Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

Appendix C Focused Investigation
Elaboration and Guidance
Concept Description
This appendix describes the use of preliminary objective evidence review, continuous consolidation
of objective evidence, and practice characterization in focusing the data collection
and investigation effort of the appraisal team.
Focused investigation relies on a high degree of planning, organization, and subsequent management
and control of the activities of the appraisal. The concept incorporates the following
activities:
• collecting preliminary objective evidence through instruments as a part of obtaining preliminary
data
• creating an inventory of objective evidence collected, to support practice implementation
characterization
• initially reviewing and analyzing preliminary objective evidence inventoried, to identify
gaps in objective evidence supporting practice characterization
• identifying information needs to support initial preparation and refinement of the data
collection plan
• continuously consolidating objective evidence collected and updating the status of practice
characterization for each organizational unit instantiation (aggregated up to the organizational
unit)
Preliminary Focused Investigation
Focused investigation should be begun in the Appraisal Planning phase of the appraisal. Focused
investigation is best initiated with a practice-based initial data collection instrument
that documents the organizational unit’s implementation of the practices of the CMMI model
for each instantiation within the scope of the appraisal. Preliminary data may be collected
using instruments such as questionnaires, surveys, and presentations. This data should include
a preliminary inventory of Practice Implementation Indicators.
An inventory and review of this data provides an important initial determination of the gaps
in the data available supporting practice implementation, as well as what information and
objective evidence is needed. These activities are performed as part of the Obtain and Ana-
CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001
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