Establish Standard Processes

• Decompose each standard process into constituent process elements to the detail needed to understand and describe the process.

  Each process element covers a bounded and closely related set of activities. The descriptions of the process elements may be templates to be filled in, fragments to be completed, abstractions to be refined, or complete descriptions to be tailored or used unmodified. These elements are described in sufficient detail such that the process, when fully defined, can be consistently performed by appropriately trained and skilled people.

• Specify the critical attributes of each process element. Examples of critical attributes include:
  • Process roles
  • Applicable process and product standards
  • Applicable procedures, methods, tools, and resources
  • Process performance objectives
  • Entry criteria
  • Inputs
  • Product and process measures to be collected and used
  • Verification points (e.g., peer reviews)
  • Outputs
  • Interfaces
  • Exit criteria
• Specify the relationships of the process elements. Examples of relationships include:
  • Ordering of the process elements
  • Interfaces among the process elements
  • Interfaces with external processes
  • Interdependencies among the process elements
  The rules for describing the relationships among process elements are referred to as “process architecture”. The process architecture covers the essential requirements and guidelines. The detailed specifications of these relationships are covered in the descriptions of the defined processes that are tailored from the organization's set of standard processes.
• Ensure that the set of standard processes adheres to applicable policies; process standards and models; and product standards. Adherence to applicable process standards and models is typically demonstrated by developing a mapping from the set of standard processes to the relevant process standards and models.
• Ensure that the set of standard processes satisfies the process needs and objectives of the organization.
• Ensure that there is appropriate integration among the processes that are included in the set of standard processes.
• Document the organization's set of standard processes.
• Conduct peer reviews on the organization's set of standard processes.
• Revise the set of standard processes as necessary.