Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

2.4.1 Derive Findings and Rate Goals (continued)
Optional
Practices
Implementation
Guidance
Findings statements and satisfaction ratings may be specified at the level of
individual practices if the appraisal sponsor specifically requests this tailoring
option. These practice-level ratings must be based on the extent to which the
implemented practice (or the absence of implementation) supports the
achievement of the related goal. The use of informative material to form a
checklist is explicitly discouraged. A rating algorithm for practices that does
not have a demonstrable link to PA goals would depart from the intended use
of CMMI components.
Any endeavor that results in producing a score, grade, or rating is by
definition an area of sensitivity to those affected by the outcome. An objective
and clear-cut basis for assigning a rating lessens this sensitivity and results in
a more consistent basis of comparison among the organizational units and
goals rated. Judgments made prior to and during the rating process should be
based on observable facts and should be made at the lowest level of
abstraction that makes sense. In the case of CMMI, the lowest level of
abstraction is characterizing the extent of practice implementation for each
process instantiation within the representative sample. Characterizations made
at the instantiation level are aggregated into a characterization of the extent of
practice implementation throughout the organization, as described earlier in
process 2.2, Verify and Validate Objective Evidence. The judgment of goal
satisfaction is then based upon, and directly traceable to, the extent of
implementation of practices associated with that goal (or alternative practices
contributing equivalently to goal satisfaction).
Findings should be phrased in terms that best facilitate decision making by the
appraisal sponsor and taking action upon the appraisal results.
CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001
Page II-115