Software Process Improvement Framework for Software Outsourcing Based On CMMI

Abstract

Process improvement in software outsourcing is of growing concern for many reasons such as successful delivery of projects. Software outsourcing companies are reluctant to adapt Process improvement models and methods because of their complex structure and difficult implementation methods. It has been observed that Improvement efforts in outsourcing companies based on process improvement frameworks which are designed for large organizations fails most of the time. CMMI enable companies to enhance performance and rates the maturity of process. This master thesis focuses on identifying the key process areas for software outsourcing and provides best practices and methods for improving a software process. The research will identify the key problems related to process improvement in software outsourcing. The main objective is to develop a model based on CMMI, which can be used by software outsourcing companies in order to implement process improvement activities. All the key activities required for process improvement in software outsourcing are explained with proper guide lines. This dissertation met these research aims through an extensive study of relevant literature and systematic review about CMMI, SPI and outsourcing. The research was based on the CMMI technical reports and case studies about outsourcing projects. The research was divided into multiple phases in order to obtain the results. The mapping of Key process areas and problems is done by analyzing CMMI process area, their specific goals and specific practices. This research produced a number of key findings: Outsourcing case studies help in identifying the problems related to process improvement. CMMI reports helped in identifying the key process areas for outsourcing projects and helped in mapping of the problems and process areas. The main conclusions drawn from this research were that current approaches for process improvement just provide the guiding principles to achieve maturity of the process which are not enough. The ambiguity of CMMI is making it difficult for outsourcing companies to adapt these practices on theoretical instructions. This research identifies the key process areas for outsourcing projects and provides implementation methods in form of key activities which are to be implemented in order to improve the maturity of the process.