SCAMPISM is a part of the CMMI® Product Suite. The SCAMPISM method has two primary objectives:
The method helps an organization gain insight into its process capability or organizational maturity by identifying strengths and weaknesses of its current processes relative to one or more of the CMMI® models. It is conducted according to an SEI-defined process.
A SCAMPISM typically requires six to eight people plus a Lead Appraiser for six to ten days. Teams are recommended to have a mix of organization and outside members. Because of the considerable cost associated with formal appraisals, they must be scheduled to provide maximum benefit to the organization. The normal output of a SCAMPISM is a findings briefing which includes Process Area strengths and weaknesses and Goal/Process Maturity Level satisfaction. A written final report is optional.
A mini-appraisal is a reduced-scale modification of a SCAMPISM where a trained and experienced Appraiser from outside the organization, working with organization members, reviews the documented processes and implementation evidence and conducts several group interviews. The purpose of the mini-appraisal is to provide an independent verification of self-appraisal results and provide suggestions for improvements based on an independent review. The accuracy of mini-appraisal findings has been found to be fairly good.
A Mentored Self-Appraisal requires a trained and experienced Lead Appraiser who provides CMMI® training and administers a self appraisal in a group setting with selected organization members. The purpose of the MSA is to ensure that an organization understands the meaning and intent of the model and to provide an independent validation of the self-appraisal results. Accuracy of MSA findings tends to be fair, with the cost and organization disruption being low. The MSA is quite useful as an initial organization activity to provide understanding of the model and the organization’s processes at a relatively low cost.
The conduct of an appraisal requires a certain amount of preparation, training, and logistical support. Any appraisal has its own project life cycle, which can be characterized in four stages: startup, planning, execution and closedown. The life cycle varies in depth of detail depending on the type of appraisal.
APPRAISAL STARTUP
Identify appraisal scope
Determine sponsor's appraisal needs and goals
Identify site coordinator*
Agree on appraisal outputs
APPRAISAL PLANNING
Develop appraisal plan
Select appraisal participants
Organization preparation and document preparation
Appraisal Team Member selection
Appraisal logistics
Prepare and train the team
PRE-ONSITE ACTIVITIES
Brief appraisal participants
Administer maturity questionnaire
APPRAISAL EXECUTION ON-SITE
Conduct initial document review
Conduct Opening Meeting
Interview project leaders, middle managers and functional area representatives
Consolidate information
Prepare and present draft findings and final findings
Conduct executive session
APPRAISAL CLOSEDOWN
Wrap-up appraisal
Capture lessons learned
Get team member feedback
Determine final report schedule, make assignments
SEI feedback
Prepare final report (optional)
* The site coordinator, a critical position, has responsibilities in eight general areas: sponsorship, appraisal participants, organization members of the appraisal team, facilities, equipment and supplies, documentary evidence, team support, and other. An Appraisal Preparation Guide is available to assist organizations in carrying out those responsibilities.
New products and services from the SEI include the new certification for SCAMPISM Lead Appraisers and the CMMI constellation for services (CMMI-SVC) which was released in March 2009.