Software Process Improvement with CMM

Rating:
Summary: An excellent new book on software quality & CMM.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful Book
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: There are much better books on CMM
Review: 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.