BUSINESS MEMO: WOMEN IN WORK PLACE

The "glass ceiling" that historically has been a barrier to advancement by women in the work place is showing some cracks, a gradual change backed up by Census Bureau figures.

It's not enough to ensure clear upward mobility for women, say analysts and women's advocacy groups, but noticeable enough to suggest those comfortable corner offices and plush leather chairs are no longer the sole dominion of men.

According to government estimates, there were more than 7.1 million women in full-time executive, administrative or managerial positions in 1998 a 29 percent jump from 1993. Some 9.4 million men had the same kinds of significant jobs, but that represented only a 19 percent increase.