What is CMMI Maturity Level 2
Maturity Level 2 Managed (CMMI-DEV)
What is the Maturity level
A maturity level is a well-defined evolutionary plateau that organizations achieve as they progress toward developing a mature software process. Each maturity level represents a stage in the journey of continuous process improvement. The concept of maturity levels is central to the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI®), providing a structured framework for organizations to enhance their processes and achieve consistent, predictable outcomes. By advancing through these levels, organizations can systematically improve their processes, thereby increasing their capability to deliver high-quality software products and services.
What is Maturity Level 2
Maturity Level 2, known as the “Managed” level, is the second of five maturity levels in the CMMI® for Development (CMMI®-DEV) model. At this stage, organizations have established basic project management practices that help ensure processes are planned, executed, and monitored effectively. The stress, at Maturity Level 2, is on managing projects according to documented plans and ensuring that processes are followed consistently. This level lays the foundation for further process improvement by instilling a disciplined approach to managing projects.
At Maturity Level 2, the focus is on individual projects, ensuring that they are managed according to policies and procedures. Projects at this level employ skilled individuals who have access to adequate resources, such as tools, training, and infrastructure, to produce controlled outputs. The processes are not only planned but are also carried out with a clear understanding of what needs to be done, involving relevant stakeholders at appropriate stages. This involvement helps in making informed decisions, resolving issues, and ensuring that the project stays on track.
One of the main characteristics of Maturity Level 2 is the visibility it provides to management. The status of work products, which are the tangible outputs of a project, becomes visible to management at predefined points, such as at major milestones or the completion of significant tasks. This transparency enables management to monitor progress, identify potential risks early, and take corrective actions if necessary. The visibility also promotes accountability, as everyone involved in the project knows that their work is being monitored and evaluated.
At this level, commitments are established among relevant stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the project’s goals and expectations. These commitments are not set in stone though; they are revised as needed to adapt to changing circumstances. This flexibility is crucial in maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of the project plans. Additionally, work products are appropriately controlled, i.e. they are stored, retrieved, and maintained in a way that ensures their integrity and accessibility throughout the project lifecycle.
The process discipline that comes with Maturity Level 2 is particularly beneficial during times of stress, such as when deadlines are tight, or unexpected issues arise. The established practices help ensure that the project does not deviate from its planned course, even under pressure. This discipline also contributes to the sustainability of the organization’s processes, as it helps retain valuable practices that might otherwise be abandoned in stressful situations.
Achievements at Maturity Level 2
Implementing Maturity Level 2 best practices gives several significant benefits to an organization. These practices provide a straightforward yet thorough set of guidelines that address the full intent of the process areas (PAs) defined by CMMI®-DEV. Unlike higher maturity levels, which require the use of organizational assets or standards, Level 2 focuses on individual projects, allowing for flexibility in how the practices are implemented. This flexibility enables projects to tailor the practices to their specific needs while still adhering to the overall objectives.
One of the primary outcomes of achieving Maturity Level 2 is the ability to identify and monitor project performance objectives effectively. These objectives include metrics related to cost, schedule, quality, and functionality, which are critical for determining whether the project is on track to meet its goals. By regularly monitoring these metrics, project managers can make informed decisions, adjust plans as needed, and ensure that the project delivers the desired outcomes.
In totality, after implementing Level 2 best practices, an organization achieves the following:
- A complete set of practices that address the full intent of the process areas in a very simple, straightforward way.
- The ability to manage projects without necessarily relying on organizational assets or standards, allowing for flexibility in meeting the set objectives.
- Evaluation on project-level, rather than organization-wide, which helps in maintaining a clear and manageable scope.
- Enhanced visibility of work product status to management at key points, facilitating better oversight and decision-making.
- Established and revised commitments among stakeholders to ensure alignment and adaptability throughout the project lifecycle.
- Controlled work products that meet specified process descriptions, standards, and procedures.
- Identified and monitored project performance objectives that help in assessing and guiding the project towards successful completion.
Maturity Level 2 serves as a critical stepping stone in the CMMI® journey, setting the stage for more advanced process improvement initiatives that can lead to even greater levels of capability and organizational maturity. By mastering the practices at this level, organizations can build a strong foundation for continued success in their software development efforts.
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