Review By: Julie Cole, MBA, CSSGB
06/11/2007Practical Insight into CMMI provides an understanding of the various principles behind the practices of CMMI (Capability Maturity Model--Integrated). It explains, in depth, the various activities an organization implementing CMMI would undertake and is designed for organizations and firms in all stages of CMMI implementation--from those considering undertaking an implementation to those moving from CMM (Capability Maturity Model) to CMMI. The focus captures perspectives from the role of each level of management.

The book gives a basic overview of the processes and principles and gives concrete examples and diagrams explaining how CMMI works for various roles. It is relatively easy to read and gives a comprehensive dictionary of terminology used throughout the text. The organization of the book is such that a reader can read the areas most interesting to her and still get valuable information without having to read the entire book.

The author, Tim Kasse, is a process improvement professional who has trained many thousands of people in this particular model. His observations and tips throughout the book give the reader the benefit of his knowledge and experience without having to bring a consultant of his caliber into the organization (which may also benefit an implementing organization).

The only down side to the book is that, at times, the author turns to the generic practices of the CMMI text without elaborating. This information can be obtained from the CMMI directly, and the reader of this text anticipates that more illumination and understanding will be gained from reading a text to supplement the actual practices. However, in most cases, the book makes up for this small distraction in the explanations of the various roles and their responsibilities during CMMI processes and practices.

“Practical Insight into CMMI” is a great book for the quality practitioner charged with the analysis or the implementation of CMMI at a software organization. The text gives definitions, diagrams, roles, and responsibilities for the various process areas associated with CMMI from which the reader will gain the extensive knowledge and insight of an experienced consultant.