As a result, experts say, the sector is having trouble producing the robust performance long associated with it.
For all the reasonably robust performance so far, there is a fragile feeling in the air.
Sir Michael has already said that he intends to tackle poorly performing teachers and impose robust performance management systems.
Despite this, and despite its robust performance so far this year, the economy is looking less resilient than Mr Brown expects.
"Applied Materials has pay-for-performance practices that align a significant majority of executive compensation with robust performance objectives, " says Mary Humiston, senior vice president, global human resources.
Robust performance in France, the U.K. and Russia led to a 24% increase in Europe (19% excluding currency impacts), and in the U.S. operating income grew 6%.
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Behind the robust overall performance lies a stark dichotomy between the robust (America and China, in particular) and the wheezing (Japan and continental Europe).
AIM-listed leisure company Minoan Group has reported a "robust" performance by its travel business.
The Satellite M645 laptop is a compact, versatile PC delivering robust multimedia performance, uncommon convenience and truly elegant styling.
During a robust and confident performance in the Commons on Monday the defence secretary attacked what he called "whispering in the weeds".
Zacks Investment Research on Sept. 14, 2012, upgraded its recommendation on Berkshire to outperform from neutral, based mainly on its robust second-quarter performance.
"Performance was robust in retail and profits continued to grow strongly in online, with sporting results going in our favour in both channels, " said chief executive Ralph Topping.
The company was also asked by the Securities and Exchange Commission to remove an unusual accounting metric, dubbed Adjusted Consolidated Segment Operating Income, which painted a more robust picture of its performance.
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The strong year-over-year performance was primarily driven by robust growth in revenues and operating margin.
Matthew Polenzani, however, has grown into a robust Alfredo, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky gives a magnificent performance as Germont, applying a satiny finish to every phrase he sings.
The better-than-expected performance was primarily driven by increased rents and robust occupancy levels.
The federal government is keen to capitalise on what it calls the "feel-good factor", arising from a robust growth rate of more than 8% and a strong performance over the past six months.
This implies the potential for a less robust understanding of both the material risks and opportunities facing corporations as they seek to drive strong enduring business performance.
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