ProcessPlus^SM has evolved its own consulting methodology. This has been used in our past engagements helping clients achieve their business objectives in efficient and effective manner.

Zensar’s consultants have developed their quality methodologies and processes based on ISO and CMM/CMMI frameworks to offer consultancy services to other organizations. The group helps clients assess their organizational processes, plan improvements, implement change and measure results leading to significant measurable improvements in their business processes.

Zensar consulting follows a methodology that ensures value addition for the client at every stage of the software development activity right from requirements capture to final delivery and maintenance.

The methodology includes:

1. Creating Blueprint for Process Improvement 
2. Training, Gap Analysis and action planning 
3. Implementation Support 
4. Appraisals

Client’s requirements for Process improvement are captured and agreed upon. Consultants take cognizance of quality initiatives taken by the client and extensive discussions are held to understand the existing Quality Management System. This forms the basis for the subsequent steps.

Training

Training modules would cover:

• The evolution of CMM/ CMMI
• Benefits of CMM/ CMMI based Software Process Improvements
• Understanding of Key Practices
• Implementation Strategy

Course Format:

• Instructor Led Classroom Courses
• e-Learning Courses

Gap Analysis

• A detailed study of the client organization’s Quality Management System for identifying the gaps. Gaps could be absence of certain processes or inadequate documentation/implementation of processes.
• A gap analysis team is instituted. Consultants review the organisation structure and carry out role mapping.
• During the study process consultants assess existing processes and conduct interviews of key personnel to understand the processes better. The deliverable is a Gap Analysis Report, which is submitted to management.

Action Planning

To close the process gaps, detailed action planning is required. This is where the real value addition to the organization takes place. The following plans get prepared:

• Process Definition Plan
• Training Plan
• Measurement Plan

The consultant assists in the implementation of the action plans which are mentioned above. The phases included are:

Process Definition and Review: Processes are defined and the gaps identified are closed.

Process Implementation Review: Implementation of the defined processes is monitored by conducting periodic reviews.

The consultants prepare appraisal/audit plans. They carry out informal appraisals to check the readiness of the organization before the final formal appraisal. Finally an SEI certified Lead Assessor (from Zensar associates) would carry out formal assessments of the organization for the CMM/CMMI level it is operating at.

Pre-Appraisal

Before the final formal appraisal, it is essential that the organization is given a feel of the same and the readiness of the organization is assessed. The Pre-appraisal prepares the client organisation for the formal assessment and help identify any gaps still left open. Typical steps are:

• Selection of pilot projects, covering all phases of software lifecycle
• Schedule the appraisal
• Review project documents
• Interviews project managers and team members.
• Preparation of informal assessment report
• Discussion on findings and recommended actions
• Assistance in gap closure

Formal Appraisal

Zensar also has associations/alliances with partner organizations for providing CBA-IPI/ SCAMPI assessment services for CMM/CMMI, to our clients. The process of formal appraisals is carried out in the following stages:

• Introduction to CMM/CMMI Training: Functional area representatives are identified from within the different groups in the organization and they are given orientation training.
• Appraisal Team Training: The Lead Assessor trains the personnel who are participating in the formal appraisal process.
• CBA-IPI/ SCAMPI appraisal