It lacks what the Bank of England had, an early-warning system in the shape of its own market operations.

ECONOMIST: The Financial Services Authority

They are not going in, in any way, shape, or form as military operations.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Although BAE faces huge challenges, because of the squeeze in US and UK defence budgets, they believe their other international operations are in good shape - and they are positive about their small civil businesses.

BBC: How Germany killed the merger of BAE and EADS

GM, which has done a much better job than Ford of running its foreign operations, is in reasonable shape.

ECONOMIST: America's car industry

In his new role, Fields said he will oversee Ford's day-to-day global operations, while Mulally will shape the long-term execution of his 'One Ford' plan and mentor top executives.

MSN: "One Ford" strategy top focus, says incoming Ford COO

Alternatively, the head of operations might have had a real work session with the analyst to shape his plan, which then might have included interviews with the SVP and her other direct reports.

FORBES: Why Smart People Can Be Stupid About Asking For Help