Evaluation of the Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model as aFramework for Software Process Improvement at Three Air Logistics Centers

摘要

This research sought to determine whether a relationship exists between thematurity level of the software process, as determined by the Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model (SEI CMM), and the actual success of particular software projects at three US Air Force Air Logistics Centers. Project success is defined in terms of cost, schedule, and quality criteria. In addition, each organization's acceptance of the SEI assessment as well as its effectiveness in setting up follow-on process improvement programs were evaluated. Finally, the process improvement programs were reviewed individually inasmuch as these programs are the mechanisms for achieving improved quality, lower cost, and on-time software projects. The research was accomplished through a combination of information gathering techniques and data analysis. A literature review, both within and external to the Department of Defense, summarized current software process research, discussed the CMM in detail, presented case studies using the SEI CMM, and introduces software project success criteria. Using information gathered from three Air Force software organizations, we addressed each research objective.