Thursday, June 28, 2018

CMMI in Aerospace - some things to think about

Dear Appraiser - we're a large aerospace engineering company, and we're just not sure how CMMI fits into our company. Give me some ideas please! ~Paul G Cincinnati, OH.

Paul - CMMI and Aerospace? it's a great question because it opens up the idea of multi-dimensional process deployment - something I'm super passionate about.



You see, we tend to think about process in a single dimension - we plan, we estimate, we design, build, test, and deploy.  But no!  It's much more interesting and cool than that.

In a typical aerospace, defense, or aviation organization, there are many sub-organizations that execute a process, but they each need to do it differently.  On size does not fit all.  And then after they are done their pieces, they need to do it together. So there isn't ONE process - there are many.

Even though the CMMI has one "Project Planning" process area, and one "Technical Solution" process area, they are MANY instantiations of it within a large aerospace organizations - and each one is different - because each one has different goals, objectives, and needs.

For instance, the software teams may be using a product backlog, planning poker, and an entire set of agile frameworks, methods, and techniques.  The Systems Engineering team may be using MS Project, Gantt charts, and a set of waterfall techniques.  Yes - they're both executing Project Planning.

Take this organization that I work with in Mason, OH.  They design and build cameras and other optical equipment that goes in to space.  They have the following types of independent engineering organizations.:

Systems Engineering
Design Engineering
Software Engineering
Hardware Engineering
Validation Engineering
....and more.

Each one of these groups has to 1) estimate the work, 2) plan the work 3) understand the requirements, 3) design the solution 4) integrate the solution design with the OTHER engineering disciplines, 4) build the solution 5) integrate it with the OTHER engineering disciplines and 6) test both the individual and integrated solutions and finally, implement the overall solution.

Each one of them is very different - with different goals and objectives, and a flexible set of processes is needed.  The CMMI does a great job at providing the architecture for this.

How does CMMI play into this?

CMMI helps us create an architecture that aerospace, defense, and aviation companies can use to develop a flexible and tailorable process that makes sense to all of the sub-organizations. The opposite of "everyone doing everything the same," the CMMI enables a process that is modifiable and flexible enough to meet the needs of all of the various engineering disciplines.

So take a look.  At its core, the CMMI is not a process (or really even a process model), it's a flexible, agile, and modifiable architecture that let's you apply different processes and behaviors at all levels, in multiple dimensions, to deliver high quality products.

Like this blog? Forward to your nearest engineering or software leader!

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, author and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about engineering strategy, performance innovation, software process improvement and running a successful CMMI program.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

How do Maturity Levels work in CMMI V2.0?

Dear Appraiser, it seems like Maturity Levels are different in CMMI V2.0.  Can you tell us what's up? ~Miriam

You're right!  It's very different.

If you recall from v1.3, we had the "Staged Representation" and the "Continuous Representation."  In the staged, you were told which process areas had to be successfully appraised in order to reach a certain maturity level (7 in ML2, 11 in ML3, and 2 each in ML4/5).  If you chose to go the "continuous" route, you could get a "Capability Level" in any one Process Area, up to Capability Level Three by applying the corresponding Generic Practices and Goals.

CMMI V2.0 semi-conflates these two concepts.  There are no Generic Practices anymore, but each Practice Area has a set of "Practice Groups," which are a little like Capability Levels from v1.3, and all Practice Areas, except Configuration Management,  have at least three of these (CM has two).  Some also have four practice areas, and a couple have five.

In order to achieve a maturity level, you need to successfully satisfy all the practice groups (there are no more goals) in all of the pre-determined Practice Areas to achieve a given level.  Here is the list:


The following Practice Areas must be rated at Practice Group 2 (think of a practice group like a capability level):

Managing Performance and Management
Supplier Agreement Management
Process Quality Assurance
Configuration Management
Monitor and Control
Planning
Estimating
Requirements Development and Maintenance
Governance
Implementation Infrastructure



The following Practice Areas must be rated at Practice Group 3, with the EXCEPTION of CM, which only goes to Level 2


Managing Performance and Management
Supplier Agreement Management
Process Quality Assurance
Configuration Management
Monitor and Control
Planning
Estimating
Requirements Development and Maintenance
Governance
Implementation Infrastructure
Causal Analysis and Resolution
Decision Analysis and Resolution
Organizational Training
Risk Management
Process Asset Development
Peer Reviews
Process Management
Verification and Validation
Technical Solution
Product Integration


The following Practice Areas must be rated at Practice Group 4, in addition to everything above


- Managing Performance and Management

- Planning

- Governance

- Causal Analysis and Resolution

- Process Management




The following Practice Areas must be rated at Practice Group 5, in addition to everything above


- Managing Performance and Management


- Causal Analysis and Resolution


So that's it!  EZPZ!

Don't forget, all appraisal team members must now also be CMMI V2.0 Certified Associate!  In order to do that, we recommend you sign up right now for one of our CMMI Development V2.0 classes.

Looking forward to seeing you and learning about this, and many other topics, in the new CMMI V2.0 class!

Like this blog? Forward to your nearest engineering or software exec!

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, author and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students in CMMI training classes and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about engineering strategy, performance innovation, software process improvement and running a successful CMMI program.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

What’s different about the new CMMI V2.0 Training classes?

Hey, CMMI Appraiser, I took your “Introduction to CMMI-DEV v1.3” training in Detroit, Michigan.  Now we’re looking at a 2020 appraisal, and want to get our Lead Appraisal Team together for CMMI 2.0. What’s changed in the CMMI 2.0 Training class? ~ Mitch M. 

Mitch, thanks for staying in touch. As I said in class, the CMMI is 100% about solving business problems. It’s not about documents, ratings or certificates. That’s one thing that will never change. In fact, CMMI V2.0 focuses even more on that.

But you’re right – just about everything else changes with the CMMI 2.0 upgrade, including the way the CMMI Training class is conducted.


To begin with, there no longer will be a 3-day “Introduction to CMMI” class.

It’s still a 3-day commitment for you though. But instead of one class, there are two classes. The first class, “Foundations of Capability,” is two days, followed by a one-day “Building DEV Excellence” class.

FOUNDATIONS OF CAPABILITY

Many significant changes occur in the two-day part of the class.

CMMI V2.0 Associate Exam Included 

Included in the price, and as part of the class, you get the CMMI V2.0 Associate Exam. Now, everyone who takes the class will have an opportunity to become certified, but you don't HAV to take ik - unless you want to be on an appraisal team.  Which brings us to . . .

New Appraisal Team Requirements 

Everyone who will be on your Appraisal Team for CMMI V2.0 will need to complete the CMMI V2.0 Associate Exam successfully. Previously, it was only necessary for them to complete the class. Now, you also have to take the test and pass it.

You Get Access to a Model Viewer 

During the CMMI V2.0 training class, you will be given a license to use the Model Viewer. As the name implies, the Model Viewer is your view of the Model, replacing the old “constellations” such as DEV, SVC and ACQ. You’ll be able to use the Model Viewer in class, as you’re learning, and for up to thirday days afterward for the test.

So that's the required two-day class. It is followed by the required one-day class.

BUILDING DEV EXCELLENCE

This class is your one day add-on if your organization is interested in an appraisal for CMMI Development, or if you just want to learn about CMMI Development.

Think of it as a supplement class, like the ones available today for SVC or DEV. The one-day CMMI V2.0 class serves the same function. You can take the DEV supplement, and in the future take a SVC or the People or a Cyber Security supplement – whatever you choose to add on to your basic Foundations of Capability certification.

My classes take place three days in a row. We administer the CMMI Associate Exam on the third day, so that everyone gets the benefit of all three days before they have to take the test. You can sign up for one here: https://broadswordsolutions.com/events/category/classes/

Just remember that your team must complete the CMMI certification exam before they can sit on an appraisal team.

Looking forward to seeing you in the new CMMI V2.0 class!

Like this blog? Forward to your nearest engineering or software exec!

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, author and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students in CMMI training classes and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about engineering strategy, performance innovation, software process improvement and running a successful CMMI program.

What Training do I need to be a CMMI V2.0 ATM?

Dear Appraiser,

My company just told me I was slated to be a CMMI V2.0 Appraisal Team Member next year, and they asked me to go get trained.  What do I need to do?  ~Manny

Thanks Manny.  Congratulations?



Being on an appraisal team is a great experience no matter what Jimmy Stewart thinks!  But, there are some pre-requisites.

All CMMI V2.0 Appraisal Team Members must now be "Certified CMMI Associates."  Here's how you make that happen:

If you have NEVER taken the official CMMI v1.3 Introduction to CMMI Class:

- Sign up for the 3-day set of classes, now called "Foundations of Capability" (2 day) and "Building DevExcellence" (1 day)

- Use the 30-day license you get before class for the  CMMI Viewer tool to study up on the model

- Attend the 3-days of training

- Sit for, and pass, the CMMI V2.0 Associate Exam


If you HAVE taken the official CMMI v1.3 Introduction to CMMI class

-either take the class (above) or sign up for the online CMMI v1.3 to CMMI v2.0 transition course at http://CMMIInstitute.com.  (3 day V2.0 class is recommended)

- Sit for, and pass, the CMMI V2.0 Associate Exam


Once you've completed one of these options, you'll should purchase an annual license to the model viewer for $400 in order to have access during the appraisal.  Your appraisal is a long time out, and there could be changes between now and then. 

Good luck!

Like this blog? Forward to your nearest engineering or software leader!

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, author and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students in CMMI training classes and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about engineering strategy, performance innovation, software process improvement and running a successful CMMI program.