Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

In SCAMPI, Practice Implementation Indicators are the necessary consequence of implementing
CMMI model practices. For example, the establishment of an artifact, such as a
document, is often an expected outcome resulting from implementation of a model practice.
Other indicators may indirectly substantiate implementation of the practice, such as evidence
of a status meeting or peer review being held. Members of the organizational unit may affirm
through questionnaires or interviews that the practice is implemented. These are all potential
“footprints” that can be used as objective evidence to verify and substantiate implementation
of model practices.
SCAMPI characterizes PIIs according to the indicator types described in Table I-9.
Table I-9: Practice Implementation Indicator Types
Indicator Type Description Examples
Direct artifacts The tangible outputs resulting directly
from implementation of a specific or generic
practice. An integral part of verifying
practice implementation. May be explicitly
stated or implied by the practice
statement or associated informative material.
Indirect artifacts
Affirmations
Artifacts that are a consequence of performing
a specific or generic practice or
that substantiate its implementation, but
which are not the purpose for which the
practice is performed. This indicator type
is especially useful when there may be
doubts about whether the intent of the
practice has been met (e.g., an artifact
exists but there is no indication of where
it came from, who worked to develop it,
or how it is used).
Oral or written statements confirming or
supporting implementation of a specific
or generic practice. These 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).
Typical work products listed
in CMMI model practices
Target products of an “Establish
and Maintain” specific
practice
Documents, deliverable
products, training materials,
etc.
Typical work products listed
in CMMI model practices
Meeting minutes, review results,
status reports
Performance measures
Questionnaire responses
Interviews
Presentations
Appraisal teams are obligated to seek objective evidence of each of these types as a prerequisite
to formulating characterizations of practice implementation. The indicator types that will
be most appropriate to reflect practice implementation will vary according to the context in
which the process is implemented, as well as the practice itself. The appraisal team should
CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001 I-25