Project management maturity model

A project management maturity model is a framework that helps organisations assess their current project management practices and provides a path for improvement. It describes levels of maturity from ad hoc to optimised. Such models compare an organisation against best practices and guide organisational change.

Common models

• Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) by SEI: for software and system processes.
• Organizational Project Management Maturity Model (OPM3) by PMI: for project, program and portfolio management.
• Kerzner's Project Management Maturity Model (PMMM).
• PRINCE2 maturity model.

Typical five levels (CMMI style)

5 Optimizing             - continuous improvement
4 Quantitatively Managed - measured and controlled with metrics
3 Defined                - standard organisation processes
2 Managed                - basic project management
1 Initial                - ad hoc, chaotic

(In the older CMM, level 2 was called "Repeatable" and level 4 "Managed".)

Kerzner's levels: common language, common processes, singular methodology, benchmarking, continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Identifies strengths and weaknesses.
• Sets a roadmap for improvement.
• Improves predictability, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Helps compare with competitors and meet customer requirements (e.g. contracts that require CMMI level 3).

Using the model

1. Assess the current level (survey, audit).
2. Set the target level.
3. Plan improvements and train staff.
4. Re-assess regularly.

Example: A Nepali software company at CMMI level 2 aims for level 3 by defining a standard process for requirements, design and testing across all projects.