Software Engineering Institute

There is a widespread demand for factual information about the impact and benefits of process improvement based on Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) models. Much has been learned since the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) published a special report on this topic over two years ago. There now is evidence that process improvement using the CMMI Product Suite can result in improvements in schedule and cost performance, product quality, return on investment, and other measures of performance outcome. 

This technical report summarizes much of the publicly available empirical evidence about the performance results that can occur as a consequence of CMMI-based process improvement. In addition, the report contains a series of brief case descriptions that were created with collaboration from representatives from 10 organizations that have achieved notable quantitative performance results through their CMMI-based improvement efforts. 

The report is meant for members of engineering process groups, middle and first-line management, and other potential process improvement participants who wish to learn more about how CMMI can contribute to measurable improvements It also may be useful for executives and senior managers who are faced with decisions about the allocation of scarce resources for improvement efforts.