A Reference Model for Agile Quality Assurance: Combining Agile Methodologies and Maturity Models

The area of Quality Assurance (QA) is a challenge for many software development organizations that want to implement maturity models level rating, like Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), together with agile methodologies. This study aims to present AgileQA-RM, an Agile Quality Assurance Reference Model to help organizations in QA implementation. The model proposition considers results of a systematic literature review about CMMI and agile, and a case study about QA in an organization with CMMI and agile. The methodology for model evaluation started with a check of its process areas adherence with other maturity models and with agile practices and activities. A survey based on expert opinion was also performed. Five maturity levels and eighteen process areas compose AgileQA-RM. Each process area has mandatory purpose, expected results and informative work products. Initial model assessments indicates that it can contribute to help organizations assessing its current situation about agile QA practices and supporting quality improvement through adoption of agile QA practices.