CMMI® (Capability Maturity Model® Integration) is an integrated, extensible framework for improving process capability and quality across an organization. It has become a cornerstone in the implementation of continuous improvement for both industry and governments around the world. Rich in both detail and guidance for a wide set of organizational domains, the CMMI Product Suite continues to evolve and expand. Updated for CMMI Version 1.2, this third edition of CMMI® Distilled again provides a concise and readable introduction to the model, as well as straightforward, no-nonsense information on integrated, continuous process improvement. The book now also includes practical advice on how to use CMMI in tandem with other approaches, including Six Sigma and Lean, as well as new and expanded guidance on preparing for, managing, and using appraisals. Written so that readers unfamiliar with model-based process improvement will understand how to get started with CMMI, the book offers insights for those more experienced as well. It can help battle-scarred process improvement veterans, and experienced suppliers and acquirers of both systems and services, perform more effectively. CMMI® Distilled is especially appropriate for executives and managers who need to understand why continuous improvement is valuable, why CMMI is a tool of choice, and how to maximize the return on their efforts and investments. Engineers of all kinds (systems, hardware, software, and quality, as well as acquisition personnel and service providers) will find ideas on how to perform better. The three authors, all involved with CMMI since its inception, bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to this book. They highlight the pitfalls and shortcuts that are all too often learned by costly experience, and they provide a context for understanding why the use of CMMI continues to grow around the world.

List of Figures ixPreface xiPart I. Integrated Process Improvement 3Chapter 1: Why Integrated Process Improvement? 51.1 Business Objectives and Process Improvement 81.2 The Engineering Environment of the Twenty-First Century 121.3 Evolving Engineering Approaches 141.4 A Proliferation of Models and Standards 161.5 The Benefits of Integrated Process Improvement 171.6 Conclusions 19Chapter 2: Implementing Continuous Improvement 212.1 Driving Business Performance 222.2 Elements of Continuous Improvement 252.3 Five Keys for Continuous Improvement 322.4 Management of Continuous Improvement Activities 432.5 Everyone Understands and Participates 452.6 Pearls of Wisdom 47Part II. The CMMI Models 51Chapter 3: The CMMI Concept 533.1 An Overview of CMMI 543.2 CMMI Objectives 573.3 The Three Source Models 603.4 CMMI Project Organization 65Chapter 4: CMMI Content 694.1 Constellations 704.2 Process Areas 704.3 Content Classification 714.4 Required Materials 724.5 Expected Materials 744.6 Informative Materials 764.7 Additions 804.8 CMMI Model Foundation 804.9 Document Map 81Chapter 5: CMMI Representations 835.1 Staged Models 845.2 Continuous Models 855.3 CMMI Model Representations 875.4 Conclusion 96Chapter 6: CMMI Dimensions for Measuring Improvement 976.1 Capability Dimension 986.2 Maturity Dimension 1036.3 Generic Practices in the Capability Dimension 1046.4 Generic Practices in the Maturity Dimension 1126.5 Organizational Capability Evolution 112Chapter 7: CMMI Process Areas 1157.1 Foundation Process Areas 1197.2 Development Constellation 1437.3 Acquisition Constellation Process Areas 1537.4 Services Constellation Process Areas 1607.5 Relationships within CMMI Components 167Part III. Using CMMI 173