Success Stories
Client Description: Federal Government Agency, Washington DC
Client Objective / Problem: Client need to enhance skills, capabilities, and methods for IT processes, with a focus on Change Management and Configuration Management. Client requested support and expertise in leading a Change and Configuration Management Process Improvement Working Group.
Approach: Using Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) as the methodology, the working group documented the current state for Change and Configuration Management and performed an assessment of the current state against ITIL best practices. Based on the recommendations from the assessment, a detailed solution was designed and an implementation plan developed.
Results:
• All IT changes are documented and tracked
• The amount of time to approve a change has been reduced
• Implementation of a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) that provides the ability to track all configuration items and better determine the impact of making a change.
Client Description: Fortune 500 Corporation, Reston, VA
Client Objective / Problem: Fast business growth resulted in additional demand for IT services and applications. While the IT organization was growing in terms of staff, there were limited processes and governance in the IT organization. Client requested facilitation of a two day session to better align IT strategy, prioritize initiatives, and discuss the need for additional infrastructure.
Approach: Developed a meeting approach, agenda, and activities to better align the IT organization and plan future improvements. Prior to the meeting, interviews were conducted with key personnel to better understand the current state and problem areas.
The two day meeting included an update on corporate and IT goals, identification and prioritization of critical processes, definition of organization measures, discussion on team member roles and responsibilities, communication planning, and team building activities.
Results: Better alignment of IT goals and corporate goals to improve support and response to business needs for IT. The meeting resulted in improved prioritization of IT projects and identification of key processes for implementation.
CMM is a registered trademark of Software Engineering Institute.
Client Description: Small Business, Government Contractor, Oklahoma City, OK
Client Objective / Problem: Client recognized need for Capability Maturity Model (CMM™) certification to win government business. The organization objective is initially CMM Integration Maturity Level 2.
Approach: The IDEAL Model was followed and an informal baseline assessment performed. Based on the recommendations from the assessment, an action plan was developed. Support includes development of process documentation, input for a CMMI web site, performance of the Quality Assurance role, and preparation for a formal appraisal.
Results: The size of the organization and type of project was conducive to developing web-based processes that match the work flow of the project team. The resulting processes have improved quality and insight into project activities. The team is preparing for a CMMI Maturity Level 2 formal appraisal (SCAMPI) in 2nd quarter 2006. Successful implementation of the CMMI will provide a competitive advantage in the government marketplace to win additional business.
Client Description: International Financial Services Company, Wilmington, DE
Client Objective / Problem: Client had established CMM™ implementation as a goal to improve software development practices and achieve quality objectives. Client had performed CMM™ assessments and had received consulting support, but struggled in implementing some of the process areas in their environment.
Approach: Gained an understanding of process areas most important to the organization by interviewing personnel, reviewing documentation, and attending meetings. Developed focused action plans for implementation of improvements to meet organization objectives. Provided hand-on support for process areas to develop documentation and implement in a manner that “fit” the organization culture.
Results: Focus on improvements with the highest return on investment for the organization. An informal appraisal also demonstrated improvement in compliance to the CMM™.