A PROJECT REPORT

ON
(SMOKING HABITS OF STUDENTS)

BY

(ANANT KUMAR)
(BBA) (2010 – 2011)

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
UNIVERSITY OF PUNE

MITSOM College
PUNE: 411038
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr. Anant Kumar of MAEER’s MITSOM College has

successfully completed the project work titled Smoking habits of students in partial

fulfillment of requirement for the award of Bachelor of Business Administration prescribed by the

University of Pune.

This project is the record of authentic work carried out during the academic year

2010 – 2011.

Mrs Dhanashree Deshmukh Ghate Brig. (Dr.) R.K.Bhatia

Subject Teacher Principal
 DECLARATION

I, Mr. __Anant Kumar_______________________________ hereby declare that this project is the

record of authentic work carried out by me during the academic year 2008 – 2009 and has not been

submitted to any other University or Institute towards the award of any degree.

( ANANT KUMAR )
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher Mrs. Dhanashree Ghate as
well as our principal Brig. (Dr.) R.K.Bhatia who gave me the golden opportunity to do this
wonderful project on the topic smoking habits of students, which also helped me in doing a lot of
research and I came to know about so many new things I am really thankful to them.

Secondly I would also like to thank friends who helped me a lot in finishing this project within the
limited time.
Thanks again to all who helped me. For:
-help in data collection and analysis
-assistance
-(constructive) criticism (of an earlier version of the work/ part of the work)
-(helpful) comments on the work/ part of the work.

The errors idiocies and inconsistencies remain my own.

(ANANT KUMAR)
 INDEX

Sr. no. Topic Page number

1. List of charts
2. Introduction
3. Project design
4. Theoretical background
5. Analysis of data
6. Conclusion
7. Appendices
8. Bibliography
 List of charts and tables.

Table no. Topic of the table Page number

1. Preferred smoking object
2. Reason why respondents started smoking
3. Pie chart, representing daily consumption of
cigarette.
4. Donut diagram showing reasons why
students do not smoke
5. Bar chart showing the age at which the
respondents began smoking
6. Bar graph showing the cause triggering
smoking

7. pie chart showing how many students tried

to quit their smoking habits
8. pie chart showing why students tried to quit
smoking.
 SMOKING HABITS OF STUDENTS

Introduction

This research was carried out as a project for the subject, research methodology.

Smoking as many know is the major cause of lung and cardiovascular diseases around the globe.
India's ex- Health Minister, Dr Anbumani Rammadoss, said: "We are going to take the results of
this study very seriously. I am particularly concerned about protecting India's 600 million young
people below the age of 30. These young people are our national assets, and they must be protected
against smoking deaths. We plan to take comprehensive steps against tobacco and strengthen our
Tobacco Regulatory Authority to enforce the laws."

According to one of the research in the Indian journal of medical sciences, Approximately 55, 500
adolescents start using tobacco every day in India, joining the 7.7 million young people under the
age of 15 who already regularly use tobacco. Thus it is clear that many of the students are active
smokers.

This research is carried on the students of various colleges. The respondents thus, are only
students. During the research many non smokers were also asked to fill the questionnaire’s so that
the habits of the students on smoking becomes clearer.

Some of the findings of the research project were that many students smoke cigarettes without the
knowledge of their parents. Mostly took to the habit in their teen age. Almost all of them know that
smoking is harmful yet they smoke.
 THE PROJECT DESIGN

This research on smoking habits of students is mainly a primary research carried on by me. For the
purpose of research I have used questionnaire, the questionnaire is a closed one. The data of the
research is mostly primary in nature.
Sources of data are as follows:-
 Primary sources – questionnaire.

 Secondary sources – internet.

Sample size: 40
Sample area: the area was basically around M.I.T. college, and some local cigarette vendors in
Kothrud.

The total numbers of respondents (samples) were forty. All the respondents were students some
pursuing graduation and many pursuing post graduation.

Methods used - The method used for research was getting questionnaires filled by the samples
selected randomly. The data collected by the primary method (questionnaire). Sampling (of
respondents) was done randomly, for the filling up of questionnaire.
Sources of data – the data used in this project is mostly primary, only some statistics have been
used from secondary sources. Primary source of data collection as stated earlier is questionnaire,
and the secondary data source is the internet & book on research methodology.
Collection of data - the data was collected mostly from students who smoke either hookah,
cigarettes, cigars or cannabis. The samples were chosen randomly, questionnaires were handed to
the students who were seen smoking.
 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research methodology refers to logic of scientific investigation. It denotes describing, explaining

and justifying the methods of research and not the methods themselves research methodology can
be perceived as a science of studying how research is done scientifically or pick out the rules for
reasoning. It has many dimensions and research methods constitute a part of research
methodology.
Research methodology is an important part of the researcher’s tool bag, it’s scope wider than
research methods. It refers not only to research methods but also to the logic behind the methods
used in a given research.
Research methodology imparts to the researcher the various skills required to gather material,
conducting field work, using statistical tools etc. Also, it enables intelligent decision making and
analysis of situations in daily life, thereby enabling a person to have the ability to look at life
objectively.

RESEARCH

Research simply means ‘search for facts’. It refers to a careful and exhaustive investigation of a
given phenomenon with a definite objective of attaining or enhancing one’s knowledge level. A
research may be accomplished by the help of observation, comparison, experiments, interviews &
etc. in short, research is a process by which one gains knowledge on particular phenomenon.
Definitions of research are:-
According to Robert burns “research is a systematic investigation to find solutions to a problem”.
“Research is the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that
may lead to the development of generalization, principles, or theories resulting in prediction and
perhaps ultimate control of events”.
-- John W. Best
There can be many reasons to carry a research. The basic purpose for research is intellectual
delight, curiosity of unknown , for marketing products or services, determining costs of various
aspects related to business, to minimize risk etc.
Research has various characteristics they are :-
1. It is systematic and critical investigation.

2. It adopts scientific methods.

3. Well defined.

4. It has objective & is logical.

5. Based on evidence.

A quality research is one which is systematic, logical, empirical, replicable and controlled.

RESEARCH PROCESS
Research process is the blueprint for achieving a business enterprise’s objectives. Irrespective of
the research being conducted, there are several fundamental stages one has to go through. Since
research is a scientific process it can be carried out systematically in a sequence of steps as
described below.
1. Defining the research problem

A well defined problem goes a long way in ensuring the success of research. Therefore, a
research problem must be identified and defined without any ambiguity. A research
problem may be arrived at by the following:-
 Critical evaluation of current literature.

 Short listing topic of new research.

 Extending and generalizing results.

Significance, originality and feasibility are the features of a good research problem.
Defining a problem provides a format for further investigation.
2. Statement of research objectives

Objectives explain what the researcher aims to achieve through the research. The research
issues are narrowed in this step.
3. Review of literature

Literature review is especially important because it prevents the need to reinvent the wheel
for every new research question. It also helps in understanding the basis of research study.
This includes reading published literature such as books, journals etc.
4. Formulation of hypothesis

Hypothesis is simply an investigator’s belief about a problem, it can said to be as the

researcher’s opinion that it is build during the review of literature.
5. Research design

Research design provides a complete guideline for data collection, selection of research
approach, determining the sample design. It is used to structure the research. A design
should cover :-
 Which method of research is to be used?

 Number of observations that are to be made.

 What method of sampling is to be used?

6. Sampling

In this step the method of sampling or the procedure of sampling that is to be used for
selection of samples from the population is decided.
7. Collection of data

Here the data is collected related to the research topic by the use of various data collection
methods such as observation, personal interview, telephonic interview, questionnaires &
etc.
Data collected is basically of primary or secondary type.
 8. Analysis of data & testing of hypothesis

After the data is collected it is then classified, summarized for further analysis. This can be
done using editing, coding, classification & tabulation.
After the analysis the hypothesis formulated earlier is tested, to check whether the facts
support the hypothesis or they are contrary to it.
9. Interpretation of results

In this step inferences are drawn, generalizations are done all based on the study. But one
thing should kept in mind the result should be interpreted in most simple manner possible.
10. Report writing

This is the last step in this step the researcher prepares the report on the research which was
undertaken by him.

RESEARCH TYPES

Various types of research are as follows:-

1. Descriptive - Includes survey’s and fact finding enquiries. Main aim is to describe the state
of affairs as it exists in the present.

2. Analytical - in this research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available
& analyze it to make a critical evaluation.

3. Applied - aims at finding a solution for immediate problems faced.aim is not to develop
theories but to test the existing theories in actual situation.

4. Fundamental - it is a formal and systematic process which aims to develop theories and
models. It involves selecting appropriate sample so that generalization can be done.

5. Quantitative - based on measurement of quantity or amount. It Is applied to those concepts

which can be expressed in terms of quantity.

6. Qualitative - concerned with qualitative aspects.

7. Conceptual - this research is related to some abstract ideas or theories. Generally used by
thinkers and philosophers.

8. Empirical - totally relies on observations and experience, without due regard to system and
theories. Totally based on research.

9. Experimental - research conducted by controlling one or more variable and comparing

control and experimental group.

10. Non experimental - in this method the research is not of an experimental type.

11. Market research - this is the type of research that is carried by various companies to
understand the market conditions that are present in economy.

RESEARCH PROBLEM
A research problem is a problem that is well defined and gives the researcher a proper direction
for carrying on investigation, A research problem may be arrived at by Critical evaluation of
current literature, Short listing topic of new research, Extending and generalizing results.

HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis is a testable statement, of a potential relationship between two or more variables,
that is advanced as potential solutions to the problem.
Hypothesis is a tentative solution given by the researcher for the problem. The hypothesis
stated may or may not be true depending on the problem.

RESEARCH DESIGN
Research design is an overall plan or scheme prepared by the researcher for the execution of
research study. It is important stage in the process of conducting research as it facilitates
systematic work on the research project. It acts as a guide for the researcher to work step by
step on his research study. It is necessary as it facilitates the smooth conduct of research.
 TYPES OF SAMPLING

Sampling means selection of observations to acquire some knowledge of a statistical

population. The observations which are selected by various sampling methods are called
samples. There are various sampling methods as described herein.

Sampling methods are basically divided into

 Probability sampling

 Non-probability sampling.

Probability sampling
These are the methods in which the likelihood of inclusion of each element, as a sample, is equal.
Various methods under this are:-
1. Simple random sampling – in this method each element of the population has an equal
chance of being selected as a sample and this chance of inclusion is in no way dependent
upon other elements of the population.

a. Simple random sampling without replacement - when an element after being selected as
a sample is not returned to the population the sampling is said to be without
replacement.

b. Simple random sampling with replacement – in this method of simple random sampling
the element selected as sample is again put back in the population.

2. Stratified random sampling – in this method the population is divided into groups (strata)
based on a single criteria, after the stratification the samples are selected randomly.

a. Proportionate stratified random sampling – here, the researcher after stratification of the
population, draws random samples in a similar proportion to the population of the each
strata.
 b. Dis-proportionate stratified random sampling – in this method the samples selected by
the researcher from the different strata are not in a proportion to the population of the
strata.

3. Area / cluster sampling – here generally geographical division of cities, states etc. are made
on a map & the desired number of samples size is randomly picked up from the divided
area.

Non-probability sampling
These are the methods in which the likelihood of inclusion of each element, as a sample, is not
equal.
Various methods under this are:-
1. Quota sampling – this is similar to stratified random sampling the only difference being
that in the former the final selection of sample is not random while in latter the
selection is random.

2. Accidental sampling (incidental sampling) - in this method the researcher selects the
samples according to his convenience.

3. Purposive sampling (judgmental sampling ) – in this method the investigator has some
belief that sample being hand picked is typical of the population or a very good
representative of the population.

4. Systematic sampling – in this method every nth person from the determined list of
elements is selected.

5. Snowball sampling – it is sociometric in nature. It has all the persons in a group or

urbanization identified their friends who in turn identify their friends & associates until
the number of people the researcher wants is done.
 DATA COLLECTION

Data collection is a very important activity in the task of any research, and the quality of data
collected affects the research and its results. Each research project uses a data collection technique
appropriate to the particular research methodology.
The collection of data is a systematic process. If the data is collected haphazardly, it will be
difficult to answer the research problem in a conclusive way.

Quantitative and qualitative data collection.

Quantitative methods of data collection rely on random sampling and structured data collection
instruments. They produce results that are easy to summarize, compare and generalize.
Typical quantitative data gathering strategies are:-
 Experimental / clinical trials.
 Observing and recording.
 Obtaining relevant data from M.I.S.
 Administering survey questionnaires, interviews.
Qualitative methods on the other hand are those methods that play an important role in impact
evaluation by providing information useful to understand the process behind observed results and
assess changes in people’s perception of their well being. This type of data collected is generally
unstructured, it can not be generalized, and rely heavily on interactive interviews.

Sources of data
There can be several sources from where a researcher can obtain data for the purpose of his
research. Data can be broadly classified into primary and secondary data.
Primary data is the data that is gathered for the first time by the researcher.
These are collected by
 Observation- here the researcher just observes the samples in the natural environment with
or without their knowledge.
 Interview – this method can be telephonic one or a face to face interview.
  Questionnaire – in this method the researcher makes the sample fill up the forms that
contain question related to the topic of his research. The questionnaire can be an open one
or closed one. The questionnaire’s can also be mailed.
Secondary data is the data that is data that had already been collected by someone other then the
researcher, may be on the same topic or one some other unrelated topic.
This type of data can be collected from internal sources such as sales frequency gathered from the
company’s sales department. External sources of the secondary data can be –
 Demographic information
 Company information
 Government publication
 Non government publications
 Syndicate services
 International organizations
 Trade associations
 Commercial services
 ANALYSIS OF DATA

Total number of samples (respondents) who filled up the questionnaire was forty. Out of the forty
most of them were male, only turned out to be female respondents.
Out of the forty respondents six students did not smoke any thing. Out of these 20% did not smoke
because of aesthetic values, 60% did not smoke because they did not like it, and 20% did not
smoke because of fear from related diseases. The interesting fact which came out from the non
smokers was, none of them, did not smoke because of parents’ wishes.
Out of the thirty four smokers five preferred smoking cannabis along with cigarettes and three
preferred to smoke hookah and cigarettes. Rest all preferred cigarettes only.
Most of the students started smoking in their teenage. Some also started before their teen age, but
their was considerably very low only two.
Almost 90% respondents revealed that their parents were not aware of their smoking habits.
Out of forty fifteen respondents said they started smoking because they felt like it, ten said they
started by imitating someone, eight said they began to smoke because of peer pressure, and two
said that they began smoking just for the sake of smoking a cigarette.
Most of the students were particular about brands they smoke, the most favoured brands revealed
were wills classic milds, followed by wills classic regular, followed by gold flake regular & gold
flake king size. Some of the respondents also were particular about the hookah brand namely Afzal
pan masala flavor.
On asking what causes the trigger to smoke. Respondents mostly said the smoke from a burning
cigarette, and many had various other reasons.
Number of cigarettes smoked on a particular day was usually below six for most of the respondents
(60%), 25% smoked between six and twelve cigarettes, 10% smoked between twelve to twenty
cigarettes, and only 5% students smoked more than twenty cigarette stick in a day.
To the question about quitting smoking only 5 correspondents had tried to quit the habit, and all of
them were not successful permanently. Most of them who had tried quitting revealed economic
considerations or lack of further interest in smoking as the reason for their quitting.

90% of the students said they felt relaxed after smoking only 10% felt elated after smoking.
The answer to the final question of the questionnaire (knowing that smoking is harmful, why do
you smoke) many strange answers were in store, Few of them were- nicotine requirement, for
relaxation, many had not given thought to smoking is harmful, and few also had no answers to this.

Limitations of the project – the limitations faced by me were mostly that of students asking for
anonymity while filling the questionnaire. Most of them did not want to reveal their names on the
questionnaire for the fear that the teachers would come to know of their habits.
Secondly, many respondents filled the forms incorrectly, so I had to ask people again to fill the
questionnaire.
And the last difficulty was getting questionnaires filled by female students, none of them who
smoked, responded to my questionnaire.
The difficulty of anonymity was overcome after I myself filled a questionnaire.
Table 1: Preferred smoking object

preferredsmokingobjectsof students
30

25

20

15

10
td
fsm
b
u
n
ro
e

0
cigarette cannabis cigars hookah

preferedsmokingobject

Interpretation of above chart:- cigarette was the preferred smoking object amongst 25 students,
accompanied by cannabis and hookah each 8, and 2 cigars.

Table 2:Reason why respondents started smoking.

felt like it

just for the sake of smoking

peer pressure

imitating someone

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Interpretation of above chart:15 students started smoking because they felt like smoking, 10
imitated someone,2 people smoked just for the sake of smoking and 8 took to smoking due to peer
pressure.
Table 3:- Pie chart representing daily consumption of cigarette.

%agerepresentationof students' daily

consumptionof cigarettes

lessthan six
sixto twelve
twelve to twenty
more than twenty

Interpretation of above pie chart:-60% students smoked less than 6 cigarettes, 25% smoked 6 to
12 cigarettes, 10% smoked12 to 20 cigarettes & 5% smoked even more then 20 cigarettes a day.
Table 4:- Donut diagram showing reasons why students do not smoke.

Interpretation of above donut diagram:-of all the respondents who did not smoke 60 % did not
do so because they did not liked it, followed with 20 % each of students not smoking because of
fear of related diseases and aesthetic values.

Note:-in this context aesthetic values mean smoking is perceived as bad in our society.
Table 5:- Bar chart showing the age at which the respondents began smoking

18

16

14

12

10

0
pre teens teen age after teen age do not remember

Interpretation of above chart:-16 students took to the habit of smoking in the teen age, followed
by 10 who took to the habit after teen age, followed by 6 who began smoking well before teen age,
followed by 3 who do not remember when they had actually started.

Table 6:-Bar graph showing the cause triggering smoking.

18

16

14

12

10

0
seeingsomeone smoke smoke froma burning cigarette other reasons

Interpretation of the above table:-16 students had reasons other than smoke from a cigarette or
seeing someone smoke, but to 12 smoke from a burning cigarette was the main reason causing
trigger for smoking & in 7 students seeing someone smoking.
Table 7:- pie chart showing how many students tried to quit their smoking habits.

Interpretation of the above pie chart: 90% students out of total samples had never tried quitting,
so only 10% had tried to quit.

Table 8:- pie chart showing why students tried to quit smoking.

Interpretation of above pie chart: 50% had tried to quit due to economic reasons, 40% did not
enjoy smoking any more, students quitting due to parents wishes and fear of diseases were each
5%.
 CONCLUSION

To conclude this research I would like to bring forward the findings that were revealed to me,
during the project’s research phase, and after analyzing the data I collected through the
questionnaire. They are as follows:-
1. Many students take up the habit of smoking because they feel like smoking.
2. Most of the students take up this habit during their teen age.
3. To most of them smoking provides relaxation,
4. Most of the students have not revealed to their parents that they smoke.
5. Amongst the students the smoking of cannabis is also prevalent. Many of the cannabis
smokers also smoke cigarettes.
6. Many students smoke hookah because they think it is a status symbol.
7. Most of the students are regular smokers
8. Most interesting is the fact that many have not tried quitting, and those who have tried,
have failed and, still smoke most of them after a break of maximum one month.
9. Last but not the least, most of the students smoke knowing that smoking is injurious or
harmful for them.
So keeping in view the efforts of our ex- health minister Dr Anbumani Rammadoss, his various
measures to make India smoke free is not greeted by the students with great enthusiasm.
APPENDICES
 QUESTIONNAIRE

Name:-………………………………………… Age:- ………….

Sex:- male female
Note:- This questionnaire will only be used for research purpose.
1.Do you smoke ?
Yes No
If no, because of Aesthetic values. parents’ wishes.
Fear from related diseases. Just do not like it.
2.What do you prefer to smoke?
Cannabis Cigarettes
Cigars Hookah
3.At what age did you start ?
Pre-teens. After teenage.
In teens. Do not remember.
4.How did you start smoking ?
Imitating someone. Just for the sake of smoking.
Peer pressure. Felt like it.
5.How often do you smoke ?
Regularly. Once in a while .
Occasionally .
6.Are parents aware of your smoking habits ?
Yes No
7.Are you particular about brand ?
No
Yes, if yes specify (name the brand) …………………………………………
8. Daily frequency of smoking (in number of cigarettes).
Less than six. Twelve to twenty a day.
Between six & twelve More than twenty a day.
9. What causes the trigger for smoking ?
Seeing someone smoke. The smoke from a burning cigarette.
Others, please specify…………………………………………………………
10. Have you tried quitting ?
No Yes
11. Why did you want to quit?
Do not enjoy smoking cigarettes. Fear of smoking related diseases.
Parents wishes. Economic considerations.
12. Were you successful in quitting your habit ?
No
Yes, if yes for how long? ……………………….
13. How do you feel after smoking ?
Elated Relaxed
14.Knowing that smoking is harmful, why do you smoke ? …………………..
………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………….
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

The sources of information used for this project are:-

1. Books
Name of author Name of book Name of publication
Dr. Kirti Gupta Research methodology Nirali Prakashan

2. News Papers

Name of the paper Used for Publication

Times of India Statistical information from Bennett & Coleman
archives.

3. Internet

Website Website address

Indian journal of medical www.indianjmedsci.org
sciences
Wikipedia www.wikipedia.org

Google search engine www.google.com