On February 26, 2009, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) announced the release of its much anticipated CMMI for Services (CMMI-SVC). Just as the CMMI model extended the coverage of the original Software CMM to also include development of hardware and systems products, this new CMMI model covers the establishment, management, and delivery of services. Services may include Information Technology support services, field installation...

PEP’s consulting schedule is normally quite busy. Large scale events such as Appraisals may require three (3) or more months advance notice and planning; Smaller events such as Informal Appraisals (SCAMPI-B or C) may require several weeks to months advance notice; and Priority scheduling preference is given to PEP’s existing clients. New clients are always welcome and serviced in as timely and expeditious a manner as...

Learning from Choices A frequently heard question in our business is How long is it going to take us to achieve the next maturity level? The answer to this question is always: It depends. Through over 20 years of process improvement consulting, we have learned many things. One of the most important learnings is that every organization is unique. Each organization’s process improvement journey looks and feels different. Improving...

There are many factors that affect the success of a process improvement program. But the most important success factors can be categorized as the 3 C’s: Commitment Every process improvement guide cites demonstrated management commitment to process improvement as a key factor to success. Demonstration means as much active participation as possible. It is not enough to pay the bill and provide the necessary funding. Here are some useful...

Process Enhancement Partners, Inc. (PEP) is a professional services organization devoted exclusively to helping software development and maintenance organizations improve: business performance (in terms of project predictability, product quality, productivity, and decreased project cycle time, etc.) and quality of life for the software developers (in terms of reduced pressure, reduced overtime, more reasonable demands and schedules,...