Overview

In this chapter, we briefly describe two processes one for appraising the compliance of organizational processes to the CMMI and the other for registering the organization with ISO. Then, based on the synergy between the CMMI and ISO 9001:2000, we describe how the SCAMPI ^SM method can be used to prepare an organization for ISO registration.

The primary purpose of appraisals should be for process improvement rather than for achieving a maturity or capability level or obtaining ISO certification. Any appraisal should be linked to organizational business goals and objectives. A major benefit that comes from understanding the appraisal method is that the organization gains an understanding of the process outcomes that have to be in place to ensure that those processes are properly implemented and will endure. The appraisal delivers a statement of organizational strengths and weaknesses that will then lead toward improving process performance.

Several questions must be answered when choosing an appraisal method:

• What is expected from an appraisal method?

• What are the characteristics of an efficient and effective appraisal method?

• What will be done with the appraisal results?

The appraisal method should provide insight into the organization's process capabilities by identifying its strengths and weaknesses relative to the chosen model, such as ISO 9001, CMM , CMMI , or EIA 731. By knowing its weaknesses, the organization can prioritize improvement plans. A second appraisal objective is benchmarking knowledge of the relative standing of organizational process capability as compared to the rest of the industry or field. A third...