PITTSBURGH-The Performance Review Institute (PRI) has announced the findings of its polls conducted throughout 2008 with regard to the aerospace industry. PRI seeks to advance the interests of the mobility industries through development of performance standards and administration of quality assurance, accreditation and certification programs.

Unsurprisingly, with the global economic situation, raw material costs and the exchange rate, 70% reported that the economy was impacting their business. In addition, only 32% planned to outsource work overseas in the next year.

In terms of quality, 91% believe that their company root cause corrective action process could be improved.

Moving onto regulatory issues, 36% stated that they fully understand the impact of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) on their business. With penalties including fines-Boeing was fined $3 million in 2008-and prison terms, it is important to all organizations, not just U.S.-based ones.

Supporting many other reports, 91% of respondents agreed that the aerospace industry is facing a shortage of qualified experienced personnel.