Review By: Howard S. Epstein
10/10/2005"CMMI SCAMPI Distilled" is a short book in which the authors provide a great introduction to Standard CMMI Appraisal Model for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) for the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI ). CMMI is a model used to verify process improvement activities. The model provides a framework of process areas, as well as general and specific goals, and practices (both specific and general as well). The SCAMPI methodology is used to assess an organization’s progress in covering the process areas and the goals and practices that they contain.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part discusses the CMMI model and how it compares to other industry standard models such as the SW-CMM and the CBA-IPI methodologies. This in-depth discussion provides a context as to where CMMI and SCAMPI fit into an organization’s process improvement activities to ensure it selects the right model.

The second part delves into the specifics of how to execute a SCAMPI appraisal. The authors discuss the important role of preparation, including how to set objectives for the appraisal, how to plan, train the team, and gather the data necessary for a successful review. A discussion of the actual appraisal process details how to conduct the interviews and develop and document observations during the verification process. The chapters in this section discuss the differences between the most rigorous model, SCAMPI A, and the less involved B and C models. The authors highlight the B and C models as more valuable than model A because the former models show where an organization’s efforts have succeeded and failed, and does so at a lower cost than the latter model. However, only SCAMPI A puts the final “stamp” of approval on a rating that can be used in supplier evaluations.

The final section covers appraisals, including a review of the challenges organizations face when implementing a methodology for process improvement. Such challenges include ensuring there is both direct and indirect evidence to support the verification process. Also, a discussion of the improvement process impact lends insight into the considerations these organizations should make prior to commencing such a program. Different considerations are discussed for highly mature and established organizations.

The appendices consist of a glossary of terms, a set of process areas, and the direct and indirect evidence to support improvement in these given areas.

This book does not include a review of the SCAMPI process itself. While detailing differences between models and comparing SCAMPI A with B and C, little of the text actually discusses how to conduct a SCAMPI appraisal and how an organization should prepare to effectively handle such an appraisal. "CMMI SCAMPI Distilled" touches on the essentials of effective preparation. The reader learns about a number of indirect topics about the appraisal process, which provides an excellent context to visualize where SCAMPI fits into the overall picture of process improvement activities.

The authors of "CMMI SCAMPI Distilled" use a conversational tone rather than academic to discuss the various SCAMPI and CMMI models and the SCAMPI appraisal process. The authors also review the considerations different organizations must consider before embarking on the CMMI/SCAMPI journey. The authors use numerous diagrams to illustrate their concepts, which added with the writing style equals a clear and concise book.