Collaboration Opportunities in Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
The SEI works with CMMI user organizations to collect information about how using CMMI has affected them. The SEI advises these organizations on how to best collect meaningful performance data, which is then analyzed to determine how to best implement CMMI best practices.
CMMI Beyond Version 1.2
The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), the industry sponsor of CMMI with technical support from the SEI, is soliciting and collecting input from experienced CMMI users and practitioners around the world about the direction for CMMI future development. This effort is designed to gather input on ways to simplify CMMI models and on alternative, straightforward appraisal techniques, while preserving the integrity of the CMMI Product Suite.
Integrated Use of TSP and CMMI
The SEI has been working with organizations that have adopted TSP and CMMI to gain their input on mapping TSP and CMMI and identify-in how these two approaches complement each other. The SEI is looking for organizations interested in discovering the benefits of using both TSP and CMMI and reporting their results.
Integrated Use of Six Sigma and CMMI
The SEI works with organizations that have adopted CMMI and Six Sigma to identify effective ways to integrate these two approaches.
Mapping Other Standards with CMMI
CMMI, IEEE, and ISO standards share a common purpose related to quality and process management. The SEI and IEEE are looking for partners to identify ways in which CMMI, ISO, and other standards complement one another.
Translating CMMI Into Other Languages
The SEI is working with organizations to trans-late the CMMI Product Suite into Japanese, traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, and German.
Improving Processes in Small Settings
Small businesses, organizational units, and project teams pose unique challenges for process improvement. Such environments have their advantages, such as swift communication through close social networks, a short chain of command, and staff flexibility. But small settings have inherent problems of limited resources, prohibitive appraisal and vendor costs, and a lack of specialized expertise. Yet, early research shows that process improvement is not only possible in small settings but that simple process changes can provide significant improvement if they are started correctly and if the organization successively builds upon early “wins.” To accelerate the introduction of best practices into small settings, the SEI International Process Research Consortium (IPRC) has launched the Improving Processes in Small Settings (IPSS) project to develop guidance to help organizations achieve the benefits of process improve-met while working with tight resource and cost limitations.
Process Improvement in Multi-Model Environments
Many organizations today use numerous process standards and improvement methodologies, such as CMMI, ISO, Six Sigma, and others. The SEI IPRC is seeking to initiate a collaborative research effort to identify new, effective methods to balance and integrate multiple models and to help organizations overcome challenges in multi-model environments, such as resolving conflicts among work groups dedicated to different improve-met programs; ensuring sustainability and institutionalization of multiple improvement efforts; and maintaining multiple systems of audits, assessments, and benchmarks.
State-of-the-Practice Studies
State-of-the-practice studies are conducted to show how the community is performing its work and to allow the SEI to identify changes and trends that may arise in response to the introduction and adoption of SEI technologies. The SEI publishes the results of these studies to allow organizations to compare their improvement efforts with those of others in the community.