Typical Proposal for Support in the Preparation of a Process Action Plan

Context

Right after an assessment or audit (diagnosis) with a best practices model (such as the CMMI) an organization should immediately develop its improvement plan.
Indeed, having access to a recent statement about its software process, the organisation knows exactly which weaknesses must be addressed. The model provides the proper indications on what to improve. Nevertheless, in order to succeed with its next improvement cycle, the organization must initiate a project with a well defined plan. Alcyonix offers its expertise to develop such an improvement plan.

Duration

One week (5 business days), usually from Monday to Friday.

Deliverables

A documented remedial plan, targeting the next maturity level.

Activities Conducted by Alcyonix

Alcyonix assigns an expert who goes on site after the mandate has been clearly defined by phone. This expert will be supported by other Alcyonix experts (phone and Internet access).
The specific activities will be:

• Discussion with the assigned point de contact (POC) person to assign the participants, their availability, etc.  and to obtain a copy of the audit results (ex. : SCAMPI) of of the evaluation (ex. : SCAMPI)
• Analysis of the results with the help of the selected participants: for each practice, within each process area, identify how to maintain the strengths and how to correct weaknesses
• Action items synthesis (list of the action items by affinity)
• Consolidation of a remedial plan (with list of sub-projects)
• Estimation (size, effort, costs, resources, and schedule) and identification of the risks
• Prioritization, based on corporate goals
• Validation and update

Activities Conducted by the Client

• Identification point of contact
• Participation in the mandate definition with Alcyonix
• Participation in the analysis with Alcyonix (chosen participants: at least one person - more, if the client wishes)
• As an option, if desired by the customer, participation to the synthesis and to the estimation
• Participation in prioritization with Alcyonix  (chosen participants: at least one person - more, if the client wishes)
• Participation in the Action plan estimation including size, effort, cost and resources (selcted participants: one, or more, as per client's wishes)
• Comments to Alcyonix through participation at a validation session (approximately 3 hours for the POC and the Head of the IT unit (required); if desired by the customer, selected participants might also attend)

Conditions

Because of the intrinsic nature of software process improvement activities and because Alcyonix will not have any control over factors which will influence the achievement of a certain software process level, it is clearly understood that Alcyonix will not be liable for the achievement of  any given level.
Alcyonix will provide its in-depth practical expertise to deliver a remedial plan that fully address all the issues required to reach the desired level.
If the supplier clearly demonstrates that the plan does not satisfy the requirements to achieve the desired level, Alcyonix will correct the plan with no additional charges.

Client Commitment

Commitment from the Head of the IT unit is critical to the success of the process improvement plan, (and to the whole improvement cycle). Therefore, the Head of the IT must commit to participate as described above and to assign a POC and participants who are competent and available to accomplish the activities described above.

Confidentiality

Alcyonix will not disclose any information obtained during the plan preparation.
 

Contact us to request a proposal.