Different Approaches for Process Improvement

The Implementation Phase

Once the EPG and senior management have decided that the pilots have been successfully completed, the Implementation phase begins. This phase focuses on implementing the new processes across the organization in a phased manner; that is, one or two projects at a time. Each project will be monitored to determine success, and procedures and plans will be modified to reflect the lessons learned from each project. For each project, a "go/no-go" decision will be made to determine whether the processes as written can be continued to be implemented across the organization. Any "no-gos" will result in review by senior management and the EPG, and will be considered for rewrites of the processes, retraining , or other remedial efforts.

The Implementation phase mirrors the Pilot phase, changing only in scope and duration. The Implementation phase consists of:

1. Selecting one or more actual projects

2. Documenting success criteria and measurement techniques

3. Orienting and training project members in CMMI concepts

4. Orienting and training members in procedures

5. Assisting in implementation as needed (by the EPG, PAT members, and the writers of the processes)

6. Monitoring and measuring success

7. Providing lessons learned

8. Updating procedures as needed

9. Implementing across more projects as needed

10. Signing off completion of the PATs

The EPG needs to determine whether the processes and procedures will be rolled out "en masse" or one project at a time. We do not recommend that all of the procedures for all of the PAs be rolled out for implementation on all of the projects at the same time.