David Fields

“Final approves (F). This is the one person (most often) or small group (rarely) who has the final say on any disputes that cannot be handled by the designated approver(s). 2. Approves (A). The person, or people, authorized to make the decision (i.e., approve). If multiple people are involved, or if a party can dispute the approver’s decision, a separate, final approver is necessary. 3. Recommends (R). Those people inside your organization and on the consultant’s team who make a recommendation for the decision at hand. 4. Consulted (C). Those people, inside and outside the organization, whose input is sought but who are not decision makers.”
― David Fields, The Executive’s Guide to Consultants: How to Find, Hire and Get Great Results from Outside Experts