In this article, a group of management experts, led by Professor Chris Rowley at Cass Business School, examines such phenomena with the following questions. How does the relationship between an e-Marketplace and purchasing company change as transactions continue over time? As the relationship evolves, how do the benefits from e-Marketplaces change?

The word 'professional' is often used rather loosely: the lay person will as easily apply it to footballers, actors, and hairdressers as to lawyers and accountants. In the altogether more precise language of academics it is still a highly contested term - as, by extension, is the expression professional service firm (PSF).

Claims reserves are held by insurance companies so that they have sufficient funds to pay claims when they are submitted by policyholders. In general insurance, insurance policies usually last for a year; the policyholder pays an upfront premium and then expects any claims to be met - no matter when they are made. The problem for insurers is that there is often a delay before the claims are arrive, and then a further delay before they are paid.

In the face of new global challenges and cultural adaptation issues, Earley and Ang (2003) propose a model of cultural adaptation called 'Cultural Intelligence' (CQ).