Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

3.1.3 Plan for Next Steps (continued)
Implementation
Guidance
Final Report
Implementation
Guidance
Recommendations
Report
The purpose of the final report is to provide details or explanations beyond
what was contained in the final findings. The generation of an appraisal final
report is an optional activity that, if requested by the appraisal sponsor,
documents the execution of the appraisal, contains detailed appraisal findings,
and forms a basis for action planning. This baseline is used for subsequent
reports and follow-on actions, and also may be an input for use in subsequent
appraisals.
Items contained or referenced in the final report, either in their entirety or as a
subset, might include
• executive summary of the appraisal process and results
• appraisal input (see process 1.1)
• appraisal plan (see process 1.2)
• appraisal record (see process 3.2)
The final report should be completed as soon after the appraisal as possible,
preferably within four weeks. The appraisal team leader usually generates the
final report; other team members may also contribute.
The format and content of the final report may vary according to its intended
use by the appraisal sponsor. In its simplest form, this could be a set of notes
annotated to the final findings, elaborating on some aspect of the findings or
capturing essential comments or recommendations from the appraisal team.
If requested by the appraisal sponsor, appraisal team recommendations for
taking action on the appraisal results can be provided. These
recommendations can provide momentum to the appraisal follow-up by
serving as a link between the appraisal findings and subsequent decision
making or action plans. The emphasis of these recommendations depends on
the appraisal sponsor’s objectives and planned use of the appraisal results, as
defined in the appraisal input. This can vary widely based on the context in
which the appraisal method is applied (e.g., internal process improvement,
supplier selection, process monitoring).
The recommendations report should be completed as soon after the appraisal
on-site period as possible. Depending on the nature, complexity, and use of
the recommendations, this may take as long as two months to produce.
Rather than generate a separate recommendations report, a common
alternative is to include these recommendations in the final report.
It is important to consider the possibility that the expertise needed for making
the appropriate recommendations may be beyond the level of expertise
reflected on the team.
CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001
Page II-133