Implementing CMMI using a Combination of Agile Methods

This paper explores the possibility for software companies of getting a CMMI certification of their processes by applying agile practices. For this purpose, starting with CMMI maturity level 2 generic goals and practices, we analyze the applicability of a series of agile methods, identifying their individual or combined contribution in the fulfillment of each process area. The main result of this research is the definition of a “fulfillment delta” required for a small or medium size company to reach CMMI level 2 using agile methods. We present an application case where a small company applied a combination of XP and Scrum for implementing the requirement management area. We compare the theoretical fulfillment delta with this company’s results.