Experience in comparative process assessment with multi-process-models

For software process assessment and improvement, two of the top frequently-asked-questions in the software industry are that: (a) what is the interrelationships between current process models? and (b) how can a given capability level in one model be related to another objectively? This paper reports the findings of a comparative process assessment case study project for a software organisation using SPICE, CMM, BOOTSTRAP, ISO 9000 and SPRM methodologies. Interrelationship and transformability of the capability levels between the five process models are explored. In this approach, the capability level of a software organisation can be mutually transformed between current models. Therefore, the above significant problems in software process assessment can be solved. The stability of assessment results of current process models is tested by three specially designed cases. Empirical data on the time expended in process assessments by the five process models are derived and related to the unit of person-hours for estimating the costs in process assessment.