Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI)

1.1.2 Determine Appraisal Constraints
Activity
Description
Required
Practices
Parameters
and Limits
The constraints within which the appraisal must be conducted are determined
based on a dialog between the appraisal team leader and the appraisal sponsor
and/or senior site manager. This typically is an iterative process in which the
preferences of the appraisal sponsor, the limits of the method, and the
consequent resource requirements are balanced against each other to arrive at
an optimal set of appraisal input parameters.
• Establish high-level cost and schedule constraints.
• Determine which process areas (PAs) and organizational entities are to be
included.
• Determine minimum, maximum, or specific sample size or coverage that
is desired for the appraisal.
• Negotiate constraints and objectives with stakeholders to ensure
feasibility.
• Document negotiated constraints to be met.
At least one communication between the appraisal team leader and sponsor is
required. (Some usage modes may limit this significantly; others may require
more than one interaction.)
Constraints on cost and schedule identified during this early stage of the
appraisal are expected to be high-level, and not detailed estimates. They may
take the form of statements such as “We need this done in Q4,” “You can’t
use more than five of my people on the team,” and “I can’t afford to have it
last more than a month.” Constraints identified by the appraisal input must be
negotiated between the sponsor and the appraisal team leader.
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CMU/SEI-2001-HB-001