CMM - Overview

CMM has defined 5 levels of maturity . Level 1 to 5.

Level 1: Initial or Ad-hoc. There are no KPAs in this level

Level 2 : Repeatable. There are 6 KPAs. KPAs at this level look at project planning and execution

Level 3 : Defined. There are 7 KPAs here. Organizational process is the focus area here.

Level 4 : Managed. There are 2 KPAs that deal with understanding of data

Level 5 : Optimizing. There are 3 KPAs. The focus is on continual improvement.

*KPA - Key Process Area - Key areas where Software organizations and Projects have to focus in the path towards excellence.

Total KPAs in CMM - 18

What are the characteristics of a matured organization ?

A mature software organization possesses an organization-wide ability for managing software development and maintenance processes. The software process is accurately communicated to both existing staff and new employees, and work activities are carried out according to the planned process. The processes mandated are fit for use and consistent with the way the work actually gets done. These defined processes are updated when necessary, and improvements are developed through controlled pilot-tests and/or cost benefit analyses. Roles and responsibilities within the defined process are clear throughout the project and across the organization

The CMM was designed to guide software organizations in selecting process improvement strategies by determining current process maturity and identifying the few issues most critical to software quality and process improvement.In Infosys we have SEPG (Software Engg. Process Group,Quality) which pilots improvement initiatives.

As we move from Level 1 to 5, the project risk decreases and Quality and Productivity increases.

Next - Level 1 - Initial

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