CMMi - Process Area : Causal Analysis and Resolution (CAR)

The purpose of Causal Analysis and Resolution (CAR) is to identify causes of defects and problems and take action to prevent them from occurring in the future. CAR is a Maturity Level 5 Process Area. CAR can be performed qualitatively at lower Maturity Levels, but the full benefits of CAR cannot be recognized until you have stable processes and statistically understand the process capabilities.

Causal analysis may also be performed on problems unrelated to defects. For example, causal analysis may be used to improve quality attributes such as cycle time. Improvement proposals, simulations, dynamic systems models, engineering analyses, new business directives, or other items may initiate such analysis.

When it is impractical to perform causal analysis on all defects, defect targets are selected by tradeoffs on estimated investments and estimated returns of quality, productivity and cycle time.

The Causal Analysis and Resolution process area involves the following:
- Identifying and analyzing causes of defects and other problems.
- Taking specific actions to remove the causes and prevent the occurrence of those types of defects and problems in the future.
Causal analysis and resolution improves quality and productivity by preventing the introduction of defects into a product.

Specific Practices by Goal

SG 1 Determine Causes of Defects
- SP 1.1 Select Defect Data for Analysis.
- SP 1.2 Analyze Causes.
SG 2 Address Causes of Defects
- SP 2.1 Implement the Action Proposals.
- SP 2.2 Evaluate the Effect of Changes.
- SP 2.3 Record Data.

General practices are same as discussed in Generic goals and practices article.

Measurement and Analysis (MA) Process Area

The purpose of Measurement and Analysis (MA) is to develop and sustain a measurement capability used to support management information needs. Measurement and analysis (MA) is a Level 2 support process area within the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) process.
The Measurement and Analysis process area involves the following activities:
- Specifying objectives of measurement and analysis so they are aligned with identified information needs and objectives.
- Specifying measures, analysis techniques, and mechanisms for data collection, data storage, reporting, and feedback.
- Implementing the collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of data.
- Providing objective results that can be used in making informed decisions, and taking appropriate corrective action.

The integration of measurement and analysis activities into the processes of the project supports the following:
- Objective planning and estimating.
- Tracking actual performance against established plans and objectives.
- Identifying and resolving process-related issues.
- Providing a basis for incorporating measurement into additional processes in the future.

Specific Practices by Goal

SG 1 Align Measurement and Analysis Activities
- SP 1.1 Establish Measurement Objectives.
- SP 1.2 Specify Measures.
- SP 1.3 Specify Data Collection and Storage Procedures.
- SP 1.4 Specify Analysis Procedures.
SG 2 Provide Measurement Results
- SP 2.1 Collect Measurement Data.
- SP 2.2 Analyze Measurement Data.
- SP 2.3 Store Data and Results.
- SP 2.4 Communicate Results.

Measurement objectives are used to define measures as well as collection, analysis, storage, and usage procedures for measures. These measures are specified in the project plan. Measures for the supplier, data collection processes and timing, expected analysis, and required storage should be specified in the supplier agreement.

Configuration Management (CM) and Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR) process area in CMMi

The purpose of Configuration Management (CM) is to establish and maintain the integrity of work products using configuration identification, configuration control, configuration status accounting, and configuration audits. It is a support process area at Maturity Level 2.
Configuration management is normally not used or managed within the development process for a Level 1 organization.

Specific Practices by Goal

SG 1 Establish Baselines
- SP 1.1 Identify Configuration Items.
- SP 1.2 Establish a Configuration Management System.
- SP 1.3 Create or Release Baselines.
SG 2 Track and Control Changes
- SP 2.1 Track Change Requests.
- SP 2.2 Control Configuration Items.
SG 3 Establish Integrity
- SP 3.1 Establish Configuration Management Records.
- SP 3.2 Perform Configuration Audits.

Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR)
It is a support process area at Maturity Level 3. The purpose of Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR) is to analyze possible decisions using a formal evaluation process that evaluates identified alternatives against established criteria.

Specific Practices by Goal

SG 1 Evaluate Alternatives
- SP 1.1 Establish Guidelines for Decision Analysis.
- SP 1.2 Establish Evaluation Criteria.
- SP 1.3 Identify Alternative Solutions.
- SP 1.4 Select Evaluation Methods.
- SP 1.5 Evaluate Alternatives.
- SP 1.6 Select Solutions.

Note : SP stands for Specific Practice and SG stands for Specific Goal.