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| Further, our method
of identifying and evaluating prospective future leaders of the company puts a
premium on their willingness and eagerness to tackle new and different job assignments
in a wide variety of places within our global enterprise. | | For
us, being “global” means more
than having customers in 145 countries. We are approaching it not just as a geographical
concept, but as a reflection of how we operate. While we view the world as a global
economy and base of operations, we are expanding our presence in countries around
the world to be more effective locally. We are hiring people who have in-depth
knowledge of and experience in local culture, history, government and population.
Our objectives are to create significant growth by opening markets, seizing new
opportunities and improving our return on investment with lower costs and access
to technology and resources. | | In fact, our Office of Technology,
as part of its efforts, has much to offer — and much to gain — from
expanded affiliations with universities and technical institutes around the world.
Partnering with others, we also intend to create a number of international research
and technology centers around the globe. In 2001, we announced that the first
of these would be established in Madrid, Spain. The center will open in the Spring
of 2002. | | |
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