Implementing cmmi using a combination of agile methods

CLEI ELECTRONIC JOURNAL, VOLUME 9, NUMBER 1, PAPER 7, JUNE 2006

Implementing CMMI using a Combination of Agile Methods
Julio Ariel Hurtado Alegr´ ıa
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1

and Mar´ Cecilia Bastarrica2 ıa

2

Departamento de Sistemas, Universidad del Cauca Calle 5 #4-70, Popay´n, Colombia a [e-mail] Departamento de Ciencias de la Computaci´n, Universidad de Chile o Blanco Encalada 2120 Santiago, Chile [e-mail]

Abstract This paper explores the possibility for software companies of getting a CMMI certification of their processes by applying agile practices. For this purpose, starting with CMMI maturity level 2 generic goals and practices, we analyze the applicability of a series of agile methods, identifying their individual or combined contribution in the fulfillment of each process area. The main result of this research is the definition of a “fulfillment delta” required for a small or medium size company to reach CMMI level 2 using agile methods. We present an application case where a small company applied a combination of XP and Scrum for implementing the requirement management area. We compare the theoretical fulfillment delta with this company’s results.

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Introduction

Currently, the software industry represents an important economical activity for every country; it offers multiple possibilities for business and it promises to be a great opportunity for developing countries. In Latin American countries, software industry is generally immature, and companies face low productivity that threatens growth and increases the existing dependency with respect to developed countries. In spite of the comparative disadvantages, the Latin American software industry has grown lately, so the generation of strategies for developing the area would allow the countries to take advantage of the opportunity. Software quality assurance through software process improvement and certification is one of the strategies software companies could engage with a