The failure of these expeditions highlighted the inadequacies of the provincial forces, and the Massachusetts assembly appealed to London for aid.

But Mr. Katkov, the Celent analyst, noted that Thursday's failure highlighted another problem: the inadequate computer systems used by Japanese financial companies.

"By pushing European economies towards homogeneity, the constitution's failure has simply highlighted these differences," he wrote.

He told the Institute of Chartered Accountants that recent failures had highlighted weaknesses in accounts.

In addition, the failure highlighted the ease with which the power grid could be taken down.

Torcetrapib's failure highlights the risks that drug makers face as they try to develop new and important medicines, he said in a telephone interview yesterday.

Administrators of campus-based programs believe the failure of many online programs highlights the importance of extensive classroom time and personal interaction.

The failure highlighted the need for good communication between design engineers and contractors, and rigorous checks on designs and especially on contractor-proposed design changes.

This failure to take account of the views of fishermen also highlights the lack of appropriate coordination between the two sources of information, the scientific and the professional.

The failures and errors merely highlight the over-all success.