Roadmap for Effective Implementation Of CMMI 
Diane M. Burwick
CEO/Principal Consultant
 Business Process Solutions

Introduction:

In the year 1513, Machiavelli said, “Let it be noted that there is no more delicate matter to take in hand, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful in its success, than to set up as a leader in the introduction of changes.” In most cases, this still holds true today. If your organization is having difficulty implementing Level 2 and/or Level 3 of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), it is probably due, at least in part, to the method or techniques being used to affect the change. To those who have become frustrated along the way or are just beginning the journey, this session will provide a roadmap to help you. Rather than theory, this seminar will provide practical guidance and instruction on the high-level steps for the complete lifecycle of process improvement, from "how to get started" to "a successful appraisal." The session will focus on the two following learning objectives: 1) learn how to overcome resistance to change and other typical obstacles to process improvement, and 2) understand the elements of the major steps for effective implementation.

Learning Objectives/Outline:

  • Brief Introduction to CMMI
    • Overview of the model
    • Maturity Levels for Rating based on Staged Representation
    • Process Areas (PAs) within each Level (or using Continuous Representation)
  • Roadmap for Implementation
    • How to Get Started
      • Document an Initial Strategic Plan
      • Perform Gap Analysis
      • Update Strategic Plan and Create Charter
      • Develop a Tactical Plan
    • Everybody Plays, Everybody Wins
      • Identify resources
      • Create roster
      • Provide orientation to resources
    • Organizational Implementation
      • 10 Basic Steps
      • Kickoff Meeting and Overview Training
      • Building the Infrastructure
        • Formation and Startup of EPG
        • Baseline PA Handbooks (or Process Manuals) and Standard Operating Procedure
        • Formation and Start-up of a Quality Management Board (QMB) or Management Steering Committee (MSC)
      • Baseline Project Management Plans
      • Implementation on Projects
      • Putting It All Together - Approach Based on IDEAL lifecycle
      • A Successful Appraisal

Biography:

Diane M. Burwick - CEO/Principal Consultant of Business Process Solutions, an education and consulting services organization that provides assistance with process improvement using the CMM or CMMI model. Ms. Burwick is also President of parent-corporation Business & Personal Solutions, Inc. and author of the popular book “How To Implement the CMM,” first and second editions. Prior to 1996, Ms. Burwick provided consulting to some of the largest defense contractors in the D.C. area, and worked for two years at CPI/MicroAge as a Technical Account Manager where she provided consultation and professional services to local government, large school districts, and universities. During 1996-1998, in her position within the defense services sector of a large IT company, she was tasked with training and implementation to ensure CMM compliance. During 1998 and 1999, as CMM Lead of the Mentor-Protégé Program, Ms. Burwick led entire companies through the lifecycle of process improvement using application development processes in accordance with the CMM. She developed and/or customized best practices for individual projects and instructed project managers in their use.

Since then, Ms. Burwick has provided training and performed consulting for many commercial businesses and government agencies on all of the CMM or CMMI Level 2 and 3 Process Areas. She is widely regarded as a CMM Subject Matter Expert and is an entertaining and informative speaker. In 2002, Ms. Burwick developed a small set of streamlined procedures to ensure thorough and effective (yet practical) risk identification, assessment, and management. This program for Risk Management was rated as a best practice in two formal CMM-Based Assessments in 2002! Ms. Burwick has also developed other industry best practices in the areas of Time Tracking and Project Estimation.