* It will guide the reader through the process of introducing a component-based approach to a business from a programme-planning perspective, based on the author"s experience as an industry consultant in this area. * It will also outline the need-to-know issues in designing and assembling components, including strategies for scoping components and managing their assembly. * It will provide the essential background and grounding in the components area for readers who already have a knowledge of model-based methods e.g. OO but want to spring-board over into using a component-based approach.