Voice over IP (VoIP) and wireless are revolutionary technologies by all means of modern time which change the attributes of communications dramatically. VoIP has been established as potential alternative to tradition public switched telephone network (PSTN) technology whereas Wireless communication is the most widely used access method where fixed or remote access to network resources is important. Since both technologies have shown their existence in today’s market individually, merger of these technologies was necessary and hence both technologies are being deployed but the question is whether these newly merged combination of technologies will be able to serve up to the same level of expectations and survive in current economic downturn and helps the companies to cut their cost drastically or will be finish with the time. This thesis explores the main factors affecting the deployment of VoIP over Wireless by the telecom operators and its adoption of VoIP over Wireless by Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and general consumers. It includes QoS, Security, user behavior, regulations, and last but not least current economic downturn. It would be a difficult task to explain all these issues with regards to the world market in this thesis so throughout our research, European market will be our preliminary focus. First, the thesis will briefly look into the future services, applications and trends which will be beneficial in supporting the growth rate of VoIP over Wireless in near future and then we will investigate all those trouble making factors causing a slow adoption rate of VoIP over Wireless. At the end of the thesis, there will be some proposals and suggestions to improve the growth rate and adoption of VoIP over Wireless

Dissertation(MTech( Marketing))-- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011 / The global economic downturn of 2008 spread around the world and few business sectors remained unaffected. While organisations in some sectors were forced to close down or lay off employees, organisations in the retail sector mainly had to adapt to consumer’s preferences, which change in times of economic downturn. The purpose of this research was therefore to examine how one of the most prominent retailers in South Africa adapted their marketing mix strategies to changing consumer buying behaviour during the economic downturn.The research applied a qualitative approach and a case study methodology as its research design. An interview guide was designed for the in-depth face-to-face interviews. Additional data was collected from annual reports, various articles and the retailer’s websites.Decreased spending by consumers was one of the main consequences of the economic downturn. Throughout the economic downturn the retailer found it increasingly difficult to attract consumers to its stores, which prompted changes to retain and attract consumers. Therefore the main challenge for the retailer was to alter consumers’ perception that it was an expensive store to a value for money store, without compromising its quality proposition. The study found that the retailer did indeed adapt its marketing mix strategy extensively in response to the global economic downturn. The retailer recognised a change in their consumers’ buying behaviour and made responsive changes to their marketing strategies.This research can be useful to academics and practitioners highlighting the importance of adapting the marketing strategy to the changing environment to consolidate or even improve a retailer’s position in the market. The research can also be used by organisations in a similar situation facing an economic downturn. Even though these findings cannot be statistically generalised to a population, the findings can be used in similar situations or for theoretical generalisations, depending on homogeneity.

Extraordinary high fees received by the auditors from their clients during the recent financial crisis have attracted public attention. However, reasons for high fees for audit service are obscure. Many studies have proved the importance of the client size, complexity, risks and the auditor status in determination of audit fees. Another determinant, the non-audit fee, has been intensively debated in the literature. The reason for this is that the audit and non-audit fees are not correlated in the way many researchers have expected. Namely, the vast majority of research has reported a positive association between two services. Many explanations for the phenomenon have been set forward. However, real reasons for such association remain unclear and the consensus between researchers is lacking. The study of the correlation between the two types of expenditures in the Swedish audit environment during a long time period may shed some light on this complex phenomenon. Some evidence suggest that an economic downturn can affect the relationship between audit and non-audit fees and their ratios. Therefore, the recent financial crisis provides an excellent opportunity to examine a possible relationship. Using the data from Middle Cap and Small Cap Swedish companies, this study investigates the relationship between audit and non-audit fees and their ratios during three periods of different economic conditions: favorable 2006 -2007, economic downturn 2008-2009 and post crisis period 2010-2011. In this study I tested a number of hypotheses. Firstly, I investigated the suggestion that the relationship between audit and non-audit fees in Sweden, like in many other countries, is positive. Secondly, I tested the hypothesis that economic fluctuations affect this relationship. Thirdly, I explored my prediction that the economic downturn influences the ratios of audit and non-audit fees. I have shown that the relationship between audit and non-audit services is positive during the whole investigated period. According to these results, the relationship is not affected by different economic conditions. Furthermore, I have found out that the financial crisis affected the audit and non-audit fee ratios. The ratio of the audit fee increased during the crisis and continued to increase during the post-crisis period. The ratio of non-audit fee decreased in the same proportion.

A preliminary review of the literature on coping revealed a gap in the existing knowledge of coping, particularly in the context of an economic downturn. Coping is a process that unfolds in the context of a situation (Lazarus&Folkman, 1984). Somerfield and McCrae (2000:624) appeal to researchers to focus on coping responses to specific situations within a specific context instead of general coping strategies, in this case, coping strategies for leaders during an economic downturn. A grounded theory methodology within a constructivist-interpretive paradigm was employed in this study. The population consisted of individual South African mining leaders employed by three mines. For the purposes of the study, ‘mining leaders’ were defined as members of a mine or mining group’s South African executive committee. Sampling took place on an institutional (mine) level, as well as on an individual (mining leader) level, although the unit of analysis was individual leaders. Mines involved in beneficiating a variety of commodities were selected purposively. Individual leaders (executives) within each company were also selected purposively from the executive committees to form the sample of individual sampling units. Data were obtained through intensive interviews with one pilot respondent and a further seven respondents. Data was analysed using grounded theory methodology, resulting in a conceptual framework of coping strategies for leaders during an economic downturn. The literature was then linked to the conceptual framework developed in this study, showing the relevance of the findings in relation to the existing body of knowledge in organisational behaviour and coping. The findings provided some understanding of how leaders cope during an economic downturn. In addition, this study managed to contribute methodologically to the field of coping research by demonstrating that alternative methodologies (in this case, grounded theory) using narrative approaches (interviews) can uncover ways of coping that are not included in traditional coping inventories. This methodology also allowed for a more in-depth understanding of the phenomenon being studied in the particular context of an economic downturn, in answer to Somerfield and McCrae’s (2000:624) appeal. Recommendations were made to assist leaders to cope better during an economic downturn in turbulent times. Opportunities for further research were also highlighted. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

Pasibaigus ekonomikos nuosmukiui didžioji dalis organizacijų yra priverstos keisti savo veiklos modelius, komunikacijos strategijas bei ieškoti naujų komunikacijos išraiškos būdų, kad pasiektų tikslinį vartotoją jam priimtinais kanalais. Keistis kartu su besikeičiančia aplinka yra svarbu, nes išgyvenusių tokį stiprų ir reikšmingą ekonomikos nuosmukį vartotojų, konkurentų, tiekėjų ir netgi savos organizacijos darbuotojų lūkesčiai ir elgsena yra tiek pasikeitusi, tad svarbu tas ypatybes numatyti ir stengtis prisitaikyti prie naujų iššūkių ir galimybių. Šio darbo tikslas yra pateikti konkrečius pasiūlymus ir rekomendacijas, kurių pagalba būtų galima pagerinti AB SEB banko komunikaciją su vartotojais ekonomikos atsigavimo laikotarpiu. Šiame darbe pirmiausia pristatoma mokslinėje literatūroje pateikta integruotos marketingo komunikacijos sampratos genezė bei priemonės. Taip pat palyginami integruotos marketingo komunikacijos skirtumai ekonomikos nuosmukio metu ir po jo. Antroje darbo dalyje pristatomas didžiausias komercinis bankas Lietuvoje - AB SEB bankas. Analizuojant interviu, antrinių informacijos šaltinių ir anketinės apklausos metu gautus duomenis, aptariama AB SEB banko naudojama integruota marketingo komunikacija ekonomikos nuosmukio metu ir po jo. Galiausiai įvertinus tyrimo metu gautus duomenis, pasiūlomos koreguojančios priemonės, reikalingos norint pritaikyti AB SEB banko komunikaciją prie pasikeitusios ekonominės aplinkos. / After the economic downturn is over most organizations are forced to change their business models, communication strategies and to look forward for new ways of communication expressions she could reach target consumers through the channels which are acceptable to them. To change step by step with changing economic environment is important because after surviving such a powerful and significant economic downturn consumers, competitors, suppliers and even organizations’ employees expectations and behaviour has changed a lot so it is important to predict these points and try to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to make proposals and recommendations which could help to improve SEB Bank’s communications with its consumers during the economic recovery. In this study I overlook at the integrated marketing communication tools and concept genesis which are presented in scientific literature. Also I compare differences between integrated marketing communication during an economic downturn and after. In the second part of this study I‘m representing the biggest commercial bank in Lithuania – AB SEB bank. The second part contains of analysis of scientific literature and findings which are received after making questionnaire surveys. Finally, after evaluating the findings of the study, some offers which are needed to adapt SEB Bank’s communication to the changed economic environment are proposed.

This study explores the impact of economic downturn in the EU-27 on Syrian trade and the sensitivity of oil and petroleum products to this downturn. This is carried out using a derivation of the gravity model to determine the export demand. Syrian export with its top 30 trading partners as well as the EU-27 are taken into consideration along with various other trade determinants when measuring the changes in total export volume. The study finds that EU-27 is an important source of demand for Syria, but a downturn in the EU economy will not necessarily have a detrimental effect on Syrian economy. On the other hand, oil plays a far more important role on the country’s exports and its demand is less sensitive to economic fluctuations.

Even a well planned marketing strategy may fail if a country or region goes through a rapid business decline. As consumers' income drops, they must shift their spending patterns. They may have to simply do without some products. By carefully studying the environment, marketers can adapt their strategies to meet market place challenges and opportunities. This generally means adapting the marketing mix and/or changing the target markets. However, the response of marketing managers to recession depends on how they perceive its meaning and impact on their businesses. The purpose of the study was identified to be the determination of managements' perception of and response to economic recession by measuring (1) the meaning of the economic recession to marketing managers; (2) the impact of this recession on marketing decisions; and (3) the resultant adjustments in marketing strategy and action. Primary and secondary data was gathered through literature review and empirical research, respectfully. Data collection consisted of a structured questionnaire to serve as guideline for the follow-up interviews. A total of ten marketing managers participated in the qualitative interviews. These managers were selected by means of a non-probability sample. The recent recession has seen South Africa's real GDP growth slowing to 3% with unemployment rate increasing slightly to 23.6%, manufacturing production falling by contraction of 17.2% whilst the year-on-year CPI inflation rate was 8.1% in January 2009. These foregoing show how severe the recession has been. All interviewed respondents reported price competition to have been fierce during the recent economic recession. In their quest to minimise the effects of the economic downturn, companies adjusted their sales volumes and improvised their marketing spent by using more of company websites and e-mail marketing to keep customer informed of the product or service offerings available. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Even a well planned marketing strategy may fail if a country or region goes through a rapid business decline. As consumers' income drops, they must shift their spending patterns. They may have to simply do without some products. By carefully studying the environment, marketers can adapt their strategies to meet market place challenges and opportunities. This generally means adapting the marketing mix and/or changing the target markets. However, the response of marketing managers to recession depends on how they perceive its meaning and impact on their businesses. The purpose of the study was identified to be the determination of managements' perception of and response to economic recession by measuring (1) the meaning of the economic recession to marketing managers; (2) the impact of this recession on marketing decisions; and (3) the resultant adjustments in marketing strategy and action. Primary and secondary data was gathered through literature review and empirical research, respectfully. Data collection consisted of a structured questionnaire to serve as guideline for the follow-up interviews. A total of ten marketing managers participated in the qualitative interviews. These managers were selected by means of a non-probability sample. The recent recession has seen South Africa's real GDP growth slowing to 3% with unemployment rate increasing slightly to 23.6%, manufacturing production falling by contraction of 17.2% whilst the year-on-year CPI inflation rate was 8.1% in January 2009. These foregoing show how severe the recession has been. All interviewed respondents reported price competition to have been fierce during the recent economic recession. In their quest to minimise the effects of the economic downturn, companies adjusted their sales volumes and improvised their marketing spent by using more of company websites and e-mail marketing to keep customer informed of the product or service offerings available. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

No / The global financial and economic shock of 2007-09 is the third major economic crisis to have buffeted Cambodia in its post-conflict period, coming in the wake of the food crisis of 2007-08 and just a decade after the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 (the "triple crises"). Cambodia's post-conflict history can be divided into two periods: 1991-98, referred to as the early phase of transition during which the first of the triple crises, the Asian financial crisis, occurred; and 1998 to the present, the late phase of transition during which the food and economic shocks transpired. A stocktake of the developments in Cambodia's post-conflict history suggests that the country has come a long way in reinstituting the foundations of a capitalist economic and procedural democracy but has yet to make significant headway in economic sophistication and substantive democracy. The triple crises were different, yet had similar characteristics. They were all exogenously-driven shocks with their own specific causes but their effects were shaped by the country's situation at the time. In terms of magnitude of impact, the global financial and economic downturn was the worst of the three crises. That it caused the first ever growth contraction in the post-conflict period was sufficient rationale for the series of studies that substantiate this book. Like the two shocks that preceded it however, the way it impacted on Cambodia cannot be understood in isolation from the overall post-conflict milieu. The thesis here is not that endogenous factors caused the crisis. It is simply that endogenous factors shaped the impact of the crisis and a historical, as opposed to a static, analysis better illuminates the nature of the impact. This book is an in-depth comprehensive examination of the impact of the global financial and economic crisis on Cambodia. It probes into the effects of the shock at macro, sectoral and micro levels using qualitative and quantitative techniques.

The aim of this thesis is analysis of the impact of the financial and economic crisis on the Czech banking sector between 2008 and 2010. The theoretic section describes methods and technics of bank assessment based on financial indicators. The application section contains of analysis of the impacts on aggregate numbers of the Czech bank sector and the impacts on selected Czech banks. Conclusion of the thesis summarises individual impacts of the crises and explains their causes. In the end thesis results in comparison of performance between the Czech banks and their foreign owners.