CMMI Versus Agile: Which Is Best?

Before you tackle the question, which is best CMMI or Agile, what’s the difference? Actually, they’re a lot different:

• CMMI – Also known as Capability Maturity Model Integration, CMMI is considered costly by some management experts. It requires much testing and documentation, often costing more than the project itself. The word “integration” is important in CMMI. What this methodology does is take various models from CMM or Capability Maturity Models and integrates reliable processes that work which are then integrated into the project. Think of it as a process improvement system.
• Agile – The Agile Methodology works with iterations and sprint teams who, along with agile user stories, develop assigned sections or elements of a project that are in deliverable or “shippable” condition prior to handing the element onto the next sprint team. In essence, if the Agile method is utilized, a task that is handed over or passed on is considered to be usable and done.

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With CMMI there are three constellations, development, acquisition, and services. To be true to the methodology, all three must be utilized in order for the integration to be successful. Remember, CMMI is a process improvement system. If we take the average project is it progressive to seek out a process improvement system for every element or task within the project? Perhaps, if projects were in fact always similar, by using CMMI, an improvement process could help projects proceed quickly using good risk and total quality management efforts.

Agile is more adaptable to unique projects. Because the outcomes of iterations are done and finished and then passed along after review, testing, and acceptance by the user, Agile can be implemented into almost any project. Of course if you want to be totally Agile in your projects, you can’t pass on iterations until they are done. Perhaps the process improvement integration elements of CMMI would prevent project failures in Agile.

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Still, CMMI covers a lot of the basics like total quality management, risk management, and even resource management to ensure the entire process flows well. Ask project management colleagues and you’ll get a range of opinions on CMMI versus Agile, but is anyone really right? Can you truly compare project management methodologies?

In the end, effective project managers should examine the two methodologies based on the project at hand to make not only an informed decision, but also one that will offer the correct project outcome.