A Practical Application of the IDEAL Model

The focus of this paper is to outline the experience of a European based software organization utilizing the IDEAL model, while implementing a tailored Capability Maturity Model (CMM) software process improvement program. The goal was to achieve process improvement rather than a specific CMM maturity level. In doing this, the IDEAL model was extensively researched and employed. The benefits and limitations of the IDEAL model are presented as experienced. Further details on this research are available in [1]. Research was carried out on a number of software process improvement paradigms prior to the selection of the CMM. A key element of this approach was to see the requirements of the organization as paramount and immediate. It was deemed important to achieve process improvement in specific Key Process Areas regardless of their position in the CMM. This provided the flexibility for future investment in SPI to capitalize on the current work.

[1]  Bill Curtis.  Software process improvement: best practices and lessons learned , 2000, Proceedings of the 2000 International Conference on Software Engineering. ICSE 2000 the New Millennium.

[2]  Mark C. Paulk,et al.  Comparing ISO 9001 and the Capability Maturity Model for Software , 1993, Software Quality Journal.

[3]  Mark C. Paulk,et al.  A Comparison of ISO 9001 and the Capability Maturity Model for Software , 1994 .

[4]  Watts S. Humphrey,et al.  Managing the software process , 1989, The SEI series in software engineering.

[5]  G. Susman,et al.  An Assessment of the Scientific Merits of Action Research. , 1978 .

[6]  Sami Zahran.  Software process improvement - practical guidelines for business success , 1998 .

[7]  Ita Richardson.  SPI Models: What Characteristics Are Required for Small Software Development Companies? , 2002, ECSQ.

[8]  Mark C. Paulk,et al.  The Capability Maturity Model: Guidelines for Improving the Software Process , 1994 .

[9]  Bill Curtis.  From MCC to CMM: technology transfers bright and dim , 2000, Proceedings of the 2000 International Conference on Software Engineering. ICSE 2000 the New Millennium.

[10]  Karlheinz Kautz,et al.  Applying and adjusting a software process improvement model in practice: the use of the IDEAL model in a small software enterprise , 2000, Proceedings of the 2000 International Conference on Software Engineering. ICSE 2000 the New Millennium.

[11]  Judy Bamberger.  Essence of the Capability Maturity Model , 1997, Computer.

[12]  Richard L. Baskerville,et al.  Distinguishing action research from participative case studies , 1997 .