Making Smart Choices: Strategies for CMMI Adoption

The CMMI® model was written to apply to a variety of project environments-defense, commercial, development, maintenance, services, and small to large project teams. Its authors used words like "adequate,” "appropriate," "as needed," and "selected." When a project or organization adopts the CMMI® model for process improvement, they consciously or unconsciously make choices about how it will be implemented-scope, scale, documentation, and decision-making to name a few. These choices have a profound effect on the speed and cost of CMMI® adoption. Rick Hefner describes the strategic implications of CMMI® on planning and implementing project processes. He identifies the decisions to be made, the options available, and the relationships between these options and project contexts and business objectives. Take away a deeper understanding of the model and better strategies for its adoption. By understanding the options and making smart choices, CMMI® adopters can ensure that the promised benefits of CMMI®-based improvement are realized.