An investigation of adapting the software capability maturity model architecture and framework within traditional industrial environments

Scope of study. This dissertation investigated the potential for adapting the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) within traditional industrial environments. Using the CMM architecture, a similar Industrial Process Maturity Model (IPMM) was proposed. A mail survey was used to assess the perceptions of personnel within process improvement and process maturity work groups and initiatives. The survey response rate was 15.67%. The data were analyzed and compared using ANOVA, Chi-Squared Methods, and Pearson Correlation Coefficients. Stratification involved separating responses into categories of management versus non-management responses.; Findings and conclusions. This research determines that quality and process improvement methodologies existing within industrial environments do not advocate process maturity as their primary basis. This research also confirmed the notion that process maturity is not considered within previous or existing improvement initiatives. The proposed IPMM features the integration of software industry maturity models with aspects of traditional organizational settings that may provide a potential solution for the shortcomings of existing paradigms. Further ANOVA analysis indicates that process and procedural documentation exists in the host firms and that process and procedural training is required for both new and existing employees. When considering the relationship between maturity level production process grouping and categorical grouping of processes within the context of improvement initiatives, a slightly positive Pearson relationship was manifested. Therefore, it can be concluded that little (if any) correlation exists between these issues. A slightly positive Pearson relationship between maturity level production process grouping and process maturity being a contributor to successful process output was manifested within the context of improvement initiatives. Again, it can be concluded that little (if any) correlation exists between these issues.