Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

Glossary
The MDD glossary defines many, but not all, terms used in this document. The following additional
sources for terms and definitions should be considered supplementary to the MDD glossary:
• CMMI model glossary and terminology
• ARC glossary
Terms that are particularly significant to this document are duplicated from the model document
or ARC for convenience.
accurate
observation
An observation extracted from data collected during an appraisal
that has been determined by the appraisal team to be (a) worded
appropriately, (b) based on information seen or heard, (c) relevant
to the appraisal reference model being used, (d) significant such
that it can be classified as a strength, weakness, or alternative practice,
and (e) not redundant with other observations. [ARC v1.1]
affirmation
An oral or written statement confirming or supporting implementation
of a CMMI model specific practice or generic practice. Affirmations
are usually provided by the implementers of the practice
and/or internal or external customers, but may also include other
stakeholders (e.g., managers, suppliers). [derived from MDD method overview]
Interview responses are examples of face-to-face affirmations.
Alternative forms of affirmations could include presentations or
demonstrations of a tool or mechanism as it relates to implementation
of a CMMI model practice. [derived from MDD PII appendix B]
alternative practice
A practice that is a substitute for one or more generic or specific
practices contained in the CMMI model that achieves an equivalent
effect toward satisfying the goal associated with the practices.
Alternative practices are not necessarily one-for-one replacements
for the generic or specific practices. [ARC v1.1 and CMMI model glossary]
appraisal
An examination of one or more processes by a trained team of professionals
using an appraisal reference model as the basis for determining,
as a minimum, strengths and weaknesses. [ARC v1.1]
CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001
III-33