A model for the implementation of software process improvement: An empirical study

Advances have been made in the development of software process improvement (SPI) standards and models, i.e. Capability Maturity Model (CMM), more recently CMMI, and ISO's SPICE. However, these advances have not been matched by equal advances in the adoption of these standards and models in software development which has resulted in limited success for many SPI efforts. The current problem with SPI is not a lack of a standard or model, but rather a lack of an effective strategy to successfully implement these standards or models. In the literature, much attention has been paid to "what activities to implement" rather than "how to implement" these activities. We believe that identification of only "what activities to implement" is not sufficient and that knowledge of "how to implement" is also required for successful implementation of SPI programmes. The aim of this research paper is to empirically explore the viewpoints and experiences of practitioners regarding SPI implementation and based on the findings to develop a model in order to guide practitioners in effectively implementing SPI programmes. This SPI implementation model has six phases and provides a very practical structure within which to implement SPI programmes in organizations.