Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

1.3.3 Prepare Team (continued)
Optional
Practices
Implementation
Guidance
Implementation
Guidance
Training in
the Reference
Model
Some organizations have established an “organic” capability to perform
appraisals with very limited preparation effort, through the use of a pool of
trained appraisal team members. Drawing from an established group of
experts, who are accustomed to working together, clearly provides a savings
over time for organizations that conduct frequent appraisals.
The team training event is a good place to review the appraisal plan with
appraisal team members, having sent it to them in advance of their arrival.
This event provides the orientation for the entire appraisal that all appraisal
team members need to execute their roles appropriately. This also is in
keeping with the “Provide appraisal plan to relevant stakeholders for review”
required practice in activity 1.2.6.
Additionally, the team training event is a primary opportunity to conduct
activity 1.5.1, Perform Readiness Review. The assembled, trained appraisal
team can then appropriately assess the organization’s readiness for the
appraisal and validate the reasonableness of appraisal estimates.
A typical model training course is delivered in two-and-a-half to three days.
Although training in either model representation (staged or continuous) is
allowable, it is recommended that this training be provided for the model
representation to be used during the appraisal. The successful completion of
reference model training should precede training in the appraisal method.
There is no “aging” requirement for when this model training was received,
but the appraisal team leader is responsible for ensuring that each team
member has adequate reference model understanding, and for taking remedial
action if necessary. Attendance at model training needs to be recorded by the
training instructor and provided to the CMMI Steward, in accordance with the
terms of the instructor authorization.
For appraisals that include higher levels (i.e., maturity/capability levels 4 and
5) team members may benefit from receiving additional training on this
subject matter. The Intermediate Concepts of CMMI course, a course on
Statistical Process Control, and/or other advance topics may be of use for this
added level of preparation.
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CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001