Collaborative Assessment Methodology (CAM)
ERPi is committed to the delivery of independent, trusted consulting services that serve the best interests of our federal clients. With a focus on Federal CFO, CIO, PMO, CTO, and CHCO departments, ERPi offers independent consulting experience within the domain, process, technology, and regulatory framework of the federal market.
The concept of "independence" and "trusted consulting services" for any technology development program requires knowledge of necessary relevant standards such as CMMI, ISO, ANSI, MIL Standards, and IEEE standards for testing and assessments.
Trusted consulting, "independent assessment," or formal IV&V is performed by an independent third party that the management team uses internally to ensure they are on schedule, have fulfilled all of the defined requirements, and that the systems perform as expected. It is a risk mitigation resource that ensures the development team will provide services as ordered and as expected, and that the products work as required. This methodology includes the review and evaluation of all of the elements within the program lifecycle to ensure that it fulfills all of the defined requirements and performs as expected.
In the past, the process of providing independent assessment, trusted consulting, or IV&V services has led to an environment of mistrust between the program participants and the engaged consultants. Often, assessments have led to finger-pointing, assignment of blame, or have lead to surprises in product, process, or schedule. A collaborative methodology eliminates this negative environment and builds a climate of trust and engagement. Inherent in a collaborative approach to IV&V is an adaptive approach to management. Adaptive management of IV&V means testing our tools and methods, adapting to new information and learning from results. Using an adaptive management strategy requires a methodical approach that includes clearly defined steps and a continuous improvement cycle. In IV&V this means collaboration, cooperation, and communications.
At the heart of this approach is a core concept and commitment that will foster a “no-surprises” and “no finger pointing” environment. Using CAM we obtain information for assessments via a variety of resources, but most importantly, from direct one-on-one and group meetings and interviews. CAM IV&V is a proven and highly regarded method for reducing risk and improving the performance of federal enterprise programs. ERPi personnel have created and successfully applied an adaptive management approach and the Collaborative Assessment Methodology to federal enterprise IV&V projects.
Characteristics and benefits of CAM include:
The concept of "independence" and "trusted consulting services" for any technology development program requires knowledge of necessary relevant standards such as CMMI, ISO, ANSI, MIL Standards, and IEEE standards for testing and assessments.
Trusted consulting, "independent assessment," or formal IV&V is performed by an independent third party that the management team uses internally to ensure they are on schedule, have fulfilled all of the defined requirements, and that the systems perform as expected. It is a risk mitigation resource that ensures the development team will provide services as ordered and as expected, and that the products work as required. This methodology includes the review and evaluation of all of the elements within the program lifecycle to ensure that it fulfills all of the defined requirements and performs as expected.
In the past, the process of providing independent assessment, trusted consulting, or IV&V services has led to an environment of mistrust between the program participants and the engaged consultants. Often, assessments have led to finger-pointing, assignment of blame, or have lead to surprises in product, process, or schedule. A collaborative methodology eliminates this negative environment and builds a climate of trust and engagement. Inherent in a collaborative approach to IV&V is an adaptive approach to management. Adaptive management of IV&V means testing our tools and methods, adapting to new information and learning from results. Using an adaptive management strategy requires a methodical approach that includes clearly defined steps and a continuous improvement cycle. In IV&V this means collaboration, cooperation, and communications.
At the heart of this approach is a core concept and commitment that will foster a “no-surprises” and “no finger pointing” environment. Using CAM we obtain information for assessments via a variety of resources, but most importantly, from direct one-on-one and group meetings and interviews. CAM IV&V is a proven and highly regarded method for reducing risk and improving the performance of federal enterprise programs. ERPi personnel have created and successfully applied an adaptive management approach and the Collaborative Assessment Methodology to federal enterprise IV&V projects.
Characteristics and benefits of CAM include:
- CAM is transparent: Risks and issues are always discussed with the process owner before documenting or reporting.
- CAM is cooperative: All stakeholders can contribute to mediation or mitigation of risks and issues.
- CAM is efficient: Early mitigation of risk improves performance and delivery.
- CAM is open: Assessments and reports are shared with the team to create communications opportunities and promote the training and change management objectives.
- CAM is transparent: Assessments are conducted openly and without blame.
- CAM creates a non-hostile environment for Federal clients, product vendors, and integration contractors to cooperate.
