To set the stage, I must admit that as a high maturity lead appraiser I often hear questions regarding the relevancy of CMMI to Six Sigma (6sigma). Although it would be nice to have a simple reply to CMMI’s 6sigma relevancy, unfortunately, I do not.  In truth there really is no simple “Yes it is relevant” or “No it is not relevant” response. I should note here, that is where the title for this little series comes in… CMMI is, in fact, more or less relevant to 6sigma; it really is not a “yes” or “no” thing.

I guess that lets the cat out of the bag, doesn’t it?  You can stop reading here if all you want is my bottom line on the question; because I just provided it.  My hope is that you might remain curious enough to hear more on where things fit with each other and where they might not. It is doubtful that I will address all the “hits” or “misses”. In my series posts on this subject, I will, however, try to highlight some of the bigger boulders.

So that’s it for the teaser article.  “Watch this space for more” as I attempt to address the question of whether CMMI is relevant to SixSigma.

In addition both Judah and his partner Mark Rabideau are authorized to teach the one-day CMMI for Services supplement intended for people who are interested in the Services model and who have already completed the Introduction to CMMI for Development course. PEP partners are also certified as High Maturity SCAMPI Lead Appraisers for both the Development and Services models.

Recently, the SEI released a new version of the CMMI model, CMMI for Services.  This model is based on the same concepts and principles as the original CMMI for Development model, but its focus and emphasis is on service delivery organizations.  Service organizations in such diverse fields as education, health care, telecommunications, and hospitality have begun using CMMI for Services as their standard and framework for process improvement and organizational performance.  Built on more than 20 years of success and experience, the new release of the CMMI model is especially valuable for organizations that are already using the original CMMI model in their development work, but that have been looking for a suitable way to apply the model to the service-oriented parts of their business, such as installation and field support, training, and Information Technology (IT) services.

PEP, Inc. is pleased to announce that it is among the first organizations certified by the SEI to teach the new 3-day Introduction to CMMI for Services course. In addition, also is authorized to teach the one-day CMMI for Services supplement intended for people who are interested in the Services model and who have already completed the Introduction to CMMI for Development course.  PEP partners are also certified as High Maturity SCAMPI Lead Appraisers for both the Development and Services models.

Effective 11/17/08, the SEI announced that they are performing audits of all CMMI High Maturity appraisals. They also announced and published the criteria being used for the High Maturity Audits. They note that the criteria in no way limit the application of the model or its intent or judgments made during an appraisal, nor do they relieve the organization from fully implementing the model.

Click this link if you wish to read the full announcement and view the criteria themselves.

SEI-Certified SCAMPI High Maturity Lead Appraisers (SCAMPI HM LAs) lead trained teams of professionals in the appraisal[...]  determine an organization’s process capability and/or maturity level.

Before [...] become[ing] a SCAMPI HM LA, you must

• Be a current SEI-Authorized SCAMPI Lead Appraiser in good standing
• Present evidence of having led at least two CMMI SCAMPI A Appraisals. (Note: CMM appraisal experience will not be accepted to this requirement.)
• Present successful completion of at least one course relevant to CMMI high maturity concepts and practices, (e.g., High Maturity with Statistics, Statistical Measurement, and Statistical Process Control). Qualifying courses must have been completed within the last five years.
• Show experience working in a high maturity process improvement environment in one of the following three areas:
  • Building/implementing HM practices or participation on at least one CMMI SCAMPI A Capability Level/Maturity Level 4 and/or 5 Appraisal as a team member or mini-team member
  • Developing/facilitating HM training
  • Statistical/quantitative management or modeling & simulation experience in support of managing/building products.

You may read more about the appraisal here.

To learn more about this outstanding PEP client, please visit their website.