SCAMPI^SM A

The Standard CMMI^® Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI^SM) is designed to provide benchmark quality ratings relative to the Capability Maturity Model Integration^® (CMMI) models.  It is applicable to a wide range of appraisal usage modes, including both internal process improvement and external capability determinations. 

SCAMPI v1.2 enables a sponsor to:

• gain insight into an organization's engineering capability by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of its current processes;
• relate these strengths and weaknesses to the CMMI model;
• prioritize improvement plans;
• focus on improvements (correct weaknesses that generate risks) that are most beneficial to the organization given its current level of organizational maturity or process capabilities;
• derive capability level ratings as well as a maturity level rating; and
• identify development / acquisition risks relative to capability / maturity determinations.

The SCAMPI normally takes around 3 months to complete including planning, preparation, and execution (additional time may be required to produce the optional final written report).  The SCAMPI is completed in three phases (as described in the SCAMPI v1.2 method definition):  planning and preparing, conducting, and reporting the results.  

Phase 1: Plan and Prepare for the Appraisal 

During this phase, the PI-21 authorized appraisal lead will work with the appraisal sponsor and site coordinator to determine the appraisal inputs and develop the appraisal plan as required by the SCAMPI method.  During this phase the appraisal input and plan will be developed to include:

• Appraisal purpose and parameters;
• Scope (CMMI and Organizational) of the appraisal;
• Planned method tailoring;
• Appraisal outputs and constraints;
• Appraisal activities, resources, and schedule;
• Appraisal risks; and 
• Logistical requirements and arrangements for the conduct of the appraisal.

The appraisal input and plan are developed iteratively with other preparation activities, which are completed during this phase.  These activities include:

• Conducting team training 
• Collecting objective evidence by the organization
• Conducting appraisal readiness reviews as appropriate, including:

  • Organizational structure, roles and responsibilities;

  • Project profiles for proposed past and current projects;

  • CMMI compliance matrices (often called PIIDs); and

  • Process improvement plans, process documentation, and other information which will aid in the successful completion of the appraisal; and

• Preparing the opening presentation and any other necessary presentations.

Because of the significant investment and logistical planning involved, considerable iteration and refinement of planning activities should be expected.  Preparation activities conducted by the appraised organization are critical to the efficient execution of the SCAMPI appraisal.  Analysis of preliminary objective evidence provided by the appraised organization plays a critical role in setting the stage for the appraisal execution.  If substantial data are missing at this point, subsequent appraisal activities can be delayed or even cancelled if the judgment is made that continuing appraisal activities will not be sufficient to make up for the deficiency.  

The outputs from the planning and preparation phase take the form of information documented in the appraisal input, appraisal plan, and/or opening presentation, and various worksheets and / or databases retained by the team members for use in the conduct the appraisal phase.  PI-21 makes extensive use of a secure online system for all SCAMPI planning activities which provides full insight by appraisal sponsors and team members alike.  The PI-21 SCAMPI page is used to plan and manage the SCAMPI during all phases of the SCAMPI.  The information contained on this site is used to create and deliver all information to the CMMI Steward.  The client retains access to the site for three years after the completion of the appraisal.

Phase 2: Conduct the Appraisal 

During this phase, the appraisal team focuses on collecting data from the appraised organization to judge the extent to which the model is implemented.  The conduct of this phase varies depending on the scope of the appraisal and the characteristics of the appraised organization.  The steps completed by the appraisal team during this phase include:

• Orientation to the site and the logistical arrangements for the appraisal;
• Opening presentations by the appraisal team and the organization;
• Document reviews;
• Management and practitioner interviews;
• Data consolidation;
• Preliminary findings preparation and presentations; and
• Follow on interviews and final document reviews as needed.

The outputs from the conduct the appraisal phase take the form of the draft findings presentation and various worksheets and / or databases retained by the team members for use in the report the appraisal results phase.

Phase 3: Report the Appraisal Results

During this phase, the appraisal team focuses on reporting the results of the appraisal to both the organization and the CMMI Steward as required.  The steps completed by the appraisal team during this phase include:

• Final findings preparation and presentation;
• Executive sessions, as required; and
• Forwarding the agreed to appraisal record to the CMMI steward.

The output from the report the appraisal results phase take the form of the final findings briefing.

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