2.4.2 New Approach to Generic Attributes

Generic Attributes (GAs) are measures of process performance introduced by the systems engineering capability model, EIA/IS 731. The systems model defines two GAs – Effectiveness and Value. While the concept of GAs is generally accepted as valid, they have been used very little, due to difficulties in interpretation and appraisal. Revised definitions and a new approach for appraising and using GAs have been developed for the Federal Aviation Administration Integrated Capability Maturity Model® v2.0 (FAA-iCMM®). The improved approach to Generic Attributes provides the needed clarity and measurement objectivity. Definitions of the iCMM GAs and their relationship to process model concepts are described, along with a practical approach to appraising GAs.