The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a framework for assessing and improving the maturity of an organization’s software development process. The CMM was developed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University.
The CMM is based on the idea that software development processes can be classified into five maturity levels:
- Initial: At this level, the organization’s software development process is characterized by ad hoc practices and chaos.
- Repeatable: At this level, the organization has established basic project management practices and can repeat successful projects.
- Defined: At this level, the organization has documented its software development process and has implemented quality assurance practices.
- Managed: At this level, the organization has quantified its software development process and has implemented process improvement practices.
- Optimizing: At this level, the organization is continually improving its software development process.
To achieve a higher CMM level, an organization must implement the practices associated with that level and demonstrate that the practices are effective.
Benefits of CMM
The CMM can provide a number of benefits to organizations, including:
- Improved software quality
- Reduced software development costs
- Increased customer satisfaction
- Improved employee morale
- Increased competitiveness
MCQs and Answers
Q1. What is the Capability Maturity Model (CMM)?
(A) A framework for assessing and improving the maturity of an organization’s software development process. (B) A set of best practices for software development. (C) A software development methodology. (D) A tool for measuring the quality of software.
Answer: (A)
Q2. Which of the following is NOT a CMM maturity level?
(A) Initial (B) Repeatable (C) Defined (D) Optimizing
Answer: (E)
Q3. What is one of the main benefits of CMM?
(A) Improved software quality (B) Reduced software development costs (C) Increased customer satisfaction (D) All of the above
Answer: (D)
Q4. To achieve a higher CMM level, an organization must:
(A) Implement the practices associated with that level and demonstrate that the practices are effective. (B) Obtain certification from the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). (C) Purchase a CMM assessment tool. (D) None of the above
Answer: (A)
Q5. Which of the following is an example of a CMM practice?
(A) Establishing a project management plan (B) Conducting code reviews (C) Measuring and tracking software defects (D) All of the above
Answer: (D)