Methods

Client Standards + Industry Standards

The importance of standards

Standards are important because they provide a common frame of reference for stakeholders on a project. Agreeing on which standards to adhere to is crucial for success.

Client Standards vs. Industry Standards

Clients often have "in-house" standards that trump industry standards. Industry standards are important because they are time-tested and (usually) widely accepted, but client standards will always take precedence.

Client standards may deviate from industry standards for a variety of reasons, including cost, training, and/or scheduling constraints. Sometimes they differ due to philosophical or policy issues.

Recent Industry Standards

Agile*

The Agile approach is being used more and more these days because of its flexibility and results. Agile promotes the following principles:

• Customer satisfaction by rapid, continuous delivery of useful software
• Working software is delivered frequently (weeks rather than months)
• Working software is the principal measure of progress
• Even late changes in requirements are welcome
• Close, daily cooperation between business people and developers
• Face-to-face conversation is the best form of communication (co-location)
• Projects are built around motivated individuals, who should be trusted
• Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design
• Simplicity
• Self-organizing teams
• Regular adaptation to changing circumstances

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*While CloverLeaf definitely leans toward the Agile approach, we recognize that some elements may or may not be appropriate depending on the business problem and/or client standards.