Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

Method Concepts
This section provides a description of fundamental concepts employed by the SCAMPI
method. These concepts are treated here to provide readers with an overall understanding of
the method prior to reading the method Process Definitions in Part II. Many of these concepts
are distributed across several appraisal method processes or activities, so it is important to
ensure that a common understanding is obtained to recognize the components of these concepts
as they appear elsewhere in this document.
In addition to requirements of the ARC, these method concepts are derived from, and heavily
influenced by, the method objectives, essential method characteristics, appraisal modes of
usage, and performance objectives described above.
Method Assumptions and Design Principles
In addition to the factors just mentioned, SCAMPI features are based on certain method assumptions
and design principles related to the expected use of the method. Those assumptions
and principles are described below.
SCAMPI is a Class A benchmarking method.
As an ARC Class A method, SCAMPI can be used to generate ratings as benchmarks to compare
maturity levels or capability levels across organizations. SCAMPI is an integrated appraisal
method that can be applied in the context of internal process improvement, supplier
selection, or process monitoring. As a benchmarking method, the SCAMPI emphasis is on a
rigorous method capable of achieving high accuracy and reliability of appraisal results
through the collection of objective evidence from multiple sources.
Goal ratings are a function of the extent to which the corresponding practices are present in
the planned and implemented processes of the organization.
In the CMMI models, there is a direct relationship between goals (specific and generic) and
the practices (specific and generic) that contribute toward achievement of those goals. Specific
and generic goals are required model components; specific and generic practices are
expected model components, in that alternative practices could be implemented that are
equally effective in achieving the intent of the associated goals.
In the SCAMPI method, a fundamental premise is that satisfaction of goals can be determined
only upon detailed investigation of the extent to which each corresponding practice is
implemented, for each sample instance used as a basis for the appraisal (e.g., each project).
Additional information on rating goals is provided in “Data Collection, Rating, and Reporting”
on page I-26.
I-20 CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001