Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

Upon determining that sufficient coverage of the reference model and organizational unit has
been obtained, appraisal findings and ratings may be generated. Goal ratings are determined
within each process area, which collectively can be used to determine a capability level rating
for the individual process areas, as well as a process maturity rating for the organizational
unit.
Phase III: Report Results
In phase III, the appraisal team provides the findings and ratings as appraisal results to the
appraisal sponsor and the organization. These appraisal results become part of the appraisal
record, which becomes protected data according to the desires of the sponsoring organization
and the appraised organization. The level of protection and the plan for the disposition of appraisal
materials and data is determined in phase I in collaboration with the sponsor. The
agreed-to appraisal record is also forwarded to the CMMI Steward. The Steward adds it to a
confidential database for summarization into overall community maturity and capability level
profiles, which are made available to the community on a semiannual basis.
SCAMPI Tailoring
Successful application of SCAMPI V1.1 relies upon adjusting the parameters of the method
to the needs of the organization and to the objectives and constraints of the sponsor’s organization.
The sponsor’s objectives largely influence tailoring decisions. The CMMI model scope and
representation (staged or continuous), the size of the organizational unit, the number and size
of sampled projects, the size of the appraisal team, and the number of interviews greatly influence
things such as preparation time, time on site, and monetary costs, and so are also major
factors when choosing tailoring options. All tailoring decisions must be documented in the
appraisal plan.
Tailoring should not exceed the acceptable limits allowed by the appraisal method. The
SCAMPI Lead Appraiser is responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the method are
satisfied. Tailoring the method too severely could result in the failure to satisfy method requirements,
the inability to obtain sufficient data for generation of appraisal findings or ratings,
or the failure to meet the criteria necessary for recognition as a SCAMPI (ARC Class A)
appraisal.
Time Frame and Personnel Requirements
A nominal time frame for conducting a SCAMPI appraisal is 3 months, including planning,
preparation, and execution. The follow-on activities implicit with a full cycle of appraisal to
re-appraisal would include time for creating an action plan and 18 to 24 months for implementation,
with a re-appraisal occurring in the latter 6 months of that period. (The time estimates
given here refer to calendar duration rather than person-months of effort.)
I-12 CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001