Localization of configuration management in the framework of CMMI in an Iranian organization

Master thesis in the field of computer-software engineering

Abstract

Continuous improvement of processes is one of the goals that all industries are looking for today. In this regard, the Integrated Maturity/Capability Model (CMMI) has been proposed at the international level for more than two decades by providing an effective framework. Configuration management (CM) is one of the supporting process areas in the CMMI model, which is localized in this research to solve some problems in the document registration organization, such as data protection, monitoring and controlling the organization's routines and processes, valuing clients, providing reliable and reliable services, providing high-quality services, and optimal use of resources. Localization of configuration management means to adapt CM practices according to the goals, current situation and conditions of the target organization, in fact, to prepare CM practices for use in the target organization. For this purpose, the IDEAL roadmap was used to guide the localization process. Also, in the establishment phase, IDEAL model, Analytical Hierarchy Method (AHP) was used to prioritize the improvement of the organization's processes, and based on the results, the "property inquiry response" process was improved. Then, the proposed improvements in the CM area were evaluated and validated by process improvement experts. It should be noted that in the various stages of this research, questionnaire and interview methods were used to collect data, opinions and feedback from experts and department employees.

Key words: localization, process improvement, document registration organization, integrated capability maturity model, configuration management, road map

Chapter 1

1. Introduction

1-1. Problem Description

An intelligent Configuration Management (CM[1]) approach allows organizations to maximize the utility and reliability of their IT[2] resources. Developers of any application need special attention. About 60% of service impacts are due to configuration issues. Many items change during the life cycle of a product or service, and keeping track of these changes is important. Issues related to poor CM include system failures, key service failures, poor performance, and reduced productivity, and as a result, cause a serious impact on business. [1]

The main goal of change management is not to eliminate all product changes, but to help minimize the negative effects of necessary changes and avoid unnecessary changes. [2]

From the perspective of project management [3], CM is a management activity that defines a product, system, or process during the definition of the entire cycle. Life manages. CM helps project professionals ensure that products and systems meet their defined physical and operational requirements, and that any changes to those requirements are tightly controlled, accurately identified, and documented. With incentives to reduce product development time, minimize lifetime cost, and increase overall product quality, CM is an essential part of a product delivery strategy. CM was first formally initiated by the US Department of Defense in the 1950s due to the lack of uniformity and inconsistency of data and change control issues in a race to launch a missile. The International Organization for Standardization defined the first guidance on CM in the form of ISO-10007 in 1994, including CM in requirements based on aerospace standards such as AS-9100. CM is one of the most important process areas in process maturity models developed by software engineering. CM is a Through Life activity that continuously expands the project life cycle. In order to establish and maintain the integrity of the system/product throughout the life cycle, CM is a repetitive and continuous activity [3]

The document registration organization includes multiple service processes to create, change, inquire about all types of property documents. Therefore, protecting ownership documents and controlling access to their information is one of the basic goals of the organization. On the other hand, this organization provides services in direct interaction with the Judiciary, notaries, other public and private organizations and offices, as well as clients, so it requires the use of quality processes and routines to deal with extensive information exchange. Among the quality goals in this organization, we can mention high speed, lower cost, high accessibility, accuracy in recording and maintaining documents and information, ease of using services and customer satisfaction.Achieving the aforementioned goals requires the correct definition and application of configuration management processes in the organization. Configuration management processes are considered as one of the process areas in most process improvement models and standards such as CMMI [4][4], PMBOK [5], ITIL. This area guarantees the correct definition and implementation of the organization's processes in other areas (for example, requirements management areas, project planning or process and product quality assurance), so it is of great importance. However, the requirements and guidelines presented in these models are generally stated, in other words, they lack details and how to implement them in different organizations. Therefore, first, each of these models should be localized based on the goals, needs and conditions of the organization so that they can be implemented [5]. But the localization process requires expertise in the organization's work field and the model used to improve the process, proper planning and allocation of required resources, otherwise it will face the risk of failure [6]. In this regard, the prioritization of process improvement can play a significant role in initiating and directing process improvement based on the needs and available resources, especially in small and medium-sized organizations (SME[6]).

There are many challenges and obstacles in the localization of configuration management, and for this reason, it is necessary to identify them in order to provide a better configuration management plan and find solutions for them according to the used model. Challenges are such as: lack of support from the organization's senior management, high costs compared to the benefits of CM, lack of sufficient training in the area of ??CM for the organization's personnel, lack of current CM plan and weakness in defining CM requirements [3]

1-2. Research Motivation

The correct localization of CM in the document registration organization includes the following positive and efficient effects:

First, protection of data and other resources, so that the products are always available to the customer or can be returned very quickly in case of failure. Items that are important for the organization along with their review and therefore should not be lost and should always be available include the property map, owner specifications, property specifications, the amount of ownership of individuals, reports prepared after visiting the property.

Secondly, monitoring and controlling the organization's routines and processes, which itself leads to two advantages in the document registration organization: defining the organization's routines and processes correctly and completely, which minimizes the interference in the work of the personnel, and that the personnel They follow the routines and preparation is the easy way to follow the routines.

Thirdly, it is valuing the client's work so that their needs are met in the shortest possible time and cost.

Fourthly, the provision of services is safe and reliable and the production of the document does not have fundamental defects such as: conflict with adjacent lands, wrong specifications of the property, wrong specifications of the owner.

Fifth, producing products with The quality is high so that it has high adaptability. For example, the simplification of property separation and high maintainability means that in case of an error, the problem can be solved faster. Sixth, it causes the correct consumption of resources, especially human resources, which results in the minimization of personnel effort. The cost is clear. [8]

The challenges and obstacles that should be found in the localization of configuration management in this organization are such as the following, for which solutions have been provided in different phases of the chosen model.  Lack of support from the top management of the organization, high costs compared to the benefits of CM, lack of sufficient training in the area of ??CM for the organization's personnel, lack of current CM plan and weakness in defining CM requirements [3]

(Images and tables are available in the main file)

Chapter II

2. Basic definitions

2-1. Process improvement

Software process improvement is a documented set of activities to improve the performance and maturity level of organizational processes, which as a result leads to the improvement of the quality of products and services. Process improvement is a complex and costly experience that will not be possible without prior preparation.