Some newer public concerns do not, offering nothing more than "short operating experience, a business plan and growth expectations," Mr. Hodapp said.

"I'll be able to bring some operating experience to the company," he said.

One problem Global Crossing had early on, analysts said, was that it had plenty of deal makers, but not enough executives with real operating experience.

Baltia, the judge said, had "no operating experience, no name recognition and no marketing organization."

But analysts say that the job is more likely to go to a younger executive with more operating experience.

The field is a whole different story than staff, and she had no operating experience.

Locomotives at that time were designed and built by manufacturers who might be lacking in actual operating experience with their products.

Cladding materials were likewise untested, with little or no operating experience.

He added that Baltia had "no operating experience, no name recognition and no marketing organization."

But a recent report by another organization, based on recent operating experience, indicates nuclear plants have lost much of the operating cost advantage they enjoyed.