According to Max-OT to achieve the best workout these guidelines must be followed strictly.
Train 1-2 muscle groups each workout.
Performing 4-6 reps every set.
Performing 6-9 heavy sets for each muscle.
Rest times are 2-3 minutes.
Workouts should last 30-40 minutes (30 minutes is optimal for max intensity).
Each muscle should only be trained once every 5-7 days.
A break of 1 week of rest and relaxation should be taken every 8-10 weeks.
The concept is not reaching failure but overloading the muscle. Reaching failure in lifting trains the muscle for endurance rather than mass and strength. You lift the weight you can do 4 reps easy but push to 6. The weight stays the same for each set.
Skip La Cour is a big pusher of Max-OT.
the first place guy on this page has alot of info about it:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw41.htm