Word: modernizations
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...time, Olivetti sorely lacked the kind of foresight and strategic thinking necessary for a company in modern office equipment. Among De Benedetti's first moves was stepping up research and development--from $28.3 million in 1978 to $130 million last year. He abandoned the manufacture of money-losing mechanical equipment like typewriters. He also began paring down a swollen payroll. From 61,500 employees when he took over, the number dropped to 47,600 last year, and is still declining. As a result, productivity has leaped more than 22% annually for the past two years...
...visitor today at one of Olivetti's plants in the rolling foothills of the Italian Alps near Ivrea might get the impression that the staff has gone out to lunch. Only small groups of workers are visible at their jobs in the modern ten-acre complex. Olivetti-designed robots, controlled by Olivetti computers, turn out more Olivetti computers and other electronic products in a surrealistic demonstration of the new industrial revolution...
...industry leaders have responded to the competition by introducing their own yuppie-style cards. Hallmark has a new line called Modern Woman, with messages that often might seem risque for the venerable 75-year-old firm. Example: "You're such a totally together man. You're sensitive, kind, understanding and a good listener . . . Nice buns, too! Happy Birthday...
...Always together, eternally apart, these two ironic superheroes have a mediating companion, the impish cutpurse Phillipe (Matthew Broderick again). Not a bad premise for a wistful romance, especially when it stars three such appealing actors. Alas, the script (by Edward Khmara, Michael Thomas and Tom Mankiewicz) jumbles modern slang with chivalric sentiment; and Director Richard Donner (The Omen, Superman) is no spellbinder of medieval melancholy. "I believe in miracles," says the evil bishop (John Wood) who laid on the curse. "It's part of my job." Making miracles is Donner's job--and, Dick, you're fired...
...next year, the cry of "Fore!" may be faintly heard at the nearby tomb of Emperor Xi Zong, who ruled from 1620 to 1627. Even Xi, who is remembered for turning over power to a eunuch, would undoubtedly relish the stately rhythms of the royal and ancient sport. His modern-day counterparts will surely appreciate a game in which handicaps allow players of different abilities to compete as equals...