23rd August, 2014
The number of projects to be covered under the Appraisal Sample is an issue that is raised before all CMMI Consultants. The CMMI SCAMPI Methodology Definition Document (CMMI SCAMPI MDD) provides guidelines with respect to the selection of appraisal projects. It allows for the appraisal project selection on the basis of location, customer type, type of work, type of processes, type of life-cycle, etc. Then, a mathematical formula is applied to select the appraisal sample. When the formula is applied, it gives the minimum number of projects (BUs) to be selected for the CMMI SCAMPI Appraisal. Many organizations select much higher number of projects than the minimum required. Many organizations select the minimum number as well. Their approach is very appraisal-focused. Since CMMI is for the institutionalization of CMMI based processes and work-practices across the Organizational Unit (OU) under Appraisal, the OU should cover all the projects within itself during the Appraisal. This leads to a holistic approach and all the projects get the benefit of CMMI Implementation and Appraisal Program. There can be arguments against this approach. But even those who argue against realize that this approach of selecting all projects within the OU is the one which provides maximum benefit to the OU in terms of process improvement, efficiency and effectiveness arising out of CMMI Implementation. As we know, the hard way is the best way. One interesting benefit of this is that a larger number of people get exposed to the CMMI Appraisal. As we know this is a very enriching experience for the project team members to develop their mental maturity, a large number of projects covered under the Appraisal, provides the organization with project teams that are mentally mature and are profoundly aware of software engineering best practices. When a large number of project teams are exposed to the CMMI Appraisal, you also have the junior levels getting this exposure. In this way you build up a succession plan for the CMMI Implementation Program. The customers also get a better assurance when they observe that the OU has covered a very large number of projects under the appraisal and has not gone with bare minimum. It speaks of your credibility as an organization and your commitment to the customer for delivering value. Hence when you go with a large number of projects in the CMMI Appraisal and not with bare minimum, you are benefitted more as an organization.
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Rajendra is a qualified and certified Lead Appraiser and Instructor for the following :
Rajendra is Lead Assessor for ISO 9001 (QMS), ISO 14001 (EMS), OHSAS 18001 (OHSMS) since 1994
International Automotive Task Force (IATF) approved Lead Assessor for Automotive Standard TS 16949:2009
Lead Assessor for ISO 27001 (ISMS) and ISO 20000-1 (ITSM)
Rajendra has 25 years experience in the industry.