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Maturity Models

Updated Jun 12, 2020 ·

Overview​

Maturity models help organizations assess their software development practices and progress toward more effective and secure coding.

Software Capability Maturity Model (SW CMM)​

Developed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), this model outlines a five-level progression to guide organizations on how to improve their software development processes:

  • Level 1: Initial

    • Organizations are still getting started in software development.
    • No defined development process; doesn't follow sound engineering practices
    • Software creation is unstructured, leading to inconsistent results.

  • Level 2: Repeatable

    • Basic processes, like code reuse, are established.
    • Development results become predictable.
    • Key activities:
      • Requirements management
      • Subcontract management
      • Software project planning, tracking, and oversight
      • Configuration management
      • Quality assurance

  • Level 3: Defined

    • Formal practices are documented and followed.
    • Development efforts adhere to consistent procedures.
    • Key activities:
      • Organization process focus
      • Organization process definition
      • Training programs
      • Integrated software management
      • Software product engineering
      • Intergroup coordination
      • Conducting peer reviews

  • Level 4: Managed

    • Quantitative measures assess development progress.
    • Effectiveness of practices is regularly evaluated.
    • Key activities:
      • Quantitative process management
      • Software quality management

  • Level 5: Optimizing

    • Continuous improvement based on feedback.
    • Practices include defect prevention and process management.
    • Key activities:
      • Defect prevention
      • Technology change management
      • Process change management

IDEAL Model​

The IDEAL Model is another maturity model designed for process improvement and focuses more on organizational development. The IDEAL acronym represents the five key phases in the process:

  1. Initiating
  • Secure leadership commitment for improvement.
  • Define clear objectives and goals.
  1. Diagnosing
  • Assess current processes to identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • Gather data through interviews and surveys.
  1. Establishing
  • Create a detailed improvement plan with actions and timelines.
  • Assign teams and responsibilities for implementation.
  1. Acting
  • Implement changes in a controlled manner.
  • Monitor progress and adjust as necessary.
  1. Learning
  • Evaluate outcomes and document lessons learned.
  • Use feedback to inform future projects.

Importance of Maturity Models​

Using maturity models helps organizations improve their software development practices and outcomes.

  • Strategic benchmarking to assess capabilities and growth areas
  • Guidance for implementing best practices for quality and efficiency
  • Support for anticipating and mitigating project risks
  • Promotes stronger security measures through systematic evaluations