THE CAPABILITY MATURITY MODEL INTEGRATION (CMMI) MODEL

The Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a model that aids in identifying the strengths and weaknesses
of an organization's current processes and shows the way to improvement.

The Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a model that helps organizations to:
• Set up process improvement
• Develop behaviours that decrease risks in service, product, and software development

Primary goal of CMMI - the creation of “reliable environments where products, services and departments are
proactive, efficient and productive.” In our context, CMMI's primary goal is to create high-quality software.

Overview of the 5 CMMI Maturity Levels

Initial • Processes are seen as unpredictable, poorly controlled, and reactive.

• Businesses in this stage have an unpredictable environment that leads to increased
risks and inefficiency.
Managed / • Processes are characterized by projects and are frequently reactive.
Repeatable
Defined • Processes are well-characterized and well-understood.
• The organization is more proactive than reactive, and there are organization-wide
standards that provide guidance.
Quantitatively • Processes are measured and controlled.
Managed • The organization is using quantitative data to implement predictable processes that
meet organizational goals.
Optimizing • Processes are stable and flexible.
• The organizational focus is on continued improvement and responding to changes.

Key Terms:

Process maturity means that whatever an organisation is doing, it is done in a well-documented way, and everyone
knows what is expected of them and performs accordingly.

A process is capable if it satisfies its specified product quality, service quality, and process performance objectives.
A capable process consistently produces output that is within specifications.
Execution of capable process always gives predictable results.
 CMMI MATURITY LEVELS & KEY PROCESS AREAS

CMMI – Maturity Level 1: Initial

Immature organization
Project processes are ad hoc
The project team normally improvises project processes and management while the project is progressing.
Even if the project has been specified, it is not enforced very well
Processes are seen as unpredictable and poorly controlled
They are re-active to crises.
Not a stable environment for projects
Project success largely rests with project team and not their processes

Key Process Area

• no key process areas are in place

CMMI – Maturity Level 2: Managed / Repeatable

Processes are characterized by projects.
Basic policies, processes, and controls for managing a software project are in place
Previous project successes can be repeated by other project teams on other projects.

Key Process Area

• Software Configuration Management
• Software Quality Assurance
• Software Subcontract Management
• Software Project Tracking and Oversight
• Software Project Planning
• Requirements Management

CMMI – Maturity Level 3: Defined

Processes are well-characterized and well-understood.
The organization is more proactive than reactive
Software engineering and management processes are documented and standardized throughout the organization
There are organization-wide standards that provide guidance.

Key Process Area

• Peer Reviews
• Intergroup Coordination
• Software Product Engineering
• Integrated Software Management
• Training Programs
• Organization Process Definition
• Organization Process Focus
CMMI – Maturity Level 4: Quantitatively Managed
Quantitative metrics for measuring and assessing productivity and quality are established for both software products
and processes
These performance metrics are incorporated into the organization’s measurement repository to support fact-based
decision making in the future.
Project control is achieved by reducing performance variability
Characterized as being quantifiable and predictable.

Key Process Areas

• Software Quality Management
• Quantitative Process Management

CMMI – Maturity Level 5: Optimizing

represents an organization that is stable, flexible, and dedicated to continuous improvement.
The organisation is designed to adapt and seize opportunities in a changing environment
The highest level of software process maturity
The organization has well-established processes that are effectively monitored and measured.
They possess a deep understanding of IT projects and their impact on achieving organizational objectives.
Innovations and best practices are identified and disseminated throughout organisation
Processes are continually improved upon based on a quantitative understanding of the common causes of variation
inherent in processes

Key Process Areas

• Process Change Management
• Technology Change Management
• Defect Prevention

Maturity in organizations increases as they move through the different CMMI levels.
Mature organisations have the ability to manage projects effectively using its processes.
Processes are well characterized and understood, and are described in standards, procedures, tools, and methods.
These are usually tested, fit for use, and consistent with the way the project is implemented.
They are continuously improved upon