Evaluation

SMS offers competitively priced support for CMMI^® compliant process improvement programmes

Software Process Evaluation

SMS' proprietary Software Process Evaluations (SMS/SPE) can be used internally or externally to investigate the maturity of certain important process areas.

This method draws on our experience in using both the SEI^sm SCE^sm and various ARC-compliant assessment models. It is based on the continuous model of the CMMI^® which allows the flexibility to concentrate on specific process areas that are considered to be 'high risk' or offer potential high returns on investment. SMS' own evaluation service gives the familiar qualitative evaluation of the CMM^® and CMMI^® Assessments, but also places special importance on the quantitative evaluation of software development and maintenance processes. Appraisals are carefully tailored to fit the circumstances during an initial Scope Study, and are geared towards initiating, expanding or redirecting process improvement activities.

SMS adds value to these investigations by helping clients to plan successful ongoing improvement campaigns based on objective and measurable criteria.

CMMI^® Appraisal

Class A

Rigorous in-depth assessments, conducted by an SEI trained Lead Assessor, resulting in an Organisational Maturity Level certified by the SEI. These assessments provide a thorough coverage of each relevant process area using a consistent, repeatable method to give an objective rating suitable for benchmarking. This method is resource intensive and requires fully trained personnel. It is important to avoid the attainment of certification becoming a goal in itself. The objective should be to improve the business, not to improve the process.

SMS partners with SEI certified Lead Assessores where clients require a formally certified Standard CMMI^® Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI^sm) .

Class B

Suitable for initial or interim investigations, Class B Assessments are quicker and use fewer client resources to gain an insight into an organisation's capability. This insight can provide a starting point for process improvement or enable attention to be focused on high leverage areas and quick wins. The scope of Class B Appraisals is flexible and they can be tailored (using the CMMI^® Continuous Model) to look into specific process areas such as Project Management, or extended to cover the entire CMMI^® model in as much detail as a Class A. They do not produce a certified Maturity Level, but provide a less expensive method of qualitative assessment. Recommended for organisations seeking to use CMMI^® as a tool to achieve performance improvement but have no requirement for formal certification.

Class C

These rapid 'Health Checks' provide an inexpensive quick look at specific process areas or problem spots. They are particularly suitable for incremental checks between more rigorous assessments, providing rapid feedback on the progress of an improvement project. Class C checks can also be used in preparation for a Class B or a full Class A appraisal. Using SMS resources to conduct a "Quick-Look" Class C assessment keeps disruption to a minimum, and delivers a status report quickly and efficiently.

Supplier Capability Evaluation

The SEI^sm Supplier Capability Evaluation (SCE^sm) is a proven method for gaining insight into the capability of software suppliers. It is a valuable, almost essential, decision-making tool for the management of outsourcing, because it provides an objective view of the relative merits and abilities of competing suppliers.

An SCE^sm provides a means of predicting the most likely outcome of a supplier's next project. In other words, it gives a client a quantitative assessment of the risk involved with the placement of a software contract. Once the contract is awarded, the SCE^sm findings form a sound basis for ongoing risk management by both parties.

See also: Does Your Selected Supplier Have the Capability to Deliver?