How are informative model elements considered during an appraisal?
SCAMPI Lead Appraisers (and their teams) are taught that the full model (from cover to cover) should be considered the basis for understanding the model, and the process area goals are the only normative rating component. Practice statements are designed to encapsulate or summarize the intent of a practice. To fully comprehend the intent of a practice, the context established by the full CMMI model must be understood; this includes in particular subpractices, the front matter, and the glossary. When implementing CMMI level 4-5 practices in an organization and when appraising an organization against the CMMI practices at levels 4-5, special attention must be given to the informative material at these levels in a CMMI model. For more information about CMMI Level 4-5 Interpretation and Implementations, see http://www.sei.cmu.edu/cmmi/adoption/cmmilevels45.html.
