When software development capability improvements are introduced, change is required in the way people do their
jobs. Organizations often see low adoption rates after large expenditures of time, effort, and money to deploy process
and enterprise tool configurations. The solution is to apply iterative (adoption through execution) principles to
build acceptance, results, and credibility prior to full-scale standardization. This practice helps organizations make
lasting improvements in their software capabilities using a proven mentoring approach.
Mentoring is key to successful deployments of process and tool improvements. It develops internal expertise
in order to achieve the business value expected from the improvements. Tool and process adoption can only occur through
mentoring in the context of real project work. Seasoned practitioners skilled in a specific area transfer
skills to team members through hands-on mentoring.
Process and tools must be used effectively on real projects to achieve technical and business results quickly, to drive
results and to reinforce change. A process and tools Center of Capability (CoC) is the structure that
the mentors work within. Successful deployments have a structure and environment to expand and share knowledge. The CoC
is a virtual team, all with a common interest in sharing knowledge to improve the collective skills of the
organization.
Adoption Through Execution has the following characteristics:
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An initial design has been created (process or tool capability) based on identified business goals
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Design is finalized through execution on actual projects
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Mentoring is used to help people adopt the process
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Centers of Capability are created to support deployment of the capability and adapt it
to changing requirements based on feedback from real projects
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Measurements are used to monitor adoption
Demonstrating the value of improvements is the only way to build credibility. This, in turn, lays the groundwork
for a culture of continuous capability improvement.
Relationship to other practices
This practice is related to many other useful practices. For example:
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Software Capability Program Management - provides an approach for managing software capability improvement that is
aligned with the organization's strategic goals.
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Method Development - describes how to develop the method content and tool configurations that will be adopted
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Setting Up a Performance Measurement System - describes how to establish a Performance Measurement System to
monitor performance
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Managing Performance Through Measurement - leverages the use and analysis of data from the Performance Measurement
System to monitor capability improvements
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Project Management practices - Plan, monitor, and control adoption projects
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