What concept does the "Initial" maturity level in CMMI signify?

The "Initial" maturity level in CMMI signifies that processes are unpredictable and reactive. At this level, organizations typically operate in an ad-hoc manner, where there is little to no structured approach to process management. This lack of predictability means that activities are often executed based on individual efforts rather than established practices, leading to inconsistent results.

In the Initial maturity level, processes can vary significantly from one instance to another, which may result in challenges such as missed deadlines, budget overruns, and not meeting customer requirements. The focus is generally on immediate reactions to crises rather than a proactive strategy for process refinement and improvement. Embracing this understanding of the "Initial" maturity level is crucial for organizations aiming to evolve to more advanced maturity levels, where predictability and process stability become key performance indicators.