He started working at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio as a project manager in the development of weapon systems.
He eventually retired as Lieutenant Colonel[3] In 1967 he started his academic career, teaching Project Management for 35 years at the Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh.
[citation needed] Cleland also served as consultant for both national and foreign companies.
Its purpose was to recognize and honor the best project management literature published during the previous calendar year.
Books, a selection: Cleland died on August 1, 2018, while under the care of Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, Pennsylvania.