Software Process Improvement With CMM (Artech House Computer Science Library) [Hardcover]

Joseph Raynus (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0890066442 | ISBN-13: 978-0890066447 | Publication Date: November 30, 1998

A practical step-by-step approach for improving the software development process within a company, using the Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model (CMM). The text explains common misconceptions associated with Software Business Improvement and CMM, using real-world examples. The book includes a reference table of key software metrics, which: help the reader evaluate measurements in relation to the functioning of his/her organisation; direct the software development to achieve higher levels of CMM in a timely manner; link measurement techniques to specific KPAs in a practical manner; and improve software process definition and improvement techniques with CMM as a guideline.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joseph Raynus is currently a principle at InfoDynamics, Inc., and has over 20 years leadership experience in Informational Technology products, services, and software improvement. Mr. Raynus is also a Certified CMM Evaluator, Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 228 pages
• Publisher: Artech House Publishers (November 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890066442
• ISBN-13: 978-0890066447
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,872,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joseph Raynus is the founder of ShareDynamics, Inc. a Business Process Management and Process Improvement consulting company in Lexington, Ma. He provides training and consulting services in the area of business performance management and quantification by helping his customers institute measurement frameworks at all levels of organization. Joseph is also an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University Graduate School of Engineering, where he teaches courses in Information Systems Planning and Business Process Engineering. His first book "Process Improvement with CMM" is also available in Chinese and Japanese.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent new book on software quality & CMM., November 25, 1998

By 

Jonathan Plant - See all my reviews

This review is from: Software Process Improvement With CMM (Artech House Computer Science Library) (Hardcover)

I had the opportunity to read Mr. Raynus' book prior to final publication, and feel that it provides the best overview of process improvement with CMM now available. It is not a detailed analysis of the model; rather it links this valuable tool to overall software improvement. Mr. Raynus discusses other tools which must be used in this endeavor--common sense, a good grasp of software metrics, and the ability to define goals and objectives. SW professionals will find his outlook to be a breath of fresh air--he has been in the business, and knows how to put CMM in the right perspective. Throughout the book interesting parables and quotes are used to underscore the need for good problem definition, and a sensible outlook. Then the specifics of CMM are brought in to show how this powerful model can be used to focus an organization's efforts. Also notable is the concise way Mr. Raynus organizes and explains the area of software metrics, which is the underpinning for CMM. Finally, the author provides excellent case study material, showing first-hand the ways an organization copes with major CMM implementation--this alone is worth the price of the book.

It may sound like an oxymoron to call this "an enjoyable CMM book"--software engineering isn't supposed to be fun! Even so, Mr. Raynus brings personality and a sense of humour to his task, as well as a lot of conceptual and practical expertise. I for one strongly recommend the book for anyone working with, or considering, software improvement efforts with CMM.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars There are much better books on CMM, December 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Software Process Improvement With CMM (Artech House Computer Science Library) (Hardcover)

While implementing CMM in our company we read about all books on CMM currently on the market.

This book is one of the worst we read. Most of the paper is just filling (especially the last chapters, written by a student). The thing that is "good" about the book is the case study in one chapter on how CMM is implemented in NASA on a very high level. I don't know where where the other reviewer got the "sense of humour" from.

If you want to know more about CMM you're better off buying the book on CMM by Mark C. Paulk.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful Book, December 16, 1999

By 

Robert Fantina "BobF" (Kitchener, ON) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Software Process Improvement With CMM (Artech House Computer Science Library) (Hardcover)

This is a very helpful book for anyone working to implement the Capability Maturity Model. The author describes the culture that is necessary for effective process improvement, and clarifies the CMM terms, making them easier to use. He also describes the need for metrics in process improvement, and recommends methods for capturing and using the information you collect. There is also a very helpful chapter on assessments. Overall I found the book informative and easy to read.