Process Improvement: Based on Models, Implemented in Reality

Experience demonstrates that no matter the end product-financial services, insurance, beer, construction, etc.-the foundation for and focus on implementing process improvement remains consistent. Using models as the basis for improving processes makes success more likely; however, no single model has all the right answers. In this presentation, Barbara Ainsworth provides an overview and comparison of popular software process models: Software Engineering Institute's Software CMM® and CMMI®; Project Management Institute’s PMI Common Body of Knowledge; and Quality Assurance Institute's Bodies of Knowledge for Quality Assurance and Testing. See the influence of both the old and new quality masters-Juran, Crosby, Humphrey, and others-and learn from them how to get your process improvement initiative on the right track.

• An overview of popular software process models
• What aspects of the available models are right for you
• Examples of starting and reinvigorating process improvement initiatives