Inside the Fashion Business (6th Edition)

Book Description

This long-time best seller is the most comprehensive fashion industry textbook available today. Drawing from the authorsU extensive industry ties and professional expertise, it provides an overview of the fashion sectors from a business perspective, effectively integrating the excitement of the industry with the essentials required to succeed. The Sixth Edition incorporates many important developments that have transformed the industry dramatically in recent years, including changes in the economy, globalization, technology, consumer priorities and spending.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely horrible.......2005-09-19

I never got my book (still haven't) and this pinhead never responded to one of my e-mails. Don't waste your time.

Terrific book.......2003-06-04

This is the best book on the market today. It is comprehensive and very well written. It should be the bible on the industry.

If you can't sleep..........2000-03-22

Besides being completely out of date (they think online retailing might be an up and coming thing), it lacks any functional organization of material. The information presented is irrelevant, and repetitive. The only thing I would recommend this book for is for falling asleep.

Bad And Beautiful: Inside the Dazzling and Deadly World of Supermodels

Average customer rating:

Not All Fun and Games
For Pete's (or Kate's) sake, Please Give This Book A Chance
STOP! a waste of time and money
Astonishingly Great
The sensationalist cover should tip you off...

Bad And Beautiful: Inside the Dazzling and Deadly World of Supermodels
Ian Halperin
Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0806524561

Customer Reviews:

Not All Fun and Games.......2006-01-04

Models are fascinating and with television shows like America's Next Top Model and Project Runway, the industry seems glamorous and pure despite all the hard work that goes into it. Ian Halperin's book helps to ground the public a bit after being saturated with positive bias for the industry.

Halperin went undercover as a new model from Canada whose Jewish looks were constantly branded as being much more like an actor than a model. However, despite the little success he had in the industry, he unearthed countless awful stories about the abuses of the industry. Saying that it is wrought with sex, drugs, and manipulation is an understatement. There is story after story about abuse, underage and non-consensual sex, fraud, and corruption.

The only problem with this book is that the stories start to become repetitive which makes them lose their effect. However, this is not the fault of the author; even he acknowledges that he began to become numb to the horror stories. It is just that there seem to be no rules that apply in the industry which allows it to run wild.

The chapters in this book are relatively short and cover a variety of subjects. Halperin discusses incidents with small time models as well as major events concerning the "big six."

There is no bibliography in this book, but it is obvious that the author did a lot of research to get his information. He cites specific people when possible, explains why some sources are listed as anonymous, and uses other books like Michael Gross's Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women.

For Pete's (or Kate's) sake, Please Give This Book A Chance.......2005-01-19

Obviously, the review below is bogus, crafted by some bored dimwit with a nothing better to do in life. This book reads extremely well and is heavily documented. Frankly, I suggest that its lucidity and creative way it's presented makes it the top fashion book I've read, and I've read them all. Please, give it a chance, you won't regret.

STOP! a waste of time and money.......2005-01-07

The only reason this gets 1 star is you can't give 0.
It is poorly written, poorly executed and does not even make sense. It is obviously written by someone who has little if any experience writing anything much less a book. It has to be self published; there is NO publisher out there that would print this mish mash garble. The positive reviews are very suspect at best. If you read them they all have the same writing style, written by the same person?
SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!!

Astonishingly Great.......2004-12-02

Being a former model for 12 years, I cannot thank Mr. Halperin enough for his incredibly candid account of what the fashion industry is really like. In fact, I think that his undercover experiences could potentially save models from having horrific experiences - if they read the book. When I was a model, I was sexually harrassed on dozens of occasions. When I complained I was usually told to shut up and keep it to myself - or eles, I would get blacklisted and never work again. Thank you Mr. Halperin for not shutting up and telling it like it really is.

The sensationalist cover should tip you off..........2004-11-23

This book is so poorly written that I had a hard time taking it seriously. I am mystified by all the positive reviews. Most chapters read as if the author scribbled them down in the span of a few hours. Despite being a journalist, Ian Halperin seems to have no concept of letting stories speak for themselves. He can't describe anyone without tacking on a string of generic adjectives. He uses clichés with abandon and repeats himself to no end.

Halperin's reasons for writing this book are confusing. In the preface, he writes, "I wanted to expose this industry that thrives heartlessly on beauty as deception." Although this sentence makes little sense, it is clear that the author is horrified by the abuses and corruption in the industry (This is the major theme of the book). Yet he continues, "Through the information I present, I hope to build self-confidence, fuel modeling ambitions..." Fuel modeling ambitions? The book is devoted to describing how most aspiring models end up emotionally destroyed, in rehab or dead. I read the book in full, but Halperin does not present any coherent strategies to help future models avoid the pitfalls.

Awkward and ungrammatical (and sometimes questionable) statements further erode this book's credibility. One chapter opens with this sentence: "The supermodels of the nineties became a generation's most sought after figure." The unsophisticated language doesn't help, either. Halperin writes that one model has "big b***s".

Finally, Halperin closes with a chapter on the murder of Gianni Versace that has nothing to do with the rest of the book. If you can ignore the sloppy and repetitive writing, perhaps this is a somewhat illuminating exposé.

Fashion, Retailing and a Bygone Era - Inside Women's Wear Daily

Average customer rating:

A look back upon the past fifty years of the women's fashion industry
Stories from a Newspaper that was an International Icon

Fashion, Retailing and a Bygone Era - Inside Women's Wear Daily
Edward Gold , Sandy Parker , Isadore Barmash , Marvin Klapper , Sidney Rutberg , Mort Sheinman , and Stanley Siegelman
Manufacturer: Beard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fashion & Image | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Retailing | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1587982692

Customer Reviews:

A look back upon the past fifty years of the women's fashion industry.......2005-12-09

Fashion, Retailing and a Bygone Era: Inside Women's Wear Daily is a look back upon the past fifty years of the women's fashion industry, as detailed by seven former editors of the Women's Wear Daily newspaper. Women's Wear Daily lasted nearly 100 years because of its mission - to present readers with the facts to aid their business decisions - and was an upstanding "must-read" for designers, manufacturers, trend makers, and marketers due to its integrity and keen eye for detail. Fashion, Retailing and a Bygone Era is packed cover to cover with fascinating, sometimes hilarious, sometimes perplexing moments in the ever-changing world of what's hot and what's not. Highly entertaining, and especially recommended for anyone interested in learning more about the demands of the fashion industry.

Stories from a Newspaper that was an International Icon.......2005-07-23

There are a few newspapers that reach the status of a must read. And there was a time when Woman's Wear (as it was called) was right up there with the Wall Street Journal, or Variety. Each of these is basically a specialty newspaper that covers one industry. Woman's Wear obviously covered the Rag Trade. From some time in the early 1950's to the end of the 1960's Woman's Wear was a must read. Today it is still a big paper, but nothing like it was.

This book is the personal recollection of seven of the editors that made Woman's Wear what it was. They held verious positions on the paper and tell the stories with wit and a tenderness about the paper they obviously loved. Most of the stories, like the stories we remember of our own career are short with unexpected endings. The things that make a good story. And good stories make a good newspaper or even a book.

This is not a serious tome, but a delightful read about a time now gone.

Average customer rating:

Inside Fashion Design
Sharon Lee Tate
Manufacturer: Harpercollins College Div
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060466782

Book Description

This best-selling book gives readers a close look at the fashion industry from the professional designer's viewpoint. It contains clear and comprehensive coverage and excellent illustrations that examine fashion through the decades and trends of the times. KEY TOPICS Each chapter links stylishly updated visual images with relevant concepts. Coverage of the role of computers and digital technology are integrated into every phase of the design and production process .This reference covers business practice, vocabulary, and industry resources. For economic development researchers profiling the apparel industry, reporters who cover the fashion industry, PR and marketing people new to the fashion arena, and lawyers in civil cases related to apparel production and copyright issues.

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Inside The Fashion Business
Jarnow/Judelle/Guerreiro
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KA7WU6

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Inside the Fashion Business
Jarnow Jeannette A
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LBRFYW

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Inside the Fashion Business
Jeanette A. Jarnow
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0471060380

Inside the Fashion Business Text and Readings

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Inside the Fashion Business Text and Readings
Jeannette A. And Beatrice Judelle Jarnow
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MZN6KY

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Inside the fashion business: Text and readings
Jeannette A Jarnow
Manufacturer: MacMillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 0023605901

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Inside the fashion business: Text and readings
Jeannette A Jarnow
Manufacturer: MacMillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Production & Operations | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0023600004

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From Busk to Bra: A Survey of Women's Corsetry
Rosemary Hawthorne , and Mary Want
Manufacturer: Seven Hills Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0710430329

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Divine Right is one of Jim Lee's best creations!

Divine Right: The Adventures of Max Faraday - BookOne
Scott Williams , and Jim Lee
Manufacturer: Wildstorm
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
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Divine Right: The Adventures of Max Faraday - BookTwo (Divine Right)

Wizard: Jim Lee, Millennium Edition

Wildcats: Nemesis (Wildcats)

Heroes Reborn: Fantastic Four

Superman: For Tomorrow, Vol. 1

ASIN: 1563898756

Customer Reviews:

Divine Right is one of Jim Lee's best creations!.......2002-08-02

Divine Right: The Adventures of Max Faraday is one of Jim Lee's best creations! This DC trade paperback reprints Divine Right#1-7 and contains all the covers. This is the first comic book series where Jim Lee took the helm of both writer and artist. As Usual Scott Williams supplies the inks. Divine Right: Adventures of Max Faraday is about a struggling College Student named Max Faraday. He downloads a secret file called "The Creation Equation" on the Internet. The Creation Equation is suppose grant Max Faraday special powers and unlocks the secrets of the Universe! But the Evil Cardinal Lazerous is after "the Creation Equation" and he sends his minions after Max, his Best friend "Devon Lawless" and sister "Jenny Faraday". But The a superhero group known as "The Fallen" are sent to help Max and his friends. Together they journey to many places and discover the secrets of The "Creation Equation" Max Faraday also has an On-line love affair with a woman named "Suzanne Caste" She is Faradays internet friend and secret love-interest. Buy this book! One of Jim Lee's most interesting creations!Highest Possible Recommendation!

Book Description

Fiendishly difficult 28-page labyrinth devised by a master of the art. Countless twists, turns, and deceptions are included but there are no dead ends. The author provides the shortest possible solution. Hours of enthralling amusement for maze fanatics of all ages. Instructions.

Book Description

This study examines three presidential assassination films in their relation to the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy. They have long been neglected as potential factors in Lee Oswald's motivation. The study presents some major revelations. Oswald was definitely very aware of The Manchurian Candidate, from reviews, advertisements, and his daily walks and bus rides right past a Dallas theater (the Palace, on Elm near Ervay) where it played for one month in late 1962. It then played for a second month at other Dallas theaters, including the Texas, near his apartment. Since Oswald's wife Marina later reported that he went to movies alone during the same period, it seems probable that he even saw the film. Within weeks thereafter he bought his fateful rifle, a near-twin of the one featured in the film. In April 1963 he used the rifle when trying to assassinate General Edwin Walker, a nationally-prominent Dallas conservative. The attempt failed, but emboldened Oswald in his militant Marxism. Then, in October 1963, only days after learning that President Kennedy would soon visit Dallas, Oswald definitely saw another presidential assassination film, We Were Strangers (1949). He saw it on television and even watched it twice on the same weekend, October 12-13. Dallas TV guides prove that it was broadcast twice, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, during hours when Oswald had access to a television and was known to watch it. Moreover, his widow Marina reported in December that he had seen the film twice. Finally, Oswald did not see a third presidential assassination film, Suddenly (1954, starring Frank Sinatra) in autumn 1963, despite some claims to the contrary, but he was also influenced by it, at least indirectly. In sum, this study strongly supports the lone assassin conclusion about Oswald by adding significant copycat factors to it.

Customer Reviews:

A Simple but Important Contribution.......2003-06-06

A quick, clear read, Loken's investigation provides a compelling look into this surprisingly sparsely considered area among the body of written work about JFK's assassination. The strength of Loken's thesis lies in the fact that he does not try to reach too far with or make careless assertions about the information he has uncovered. It's definitely worth a read, and its brevity allows for multiple ones.

Kudos to John Loken for his fine bit of research about this important area of assassination research. His book should added to those mythical "must read" lists of JFK assassination books which, oddly enough, seem to be conspicuously lacking any balance in terms of books that support the "lone gunman" theory. Oswald's Trigger Films provides one example of work that seems to be interested in providing objective, reasoned evidence and allowing the reader to draw his own conclusions about it.

Well Written Analysis.......2002-11-23

Establishing a motive for Lee Harvey Oswald in the assassination of JFK has always been a goal of those who promote the lone assassin view of that event. John Loken's "Oswald's Trigger Films: The Manchurian Candidate, We Were Strangers, Suddenly?" does not prove such motive of course. It does show, if one accepts the well-reasoned premise, that Oswald could have been "triggered" to act, at least in part, by films with a powerful visual impact.

The author shows that Oswald almost certainly did see the film We Were Strangers (with its subject of a revolution in Cuba involving an assassination plot) very shortly before the assassination. Further, Loken breaks new ground by proving that The Manchurian Candidate (starring Frank Sinatra and involving programmed assassins) was playing in Dallas for two months in late 1962. Oswald would have certainly known of the film through his reading of Time magazine (which he subscribed to) and newspapers, and had access to two theaters that ran the film.

Loken presents evidence that Oswald did not see the film Suddenly, another Sinatra thriller. This is unfortunate since that film with its images of an assassin at a window, a scoped rifle, and a dark limousine had the most potential for a psychological trigger. Still, Loken shows that Oswald may have been indirectly influenced by this movie's powerful imagery.

Today, we accept the fact that motion pictures can influence a person to commit a violent act (John Hinckley and the Columbine killers are two examples). Oswald's Trigger Films is a thought provoking and well-written look at Lee Harvey Oswald and three films that may have had a similar sway.

John Loken presents a very compelling argument.......2002-10-31

The bells went off in my head the very first time that I heard about John Loken's thesis. It immediately seemed entirely reasonable. So much so, that I'm flabbergasted that apparently nobody previously has dealt with this theme in a significant manner. ... Where did Oswald get the idea? The author contends that the impressionable and immature young man was probably influenced by three motion pictures, We Were Strangers (1949), Suddenly (1954), and perhaps most importantly, the Manchurian Candidate (1962) released only a year before the assassination.

"Not only did Oswald have a strong inclination toward such fantasies of intrigue," adds Loken, but he frequently imitated "what others had done or said before him." The author concedes that there's no proof that Oswald viewed the Manchurian Candidate, but it is very unlikely that this was the case. Moreover, he subscribed to a number of publications which highlighted this film starring Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey as the one chosen to assassinate the president. I don't think it to be out of line to place a special emphasis upon the latter actor's last name being Harvey. Sinatra may have felt so guilty about the possibility Oswald was influenced by the Manchurian Candidate that he made sure it was pulled from distribution for a number of years.

You must obtain a copy of Oswald's Trigger Films. It is mandatory if you are truly interested in further exploring the motivating factors behind the Kennedy assassination. Do not allow the author's lack of prestigious credentials deter you. John Loken has earned your respect. This relatively short book will not be deemed disappointing.

The Copycat Thesis.......2002-09-24

When one first learns of the thesis of this book, it seems pretty far-fetched: Oswald was influenced to murder Kenndy by the films he watched? Surely a man as disturbed as Oswald, who had already attempted a local Texas assassination, wouldn't need any more to jump to a larger target.

And yet, John Loken surprises. He makes a very convincing case for these movies being the inspiration for Oswald's desperate act of becoming infamous. He follows every thread he can find and doesn't spare us the details, whether they are ultimately convincing or obscured by time. It's a quick read (and priced as one) yet still contains supporting footnotes and photos of newspaper clippings. All in all, an unexpected idea fleshed out by facts. Well worth the read.

"Lee-How Bout Passing The Time By Playing A Little Solitaire.......2002-08-27

This is a strange and curious little book.....

The author's premise is that three films dealing with assassinations of political figures (Suddenly, The Manchurian Candidate and We Were Strangers)gave Lee Oswald some of the impetus to murder JFK...

An interesting thesis, but the problem with the book is though, try as he might, the author John Loken is unable to verify for sure that Oswald ever saw 2 out of the three films, making the point of the entire work sort of moot.

Loken also gives short shrift to many of the plot details of the films, two of which, Suddenly and "Strangers" are totally obscure and probably unknown to Mr. Loken's potential audience.

"Oswald's Trigger Films" is no 'War and Peace'...the text is only 40 pages, the rest given over to author's notes and local Dallas TV and movie listings...

Again, the premise of the book is fascinating and deserves more than the somewhat skimpy treatment given here...

Book Description

BradyGames Onimusha: Warlords Official Strategy Guide provides a complete walkthrough of the game including strategy to defeat all bosses. Area maps give the location of every key item. Advanced combat tactics prepare you for all battles, plus a complete listing of weapons and gem combinations is provided. Bonus material includes game secrets, solutions to puzzles and more!

Customer Reviews:

Helped A Lot.......2003-06-02

This guide helped a lot i liked the pictures and the way it told you how to do the puzzles and stuff and how it told you to get preparred for a fight withought spoiling everything! i always buy brady games guides! they rule! Yeah Omnimusha!

Battle the undead without becoming one of them!.......2001-03-22

So, you have all probably heard all the hype over Onimusha Warlords. Critics say this will be ps2 first million seller, so does it deliver? Oh heck yeah! Playing this game to the break of dawn in constant amazement over story and graphics. Finally it all came to an end and victory was mine. Wanting more I purchased the official statagy guide. It brought to light all what I missed and neglected. The guide tells the story of onimusha and the backgrounds of characters. Indepth explanations of baddies and stratagies for over coming seemingly impossible situations. Detailed maps are included showing the location of all the goodies you will need to survive. Hate going back and forth between screens to solve puzzles? With the guide you have the books you need to collect right in front of you. For you more ambitious types the guide contains the extra missions you can play after beating the game. Not only is this book informative it is also beautiful. The pages are over layed with pictures of Japanese woodcuts from their mythology. This is for sure a must have book for a must have game.

Onimusha: Warlords (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

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The Best Guide for this game

Onimusha: Warlords (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)
Prima Development
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0761533990
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Book Description

Detailed 3-D Maps
Complete game walkthrough
Hardcore game secrets
Solutions to all puzzles
Locations of all powerful gems
Thorough descriptions of all fighting moves and weapons
Essential tactics for all boss battles
Sealed secrects section

Customer Reviews:

The Best Guide for this game.......2001-03-12

Well, i'll tell you this...Prima's guide is ten times better than the Brady games guide, and that's something that doesn't happen often. First off, the maps...The prima games guide has maps that actually resemble what the game looks like. The maps have all the details that are in the game, and point out where everything is...the brady games guide looks like the maps were drawn with a big marker...they just show the outline of the levels, with no details really. The prima games guide gives enough information to get you through the game without walking you step by step through the game...this alows the guide to be effective without spoiling the story. The one complaint with this is that it doesn't have a answer section to the treasure box puzzles...these puzzles force you to look around for 4 sets of these books that give you the answer to the puzzle box. If this guide had just given the answers to these puzzle boxes, you would just be able to get the item in the box without having to perform the annoying task of finding the code and then backtracking to the box. Otherwise, this is a great Guide, one of Prima's best.

Onimusha: Warlords - Greatest Hits (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

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Onimusha: Warlords - Greatest Hits (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)
Prima Development
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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Onimusha(TM) 2: Samurai's Destiny Official Strategy Guide

ASIN: 0761540385
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Book Description

Onimusha: Warlords-- Prima's Official Strategy Guide provides detailed maps and walkthroughs for each unique level, as well as a complete weapons list with tips on what weapon to use with a specific scenario. Also included are essential background and stats on all of the characters and enemies along with solutions to all of the puzzles.

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AI is a technique, enveloped by a theory...

Elegant but with some limitations...

Combining theory and practice with great art

Appreciative Inquiry an Orientation Toward Life and Work

Practical guide to new change management approach

Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination
Jane Magruder Watkins , and Bernard J. Mohr
Manufacturer: Pfeiffer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Organizational Change | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Appreciative Inquiry Handbook: The First in a Series of AI Workbooks for Leaders of Change

The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Positive Change

Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry (2nd edition) (Thin Book Series)

Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change

Appreciative Team Building: Positive Questions to Bring Out the Best of Your Team

ASIN: 078795179X

Book Description

Appreciative Inquiry--a book in The Practicing Organization Development Series--is for leaders and organizational consultants who are ready to abandon the familiar tyranny of complex change programs. Recognizing that human systems are constructions of the human imagination and therefore capable of change at the speed of imagination, the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process frees organizations from the restrictive orthodoxy of "deficit based change" and allows them the freedom to mobilize strategic change and focus on the visible and tacit strengths of an organization. AI is capable of engaging whole systems at amazing scales--easily engaging hundreds or sometimes thousands of people, often in a matter of weeks or days, to leverage the positive core of the organization.

Tap into the rich and inspiring "high point" accounts of personal or collective capacity and link this "positive core" to any change agenda. Once you have have determined what is really working, transformations never thought possible are rapidly and democratically mobilized.

"This is a book about the future of organization development. It is a practical guide to appreciative inquiry for organization leaders and organization development professionals and it is a comprehensive explanation at the speed of imagination." --Peter Sorensen, professor and director of the Ph.D. program in organization development and master of science program in management and organization behavior, Benedictine University

Customer Reviews:

AI is a technique, enveloped by a theory..........2002-01-23

Appreciative Inquiry is a method for getting the best, most positive, upbeat, and energizing images of your organization to the fore. AI contrasts to problem-focused inquiry, which usually provokes blame and evasion. A large cadre of Organizational Development and Human Resources types has developed AI, and they swear by its positive effects. The book contains nearly two dozen case examples of AI interventions, ranging from small organization to large multi-national corporations. The authors present a coherent theory (social constructionism) and method to bolster AI's techniques. It has much in common with post-modern psychotherapy, the construction of "magic solutions" ("best practices" in their terms), and centering on the individuals' perspectives (rather than some larger, "objective" truth) about an organization.

It is clear that you have to be sophisticated to do AI interventions. One imagines that you should belong to an AI network, be thoroughly trained, and be supervised. The AI intervention probably does not work without the requisite OD/HR training and perspective. If you are interested, this is your textbook.

I found the book moderately difficult to read and digest, partly because the authors have created such an elaborate theory behind the intervention. The authors are less than candid about "failed" interventions (p. 206), and terms like "co-creating" and "sociotechnical" (what?). I came away from this book believing that AI is something like Public Discourse applied to businesses.

If you want to use this book, plan on studying it in detail and enrolling in AI workshops.

Elegant but with some limitations..........2002-01-19

Appreciative Inquiry fits within recent "modern mediation theory" and Public Discourse techniques. I cannot add more to what previous reviewers have said (above), but note only that the techniques are more difficult to apply than the authors indicate and require all parties in the discussion to be committed to the end-result. AI techniques cannot work in groups where there are power vacuums or undisclosed power grabbing and coaltion-formation.

Combining theory and practice with great art.......2001-11-20

With a growing literature that deals with Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a truly revolutionary way of moving our organization, in their book Magruder Watkins and Mohr have accomplished more to help organization development consultants and managers to understand the potential of AI than any other book currently in print.

Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination covers the subject by alligning both the theoretical concepts to practical applications. It is very well written and presented with a great flow. To the novice to AI it gives all the key elements to get started, for the more seasoned consultant and manager in the field of AI, it gives new ideas and opens up possibilities for further exploration.

It is not be the only book on Appreciative Inquiry but it is at the very top of my reading list on this dynamic subject. When I recommend readings to students of AI, Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the speed of imagination, is the only book they need to read.

Congratulations to Jane Magruder Watkins and Bernard Mohr, they have produced the best book on AI that is available today.

Appreciative Inquiry an Orientation Toward Life and Work.......2001-10-09

Appreciative Inquiry is a way of seeing and being in the world. ... Appreciative Inquiry applied, whether as a planning process or an evaluative process, becomes empowering and life-affirming in any human system. (page 191) The key to sustaining the momentum is to build an "appreciative eye" into all the organization's systems, procedures, and ways of working. (page 152) AI is not simply a tool ... it is a total way of being/working.

As an organization consultant I am interested in three things when learning about and considering adopting an approach or methodology: what are it's theoretical basis, fundamental assumptions and beliefs, basic process, and application to different types of organizational situations. Watkins and Mohr have written a book that offers all three. The opening two chapters ground Appreciative Inquiry in the history of the OD theory and method and clearly explain the core principles and generic processes of AI. The subsequent chapters each focus on one of the five generic processes plus evaluation. Each chapter explains one process in detail, illustrating it with two case examples. The combination of grounded theory and practice facilitates understanding, imagining, and applying. The examples are drawn from different consultants, types of organizations, and focuses of interventions, all of which support a rich understanding of the potential of this approach.

My one wish is that chapter 8, "Finding Innovative Ways to Create the Preferred Future" be expanded. I wanted to read more about an appreciative approach to the Destiny Phase, the most complex part of any change process.

Watkins and Mohr are generous with their knowledge and experience, offering the experienced practitioner enough to begin working from an AI perspective.

This book plus the more academic, Appreciative Inquiry: Rethinking Human Organization Toward a Positive Theory of Change, edited by David L. Cooperrider, Jr. Sorensen Peter F., Diana Whitney, and Therese F.Yaeger, are an excellent package for understanding Appreciative Inquiry: how it developed, its current practice, and directions for future development.

Practical guide to new change management approach.......2001-05-08

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a fundamentally different approach to problem solving and change management which is gaining worldwide popularity rapidly. While the traditional approach focuses on analysing problems and then fixing what is wrong, AI does just the opposite: it searches for and amplyfies solutions that already exist (in this it is highly comparable to solution focused brief therapy). Quite a lot of good books have been written on AI. The thing I like most about this book by Watkins and Mohr is how practical it is. The authors generously packed it with very useble examples and tools. This makes it very recommendable for AI practitioners.

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