Achieving higher SEI levels

Two years or more can pass between formal SEI (Software Engineering Institute) assessments using the Capability Maturity Model (CMM). An organization seeking to monitor its progress to a higher SEI level needs a method for internally conducting incremental assessments. The author provides one that has proven successful at Motorola. A method was developed for assessing progress to higher SEI levels that lets engineers and managers evaluate an organization's current status relative to the CMM and identify weak areas for immediate attention and improvement. This method serves as an effective means to ensure continuous process improvement as well as grassroots participation and support in achieving higher maturity levels. This progress-assessment process is not intended as a replacement for any formal assessment instruments developed by the SEI, but rather as an internal tool to help organizations prepare for a formal SEI assessment. Although the author provides examples in terms of CMM version 1.1, both the self-evaluation instrument and the progress-assessment process are generic enough for use with any (similar) later version of the SEI CMM by updating the worksheets and charts used.< >