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07/13/2007: "6 Sigma and Software CMM"

I am working as CMM/CMMI consultant and find that six sigma may complement CMMI
level 4 and level 5 implementations. Would you agree?


Ed C.

I think you're on the right track. Six Sigma is a good complement to the CMM. It's analyses are fundamental to Levels 4 and 5.
I've been involved with software developers for nearly 15 years, and I think where most software quality groups fail is in their absolute focus on bugs. While certainly important, they neglect the timeliness of release (the service component). In Six Sigma, we specifically focus attention on the three main parameters of service, quality and cost, and apply our tools and techniques to optimize each. Particularly when bugs are an infrequent occurrence, a lack of focus on service and cost can be just as detrimental to the business.

pak