Capability Maturity Model (CMM)
Developed by Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute (SEI), CMM was initially used to assess the maturity level of software development processes, but has been expanded to cover a wider range of assessments.
The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) rates the maturity of an organizational process area in five levels (Wikipedia):- Initial (chaotic) - it is characteristic of processes at this level that they are (typically) undocumented and in a state of dynamic change, tending to be driven in an ad hoc, uncontrolled and reactive manner by users or events. This provides a chaotic or unstable environment for the processes.
- Repeatable - It is characteristic of processes at this level that some processes are repeatable, possibly with consistent results. Process discipline is unlikely to be rigorous, but where it exists it may help to ensure that existing processes are maintained during times of stress.
- Defined - It is characteristic of processes at this level that there are sets of defined and documented standard processes established and subject to some degree of improvement over time. These standard processes are in place and used to establish consistency of process performance across the organization.
- Managed - It is characteristic of processes at this level that, using process metrics, management can effectively control the process. In particular, management can identify ways to adjust and adapt the process to particular projects without measurable losses of quality or deviations from specifications. Process Capability is established from this level.
- Optimizing - It is a characteristic of processes at this level that the focus is on continually improving process performance through both incremental and innovative technological changes/improvements.