Roles and responsibilities of SQA in CMMI

SQA (Software Quality Assurance) Engineer in an Organization going for CMMI Assessment has various responsibilities. SQA Team Structure depends on the overall strength of the organization and number of people involved with process implementations (in Software Development or Services Organization). SQA is the mainly responsible for leading the Quality Initiative in the CMMI organization and is responsible for conducting many associated process improvement activities in the organization.

SQA is involved with these CMMI Process Improvement activities:

• Process Improvement Planning
• Conducting Audit of products, projects and services
• Development, modification and updating of a CMMI Compliant QMS
• Implementation Checks and Audits and the Follow-up Audits
• Conducting Training for Process Implementers according to their roles
• Training to Project Team Members on core activities like Project Management, Estimation, Reviews etc.
• Metrics Analysis Report preparation
• Preparation for SCAMPI Assessment Documentation and Training

All these activities are targeted towards the Continuous Process Improvement in the organization using CMMI Framework.

SEPG/QAG qualities required for CMMI

SEPG/QAG Group, here are some of the qualities required in a SEPG Team Member in a CMMI Organization:

• CMMI Knowledge is an added advantage. Knowledge of other Quality Framework and Standards makes you a pro.
• Subject Matter Expertise – you should have good knowledge and skill set in your field. It may in Software Development, Requirements Gathering, Software Design, Testing, Quality or any other field. But should understand Software Development Life Cycle models.
• Should have worked with good number of projects and people.
• Understand Processes and know about Process Improvement. Should have experience in assisting project teams in process implementation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good Team Player.
• Should be self motivated and capable of motivating others.
• Should be enthusiast about the process improvement and the organization.
• Should take part in SEPG meetings actively.
• Should complete the tasks on time, assigned by SEPG Team.

CMMi Appraisals

Appraisals

Broadsword makes appraisals easier for you. We’re a CMMI Institute Partner licensed to perform all classes of SCAMPI Appraisals for CMMI-DEV and CMMI-SVC.

We’ve been there – right where you are. Every one of our consultants has been an engineer, a software developer, or a project manager and knows what it’s like to adopt processes and be appraised. Our approach to appraisals is just enough – not too much.

Though proud of our advanced degrees and training from prestigious universities, the Broadsword team takes a practical, not academic, approach to problem solving. Because we’ve seen engineering work done so many different ways over the years, we understand what you go through every day. As a result, we don’t try to fit you into the CMMI model. We make the CMMI fit into you.

And, if you are an agile organization, we can help you understand how well your company’s implementation of agile methods and Scrum is working. Our unique appraisal approach gets rid of the guesswork and provides a detailed, quantitative assessment.

Make it easier. Contact Broadsword.

Our Appraisal offerings include:

• SCAMPI A, B, and C Appraisals
• CMMI-DEV or CMMI-SVC Appraisals
• CMMI Mini-Appraisal
• Process Diagnostics
• Change Readiness Assessment
• Agile Appraisals
• Scrum Appraisals

SCAMPI Appraisals

Appraisals are designed to help your organization identify operational strengths and weaknesses. The formal method used to evaluate an organization’s performance is the Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI).

There are three “classes” of SCAMPI Appraisals – SCAMPI A, SCAMPI B, and SCAMPI C. Broadsword is licensed to deliver all three.

Most of our clients “cycle” through multiple appraisals, starting with SCAMPI C, as a way to mitigate risks and identify gaps, followed by a SCAMPI B “test run,” and then a SCAMPI A – the most rigorous class of appraisal and the only one that results in a formal CMMI Maturity Level or Capability Level Rating.

SCAMPI A

A SCAMPI A is the only class of appraisal that results in a “maturity” or “capability” rating.

Organizations wishing to attain a CMMI Rating (“Level”) must conduct a SCAMPI A Appraisal. A SCAMPI A is a team-based event which is led by an external “Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser” who has been certified by the CMMI Institute and Software Engineering Institute (SEI) to perform SCAMPI Appraisals.

For more information, go to SCAMPI A.

SCAMPI B

A SCAMPI B is also a formal appraisal, though it does not result in a rating (or “level”). This appraisal serves as a rigorous risk management tool to give you the information you need to completely understand your current state relative to the CMMI. In particular, the SCAMPI Bappraisal will provide you with enough data to determine whether you are likely to succeed in the formal SCAMPI A.

SCAMPI C

A SCAMPI C is primarily used as a “gap analysis” tool and does not result in a rating. It is a tremendously useful tool regardless of your desire to achieve a CMMI rating. The SCAMPI C is first and foremost a way for your company to find out how you stack up against the CMMI model and other companies that are using it.

CMMI Mini-Appraisal

A CMMI Mini-Appraisal is a low cost alternative when you are just looking for solid information about the process performance of your organization. It will give you the information you need to start improving – right away.

CMMI Micro-Assessment

Take our “CMMI Micro-Assessment” and find out where you stand!

Appraisal Sequence

Each of our clients has unique goals, and we will help you customize your own plan and approach. The most typical sequence of events includes:

1. SCAMPI C Appraisal
2. Process Improvement Program Planning
3. CMMI Training
4. Design, Develop, and Deploy process architecture and components
5. Training in “techniques” (estimating, planning, code reviews, etc.)
6. Appraisal Planning
7. Readiness Review with go/no-go decision
8. SCAMPI Appraisal Team Training
9. SCAMPI B Appraisal
10. Performance Improvement Planning
11. Process “Tune-up”
12. Readiness Review
13. SCAMPI A Appraisal
14. Celebrate an awesome accomplishment!

CMMI appraisal method by SEI - SCAMPISM A, SCAMPISM B, SCAMPISM C

CMMI appraisal method by SEI

What is SCAMPISM A, SCAMPISM B, SCAMPISM C? Are these related to certification?

SCAMPI A (Standard CMMI Appraisal method for process improvements) is CMMI appraisal method. SCAMPI is developed by SEI and there are three variants of method (SCAMPI A, SCAMPI B and SCAMPI C). Through SCAMPI A the organization’s maturity or capability levels could be determined (along with process improvement opportunities) and SCAMPI B and SCAMPI C are less rigorous and primarily focus on finding out process improvement opportunities or to find gaps in the present processes.SCAMPI methods are presently being used globally for performing internal appraisals for process improvements. SEI also maintains an appraiser program, and through extensive training authorizes individuals to perform SCAMPI across through SEI Transition partners. SEI also maintains a list of active lead appraisers and the list is accessible to all from SEI website.