5 Part 5: V-Modell Reference Work Products

5.3 Products

5.3.13 Process Improvement

5.3.13.1 Assessment of a Process Model

Process module: Introduction and Maintenance of an Organization-Specific Process Model

Responsible: Assessor (when using process module Introduction and Maintenance of an Organization-Specific Process Model)

Activity: Performing a Process Model Assessment

Purpose

The »Assessment of a Process Model documents the current proccess maturity of an organization or organizational unit. It will be executed by an independent »Assessor. In addition to the »Strengths and Weaknesses Profile of the processes, it includes proposals for measures to ensure a continuous process improvement and the corresponding action plans, e.g. prioritized action foci and a matrix showing the need for action.

The proposed measures are the basis for the »Process Model Improvement Concept. If an external report on process maturity has already been submitted, it may be used as initial evaluation of a process model.

Is generated by

Project Manual, Project Plan (see product dependency 4.1)

Generates

Organization-Specific Process Model, Process Model Improvement Concept (see product dependency 4.2)

Depends on

Process Model Improvement Concept, Proposal for the Introduction and Maintenance of an Organization-Specific Process Model (see product dependency 5.11)

5.3.13.1.1 Objectives and Management Support

The »Assessment of a Process Model is the initial point and the basis for process improvement. The Subject Objectives and Management Support is intende to document the goals of the evaluation, the management support and the selection of the projects to be evaluated.

For example, the evaluation may be intended to recognize weak points of the processes, to demonstrate a specific process maturity or to provide a certification in accordance with a specified standard. Goal planning and management support influence the selection of the projects to be evaluated. The management supports demonstrates the priority of the evaluation for the projects to be examined, and thus influences the execution of the projects significantly.

5.3.13.1.2 Strengths and Weaknesses Profile

»Strengths and Weaknesses Profile list the strengths and weaknesses of all examined processes of a process model. This documents the process maturity and identifies improvement potential.

5.3.13.1.3 Improvement Measures

The activity plan lists the measures recommended by the »Assessor in order to remedy the weaknesses of the process model and increase the process maturity. The Assessor shall prioritize the proposed activities. Thus, the activity plan provides the basis for determining the requirements posed on the improvment of the organization-specific process model.