|
|
Twelve Days of Christmas -- Corporate Style:
Effective immediately, the following economizing measures are being
implemented in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" subsidiary:
- 1. The partridge will be retained, but the pear tree, which never produced
the cash crop forecasted, will be replaced by a hanging silk plant, providing
considerable savings in maintenance.
- 2. Two turtle doves represent a redundancy that is simply not cost effective.
In addition, their romance during working hours could not be condoned. The
positions are, therefore, eliminated.
- 3. The three French hens will also be eliminated. After all, nobody likes the
French.
- 4. Regarding the four calling birds, an analysis is underway to determine who
the birds have been calling, how often and how long they talked. In the
meantime, the four calling birds will be replaced by an automated voice mail
system, with a call waiting option.
- 5. The five golden rings have been put on hold by the Board of Directors.
Maintaining a portfolio based on one commodity could have negative implications
for institutional investors. Diversification into other precious metals, as well
as a mix of T-Bills and technology stocks, appear to be in order.
- 6. The six geese-a-laying constitutes a luxury which can no longer be
afforded. It has long been felt that the production rate of one egg per goose
per day was an example of the general decline in productivity. Three geese will
be let go, and an upgrading in the selection procedure by personnel will assure
management that, from now on, every goose it gets will be a good one.
- 7. The seven swans-a-swimming is obviously a number chosen in better times.
The function is primarily decorative. Mechanical swans are in order. The current
swans will be retrained to learn some new strokes, thereby enhancing their
outplacement.
- 8. As you know, the eight maids-a-milking concept has been under heavy
scrutiny by the EEOC. A male/female balance in the workforce is being sought.
The more militant maids consider this a dead-end job with no upward mobility.
Automation of the process may permit the maids to try a-mending, a-mentoring, or
a-mulching.
- 9. Nine ladies dancing has always been an odd number. This function will be
phased out as these individuals grow older and can no longer do the steps.
- 10. Ten Lords-a-leaping is overkill. The high cost of Lords, plus the expense
of international air travel, prompted the Compensation Committee to suggest
replacing this group with ten out-of-work congressmen. While leaping ability may
be somewhat sacrificed, the savings are significant as we expect an oversupply
of unemployed congressmen this year.
- 11. Eleven pipers piping and twelve drummers drumming is a simple case of the
band getting too big. A substitution with a string quartet, a cutback on new
music, and no uniforms, will produce savings which will drop right to the bottom
line.
Overall we can expect a substantial reduction in assorted people, fowl,
animals, and related expenses. Though incomplete, studies indicate that
stretching deliveries over twelve days is inefficient.
If we can drop ship in one day, service levels will be improved. Deeper cuts
may be necessary in the future to remain competitive.
Finally, the Board will next be requesting management to scrutinize the Snow
White Division to see if seven dwarfs is the right number.

Prior |
Tell us what you think |
Next

|