How should the CMMI Consultant handle the question of time-duration for completion that is asked by the client for the completion of CMMI Consulting Assignment leading the conduct of CMMI Appraisal? How should the CMMI Consultants respond to the issue of time-duration for CMMI Consulting Assignment?

CMMI FAQ 0

10th September, 2014

How long the CMMI Consulting will take or how much time will it require to have the CMMI Appraisal completed … a very common question that is asked by clients. Many times the CMMI Consultants answer in the typical mode of – it depends – kind of reply. This kind of reply does not satisfy the client. CMMI Consultant may say that it will depend on the current level of CMMI Implementation. All CMMI Consultants know that the level of CMMI Implementation is not known either to the client or to the CMMI Consultant unless this is assessed or evaluated. The best way to handle this situation is to request the client to go in for a Gap Assessment. However, clients do not agree to go for an isolated Gap Assessment. They generally prefer to have an engagement with CMMI Consultants for an end to end CMMI Consulting Assignment. CMMI Consultant, on the other hand, cannot do the Gap Assessment on a complimentary basis as it requires considerable time and effort. Then, what’s the solution to satisfy both sides. The solution is that the CMMI Consultants can propose a notional cost for the Gap Assessment and include that in the final cost if the CMMI Consulting Assignment proceeds further. Once the Gap Assessment is complete, an objective comment can be made on the status of CMMI Implementation and communicated to the client. Also, the question on time-duration can also be responded well, now, since the CMMI Consultant has a clearer picture after the Gap Assessment. The CMMI Consultant is in a better position to give an objective and reliable reply to the question of time-duration for the CMMI Consulting Assignment. This helps the CMMI Consultant not to make any false commitment and manage the client expectation well. The action plan that emerges on the basis of Gap Assessment can be made a part of the Scope of CMMI Consulting Assignment by the CMMI Consultants. If you need further information on this subject, please feel free to contact us or write to us.