CMMI Survival Guide: Just Enough Process Improvement

Part IScouting The Territory

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)

Man can learn nothing unless he proceeds from the known to the unknown.Claude Bernard, French physiologist (1813–1878)

I prepared excitedly for my departure, as if this journey had a mysterioussignificance. I had decided to change my mode of life. “‘til now,”I told myself, “you have only seen the shadow and been well contentwith it; now, I am going to lead you into the substance.”Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek

Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.Peter F. Drucker

Before you make any decisions about process improvement and CMMI, you need to scout out the territory—or, ...