Maturity levels

The previously-mentioned categories and process areas are basically factors to improve the business performance of an organization. The ranks at which these organizations would be at, based on how they have implemented those process areas, are called maturity levels.

The following diagram shows the levels of software-process maturity. Based on software-process maturity, an organization can be at one of these six maturity levels:

Let's look at these maturity levels in detail:

• Maturity Level 0 (Incomplete): Organizations at this level do not have any defined processes. These organizations usually work on ad hoc procedures, and any positive outcomes are the result of chance. Work in these organizations may or may not get completed.
• Maturity Level 1 (Initial): Organizations at this level are characterized by last-minute chaos in terms of delivery due to a lack of clarity. Work in these organizations gets completed but its success is dependent on one or a few highly competent people. In most cases, work is often delayed and over-budget.
• Maturity Level 2 (Managed): Organizations at this level follow a well-defined process at the project level. Every project is planned and executed in a systematic way. Every activity is measured and controlled to be managed and improved upon later.
• Maturity Level 3 (Defined): Organizations at this level have a well-defined process across the organization, and processes at the project level are derived from ones defined at the organizational level. These organizations have clearer definitions of processes compared to Level 2 organizations, and targets to achieve performance objectives at both the project and organization levels. Efforts are also made to measure and continuously improve process definitions.
• Maturity Level 4 (Quantitatively Managed): Organizations at this level build on Level 3 practices, and use statistical and other quantitative techniques to understand process performance and product quality. Utilizing scientific quantitative tools helps the organization identify and predict variations, which provides agility to improve and achieve quality and performance objectives.
• Maturity Level 5 (Optimizing): Organizations at Level 5 build on Level 4 practices and utilize quantitative techniques to continuously optimize their process and product performance. These organizations are flexible and able to pivot, thus providing a platform for agility and innovation.

I hope the introduction to QMS has sparked an interest in understanding and learning more about the management systems in place in your current organization.

There are various ways in which continuous improvement can be achieved in either CMMI or ISO 9001:2015 implementations. You can also integrate business improvement processes, such as Six Sigma quality control or the Consortium for IT software Quality (CISQ) quality model. A clear understanding of business processes, and alignment with the company goals and objectives are necessary for the success of the system.