Keeping an open pocketbook for RD

摘要

The sound you just heard, and have been hearing, was of purse strings getting tighter across the aerospace industry. In fact, there does not seem to be any industry, or country, or person, not taking some kind of calculated measure to brave the current economic environment. Measures range from multi-billion dollar stimulus packages to a more disciplined approach in making sure no leftovers in the refrigerator go uneaten. In terms of industry, strategies range from massive job cuts-such as on "Bloody Monday," one day at the end of January in which just seven companies announced cuts that added up to 65,400 jobs-to pay cuts; from shutting down factories to having open ones operate for just one shift three weeks out of four. Or less. And, of course, there is a lot of re-looking, and re-re-looking, at budget numbers. Some things that can be cut may seem obvious.