Assess-IT, Inc, is a full service consultancy spanning a variety of markets, industries, and methodologies.

Whether formal or informal, the appraisal process is the best way to find out where you are on the process map. We’ve conducted dozens of appraisals at all levels of maturity. 

Benchmark, Evaluation, Sustainment, Action Plan

For the organization just getting started, that may not have been following their processes for a sufficient period of time, an Informal Appraisal provides a flexible means to demonstrate that the documented processes are compliant, and would support a positive outcome from a formal appraisal. Our rigorous approach evaluates a broad range of process artifacts, including: policies, processes and procedures. The deliverable is a detailed mapping of the in-scope processes to the selected model or standard, and satisfaction and institutionalization for each.

Depending on the model or standard used, a formal audit or appraisal is conducted in full accordance with the appropriate methodology and may result in granting a Maturity Level or Certificate if warranted.

No one takes the wheel without instruction first. Our interactive training classes prepare process team members to perform their assigned roles with confidence. All classes include: course slides, exercises and texts.

Executive Overview Training

Designed with the senior and middle management perspective in mind, this class covers the four major components of a typical process improvement initiative: Return On Investment (ROI), basics of process improvement, introduction to the CMMI, and an introduction to the CMMI Appraisal Method.

Practitioner Overview Training

Designed with the process improvement practitioner in mind, this class covers three of the major components of a typical process improvement initiative: basics of process improvement, introduction to the CMMI, and an introduction to the CMMI Appraisal Method.

Introduction to CMMI, either through the Building Organization Capability (BOC) series for complex organizations, or through the Foundations of Capability plus the One-Day additional Domain Courses

These CMMI Institute recognized classes provide foundational knowledge required by all process improvement practitioners and appraisal team participants. Topics covered include: Model Architecture and Interpretation, Levels, Categories, Practice Areas, Practices, and other components of the CMMI.

Exam Preparation

Included with each course is an exam prep module to ensure the greatest chance of passing the required certification exam. However; if your current credential has lapsed or you need to retest to re-certify, our stand-alone exam prep 1/2 day course may be an attractive option.

High Maturity Training

Suitable for management, practitioners and appraisal team members, the High Maturity Team Training, fulfills the requirement to serve on a High Maturity CMMI Appraisal. This class addresses process performance baselines, models and metrics; and their relationship to business-objective focused process improvement.

Process Implementation Indicator (PII) Training

An essential component of a CMMI appraisal, PIIs are mapping matrices that identify which specific process elements and project artifacts demonstrate compliance with a particular CMMI practice. This class provides an overview of PII development and the pertinent portions of the SCAMPI appraisal method to set the context for proper PII development.

CMMI Appraisal Team Training

For anyone participating on a CMMI Appraisal Team, this CMMI Institute recognized course is mandatory. If prospective team members have already taken this class, they will not necessarily be required to repeat it. However, pre-appraisal, prior attendance and sufficiency of prior training and knowledge retention will be verified.

In-Depth Process Workshops

An in-depth investigation of a single/limited aspect of process improvement to jumpstart knowledge in a specific CMMI area or overcome a significant weakness(es) found during an appraisal. Workshop outcomes typically include a new process or customized work-product and/or template that can be used for subsequent projects

As opposed to consulting, when Assess-IT partners with your team for development, we commit to deliver fully-developed processes, or process artifacts, which your organization can use for process improvement, project management or project development.

Process Improvement Roadmap

(TBD based on client expectations)

We create a detailed process improvement roadmap based on the results of a Baseline Appraisal. The roadmap serves as the project plan to achieve the targeted CMMI Maturity Level by the desired date. Deliverables include a detailed schedule based on the prioritized baseline appraisal findings and estimates of effort required to enact the necessary process improvements.

Process Work Products

Based on client needs, we commit to deliver fully-developed process assets: policies, processes, procedures, staff skill and role definitions, templates, fill-in guides, samples, examples, training, QA checklists, CM architectures, measurement programs, etc. In instances where we provide this type of service, we would run afoul of the CMMI Institute’s Conflict of Interest (COI) provisions, and we would have to consider assigningdifferent resource as the Consultant and/or Lead Appraiser.

We match our technical and process specialists to your industry and organization to complement the resources you have in place. Our bench includes deep market and field experience, accreditations, certifications and security clearances.

Consider short or long-term resources from us for:

• Process Development Engineers
• Measurement Analysis
• Configuration Management Specialists
• Appraisal Team Members

We can also assist in vetting new hires and prospective job candidates, as well as assisting in drafting job descriptions and job board posts so you get the right resources to fill your staffing needs.

 

Our management service ensures your engagement is effectively mapped out and managed and that stakeholders are kept informed. We ask questions first and then consult. Prior to an engagement, you can expect an in-depth inquiry into your process and business goals, so we can align our training, appraisal and consulting recommendations.

Engagement Planning

This structured set of due diligence activities:

• Ensures you are prepared with the resource commitments necessary for a successful outcome.
• Enables us to efficiently manage your project through insight into your organization, culture, team members, projects, processes, risks, constraints and barriers that may affect the conduct of the engagement and its ultimate success.
• Deliverables include a detailed plan covering cost, schedule, quality parameters, resources, risks, tasks, deliverables and other factors that impact progress.

Engagement Management

This set of activities ensures the engagement progresses toward the desired conclusion and status communications are on track. Status meetings are conducted and documented to evaluate progress and initiate corrective actions as needed.