What is CMMI^®?

CMMI^® model integrates Software, Systems, Integrated Process and Product Development, and Supplier Sources into a coherent model. The CMMI^® model version 1.1 was released in early 2001 by SEI^® and is currently being adopted by the software industry globally. The advantage for the software industry of CMMI^® model version 1.1 over the previous SW CMMI^® is that the present CMMI^® model has made improvements over the existing SW CMMI^® version 1.1 (includes SW CMMI^® draft 2.0) that enables the continued growth and expansion of the CMMI^® concept to multiple disciplines.

What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is a methodology, philosophy, model, approach and tool for improvement of the bottom-line in business. By using innovative breakthrough methodologies to solve problems, achieve goals, and meet business objectives companies improve quality and profitability and exceed customer satisfaction.

Is there any certification with CMMI^®?

The word “certification” does not exist with respect to CMMI^® models. CMMI^® models are used by organizations to develop and improve processes. CMMI^® assessments / appraisals are performed to find process improvement opportunities. Through this formal assessment/ appraisal, the appraisal teams rate an organization’s maturity, capability or capability maturity levels. This rating is a reflection of the state of the processes but in no way is the rating treated as a certification.

What are the benefits of going for CMMI^®?

Implementing a disciplined process in an organization improves the organization’s control over the execution of projects, meets the stiff project deadlines and quality levels. CMMI^® models assist an organization in developing and institutionalizing efficient and effective processes. A well developed and followed process increases the ability to meet project goals and improve profitability. The benefits associated with CMMI^® models are: improved productivity, quality, and increase in cycle time thus improving the customer satisfaction, meeting business objectives, improvement in business and growth. A well-established CMMI^® program acts as a catalytic business model for an organization.

How shall we approach for CMMI^® model implementation?

We use the following approach for CMMI® model implementation:

• Acquire CMMI^®
• Study CMMI^® models and perform a mini assessment / appraisal to find the gaps in existing processes with respect to CMMI^®
• Improve/develop processes to address the gaps.
• Provide necessary training on processes and related software / system engineering areas institutionalize by the process.
• After implementation of processes, perform an appraisal to benchmark and find continuous process improvements.

Where can I get CMMI^® models?

CMMI^® models can be downloaded for free from the Software Engineering Institute’s website: www.sei.cmu.edu

Who can assist me to implement these models?

Rich and experienced lead appraisers and consultants can assist your organization interpret CMMI^® models, help you develop processes, assist to institutionalize and suggest improvements by performing assessments / appraisals. AmVet Solutions have enormous experience in assisting CMMI^® model implementation.

Can I buy CMMI^® processes from market?

Processes which are commercially bought from outside do not work well as the CMMI^® process frameworks suit the internal architecture of organization, the type of projects, domains, technologies and different roles in the organization. To speed up development of the processes external consultant assistance can be engaged, but the processes still need to be internally developed, reviewed and improved.

How many members are needed in our organization to go for CMMI^® models?

Our studies indicate at least 2% of total organization population is a good strength for process development and process audits (SQA & PPQA). This cost is easily recovered within 1 year of institutionalization through direct benefits like improvement in productivity and cycle times.

Does the implementation of CMMI^® models add more documentation to projects?

It is myth that CMM^®, CMMI^® or ISO add documentation. Documentation is needed in any project, but the CMMI^® models implementation deals with systematic work products, so that changes can be controlled, technical consistency can be maintained and traceability could be established. Documents like Project plans are essential as per these models and plans assist in a significant way to meet project goals and help to established synergetic teams.

My projects have stiff deadlines, teams work day and night and even during weekends. How can we spend time to implement CMMI^® models?

A well-defined and better institutionalized process assists projects to meet stiff deadlines, face challenges like scope creep, team turnover, and change of technology etc. It is essential to establish good processes for organizations to meet challenges and business goals. CMMI^® models assist greatly to set up or improve processes.

What is the benefit to senior management from CMMI^® model implementation?

In a low mature organization, the visibility of the processes followed by projects to the senior management is low. Senior management should able to visualize inputs and outputs from projects. With CMMI^® model implementation, the process framework creates good metrics based the review mechanism system. With CMMI^® model implementation, senior management is able to get minute details using good derived metrics at regular intervals. Management spends less time, gets a better picture and makes the right decisions at the right time so projects are successful.

What is the difference between software / systems engineering and CMMI^® models? Are these same?

CMMI^® models are not a substitute for Software / Systems engineering. Through extensive research, SEI^® has developed wonderful guidelines associated with software / system engineering and integrated them with CMMI^® models. Knowledge of Software + Systems engineering along with good knowledge of CMMI^® models is essential for developing good processes for an organization.

What is SCAMPI^sm A, SCAMPI^sm B, SCAMPI^sm C? Are these related to certification?

SCAMPI^sm A (Standard CMMI^® appraisal method for process improvements) is the CMMI^® appraisal method. SCAMPI^sm was developed by SEI^® and there are three variants of the method: SCAMPI^sm A, SCAMPI^sm B and SCAMPI^sm C. Using SCAMPI^sm A an organization’s maturity or capability levels are determined (along with process improvement opportunities). SCAMPI^sm B and SCAMPI^sm C are less rigorous and primarily focus on finding process improvement opportunities or finding gaps in the present processes. SCAMPI^sm methods are being used globally for performing internal appraisals for process improvements. SEI^® also maintains an appraiser program, and through extensive training, authorizes individuals to perform SCAMPI^sm through SEI^® transition partners. SEI^® also maintains a list of active lead appraisers. This list is accessible to everyone from SEI^® website.