What are the CMMI Generic Practices for?

Hey, CMMI Appraiser – why is it that we have to worry so much about these Generic Practices? Seems like a big headache to me - Jim W, Minneapolis, MN

Greetings, Jim! Thank you for submitting the first question to be answered in our new CMMI-TV series! Like this blog, CMMI-TV is a place where we can add value to the engineering and software development community by offering advice on engineering strategy, performance innovation and software process improvement. Below is a video clip with my answer to your question, followed by a synopsis of my response. Enjoy!

OVERVIEW

The CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration), is a model that helps us build better software and run better projects.

The Generic Practices apply to all process areas in the CMMI – which is why they should have been named the Most Important Practices.

Regardless of what type of method, technique or process that you use, the Generic Practices can really help jump start the success of those practices.

The Generic Practices apply to activities that the organization performs, not necessarily the individual projects. The guidance provided by the Generic Practice includes but is not limited to:

SETTING EXPECTATIONS

• How long are our Sprints?
• What kind of retrospectives do we have?
• What kind of code reviews should we run?
• Should we comment our code, and how should we comment it?

PLANNING

• How many Sprints are we going to have?
• How many phases are we going to have?
• How many releases are we going to have?
• What kind of requirements management tools are we going to use?

ASSIGNING RESPONSIBILITY

• Who is going to be involved?
• When are they going to be involved?

PROVIDING TRAINING

• Are we providing training? For example, if I’m going to ask you to do Planning Poker and use it as a way to estimate the size of a project or a particular user story, do I plan to train you on how to use those tools?

MONITORING THE HEALTH OF THE PROCESS

• How is the process working?
• Are we getting value out of our sprints, phases and the tools that we are using, out of the techniques that we are employing?
• If we aren’t getting value, why not? And if not, let’s make them better!
• Are people actually using these processes?
• If they aren’t, why not?

MANAGEMENT

• Is management paying attention to all of this data?
• Are they doing something about it to make the company an even better company?

CONSTANTLY IMPROVING

• Are we constantly improving the processes?

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

Don't miss our CMMI Training class coming up in Virginia February 11-14, 2013
Introduction to CMMI-DEV v1.3. Register at www.broadswordsolutions.com

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 trainings and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about running a successful CMMI and performance improvement program.

When is Broadsword Presenting at SEPG 2012?

Hey, CMMI Appraiser, 

Our engineering executives don't seem to get that the CMMI Appraisal process is more about organizational performance improvement and less about getting a CMMI certificate. Will you be presenting on this topic again at the SEPG conference next month? If so, when?  I'd like them to attend.  Cheers, Sean M.

Hey, Sean,

Yes, for the 7th consecutive year, Broadsword has been selected to speak at the SEPG North America 2012 Conference on March 12-15, 2012 in Albuquerque, NM. But to be clear, it’s not only me. This year, three senior CMMI consultants from Broadsword have been tapped to speak.

Joining me will be Broadsword’s own Julie Calfin and Laura Adkins. Julie and Laura are senior CMMI consultants who share your passion for using the CMMI as a tool to pursue organizational performance improvement.

As you know, some of the best thinkers and speakers in our industry are selected for these presentations. The review process is conducted anonymously, and speakers are chosen based on expertise, not name or company affiliation. That’s why I’m so proud and excited for our team!

I’ll be happy to give you the details about our four presentations (including two trainings). But before I do, I want to touch on your comment about what the CMMI Appraisal process is all about.

In many companies, as you are experiencing, there is a tendency among executives to focus more on “CMMI certification.” You know that this is a misnomer – there’s no official CMMI certificate. But there is a good reason for this. Executives everywhere are hearing clients say things like, “We require you to have a CMMI certification.” They don’t hear them saying, “We want you to be a great company.”

So my advice is to let your executives come to their own conclusions about the CMMI. I think you’ll see them start to turn in the direction you want.

Here is more detail on our presentations:

• On Monday, March 12th, I will be speaking and delivering our famous "CMMI+Scrum Learning Experience" in a half-day format. We've delivered this course to many of our CMMI Consulting clients, and they've all loved it – especially the executives! Come by and see what all the hoopla is about.

• I will also be co-presenting with my good friends (and clients) from ADNET Systems about using the CMMI at NASA. These guys are super-smart and pretty cool! 

• On Tuesday, March 13th, Laura will be speaking about running successful process pilots. Something she knows A LOT about! Laura also helps us out with our CMMI Training classes.

• On Thursday, March 15th, Julie will be speaking about Organizational Change Management: The key differentiator for sustainable process improvement. Julie is a world-class thought-leader on OCM. Her presentation is packed with valuable information, not to be missed!

The SEI has worked hard to put together an outstanding slate of speakers again this year. No matter what sessions your executives attend, they are bound to gain valuable perspective on the CMMI. I’m confident that you’ll be able to go back to your company afterward and start to drive the changes you are seeking.

So we’ll see you and your executives in New Mexico, Sean – and please be sure to introduce yourselves!

THIS JUST IN: Jeff will be delivering the "CMMI+Scrum Learning Experience" at SEPG Europe in Madrid in June!

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 trainings and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about running a successful CMMI program.