Introducing an Iterative Life-Cycle Model at Credit Suisse IT Switzerland

Credit Suisse IT Switzerland decided to introduce an iterative life-cycle model (ILCM) based on the Rational Unified Process (RUP), a de facto industry standard, in addition to the well-established waterfall life-cycle model (WLCM). Such a large-scale change management initiative involves risks, challenges, and an organizational mindset shift. The Credit Suisse project carefully considered issues such as the gap between RUP and CMMI, process vocabulary, best practices, development and maintenance effort, training, and company culture as a precursor to the change. The activities to deploy the model throughout the organization were coordinated in collaboration with actual practitioners toward creating awareness, managing knowledge, and managing resistance factors to effect the required mindset change.