Top 10 steps for successful CMM programs

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Before tackling any specific process improvement practices, a company must
determine whether to pursue formal certification or implement changes solely for
internal improvements; succeeding steps will differ depending on the final goal,
but only slightly.

Regardless of the final goal, first steps must involve analysis of current
procedures to determine steps for improvement. If implementing the Capability
Maturity Model (CMM) for certification purposes, the Software Engineering
Institute recommends and requires a third-party assessment and certification.

Additionally, there are consulting organizations that specialize in training
and taking an organization to CMM certification. Pursuing CMM practices for
internal process improvement requires the same tactical steps as the formal
process:

1. Gather and maintain management commitment. Without having this in place,
   companies experience inconsistent commitment from the rest of the
   organization. Consistent support is critical for sustained funding; without
   management having clear understanding to maintain expectations, funding
   often becomes dependent on unattainable goals.
   
2. Assemble a focus or process group to analyze and develop the plan.
   Assessment is the first step to determine which areas require the most
   immediate work.
   
3. Post assessment – put plans into place based on organizational
   commitment. The process group develops and negotiates organizational
   commitment for the key process areas (KPAs) to be addressed.
   
4. Select pilot project. CMM practices can help an entire organization, but
   certification begins at the single project level. Tighter controls are
   possible when centered on a single project.
   
5. Select focus team. Different from the assessment and training group, this
   is the project team actually going through the training and implementation
   program.
   
6. Develop training programs. In Level 2 and Level 3, training programs are
   critical for success; unfortunately, it is often difficult for smaller
   companies to maintain ongoing training practices. Consider employing small
   external training programs to address areas not possible within the
   organization.
   
7. As with any project, keep milestones and deliverables managed in small
   chunks. Doing so keeps everyone more tightly focused than trying to manage a
   huge implementation plan.
   
8. Require consistent and regular reporting from the pilot project team to
   monitor and measure progress.
   
9. Require lessons learned from each milestone in order to plan the next
   steps in the pilot project.
   
10. Consider a third-party expert for support and guidance if internal
    skillsets aren’t available.