The keynote speaker at CodeMash this year was Mary Poppendieck. Very interesting talk about what was called the LEAN software development methodology. Approach was apparently based on lessons from Just It Time manufacturing learnings. Basics involve eliminating waste by not doing things that don’t have value to your customer, always learn, build quality (TDD) into the process at all levels, make decisions as late as possible and delivery quickly.
Specifically Mary focuse on five concepts, Purpose: everyone in the organizations should know why they’re doing what they’re doing at a meta sesnse. Passion: people should be passionate about the organiation. Persistence: hard work and practice, especially practice is necessary. Pride: Cathedral builders versus stone cutters and Profit: Organizations should make money but that shouldn’t be only goal. Goal should not be to make as much money as possible, but to be profitable while servicing clients and employees.