The Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) is an invaluable tool for organizations seeking to drive quantifiable improvements in systems and software engineering. SCAMPI appraisals can help those organizations identify the strengths and weaknesses of their current processes, reveal crucial development and acquisition risks, set priorities for improvement plans, derive capability and maturity level ratings, and even perform realistic benchmarking. These appraisals are rapidly becoming a core criterion in awarding major government and defense contracts. Thousands of professionals in all sectors are being called upon to participate in them for the first time. CMMIR SCAMPI SM Distilled, leading appraisers and quality experts from the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) and their partners in industry explain the nature and benefits of SCAMPI. Drawing on their direct and extensive experience, they demonstrate how SCAMPI works in the real worldand how to overcome obstacles that often get in the way of a successful appraisal. The authors outline the role of appraisals as part of a comprehensive, state-of-the-art approach to process improvement, showing how SCAMPI integrates with quality initiatives, international standards, and other CMMI models and methods. They introduce SCAMPI Class A, B, and C, as well as SCAMPI modes for process improvement, supplier selection, and process monitoring. They guide the reader through the entire appraisal process: preparation; on-site activities; preliminary observations, findings, and ratings; final reporting; and follow-on activities. The authors also address crucial management issues faced by organizations involved with appraisals. Coverage includes: leveraging appraisals in organizations with immature processes; conducting cross-discipline appraisals; performing appraisals concurrently with other quality initiatives; and responding to customer-driven needs. Whether you're a manager, team leader, acquisition specialist, quality specialist, or appraiser, this book will help you use SCAMPI to achieve your real goals: dramatically improved processes and better systems and software with fewer defects.