Well in my STP lab, I foud a nice command that allow you to "do" the exec
command in the configuration mode, it common help to use the show, debug and
clear command
so forgot the ^Z or end command !
D4(config)#do ?
LINE Exec Command
D4(config)#do sh ver
Cisco IOS Software, 3600 Software (C3660-IS-M), Version 12.4(10a), RELEASE
SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2006 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 11-Oct-06 21:20 by prod_rel_team
ROM: ROMMON Emulation Microcode
ROM: 3600 Software (C3660-IS-M), Version 12.4(10a), RELEASE SOFTWARE
(fc2)
It work well also with the alias command 
It apear first time in the IOS 12.1(11b)E.
You can found more information hereHere some exemples ....