What is a Maturity Model ?
A Maturity Model can be used to describe a whole host of technology based environments. Rather than focusing on a specific software product they will look at
- Technology
- Process
- People
For example, a Maturity model can be used to assess current System Management / Data Centre Management and is a useful tool to determine the current position of an organisation, especially in relation to Standard Operating Environment (SOE) and the related areas of Unix to Linux migrations or Continuous Delivery.
Maturity Models can be also used for DevOps, Open Source, of which there are a number, including the ones linked to below that were developed as quick assessment tool by Red Hat Consulting. It has also used a number of Maturity Models as part of the early engagement with customers as is a way of explaining how an organisation compares with other organisations (in an anonymous way) and with what is needed for future development. Any model usually takes into account people, process and technology and usually needs to be assessed in such a way that it is not overly demanding in terms of information collection or seen to be a negative exercise highlighting problems in an organisation.
As part of assessing an organisations readiness for cloud native application development, Red Hat also produced Ready to Innovate as an online assessment tool, which assessing an organisations maturity and capability in 5 keys areas. A short Video is also available.
Why use it?
Maturity Models can be used as part of the initial discovery phase of a project and whilst they can be seen as negative, especially when organisations might not be mature, one of the skills of the assessor is to focus on the areas for development and where this might start.
Related Practices
Who do you need?
- The model, as an application or tool of some form. There are a number of examples listed below.
Suggested Time
- Usually 1 to 4 hours, depending on the model
Difficulty
- Facilitator: Moderate
- Participants: Easy
Facilitation Materials Needed
- Whiteboard which will hold sticky notes.
- Whiteboard markers
- Models
Process Phase
Any time
Practices
External Links
The QualPSo Open Source Maturity Model
OpenSource Maturity Models discussion
Continuous Integration Maturity Model
Thoughtworks Continuous Integration Maturity Model
Basic Open Source Maturity Model
Activity Spaces Influenced
| Activity Area | Activity Space | Influenced |
|---|---|---|
| Customer | Explore Possibilities | |
| Customer | Understand Stakeholders Needs | 1 |
| Customer | Ensure Stakeholder Satisfaction | |
| Customer | Use The System | |
| Solution | Understand the Requirements | |
| Solution | Shape the System | 1 |
| Solution | Implement the System | |
| Solution | Test the System | |
| Solution | Deploy the System | |
| Solution | Operate the System | |
| Endeavour | Prepare to do the Work | |
| Endeavour | Coordinate Activity | |
| Endeavour | Support the Team | |
| Endeavour | Track Progress | |
| Endeavour | Stop the Work |
Input Alpha States
| Alpha | State | TotalStates |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity | 1 | 3 |
| Stakeholders | 1 | 2 |
| Requirements | 0 | 6 |
| Software System | 0 | 6 |
| Work | 0 | 6 |
| Way of Working | 0 | 6 |
| Team | 1 | 3 |
Output Alpha States
| Alpha | State | TotalStates |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity | 1 | 4 |
| Stakeholders | 1 | 3 |
| Requirements | 0 | 6 |
| Software System | 0 | 6 |
| Work | 0 | 6 |
| Way of Working | 0 | 6 |
| Team | 1 | 3 |