Gap Analyses
The first step in any long-term improvement effort should be a gap analysis to identify the organization's performance capability against goals using an accepted industry standard. Often an organization knows it needs to improve, but has not been able to identify specific improvement targets. In either case, the Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI®) provides a widely accepted benchmark for a gap analysis.
IPS offers three types of gap analyses. The first is a straightforward analysis by an expert appraiser using widely accepted "better practices" found in the CMMI® to identify major shortfalls to the organizations desired goals and to provide recommendations for improvement.
For organizations looking for formal maturity level appraisals IPS can perform SCAMPI SM Class B or C appraisals to evaluate progress towards the desired goals prior to the formal SCAMPISM Class A appraisal.
CMMI® Appraisals
SCAMPISM Class A appraisals are useful for formal benchmarking against the CMMI® model. The Class A appraisal is a significant undertaking for an organization in terms of organization effort and cost. There should be significant planning, close cooperation between the Lead Appraiser and the organization coordinator, and clear communications between the Lead Appraiser and the organization's appraisal Sponsor. IPS recommends that detailed appraisal planning start at least six months prior to the onsite start date, particularly if the organization has not previously conducted a Class A appraisal. This six month lead time is for the appraisal execution; additional advance work by the organization to improve their capability to the desired performance level is separate from this lead time.
A formal SCAMPISM Class A appraisal is required if the organization desires a recognized maturity level rating that is published in the SEI Published SCAMPISM Appraisal Results.
IPS can also perform SCAMPISM Class B or Class C appraisals, which are intended to be lower cost assessments of an organization's capabilities and readiness for a Class A appraisal.
As each organization's needs are different, contact IPS to obtain initial estimates of the effort and schedule required to meet your needs.
CMMI® and SCAMPISM Training
The Introduction to CMMI® class is the official, licensed course offered by SEI authorized instructors. This 3-day course is required for all appraisal team members. It also is recommended as the starting point in educating the organization's personnel responsible for implementing continuous improvement, as well as key technical and management personnel. As a side note, experience has shown that companies whose management teams attend this class outperform those who do not in terms of positive business results.
SCAMPISM Team Training provides the foundation necessary to perform appraisals for the team members. Only authorized SCAMPI Lead AppraisersSM may provide this training. This is typically a 2 ½ day class for Class A appraisals, tailored to the experience of the candidate team members and the appraisal size and duration. The additional content of the course, as well as team planning activities, will tailor the course to the organization's specific needs
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