Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
However, I am doing more than just “monitoring” the subprocess. By catch-
ing my thumb variations early in my alignment process, I am
managing this
subprocess, and keeping it within my defined limits.
Inherent to the success of the
method being employed is that I am not just collecting data about the position
of my thumb on the golf club, but rather I am providing
rapid feedback and
action
to realign the thumb to help the very next shot.
My goal on the golf project was to
play golf more consistently
, not just collect
data about my weaknesses. This subtle but critical distinction is often the
biggest point of contention between many traditional implementations of
the CMMI, and an implementation that employs an
Agile
approach. Agile
approaches demand rapid feedback and problem resolution. This is a crucial
piece of information that must be taken into consideration if you want to
achieve your objectives faster with real improvement.
LESSON 6
An effective improvement project must have timely integration of real solu-
tions—not just data collection and analysis.
From a CMMI perspective, this could be stated as:
An effective implementation of Quantitative Project Management practices
(QPM) leading to real improvement must be integrated with Causal Analy-
sis and Resolution (CAR).
This is why I have often recommended that organizations should not wait to
implement level 4/5 practices until they have formally achieved a CMMI
staged level 3, as many do. This is also why many organizations fail to achieve
significant real process improvement payback from their investment.
Finding the Right Place, Time, and Checkpoints for Your
Organization
Where should the checkpoints be in your organization? Just like my golf
swing, it depends on your organization's specific weaknesses. This is why a
gap analysis is critical and needs to reflect how you are really operating, not
just what your documented processes say.
LESSON 7
I had to find the right checkpoints that would keep my specific weaknesses
in check, but not intrude on the overall rhythm of my swing.
