAGE OF INCOME DO YOU INVEST?

As observed in the above diagram, most of the investors invest approximately 10% of their
monthly income in different investment options as shown above.

DO YOU AGREE WHETHER IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE FINANCIAL RISKS?

39.6% of the respondents think that it is important to take financial risk while investing.
Whereas 19.8% think that taking risk is not important and maximum i.e 40.6% of them think
that maybe in future they might be ready to take risk.

WHAT TYPE OF RISK DO YOU PREFER?

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Many respondents are scared to take risk as they don’t want to lose their money. 47% prefer
low risk. Whereas 39% are moderated risk takers and 14% believe in taking high risk in
return of high profits.

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 CHAPTER V: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION OF THE
STUDY

5.1 Findings of the Study

From the overall summary of data interpretation of the respondents, it is observed that most
of the investors are doctors with Qualification of BAMS, BHMS and MD. The respondents
fall mostly in the age group of 25 to 35 years and the income slab of 55000 and above per
month. Most of the investors are aware of the different investment options like banks,
government securities, gold, shares and mutual funds but are least aware of investment
options like debentures and derivatives. Investors mostly prefer banks as a medium of
investments and the least they prefer are debentures and derivatives. When asked about the
factors which they considered before investing money, the maximum number of respondents
responded that they considered returns on investment, risk factor and Tax Benefits important
among others. There were also some respondents who said that they do not think before
investing. When asked about the rates of growth of the investments, maximum people said
that they prefer growth at an average rate and do not expect a sudden growth in their wealth

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at a faster rate. When asked about the yearly investment pattern of the investors, most people
said that they invest up to 10% of their monthly income.

As the salary of the doctors is directly credited into the bank accounts and as every citizen
nowadays visits the bank due to one or other reason, they are aware ofdifferent schemes and
investment options available with the banks. Also, the monthly installments of different
policies and Recurring Deposits(R.D) are debited directly from the bank, the investors find
bank as the convenient option of investment over others. The investors play a safe game by
investing in risk free options like Recurring Deposits (R.D) and Fixed Deposits (F.D) over
shares and mutual funds. Also we can conclude that the financial literacy is high as the
investors are aware of the different investment avenues, but prefer to go on with the most
reliable and trustworthy options of investments.

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 CHAPTER VI: CONCLUSION

This study is a reflection of the awareness and factors considering, risk taking ability of the
various categories of Doctors. Selection of the perfect investment avenue is a difficult task to
an individual. An effort is made to identify the taste and preference of a sample of individuals
selected by connivance. Despite many limitations to the study I was successful in identifying
some investment patterns. There is some commonness in these individuals.

This report concentrated in identifying the factors considered individuals before investment,
awareness level of doctors towards various investment avenues are identified based on their
occupations, investors risk in selecting a particular avenue.

The present study has important implications for investment managers as it has come out with
certain interesting facts of individual doctors. The individual investor still prefers to invest in
financial products which give risk free returns. This confirms that individuals even if they are
of high income, well educated, independent are conservative individuals prefer to play safe.
The investment product designer can design products which can cater to the individuals, who

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are low risk tolerant, tax savings and use T.V. as a marketing media as they seem to spend a
long time watching Televisions.

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 CHAPTER VII: BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCES

References

● V.R.Palanivelu K.Chandrakumar (March 2013) A Study on Preferred Investment

Avenues among salaried Peoples with Reference to Namakkal Taluk,Tamil Nadu,
India, international conference on business,economics and accounting 20-23.
● Study of Investment Avenues available to Investors in Educational Institution Ashwin
Dhanraj Bhagat Assistant Professor, Dept. of Information Technology, Sonopant
Dandekar College, Palghar. Shreya.S.Mishra Assistant Professor, Dept. of
Management Studies, Sonopant Dandekar College, Palghar. Vol-2 Issue-3 2017
IJARIIE-ISSN(O)-2395-4396
● Investment Behaviour: An Analytical ReviewJain Priyanka1* and Tripathi
L.K.2Vol. 12 (1) March (2019)
● Savita Pandey D.S. Chaubey Durgesh Mani Tripathi (2016)

● Investor’s preferences towards Savings & Investment by Surbhi Dubey & Dr. Sameer
Sharma; Research Scholar, People’s University, Bhopal Professor & Director,
People’s Institute of Management & Research, People’s University, Bhopal
● A Study of Investment Preferences of Investors by FCA Pratibha Chaurasia Research
Scholar, Banasthali University Volume 6, Issue 7, July 2017 ISSN 2319 - 4847

● Understanding the Investment Behavior Gaurav Chhabra and Ankesh

Mundra;International Journal in Multidisciplinary and Academic Research
(SSIJMAR) Vol. 3, No. 2, March- April -2014 (ISSN 2278 – 5973)

● A Study Of Savings And Investment Patterns Of Small Investors by Sachin Kumar

Rohatgi, Dr. P.C. Kavidayal, Dr. Krishna Kumar Singh; international journal of
scientific & technology research volume 8, issue 12, december 2019 issn 2277-8616

● Review of Literature on Investment Behavior of Rural Investors by Dr. K. Malar

Mathi,Associate professor at Bharathiar school of Management and Entrepreneur
Development (BSMED), Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.600 046, India; A.
Kungumapriya Assistant professor, Department of Management, Sree Ramu College

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 of arts and science, N. M. Sungam, Pollachi, India( International Journal of Science
and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Impact Factor (2012): 3.358)

Web References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investment

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/invest
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investment.asp
https://www.bankbazaar.com/investment.html
https://www.bajajfinserv.in/complete-guide-investing
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/invest
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/invest/top-10-investment-
options/articleshow/64066079.cms?from=mdr
https://cleartax.in/s/investments

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