1. What experience does your firm have guiding companies from CMMI Level 1 to CMMI Level x?
Since the CMMI was released, ProcessWorks has performed numerous SCAMPI Class A appraisals, using both the staged and continuous representations, and covering all disciplines from SW only to SE/SW and SE/SW/IPPD/SS. Most were preceded by a Class B appraisal and Readiness Review. In some cases, a Class C appraisal was performed as an initial gap analysis.

2. How do you help a company prepare for a SCAMPI appraisal?
ProcessWorks’ approach in preparing a company for a SCAMPI appraisal is tailored for each organization’s level of prior experience with process improvement model implementation and considers their constraints in terms of schedule and staffing, and may include, depending in the organization’s needs:
  1. Initial gap analysis of process documentation and artifacts against the target CMMI model and disciplines.

  2. Training in PIID (Process Implementation Indicator Description) preparation. A one-day “PIIDology 101” workshop is given to organizational staff that will be responsible for gathering and organizing objective evidence. Attendance by prospective internal team members is encouraged. This workshop is given at an early stage in the implementation to avoid false starts and re-work.

  3. Class C appraisal to exercise a “first look” at direct evidence, at a minimum, and includes a limited number of interviews.

  4. Class B appraisal which is conducted as a “dress rehearsal” for the Class A SCAMPI, and includes a review of direct and indirect evidence as well as full coverage for face-to-face affirmations through individual and group interviews.

  5. Interim progress reviews are scheduled and performed as needed based on the results of the gap analysis, Class C and Class B appraisals. These reviews often target specific process areas and related PIIDs to confirm the evidence being collected is correct and sufficient.

  6. A Readiness Review is performed if indicated by the results of the Class B, or if the SCAMPI appraisal is scheduled more than 90 days after the Class B is conducted.

3. Do you have an appraisal tool that you require companies to use to conduct the SCAMPI?
No. ProcessWorks works with the organization’s toolset if they have one. We have conducted appraisals where clients have organized their PIIDs using proprietary appraisal tools and databases. If an organization does not have a PIID tool in place, we provide our tool, which is Excel-based and derived from the SEI’s SCAMPI Lead Appraiser’s Tool Kit (SLAK).

4. What inputs do you require to conduct a SCAMPI (for example, filled PIIDS)?
We require only those items required by the SCAMPI Method Description Document (MDD). Those items include PIIDs (in any format that will enable and facilitate the conduct of the appraisal), the Appraisal Input, Appraisal Plan, and a mutually agreeable schedule of activities.

5. What format do you require?
We have no specific requirements for PIID format, but generally make recommendations based on the organization’s available tools and resources.

6. What are your Objective Evidence (OE) requirements?
Our requirements for objective evidence conform to the requirements for objective evidence defined in the SCAMPI Method Description Document (MDD). Each specific and generic practice within the scope of the appraisal requires a direct evidence artifact. Recommendations for the amount and type of coverage for indirect and affirmation objective evidence are made based on experience with other appraisals as well as the environment, constraints and any specific needs of the organization.

a. How much Indirect OE?
We generally recommend a minimum of 50% to 60% coverage for indirect evidence. Special consideration is given to those practices which have, based on experience, proven difficult to obtain affirmations, as well as certain documents which provide both direct and indirect evidence, such as plans and schedules.

b. How much Affirmation OE?
As required by the MDD, 50% face-to-face affirmation coverage is needed for all specific and generic practices. Our appraisal tool contains a macro which calculates the affirmation percentage. We do not generally use the “one row one column” method. Affirmations are gathered through a number of sources which include opening briefings by the organization and projects, as well as individual and group interviews.

7. When do you recommend SCAMPI Team Training?
The timing for the SCAMPI team training is dependent on the type of services being provided and the timing for those services. For example, if a Class B is performed, an abbreviated, half-day training is given to the team. This training focuses on the rules of evidence, guidelines for judgment (organizational and project context considerations), mini-team responsibilities, and reaching team consensus. The full team training (two days) is given in conjunction with a readiness review or at the beginning of the SCAMPI appraisal.

a. What do you address in this training?
The SCAMPI training course is provided by the SEI as part of the SLAK and includes modules on team building, rules for objective evidence, context considerations and consensus. A number of exercises are included in the course.

8. What else do you believe we need to know?
It is ProcessWorks’ philosophy that a successful SCAMPI appraisal begins by forming a partnership with its clients early in their process improvement initiative. We establish a schedule which includes ongoing communication, and progress reviews to avoid “surprises” and re-work. Our team is highly experienced in conducting appraisals, and coupled with our prior experience working in the industry; we bring to our clients both proven best practices and sound business advice.


The Software Engineering Institute has compiled and regularly updates a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding CMMI adoption and implementation. Visit their site for more information.
http://www.sei.cmu.edu/cmmi/adoption/ques-ans.html



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