The structures of the continuous and staged representations are illustrated in Figure 5.1. Some differences jump out at you immediately when you look at the structure of both representations. The staged representation has maturity levels and common features, whereas the continuous representation does not. Figure 5.1. Structure of the Continuous and Staged RepresentationsWhat may strike you as you compare these two representations is their similarity. Both representations have many of the same components (e.g., process areas, specific goals, and specific practices). Furthermore, these components have the same general hierarchy and a similar configuration. What is not readily apparent from the high-level view of Figure 5.1 is that the continuous representation focuses on process area capability as measured by capability levels and that the staged representation focuses on organizational maturity as measured by maturity levels. These dimensions (the capability/maturity dimensions) of CMMI are used for benchmarking and appraisal activities, as well as guiding an organization's improvement efforts.
Table 5.1 compares the six capability levels to the five maturity levels. Notice that the names of four of the levels are the same in both representations. The difference is that there is no maturity level 0 for the staged representation and at level 1, the capability level is Performed whereas the maturity level is Initial. Therefore, the starting point is different for the two representations. The continuous representation is concerned with selecting both a particular process area to improve and the granularity of improvement within that process area (i.e., you are improving not only "what you do" but also "how you do it). In this context, whether the specific goals are performed or incomplete is important. Therefore, the name "Incomplete" is given to the continuous representation starting point.
Because the staged representation is concerned with the overall maturity of a set of processes, whether individual processes are performed or incomplete is of little consequence. Therefore, the name "Initial" is given to the staged representation starting point. Both capability levels and maturity levels provide a way to measure how well organizations can and do improve their processes. However, the approach to process improvement is different. |