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Q: What are CMM levels and their definitions?
A:
There are five CMM levels, of which Level 5 is the highest.
CMM Level 1 is called "Initial". The software process is at CMM Level 1, if it is an ad hoc process. At CMM Level 1, few processes are defined, and success, in general, depends on individual effort and heroism.
CMM Level 2 is called "Repeatable". The software process is at CMM Level 2, if the subject company has some basic project management processes, in order to track cost, schedule, and functionality. Software processes are at CMM Level 2, if necessary processes are in place, in order to repeat earlier successes on projects with similar applications. Software processes are at CMM Level 2, if there are requirements management, project planning, project tracking, subcontract management, QA, and configuration management.
CMM Level 3 is called "Defined". The software process is at CMM Level 3, if the software process is documented, standardized, and integrated into a standard software process for the subject company. The software process is at CMM Level 3, if all projects use approved, tailored versions of the company's standard software process for developing and maintaining software. Software processes are at CMM Level 3, if there are process definition, training programs, process focus, integrated software management, software product engineering, intergroup coordination, and peer reviews.
CMM Level 4 is called "Managed". The software process is at CMM Level 4, if the subject company collects detailed data on the software process and product quality, and if both the software process and the software products are quantitatively understood and controlled. Software processes are at CMM Level 4, if there are software quality management (SQM), and quantitative process management.
CMM Level 5 is called "Optimized". The software process is at CMM Level 5, if there is continuous process improvement, if there is quantitative feedback from the process, and from piloting innovative ideas and technologies. Software processes are at CMM Level 5, if there are process change management, and defect prevention technology change management.
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