Action-Focused Assessment for Software Process Improvement

Designed for those involved with the development of software or systems, this book is designed to help manage process improvement initiatives within a company, by explaining the history, method and psychology behind Action Focused Assessment (AFA). The book shows how to align an organization’s business objectives with process improvement initiatives; use the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) to help the organization achieve its goals; and conduct internal assessments with expert guidance and tool support, without the direct involvement of a process improvement consulting firm. The book provides a detailed description of the pre-onsite activities that must be accomplished before an actual assessment takes place. The AFA V-Model, which describes the interviews and feedback sessions that lead to an action plan, provides a mechanism for involving and engaging all levels of management and practitioners. This resource includes actual questions used in interviews with managers, leaders and practitioners, and offers psychological insight into the value of feedback sessions. Moreover, the book provides a distinct link between process assessment and process improvement.