Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement

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The Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) is the official Software Engineering Institute (SEI) method to provide benchmark-quality ratings relative to Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) models. SCAMPI appraisals are used to identify strengths and weaknesses of current processes, reveal development/acquisition risks, and determine capability and maturity level ratings. They are mostly used either as part of a process improvement program or for rating prospective suppliers. The method defines the appraisal process as consisting of preparation; on-site activities; preliminary observations, findings, and ratings; final reporting; and follow-on activities. [1]

Contents

Class A, B, and C Appraisals

The suite of documents associated with a particular version of the CMMI includes a requirements specification called the Appraisal Requirements for CMMI (ARC), [2] which specifies three levels of formality for appraisals: Class A, B, and C. Formal (Class A) SCAMPIs are conducted by SEI-authorized Lead Appraisers who use the SCAMPI A Method Definition Document (MDD) [3] to conduct the appraisals. Class A, the most formal, is required to achieve a rating (Level 1 (lowest) to Level 5 (highest)), using the Staged Representation, for public record or for response to U.S. Department of Defense requirements.

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References

  1. Ahern, Dennis; Jim Armstrong; Aaron Clouse; Jack Ferguson; Will Hayes; Kenneth Nidiffer (2005-03-02). CMMI SCAMPI Distilled: Appraisals for Process Improvement. Addison-Wesley Professional. p. 240. ISBN   0-321-22876-6.
  2. SCAMPI Upgrade Team (April 2011). "Appraisal Requirements for CMMI, Version 1.3 (ARC, V1.3)" (PDF). Technical Report CMU/SEI-2011-TR-006. Software Engineering Institute . Retrieved 2011-04-01.
  3. SCAMPI Upgrade Team (March 2011). "Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement(SCAMPI) A, Version 1.3: Method Definition Document" (PDF). Handbook CMU/SEI-2011-HB-001. Software Engineering Institute . Retrieved 2011-03-01.