Q: What is Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) ?
A: CMMI is a quality model developed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) of Carnegie Mellon University in 1987 to improve the software development process. CMM is recognized as the international standard for quality software development, and the de facto model for assessing an organization’s process capability.
SEI introduced CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) to increase the emphasis on how organizations integrate the software development process with other related elements in an organization. CMMI is also applicable to a broader scope – e.g. system integration, or IT operation.
CMMI is becoming very fast the new requirement for firms looking for the quality model in process improvement.
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Q: Which CMMI representation should I use – Staged representation Vs Continuous representation ?
A: It depends on how much experience does your organization have with process improvement, and what model is your current process program based on.
The continuous representation requires a higher level of process improvement understanding than the staged representation. An organization just beginning process improvement usually has little idea as to where to start. In the staged representation, the Process Area (PA) decisions are embedded. So an inexperienced organization can just follow each stage and satisfy the goals for all of the process areas of that stage.
The continuous representation was designed to tailor the model and process improvement approaches, focusing on specific categories that might match those areas in your organization.
Another factor is the model you are using. An organization should build on the positive experiences it has had with other models used in that organization. If you have been happy with the staged structure, continue to use it. (similar for the continuous structure).
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Q: I need fact-based data to determine where our organization stands on costs, productivity, metrics, standards, and performance. Can you help us?I need fact-based data to determine where our organization stands on costs, productivity, metrics, standards, and performance. Can you help us?
A: Yes! Our CMMI pre-Assessment will help you understand your "as-is" condition and will benchmark you against the CMMI, the global standard for measuring process maturity. After your appraisal, you will have a crystal-clear view into the performance of your organization and what it will take to achieve CMMI.
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Q: We're an Agile development organization. CMMI seems to be the antithesis of Agile. Isn't there a conflict?
A: No! The CMMI is a "what-to" guide, not a "how-to" guide. The model doesn't speak to methodology, and is equally effective in both agile and waterfall environments. While it's true that some organizations take a "heavy" or "waterfall" approach to their methodology in order to be CMMI compliant, there is nothing in the CMMI model that requires this. It does take a different way of thinking about the CMMI in order to be successful.
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Q: How long will it take to prepare us for a CMMI Appraisal?
A: That depends on the size and complexity of your organization and how mature your processes and methods are. The "average" time to prepare for a SCAMPI CMMI Appraisal can be anywhere from a few months to over 12 months and the Appraisal itself can take several weeks.
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Q: I've seen advertisements on the web for achieving CMMI in Six Months. Is this possible?
A: Sure. Anything is possible. Given enough money, effort, and risk it could take six months. That said, it could take longer. It depends. We don't know how any company could ethically tell you in advance how long it will take you to deploy and adopt innovative processes. We perform a gap analysis and sets a benchmark at the very beginning of the process, so that we can tell you, with reasonable certainty, about how long it will take.
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Q: In the V1.2 SCAMPI A, what are key new requirements in determining the appraisal scope?
A: The rationale for selecting the sample projects and support groups must be documented.
- at least one Focus Project (covering all the PA)
- at least three instantiations for each SP
- all identified critical factors are represented by projects
(Refer to the slides in SCAMPI A V12 appraisalScope’ )
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▪ Organizational Unit Sample Size/Coverage
Four projects will be used in the appraisal:
SEV, GHS, OST, and SHS.
SEV, GHS, and OTS are Focus Projects.
▪ Organizational Unit Sample Size/Coverage (to be filled)
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Particulars
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Number/Percentage
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Rational for exclusion
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Total no projects
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5
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Percentage of Projects in the Organizational scope
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4 (80%)
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Total no of Support groups
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3
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Percentage of Projects in the Organizational scope
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3 (100%)
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Total no of Support groups
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75
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Percentage of Projects in the Organizational scope
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62 (82%)
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