Process maturity model

Carnegie Mellon University has developed a process maturity model that was initially used for software engineering. However, it has been very effectively adapted to any kind of processes.

It can be defined as 5 different levels:

1. Initial (chaotic, ad hoc, individual heroics) - the starting point for use of a new process.
2. Managed - the process is managed according to the metrics described in the Defined stage.
3. Defined - the process is defined/confirmed as a standard business process, and decomposed to levels 0, 1 and 2 (the latter being Work Instructions).
4. Quantitatively managed
5. Optimized - process management includes deliberate process optimization/improvement

One very important point to remember is that it is almost impossible to skip a stage.
Assess the maturity level of the process in your organization and move from there.


This is a very neat model to have in your toolbox. Not the first time neither the last I am using it.