Best Practices vs. Better Practices

I'm complained about the brain dead acceptance of ANYTHING labeled "Best Practices" before here.

Larry Peters, a Contract/Vendor Relations Manager, sends his well thought out definition:

Best Practices: those practices based on experience, training, education, industry acceptance and understanding of the applicable operational environment that are implemented to produce the optimum condition or quality and that the appropriate change management processes are in place to adopt relevant changes to those practices as circumstances may require

Optimum is defined as "The point at which the condition, degree, or amount of something is the most favorable." This makes the use of Best Practice relevant to the potentially unique circumstances. Best Practice unbounded by the circumstances would most likely be unattainable for reasons on cost or practicality. When bounded by the outcome of optimum condition or quality then it should be obtainable.

Simple example: Best Practice to avoid getting sick is to lock yourself in a sterile environment and avoid contact with others which is unattainable for reasons of cost or practicality but is undeniably the BEST way to avoid getting sick. Eat healthy, rest, exercise and see your doctor is Best (optimum) given the need for practicality and relevance .

He adds:

I have always been a bigger fan of the concept of Better Practices. Best indicates as you discussed in your article do it once and you're done. Also indicates that Best is applicable to all so I thought I would share the contractual definition draft I will be using. "Understanding of the particular operational environment" recognizes that there may be a uniqueness involved

I agree whole heartedly Larry! Thanks for your input.