Rating: 
Summary: Six principles and more for fundamental guidance
Review: As a PM, conflicts between company departmens are routine, 6 principles based on various research Mr. Cooper provided do guide me through the product initiative to its GA (general available). They also formed my defense to do the right thing while to maintain the time to market or to choose.
Personally I think, these principles address the requirements of good product development processes, and one of the instances is his Stage-Gate. That is, I do need to understand the principles in a sophiscated way to faciliate its benefits in my real life with my grasp of previous experience and other theories or rules.
In addition, this book provides some general concepts used in industry product development process. Whereas, the most valuable forceful points come from the six principles.
Rating:
Summary: New product development summarised for general management.
Review: Cooper's previous books have covered different aspects of the demanding task of managing the development and introduction of new industrial products. We heard he was preparing a slim volume suitable for high level general managers, and this is it. Cooper's writing ability guarantees an absorbing read, and his vast amount of practical experience in companies guarantees that you learn how to make the advice really work. My only criticism is that this book needs to be slimmer still for a generalist audience, though it does have key-point boxes running through.
Rating: 
Summary: Technical perspective of product development process
Review: Excellent text book style on the product development process. First part of the book is a bit dry and technical but does its job of highlighting the necessities of succesful product development and management.Later in the book the principles are applied in more real examples that are easier to comprehend. Overall a very good book for Product Managers new to the task or looking to refocus their energy. There are other books just as good and a bit less technical so don't end your reading with this book.
Rating:
Summary: Technical perspective of product development process
Review: Excellent text book style on the product development process. First part of the book is a bit dry and technical but does its job of highlighting the necessities of succesful product development and management. Later in the book the principles are applied in more real examples that are easier to comprehend. Overall a very good book for Product Managers new to the task or looking to refocus their energy. There are other books just as good and a bit less technical so don't end your reading with this book.
Rating:
Summary: Sales kit to overhaul new product process with gates
Review: Given the fact no company is perfect, you may find some insights on key successful factors of new product process from this book. If you're the person willing to influence people, especially you're the PM, who is in charge of products' live/death, then the conclusion in this book may help you a lot. Reminder: author has emphasized three cornerstones to achieve new product success: high quality new product process, resource commitment, and product strategy. Don't try to impress people with the conclusion stage-gate process will solve all the problems.
Rating: 
Summary: A highly useful book for senior managers
Review: Here is a book that concentrates on the senior managers (including the CEO) and their roles in the company's new product efforts. The contents include key factors for success, the new product development process, portfolio management and also new product strategy. Some of these topics have been covered in other books by Cooper. But here you'll find them in a condensed form. And most important: The book has many "Key points for management". These key points are very concrete actions the senior managers take to set the stage for a highly successful new product effort in their company.
Rating:
Summary: Author's Recommendations Similar to FDA's Design Control
Review: I purchased Dr. Cooper's book on recommendation of an attendee at one of my seminars. He commented on the similarities between the book's 'stages' and 'go/kill' gates (decision points) and the FDA's medical device design control requirements. After having read the book, I must agree. Dr Cooper recommendations confirm my own experience in project leadership, developed in the '80's at a large multinational pharma/device manufacturer, modified by the recent requirements for 'design control' mandated upon the medical device industry by the FDA (and similar to ISO 9000). I've always stressed the use of regulatory requirements to achieve business goals, not just to satisfy some regulatory entity. Dr. Cooper clearly shows how adding such similar discipline to the product development cycle, especially at those starting phases (R&D) where many scientists, engineers, and senior management feel control stifles creativity, does just the opposite. His (and the FDA's) system add predicability, decision making over a company's entire product development portfolio, to reduce cycle time, reduce overall product devel. costs, ensure the 'voice of the customer' is part of the design, and increases tremendously the chance of a successful new (or line extension) product. I highly recommend the book.
Rating:
Summary: Author's Recommendations Similar to FDA's Design Control
Review: I purchased Dr. Cooper's book on recommendation of an attendee at one of my seminars. He commented on the similarities between the book's 'stages' and 'go/kill' gates (decision points) and the FDA's medical device design control requirements. After having read the book, I must agree. Dr Cooper recommendations confirm my own experience in project leadership, developed in the '80's at a large multinational pharma/device manufacturer, modified by the recent requirements for 'design control' mandated upon the medical device industry by the FDA (and similar to ISO 9000). I've always stressed the use of regulatory requirements to achieve business goals, not just to satisfy some regulatory entity. Dr. Cooper clearly shows how adding such similar discipline to the product development cycle, especially at those starting phases (R&D) where many scientists, engineers, and senior management feel control stifles creativity, does just the opposite. His (and the FDA's) system add predicability, decision making over a company's entire product development portfolio, to reduce cycle time, reduce overall product devel. costs, ensure the 'voice of the customer' is part of the design, and increases tremendously the chance of a successful new (or line extension) product. I highly recommend the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Adopting actions listed in this book would be a nightmare
Review: I purchased this book primarily on the positive ratings. Anyone who has spent time actually developing new products would see that this book is a recipe for gridlock, stonewalling and endless corporate posturing in any American company. The author's assertion on the widespread adoption of his Star Gate process is also dubious. It appears this book was written by consultants for other consultants. Product, marketing and brand managers should avoid. If you want a book on how to develop products I would suggest the Fast Forward MBA in Project Management. While not specific to product development, it gives you the background and tools for more effectively manage big projects (e.g. product development).
Rating:
Summary: Covers the key topics in new product management.
Review: In a world where senior management has limited time to absorb a wide variety of new ideas, Product Leadership provides an overview of the key issues in new product management. If the reader were to then take action based on the principles, processes and guidelines laid out in this book, they would reap significant rewards for their organizations.
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