Acknowledgments

Writing this book has been a labor of love. Like many challenges in life, writing requires diligence, perseverance, patience, and discipline—characteristics that don't come easily to many of us, and I am no exception. However, I am very fortunate to have people who encouraged me to stay on track and finish this book, despite many rewrites.

This book would not have been possible without the help of my friend, colleague, and mentor, R. Max Wideman, who stood by me throughout this project. If I acknowledge all Max's ideas and discussions, his name will be all over this book. Max helped me a great deal in developing my views, reviewing my manuscript, and discussing the topics covered. I cannot repay Max for the extraordinary amount of time he devoted to this project.

Another whose help was invaluable is Raso Samarasekera, who entered my handwritten manuscript into the computer. She went through several revisions cheerfully, with special attention to detail and quality. I am really grateful to Raso for her hard work. In addition, my colleague Mark Keyzer helped me in preparing figures and tables.

I am very grateful to Jim Pennypacker, Editor-in-Chief, PMI Publications Division, who encouraged me to stay with this project and played a significant role in expediting it. Another person who deserves special thanks is Jeannette Cabanis, my editor, whose patience, editorial guidance, and hard work were invaluable. I wish also to acknowledge the support of Michelle Owen, the book designer, and other staff members of PMI Publications Division who helped me to complete this project in a very professional manner.

I also wish to thank members of the PMI West Coast B.C. Chapter and my colleagues at TRIUMF with whom I shared my ideas and who gave me help and moral support in this endeavor. I especially wish to acknowledge the senior management members of TRIUMF—Dr. Erich Vogt, Dr. Alan Astbury, and Dr. Ewart Blackmore for their continuous support. Thanks are also owed to the participants in my classes and seminars for their excellent ideas and discussions.

On a personal level, I would like to thank my late parents and Taya Ji; my brothers, Rajinder and Sudesh Verma, and their spouses, Seema and Rita Verma; my sisters, Prem and Sangeeta and their spouses, Sat Parkaash and Surrinder Tony; my in-laws; and my special friends, Raksha and K.L. Toky. Although they are thousands of miles away, they have always inspired me in this endeavor.

Finally, special thanks to my daughters Serena and Angelee and my son Naveen, who supported me, suggested ideas about the basics of understanding people, and gave me an opportunity to complete this book while wondering what Daddy was doing at night in his study. Most of all, I am indebted to my wife, Shiksha Verma, for her love, understanding, and support. All that I am today, I owe to her love, friendship, and devotion. She does not truly know the extent to which she has helped me in completing this project. Shiksha, my appreciation for your support and love cannot be expressed in words, but thanks many times.

Vijay K. Verma

August 1997