I am indeed fortunate to have many friends and associates who are program managers and project managers. The experience of each one is a little different, and each of them is an expert in his or her own field. As this book drew to a close, I asked several of them to participate in a peer review of the manuscript so that you, the reader, could experience the best-of-the-best. I was fortunate to have three such individuals take time from their busy schedules to read and comment on the manuscript. Their comments have been invaluable.

Mr. Robert Gray—Bob has more than thirty years of experience with leading-edge technology, specializing in program management, business development, and software engineering. He has had an excellent performance with regard to profit, division staffing, technical quality, cost, and schedule on commercial and government contracts, including both firm fixed price and cost plus. Bob has been recommended for the Phoenix Award (the highest program turnaround award in program management).

Ms. Carolyn Plank, PMP—Carolyn has more than fifteen years’ experience as a project manager in the computer industry. She is a technology manager for a multinational computer hardware, software, and services company. She has extensive background in software development, international project management, training, and consulting. She achieved her PMP certification in 1995 and is a longtime member of the Project Management Institute (PMI). She is a founding member of the PMI Space Coast, Florida Chapter, and is currently on the chapter’s Board of Directors.

Mr. James Staal—Jim is a Certified Business and Executive Coach and owns Azure Group, Inc., which provides consulting and coaching in management and technical areas. Their motto is: “Working with businesses and people to turn Dreams into Visions and Visions into Reality.” Jim spent many years as a program manager and system engineer with computer and aerospace companies.

My wife, Judy, is a teacher and was my “sounding board” throughout the preparation of this manuscript. Her comments regarding structure and composition were invaluable and her putting up with my being on the computer day and night will most certainly nominate her for sainthood.

To each and all of you, my thanks.