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their own processes addressing the areas the CMMI expected, and that I
could share what I referred to as “starting point CMMI-based process tem-
plates.” I also emphasized that we wouldn't achieve the goal they were
searching for if we tried to use these process templates without taking the
next important step. Now, let me explain what the next important step is and
how we executed it to help BOND achieve their CMMI level 3 goal.
4.3 What Is a Gap Analysis and Why Is It Crucial for
Agile Organizations?
Whenever I am asked to help a small Agile organization improve its process
maturity, I always recommend we start with a gap analysis against the
CMMI model.
2
The purpose of a gap analysis is to assess where an organiza-
tion currently is from a process perspective and identify gaps based on the
CMMI model. The result is a strengths and weaknesses report and an initial
set of recommendations to help the organization achieve its current process
goals.
When I present weaknesses I have observed based on the CMMI model prac-
tices, I always stress that these might or might not be actual weaknesses in
the organization that require actions. Part of the follow-on plan always
includes more analysis of these “potential weaknesses” to determine the
proper course of action given the organization's business situation and
process needs.
Executing a gap analysis is important for any organization initiating a
process improvement effort because it facilitates the most effective plan
based on the correct priorities for that particular organization. I now want to
share the key points on how I conduct a gap analysis for an Agile organiza-
tion, and why the approach you use when doing a gap analysis is crucial
when it comes to agility. This will lead to a discussion of additional tech-
niques I use to help Agile organizations move forward with a successful
CMMI process maturity effort.
2. The discussion to follow on a gap analysis and running a process improvement effort like a project
relates to the expected practices in the Organizational Process Focus (OPF) process area in the CMMI
model. Examples of OPF and Organizational Process Definition (OPD) processes are provided in the
appendices to this topic.
