Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)

The Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a framework designed to help organizations improve their processes and performance. It provides a structured approach for process improvement by defining specific process areas and goals. CMMI is divided into two types of levels: Capability Levels and Maturity Levels.

Capability Levels

These levels apply to an organization’s performance and process improvement achievements in individual practice areas:

1. Level 0: Incomplete
   • Focus: No systematic approach.
   • Characteristics: Processes are ad hoc and may not be completed.
2. Level 1: Initial
   • Focus: Basic performance.
   • Characteristics: Processes are unpredictable and reactive. Work gets done but often with delays and over budget.
3. Level 2: Managed
   • Focus: Project-level management.
   • Characteristics: Projects are planned, performed, measured, and controlled. Processes are more disciplined.
4. Level 3: Defined
   • Focus: Organization-wide standards.
   • Characteristics: Processes are well-documented and standardized across the organization. Projects use and contribute to organizational assets.

Maturity Levels

These levels represent a staged path for an organization’s performance and process improvement efforts:

1. Level 1: Initial
   • Focus: Unpredictable and reactive.
   • Characteristics: Work gets completed but is often delayed and over budget.
2. Level 2: Managed
   • Focus: Project management.
   • Characteristics: Projects are planned, performed, measured, and controlled. Processes are more disciplined.
3. Level 3: Defined
   • Focus: Organization-wide standards.
   • Characteristics: Processes are well-documented and standardized across the organization. Projects use and contribute to organizational assets.
4. Level 4: Quantitatively Managed
   • Focus: Data-driven management.
   • Characteristics: Processes are measured and controlled using quantitative data. Performance is predictable and aligned with business goals.
5. Level 5: Optimizing
   • Focus: Continuous improvement.
   • Characteristics: Focus on process improvement and innovation. Processes are continuously improved based on quantitative feedback and performance data¹²