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Disappearing Witness: Change in Twentieth-Century American Photography
Gretchen Garner
Manufacturer: The Johns Hopkins University Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0801871670 |
Book Description
American photographers documented and defined the twentieth century in a remarkable array of images, the style and content of which evolved dramatically over the course of the century. In Disappearing Witness, photographer and art historian Gretchen Garner chronicles this transformation, from the introduction of the 35-millimeter camera in the 1920s to the digital photography of today. Accompanied by over 125 key works in the history of photography -- fine-art, documentary, and editorial -- her thoughtful and enlightening discussion traces American photography's aesthetic, commercial, and technological changes, as the medium's primary role of spontaneous witness gradually gave way to contrived arrangement and artistic invention.
Garner discusses direct witness as the dominant paradigm for American photographers from the 1920s to the 1960s. During these decades, photographers saw their medium primarily as a vehicle for truthful description and sometimes as a weapon against social injustice. In the 1960s, however, photographic practice and its cultural significance shifted to reflect more personal, idiosyncratic, and staged visions of reality -- a trend, Garner notes, that has intensified with digital photography. The major portion of the book is devoted to post-1960s work, exploring how the changes have affected portraiture, documentary, landscape, still life, fashion, and the new genre of self-imagery. In documenting this transformation in American photography, Disappearing Witness forcefully rethinks the history of photography itself.
Average customer rating:
- "a heavy yet wonderful Collector's piece"
- The One that I've been waiting for
- The Fabric of the Galaxy!
- Bar None
- Pricey, yes, but it's a stunning book.
|
Dressing a Galaxy: The Costume of Star Wars Limited Edition with DVD
Trish Biggar
Manufacturer: "Harry N. Abrams, Inc."
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Star Wars Chronicles: The Prequels
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The Star Wars Poster Book
ASIN: 081095964X |
Book Description
· While the Star Wars saga is famous for its elaborate sets and for revolutionary visual effects, it also features some of the most unique and ornate costumes in modern film. In this exquisite volume, the intricate and beautiful fashions that have appeared in all six Star Wars films are on display-from military gear to royal gowns and the iconic garbs of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. Every costume is brilliantly displayed in intimate detail, from preproduction sketches to the final creations. Actors, including Natalie Portman and Samuel L. Jackson, provide commentary on their experiences during principal photography, while writer-director George Lucas and producer Rick McCallum contribute their thoughts on this exploration of Star Wars costume design. Accompanied by an exhibition at the The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) Museum & Galleries at FIDM in Los Angeles, this unique visual treat is a must-have for any Star Wars fan. This limited-edition run of this book will be released with lavish gatefolds, fabric swatches, a special dvd, and a cast replica of a Wookiee belt-buckle, sure to be the ultimate Star Wars collectible.
Limited Edition Special Features
Hardcover with French-fold jacket encased in an elegant clamshell box with an Obi Wrap cloth overlay. Special features include six bound-in booklets and eight 6-page gatefolds, a costume index by character for all six films in the Star Wars Saga, 16 additional pages of color photographs and fabric swatches cut from the same bolts as the Saga's actual costume material originating from the Lucasfilm archives including swatches made from the same fabric used for Darth Vader's cape as well as a cast replica "Wookiee Belt-Buckle" symbolizing the valor and loyalty of these ferocious warriors. Also includes a Certificate of Authenticity for the Wookiee Belt Buckle replica and Costume Swatches.
Package Features
*Clamshell box wrapped in Japanese silk
*Wookie beltbuckle replica
*Darth Vader cape material
*Fabric samples (includes piece of Darth Vader's cape)
*Limited Edition Lucasfilm DVD
Edition Features
*Gatefolds (Six 6-page gatefolds)
*1. Jedi council
*2. Royalty: fabric details (embroidery, edgings, beading, sewn-in embroidery sheet)
*3. Military (featuring the Wookiees)
*4. Senators incl. Padmé outfit
*5. Rogues Gallery (Jawas, Ewoks, Cantina, Jabba's place)
*6. Farmers: Padmé outfit
Additional Signature
* Costume Archeology" (antique fabrics and pieces) | "Trisha's Scrapbook" of her travels w/passport stamps; 16 additional pages.
Special Insert (accordion-fold )
"Building 37" - workroom, inspirations, pictures of JAK folders, pictures of fabric samples, etc. of top 20 costumes, fabric samples. This special insert depicts costume evolution inside Trisha Biggar's workshop.
Eight (8) Bound-in Booklets and Inserts (loose)
1. Headresses
2. Classic character costumes
3. CG "Costume Booklet"
4. Footwear (in silhouette)
5. "Dressing Bail Organa"
6. Costume breakdown with transparent overlays
7. Jewelry
8. Darth Vader
Customer Reviews:
"a heavy yet wonderful Collector's piece".......2007-01-09
I was so excited when my package arrived and couldn't wait to open it.
What i got is an unbelievable box that holds a mass of little treasures, beginning with the little piece of Darth Vaders Cape and continuing with the book itself, the fabric samples or the also included DVD.
Everything is done with so much care for the details and you also get a certificate plus a little card with your book's collectors number. I don't regret my purchase at all. Even though it was a lot of money, it's totally worth it for every fan of the Saga who doesn't just like the ships, battles or lightsaber-fights. Also i have a little suggestion - be careful carrying it around - it is really heavy :)
The One that I've been waiting for.......2006-04-02
Ever since I saw Episode One I have been fascinated by the costume designs of the Star Wars universe and finally here is the book that shows just how special these costumes are. With large photographs of the costumes and detailed close ups that show the attention to detail.
Finally my time in a galaxy far, far away has an end?
The Fabric of the Galaxy!.......2006-01-15
This book is above and beyond excellent. From the way that the book is packaged, presented and written, not to mention the tangible supplements that are exclusive to this edition - such as the cloth swatch from Darth Vader's cape - what a thrill it is to actually own something that has literally been a part of the Star Wars universe!
This book is highly informative, insightful and entertaining.
Packed full of sumptuous photographs, illustrations, fold-outs, cloth swatches and an exclusive DVD - ANYTHING a Star Wars fan or those with only a passing interest in film costuming could ever want.
This publication is a must. It is simply an absolute joy to behold and a treasure trove for one and all who read it. I'm sure it is destined to become a crown jewel in many a Star Wars fan book collection!
I cannot recommend Dressing a Galaxy enough - go buy it, and May The Force Be With You!
Bar None.......2005-12-10
You can buy whatever book you want on the Star Wars films, but not having this one is a crime. Photography is amazingly clear and detailed, the inserts are awesome, and the swatches...forget about it...they are priceless.
This is, by far THE package of the Star Wars empire. Destined to be a classic and one "to die for" in the Star Wars ranks. Don't, let it pass you by.
Pricey, yes, but it's a stunning book........2005-12-09
I was beginning to think this book wouldn't come, because the release was put back twice and then it seemed to be unavailable. Well, I guess with limited editions of this price band it's understandable. I was kind of starting to not care, because at this price I was starting to think I should save my money. Then today, my other half called me at work to say this huge parcel had been delivered. Yes!
I got home an hour ago and, well, it IS huge. Extremely well packed, a box inside another box, and then the fabric-covered clamshell box with the fastended silk wrap. Lovely. I almost didn't want to unseal it any further, but carefully I did. The fresh print smell hit me first, and within seconds I got a headache from it. Opening the box gave me that geeky excitement I haven't had since, I don't know when. I'd made sure to wash my hands first. Then I opened it. The book is outwardly the same as the regular version, set into the right-hand side of the clamshell with a red silk pull underneath to help lift it out. On the other side, there was the replica wookie belt buckle, a certificate of authenticity, a companion DVD, and a special sealed sample of Vader's cloak fabric. All looked pretty good.
I lifted out the book with the pull, and noticed it's thicker than the regular version, with lots of the special inserts I'd read about. Nice and weighty, I put it aside, because underneath is a gatefold supplement containing a dozen or more fabric samples from the costumes pictured next to them. Lovely. Really lovely. And then, underneath that, a thicker booklet showcasing digital creatures from the prequels and their costumes. I then opened the main book to find the limited edition number. There are 2,500 of these books, and I got number 2,479. I think I was lucky getting this!
So often these collectors pieces are disappointing, but I have to be completely honest with this. It's a beautiful book, and I haven't even started reading it yet, which isn't going to make a lot of difference because of the quality of the whole package. If you can get hold of a copy, do it. I know it's pricey, but you'll get over that soon enough, and you'll have what I think is one of the best pieces of Star Wars memorabilia ever made.
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Dark Knight Archives Volume 1 :Batman
Bob Kane
Manufacturer: DC COMICS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000UXF9DA |
Average customer rating:
- Funniest Cookbook Ever
- Probably the funniest cookbook ever written.
- Excellent
- Gave as a gift, wanted to steal it back
- This book is great take note!
|
Eat What You Want and Die Like a Man: The World's Unhealthiest Cookbook
Steve H. Graham
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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The Good the Spam and the Ugly
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Alcoholica Esoterica: A Collection of Useful and Useless Information As It Relates to the History andConsumption of All Manner of Booze
ASIN: 0595318452 |
Book Description
Tired of tofu? Sick of salad? REVOLT! Eat What You Want and Die Like a Man will put you back in touch with your Inner Hog.
This collection of humor essays by Miami-area writer Steve H. Graham contains about two dozen recipes that are as deadly as they are delicious.
Learn to make treats such as yeast-raised doughnuts deep-fried in lard, chicken-fried ribeye on a giant bacon-grease biscuit, coconut flan with seven egg yolks, five-hundred-calorie brownies, and hash-brown Yukon Gold casserole with cheese and over a pint of sour cream.
This book should come with a Biohazard decal!
Customer Reviews:
Funniest Cookbook Ever.......2007-05-09
Steve-o writes what is hands-down the funniest cookbook in print. And the recipies are great as well. This is just like Grandma used to make, only a bit better. Of course that's probably why Grandpa died of a massive corronary at 60... But hey he did eat good!
Probably the funniest cookbook ever written........2007-05-07
Most cookbooks are kept on a shelf in or near the kitchen and only pulled down when you need a recipe for baked yak or whatever.
If you are anything like me, this cookbook will be kept in your living room, near your chair so you can read it and laugh like an insane person. It has great recipes, but even more important it is written by a genuinely funny man who happens to be a lawyer. His comments about his proof reader, and libel suits are worth the price of the book alone. (Sorry you will have to buy your own copy to find out, I'm not gonna tell.)
I find myself reading it out loud to my wife. She even thinks it is funny.
As has been mentioned, it does have some strong language, but so what? It is A FUNNY book.
Did I mention that this is a very funny book?
Excellent.......2007-03-08
A Wunnerful Book - The humor is great oh and BTW did i mention the recipes - yes Yum yum
Gave as a gift, wanted to steal it back.......2007-03-03
Am I a bad daughter because I gave a book that says "Die Like A Man" to my father?
Nahhh. I bought it for teh funny AND the wickedly good food. Perfect for anyone (not just men) who loves GOOD food (not rabbit food--meat, chocolate, anything with enough fat to give it actual taste) and has a sense of humor. Gwyneth Paltrow needn't bother with this one.
Buy two copies--one for a gift, and one for yourself. Be sure to also check out Graham's new book, "The Good, The Spam, and The Ugly," for more of his devious brand of humor!
This book is great take note!.......2006-05-10
The only bad thing anyone can muster about this wonderful little book is V. R. Randolph's sissy comment that its foul-mouthed. When people who give glowing reviews to "Christian Fiction" (remember it doesn't make xtianism any better it just makes fiction worse!) hate a book every free-minded individual should buy it.
Don't let the witch-doctors tell you what to do.
Average customer rating:
- John Ford: A Brilliant Film Director whose Dark Glasses hid Poetic Eyes
- John Ford's films
- All the bio (as well as analysis) that you could ever need!
- Makes For An Interesting Read
|
John Ford: The Man and His Films
Tag Gallagher
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0520063341 |
Customer Reviews:
John Ford: A Brilliant Film Director whose Dark Glasses hid Poetic Eyes.......2005-07-18
T. Gallagher has written an outstanding book on the films of John Ford from his primitive Westerns of the silent era through his last film "7 Women" in 1965.
Gallagher includes biographical information on the enigmatic Mr. Ford-tough guy; closet intellectual; painter of superb movie landscapes and all around genius!
Gallagher's main focus, however, is a close study of all the John Ford movies. His commentary is to be read slowly (a dictionary to look up the abstruse words he likes to use can also prove handy!). Gallagher's writing is often academic (using big words and jargon of film scholars), pedantic and obscure.
However, overall he does a good job at getting at the essence of a film's worth. Gallagher helps you to "read a Ford film" giving you new insights into the neglected genius of the fiery Irishman who made the best American movies of his time.
If you want a biography of John Ford turn to the excellent biographies by Joseph McBride or Scott Eyman among others. If you
want primarily a scholary study of the movies made by Ford then
Gallagher is for you.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of Ford or for anyone wishing to know more about this legendary director of such classics as "Rio Grande"; "Fort Apache" "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" "The Grapes of Wrath"; "Drums Along the Mohawk"; "Young
Mr. Lincoln"; "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence" and countless other classics! Well recommended.
John Ford's films.......2001-05-25
If one is searching for a biography of John Ford, this is not the book. (A suggestion--Scott Eyman's "Print the Legend" Another, with a slightly different emphasis but still with insightful observations--"John Wayne's America" by Garry Wills.) But as an analysis of specific Ford films as well as the themes he used throughout his career, this book is invaluable. Gallagher's style is a bit too academic at times, but he offers some interesting observations (His examination of the structure of "The Searchers" is particularly memorable).
All the bio (as well as analysis) that you could ever need!.......2000-12-30
I don't think customer Lee Kane is quite right when he says that Tag Gallagher's labour-of-love book is mainly about the films. Gallagher's writing is spare and lean but he gives at least as much biography as the purely biographical books.
Makes For An Interesting Read.......2000-04-26
This is a good book, even though not what I was looking for. The title says "The man and his films", but this book is mainly about the films. That means, if you are looking for the definitive Ford bio, this book isn't it.
That said, this book does has its advantages. It explores Ford's movies in depth, revealing new facts and a lot of insight. It also has a lot o photos.
If you want research on his movies, this is the book for you. If you want a biography, I suggest you read "Hollywood's Old Master" by Davis.
Average customer rating:
|
JOHN FORD: THE MAN AND HIS FILMS
TAG GALLAGHER
Manufacturer: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S9K9ZY |
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|
Leo Sowerby: American Master of Sacred Song
Gloriae Dei Cantores
Manufacturer: Paraclete Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 1557250448 |
Average customer rating:
- A book just for some
- Interesting book....
- Interesting but....
- Best chess book around....
|
Chess: A Psychiatrist Matches Wits with Fritz
Ernest F., M.D. Pecci
Manufacturer: Pavior Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Behind Deep Blue: Building the Computer that Defeated the World Chess Champion
ASIN: 1929331045 |
Book Description
This compilation of over 125 games systematically illustrates a strategy that succeeds in beating today's best computer chess programs. With a detailed description of the steps that lay the groundwork for victory, this manual includes easy-to-follow diagramed chessboards to illustrate each move. It also contains a description of the conventional principles of chess as well as the strategic differences of computer chess.
Customer Reviews:
A book just for some.......2004-12-29
This book is written mainly for those who love to play (and beat) their silicon buddies. There are lot of unusual examples how to play vs computer programs (mainly Fritz 5 and 6, unfortunately), whitch can do the job. There is also the fine intro written by Kasparov himself, and one chapter about chess helping the mentally disabled kids, whitch is nice. But that is it! You wouldnt get any info about chess strategy and tactics that can improve your game at all. The book is of limited use.
Interesting book...........2002-11-28
I am class A USCF (around 1900) chess player who is usually crushed by Fritz. Yesterday, I picked this book up in a bookstore and looked at it for about 30 minutes. I found it quite interesting.
Today, the first game I played with Fritz 6 ended in a crushing 25 move defeat for the Silicon giant. I am running a very fast computer with a gig of RAM. I haven't played any other games yet....
Fritz 6 - ,T
Level=Blitz:5'. MyTown, 27.11.2002
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4 Nbd7 4.e3 e6 5.Bd3 Be7 6.Nbd2 0-0 7.Ne5 c5 8.c3 c4 9.Bc2 Qa5 10.g4 Nxe5 11.dxe5 Nd7 12.h4 Qb5 13.Rb1 Qa5 14.g5 Qxa2 15.h5 Nc5 16.g6 h6 17.Bxh6 gxh6 18.gxf7+ Rxf7 19.Rg1+ Kh8 20.Qg4 Bg5 21.f4 Rg7 22.fxg5 Rxg5 23.Qf4 Rxg1+ 24.Kf2 Rxb1 [24...Rg7 25.Qf8+ Rg8 26.Qxh6#;
24...Nd3+ 25.Bxd3 cxd3 26.Rxg1 Bd7 (26...Kh7 27.Qf7+ Kh8 28.Rg8#) 27.Qxh6#] 25.Qf8# 1-0
Interesting but...........2002-04-13
Create a V barrage and attack kingside with a pawn storm, this is the idea. Birds opening and variations of the English are perfect according to the author for such an attack based on the computer grabbing material on the other side. It's an interesting idea and the author pursues it through a variety of openings with every move pictured. But let's be clear, this is not a book to learn from. Readers will not gain an understanding of the game beyond Pecci's basic strategic idea outlined above. It's an idea that fails quickly if you don't mate the machine. Fritz 7 blew many of the book's ideas out of the water fairly easily so I wonder how practical the book remains given that Fritz 7 (according to Chessbase and to Kramnik) is stronger by far than version 6. Kasparov's foreward basically says, "interesting idea." but not much more.
If you are interested in computers and want to see how this guy beat them, well it's a fun read. If you are rated under 1800 and want to LEARN, then head for another book.
Best chess book around...........2002-03-13
Over the years, I have read many, many chess books. Dr. Pecci's is the first to keep me up at night - yes, just like a great thriller! This is truly a terrific book. It is extremely well thought out and brilliantly written. I was having all sorts of problems beating Fritz (6 or 7) as well as Shredder 6, on their highest levels. After reading and studying Dr. Pecci's book - I now kick butt!! The ideas put forth in Chess: A Psychiatrist Matches Wits with Fritz, also works well against opponents that eat and get angry. And they do get angry when you beat them with a King Side Attack with your entire force when theirs is split between offence and defense ý on opposite sides of the board. Let me also mention that the book is put together like a $100 coffee table book. It is made of the finest paper, is heavy weighted and a beautiful book to behold, even if you know nothing about E4 or Nf3. If you like chess, get this book ý youýll love it!
Average customer rating:
- This book Is The Best of The Best!
- Effectiveness, honesty, simplicity
- Overcoming Inertia - Uniting New Knowledge with Action
- Packed with Knowledge!
- Knowledge alone is a watseful Investment
|
The Knowing-Doing Gap: How Smart Companies Turn Knowledge into Action
Jeffrey Pfeffer , and
Robert I. Sutton
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
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Know-How: The 8 Skills That Separate People Who Perform from Those Who Don't
ASIN: 1578511240 |
Amazon.com
Every year, companies spend billions of dollars on training programs and management consultants, searching for ways to improve. But it's mostly all talk and no action, according to Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton, authors of The Knowing-Doing Gap. "Did you ever wonder why so much education and training, management consultation, organizational research and so many books and articles produce so few changes in actual management practice?" ask Stanford University professors Pfeffer and Sutton. "We wondered, too, and so we embarked on a quest to explore one of the great mysteries in organizational management: why knowledge of what needs to be done frequently fails to result in action or behavior consistent with that knowledge." The authors describe the most common obstacles to action---such as fear and inertia---and profile successful companies that overcome them.
Among the companies that Pfeffer and Sutton say do it right: General Electric, the Men's Wearhouse, SAS Institute, Southwest Airlines, Toyota, and British Petroleum. The book, based on four years of research, is broken into chapters with titles such as "When Talk Substitutes for Action," "When Fear Prevents Acting on Knowledge," "When Internal Competition Turns Friends into Enemies," and "Turning Knowledge into Action." Each chapter contains tips on what to do and what to avoid, and provides examples of how a lethargic company culture can be transformed. The Knowing-Doing Gap is a useful how-to guide for managers looking to make changes. Yet, as Pfeffer and Sutton point out, it takes more than reading their book or discussing their recommendations. It takes action. --Dan Ring
Book Description
The market for business knowledge is booming, as companies looking to improve their performance pour billions of dollars into training programs, consultants, and executive education. Why, then, are there so many gaps between what firms know they should do and what they actually do? Why do so many companies fail to implement the experience and insight they've worked so hard to acquire?
The Knowing-Doing Gap is the first book to confront the challenge of turning knowledge about how to improve performance into actions that produce measurable results.
Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton, well-known authors and teachers, identify the causes of the knowing-doing gap and explain how to close it. The message is clear-firms that turn knowledge into action avoid the "smart talk trap." Executives must use plans, analysis, meetings, and presentations to inspire deeds, not as substitutes for action. Companies that act on their knowledge also eliminate fear, abolish destructive internal competition, measure what matters, and promote leaders who understand the work people do in their firms. The authors use examples from dozens of firms that show how some overcome the knowing-doing gap, why others try but fail, and how still others avoid the gap in the first place.
The Knowing-Doing Gap is sure to resonate with executives everywhere who struggle daily to make their firms both know and do what they know. It is a refreshingly candid, useful, and realistic guide for improving performance in today's business.
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Why are there so many gaps between what firms know they should do and what they actually do? Why do so many companies fail to implement the experience and insight they've worked so hard to acquire? The Knowing-Doing Gap is the first book to confront the challenge of turning knowledge about how to improve performance into actions that produce measurable results. Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton, well-known authors and teachers, identify the causes of the knowing-doing gap and explain how to close it. The message is clear--firms that turn knowledge into action avoid the "smart talk trap." Executives must use plans, analysis, meetings, and presentations to inspire deeds, not as substitutes for action. Companies that act on their knowledge also eliminate fear, abolish destructive internal competition, measure what matters, and promote leaders who understand the work people do in their firms. The authors use examples from dozens of firms that show how some overcome the knowing-doing gap, why others try but fail, and how still others avoid the gap in the first place. The Knowing-Doing Gap is sure to resonate with executives everywhere who struggle daily to make their firms both know and do what they know. It is a refreshingly candid, useful, and realistic guide for improving performance in today's business.
Customer Reviews:
This book Is The Best of The Best!.......2007-07-26
This book hits the nail on the head. It's straight forward, easy to read format makes it a must read for every business leader who wants to get out from under knowing what to do and move to DOING the things that need to be done to move their organization forward!
Effectiveness, honesty, simplicity.......2006-10-24
Certainly in modern hi-tech work people need to be skilled, and know how to do their work well. But with all that knowledge, and people and systems concerned with knowledge management (and management in general), one may wonder at times why more work doesn't get done sooner. The authors of The Knowing-Doing Gap address this question. If you see parts of yourself or your work environment in these examples, it may be time to discuss it with others so you can get more work done with what you know already.
Overcoming Inertia - Uniting New Knowledge with Action.......2005-11-08
Two stellar professors use their experience and research to address the problem of organizational inertia in spite of our wide-spread and prevailing knowledge.
The premise is that a gap exists between our knowledge and the application of that knowledge in business... and that it can be closed. It cites that every year 1,700 business books are published, 60 billion dollars spent on training, 443 billion dollars spent on consulting and 80,000 new MBAs hit the business landscape... and still businesses are failing to apply the latest well-known and most viable principles and practices.
The authors break down the causes of this gap into five main reasons. After backing-up each reason with facts and examples, direct solutions are given to its remedy. Eight guidelines for action are then presented to fix this problem in your company. Case studies of business that have made huge turn-arounds using this appoach really amplify the authors' message.
This book is a great guide and loaded with ideas to getting the ball rolling in your business, non-profit organization... and dare I stretch to say your personal affairs. Knowing what to do, by itself is not enough... in businesses, churches or homes.
Application of this book's guidelines will make all of your other books, training, consulting, and manpower pay off. The tendency to just 'intellectualize' this information will be offset by your exposure to the real reasons knowledge hasn't lead to action in your experience. At least, that is the goal!
Five Stars
Packed with Knowledge!.......2005-06-20
Comedian Bill Cosby once sang a metaphorical ditty about a man who sat on the railroad tracks each day, only to be hit by a train. He knew when the train was coming, but he just couldn't apply that knowledge to get out of the way. That circumstance will sound hauntingly familiar to corporate consultants. Consider the experience of two consultants conducting deregulation research for a Latin American utility company. They stumbled over an excellent 500-page report completed years previously by a prior consultant. The document had all the information and analysis the company was seeking, but it had never been utilized. Authors Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton expose the alarming gap between what senior managers know and what they actually implement. After four years of intensive research into this issue, they uncover valuable lessons on how to make sure your organization doesn't talk itself to death. Today's companies are struggling to overcome inertia and become more nimble. That's why we strongly recommend this book for managers at every level; if nothing else, you'll know what you ought to be doing.
Knowledge alone is a watseful Investment .......2004-10-10
The only book on the very important subject I know off. The authors share their views on the their a well researched topic.
The key issues in Knowing Doing gap are 1. Top management 2. The culture 3. Aura of being knowledgable 4. Focus on sounding great with less emphasis on performance 5. Faulty Measurements 6. Fear.
They also cite exeample of companies that have less of this gap by focussing on simplicity, communcation that is imlementation oriented, simple plans that work rather than complex issues such as balance score cards. They indirectly bring out the fact that Top management gap in understanding of the ground realities, has a direct bearing on knowing doing gap.
Going by their own emphasis to help readers in reducing the knowing doing gap, they could have reduced the descriptive nature of the book. They could have inserted an overview chart, showing the various symptoms of knowing doing gap in one column, ccauses, remedies, good co examples in another column. Subsequesnt revisions of this book may consider this feedback.
Average customer rating:
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Turning knowledge into action: innovation expert Robert Sutton reveals the mind-set and strategies needed to go from theory to practice. (Cover Story). ... An article from: Chief Executive (U.S.)
Robert Sutton
Manufacturer: Chief Executive Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008FG5M4
Release Date: 2005-07-30 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Chief Executive (U.S.), published by Chief Executive Publishing on August 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1912 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Turning knowledge into action: innovation expert Robert Sutton reveals the mind-set and strategies needed to go from theory to practice. (Cover Story). (book review)
Author: Robert Sutton
Publication:
Chief Executive (U.S.) (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2002
Publisher: Chief Executive Publishing
Page: SS14(3)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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