CMM (Capability Maturity Model) (1)

1. Process Optimization Improving a grant research and application process

2. Overview Current situation: Problems with PHA’s (Piedmont Housing Alliance) grant writing process CMM (Capability Maturity Model) sets the groundwork for process Improvement: The five phases of CMM: Initial, Repeatable, Defined, Managed, Optimize Capability Maturation at PHA Implications of an optimized grant writing process

3. Problems in the grant writing process Management’s time diverted from other projects Missed grant opportunities due to being uninformed No established review process Lack of well-compiled data Management roles not clearly defined Lack of organization Management unaware of all opportunities

4. The resulting problem

5. CMM: Level 1 – Initial The process is not stable or repeatable— success is dependent upon the diligence of the manager completing the application

6. CMM: Level 2 – Repeatable The process is repeatable via the presence of fundraising search software— process is relatively transparent and there is a somewhat of a schedule to adhere to. However, it still runs the risk of poor time management without a control component.

7. CMM: Level 3 – Defined The process is standardized as the overall objective is to get the application to the review committeebefore the deadline. A schedule is more clearly defined and the level of consistency will improve with a more explicit process.

8. CMM: Level 4 – Managed Managers modify software search profile to tailor to needs The process is now dependent on how results measure up with past performance. Software is modified to tailor the search to the organization’s needs. The success of the process is now quantitatively predictable. Review committee and managers analyze results with past performance

9. CMM: Level 5 – Optimized Researcher modifies the software to fit organization’s needs Review committee managers, and researcher discuss improvements and objectives for next grant Researcher gets results of the grant application results and produces a performance report

10. An Optimized Process Level 5 shows continuous process improvement— efficiency The addition of the researcher creates more functionality Managers have clearly defined roles Measurement and analysis is done to improve future results Virtually all process components will be improved at this level of maturity

11. References Harmon, P. (2007). Business Process Change: A Guide for Business Managers and BPM and Six Sigma Professionals, (Second Edition). Burlington, MA: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, Inc.