--- title: "Project management maturity model" subject: "ICT Project Management" chapter: 10 key: "semester_7/ict_project_management:pm-maturity-model" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/pm-maturity-model site: BCT Engineering --- # Project management maturity model ICT Project Management · Chapter 10: Project quality management - Asked in: year not given; year not given - Video: [A Deep Dive into Project Management Maturity](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HcgOZ2AppI) — Project It Right - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/pm-maturity-model - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/ict_project_management/chapter-10 ## Question What do you mean by project management maturity model? ## Short answer A framework to assess current project management practices and provide an improvement path, with maturity levels from ad hoc to optimized. Common models include CMMI, OPM3, Kerzner, PRINCE2. Benefits include identifying strengths and weaknesses, setting a roadmap, and improving predictability. ## Answer 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) ```text 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".) | Level | Features | |---|---| | 1 Initial / common language | Unpredictable; success depends on individuals | | 2 Managed / common processes | Basic plans; costs and schedules tracked | | 3 Defined / singular methodology | Standard documented processes tailored to projects | | 4 Quantitatively managed / benchmarking | Processes measured and controlled with metrics | | 5 Optimizing / continuous improvement | Feedback and innovation drive improvement | 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. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What is the purpose of a project management maturity model? A. To calculate project cost B. To select project team members C. To replace the project plan D. To assess current practices and give a path for improvement Answer: D. It compares an organisation with best practices and guides improvement through levels. (Key point: Purpose) 2. In the five-level CMMI-style model, what characterises level 3 (Defined)? A. Standard documented organisation processes tailored to projects B. Ad hoc, success depends on individuals C. Process quantitatively controlled D. Continuous improvement driven by feedback Answer: A. Level 3 has standard documented processes; level 1 is ad hoc, 4 managed, 5 optimising. (Key point: Level 3) 3. What describes level 1 (Initial)? A. Basic plans and costs tracked B. Unpredictable, ad hoc and dependent on individuals C. Measured with metrics D. Optimised through innovation Answer: B. At the Initial level processes are chaotic and success relies on individual effort. (Key point: Level 1) ## Related in ICT Project Management - [Project management body of knowledge](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Adefine-pmbok) — ICT Project Management, chapter 2 - [General management skills and project management](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Ageneral-management-skill) — ICT Project Management, chapter 2 - [Project portfolio management](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aportfolio-management) — ICT Project Management, chapter 3 - [Define project management](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Adefine-project-management) — ICT Project Management, chapter 4 - [System view of project management](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Asystem-view-three-parts) — ICT Project Management, chapter 5 - [Project management methodology](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Apm-methodology) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7 ## Related in other subjects - [Short note: Capability Maturity Model](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fsoftware_engineering%3Acmm-note) — Software Engineering, chapter 9 - [Embedded real-time software; model for project](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Finstrumentation_ii%3Aembedded-rt-software-model) — Instrumentation II, chapter 9 - [Function of project management in Nepal](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Acpm-function-nepal) — Construction Management, chapter 1 - [Types of projects; effect of project management](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aproject-types-effect-of-management) — Project Engineering, chapter 1