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2.4.2 NASA Systems Engineering Capability Pre‐Assessment Plan
Author(s) -
Andary James F.,
Kapurch Stephen J.,
Chun Peggy A.,
Ernst Eric W.,
Gauntner Daniel J.,
Kerns Robert V.,
Lake Jerome Jerry G.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
incose international symposium
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2334-5837
DOI - 10.1002/j.2334-5837.2004.tb00500.x
Subject(s) - capability maturity model integration , systems engineering , capability maturity model , leancmmi , engineering , system of systems engineering , engineering management , computer science , software development , software quality , software , software development process , systems design , programming language
Over the past several years, several events [Ref 1] have led NASA to re‐examine how it engineers systems. As a result, NASA initiated a Systems Engineering Excellence Initiative in 2001, and established a Systems Engineering Working Group (SEWG) to form and implement a common framework for engineering systems within NASA 1 . The common framework is based on the development and sustainment of a state‐of‐the‐art level of competence in systems engineering, measurable in three specific areas; Concepts and Processes; Knowledge and Skill of Workforce; and Tools and Methodologies. The framework must also include a method of providing continuous assessment and improvement. Cursory review led a SEWG sub‐group (The Assessment Subgroup) to conclude that utilization of a recognized maturity model, such as the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI®), would provide the means for ensuring continuous assessment and improvement of the framework. Prior to launching a CMMI® assessment of systems engineering at all ten NASA Centers (estimated to cost in excess of $500,000), the Assessment Subgroup proposed to conduct a pre‐CMMI® assessment (hereafter referred to as a pre‐assessment) to evaluate the current level of competence of systems engineering throughout the Agency, and determine whether or not CMMI® should be implemented.