How does CMMI recommend measuring performance?

CMMI emphasizes the importance of using quantitative metrics and analysis as a means to measure performance effectively. This approach allows organizations to obtain objective data that can inform decision-making processes, track progress over time, and identify areas for improvement. By using quantitative metrics, organizations can assess their performance in a structured manner, establishing clear targets and benchmarks that can be regularly monitored.

Quantitative metrics can include various data points, such as defect rates, project completion times, and cost variances. This data-driven approach enables organizations to analyze trends, set realistic goals, and make informed adjustments to processes or practices as needed. It provides a clear, empirical basis for evaluation, which is crucial in the context of performance improvement.

While customer satisfaction surveys and peer reviews can provide valuable insights, they tend to be more subjective and may not provide the consistent, measurable data that quantitative metrics deliver. Qualitative assessments, while useful in understanding nuanced issues, lack the numerical precision required for thorough performance evaluation in the CMMI framework. Thus, relying on quantitative metrics and analysis aligns closely with CMMI's principles of continuous improvement and rigorous performance assessment.