CMMI Measurement & Performance Metrics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary use of a Process Performance Model (PPM) in CMMI?
- To document standard processes for regulatory compliance audits
- To predict future values of process or product measures from current process data (Correct answer)
- To train new team members on approved process procedures
- To establish cost baselines for project budgeting
Correct answer: To predict future values of process or product measures from current process data
A PPM describes relationships among process attributes, enabling quantitative prediction of future outcomes based on current process performance data.
Question 2: Which statistical tool is used in CMMI to determine whether a process is stable and predictable over time?
- Pareto chart
- Control chart (Shewhart chart) (Correct answer)
- Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram
- Scatter plot matrix
Correct answer: Control chart (Shewhart chart)
Control charts plot process data over time with upper and lower control limits to identify whether variation stems from common causes (stable) or special causes (unstable).
Question 3: In CMMI, why are 'operational definitions' required for measures?
- To define legal terms of measurement contracts with third-party suppliers
- To ensure measures are precise, unambiguous, and consistently collected across projects (Correct answer)
- To document the organizational hierarchy responsible for measurement governance
- To specify the reporting frequency required for each metric
Correct answer: To ensure measures are precise, unambiguous, and consistently collected across projects
Operational definitions specify exactly how a measure is collected, ensuring that data is repeatable and comparable across different teams and projects.
Question 4: In the GQM paradigm, what role do 'questions' play?
- They define the organizational goals for a process improvement initiative
- They characterize the information needed to assess whether a goal has been achieved (Correct answer)
- They specify the quantitative thresholds that define acceptable process performance
- They identify stakeholders who will review and approve measurement results
Correct answer: They characterize the information needed to assess whether a goal has been achieved
In GQM, questions refine each goal by identifying what must be known to evaluate goal achievement, bridging goals to specific measurable metrics.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a measurement repository in a CMMI organization?
- Storing physical measurement instruments and their calibration records
- Collecting and maintaining historical process performance data across projects for analysis (Correct answer)
- Housing regulatory compliance documentation for external auditors
- Archiving customer requirements and product acceptance criteria
Correct answer: Collecting and maintaining historical process performance data across projects for analysis
A measurement repository stores historical data from multiple projects, enabling trend analysis, baseline establishment, and process performance model development.
Question 6: Which CMMI Level 4 process area focuses specifically on managing individual project performance using statistical techniques?
- Organizational Process Focus (OPF)
- Quantitative Project Management (QPM) (Correct answer)
- Causal Analysis and Resolution (CAR)
- Organizational Performance Management (OPM)
Correct answer: Quantitative Project Management (QPM)
QPM establishes quantitative quality and performance objectives for projects and manages them using statistical and other quantitative techniques to achieve those objectives.
Question 7: What does 'common cause variation' mean in the context of CMMI statistical process management?
- Variation caused by an identifiable, specific event or assignable factor
- Natural, inherent variation present in a stable, in-control process (Correct answer)
- Variation introduced by supplier non-conformance with agreed standards
- Variation detected and recorded during formal quality audits
Correct answer: Natural, inherent variation present in a stable, in-control process
Common cause variation is the random, inherent variation in a stable process that cannot be tied to any specific assignable cause and is expected in every process.
CMMI Measurement & Performance Metrics 2
What is the primary use of a Process Performance Model (PPM) in CMMI?