Information technology (IT) is enabling financial services companies and particularly banking firms to create new forms of organizations. Both globalization of markets and more rigorous regulation throughout the European Union such as recently the implementation of the European Capital Adequacy Directive put pressure on the banking firm to either spend ever more money in coordinating business a...

Many species produce eggs or seeds that refrain from hatching despite developmental preparedness and favorable environmental conditions. Instead, these propagules hatch in intervals over long periods. Such variable hatch or germination tactics may represent bet-hedging against future catastrophes. Empiricists have independently recognized these approaches in diverse species. Terms such as seed ...