The Role of M(W) in Precision Studies of the Standard Model

Recent calculations have significantly decreased the scheme and residual scale dependence of basic radiative corrections of the Standard Electroweak Model. This leads to a theoretically accurate prediction of the W-boson mass M(W), as well as a reduced upper bound for the Higgs boson mass M(H). The implications of a precise M(W) measurement on the M(H) estimate are emphasized.