SPIALS: A light-weight Software Process Improvement self-assessment tool

In this paper we propose a tool-based approach called CMMIbySCRUM to improve CMMI-based processes with Agile technique such as Scrum. This model was designed to be especially useful for VSEs/SMEs. If VSEs/SMEs are aware of the current capability status of their software processes and have a improvement guideline based on their quality targets, they might be able to substantially improve their processes. To support organizations on their way to better processes, we present the design of a generic tool (SPIALS: Software Process Improvement Adaptive Learning System) applicable to measure up organizations' process capability status. VSEs/SMEs can use the tool to perform a self-assessment thus reducing the complex appraisal process. The measurement represents trend of practices which VSEs/SMEs should implement or avoid. The presented tool-based assessment strategy is based on Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI), which is well recognized for CMMI standard appraisal.