ISO/IEC 15504-6:2013

Information technology - Process assessment - Part 6: An exemplar system life cycle process assessment model

ISO/IEC 15504-6:2013 constitutes a Process Assessment Model, conformant with the requirements of ISO/IEC 15504-2, for the assessment of process capability of system life cycle processes. The Process Dimension of this Process Assessment Model is based upon the Process Reference Model contained in ISO/IEC 15288. ISO/IEC 15504-6:2013 provides a new Process Dimension for the Process Assessment Model derived from the revised Process Reference Model contained in ISO/IEC 15288:2008. The scope of ISO/IEC 15504-6:2013 is consistent with the scope of ISO/IEC 15504-5 in order to assist situations where assessment is being made of both system and software life cycle processes. Users of ISO/IEC 15504-6:2013 may freely reproduce the detailed descriptions contained in the exemplar assessment model as part of any tool or other material to support the performance of process assessments, so that it can be used for its intended purpose.

Technologies de l'information — Évaluation des procédés — Partie 6: Un exemple de modèle d'évaluation des procédés du cycle de vie d'un système

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 04-Jun-2013
• Withdrawal Date: 04-Jun-2013
• ICS: 35.080 - Software
• Technical Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7 - Software and systems engineering
• Drafting Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7/WG 10 - Process assessment
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Start Date: 27-Mar-2020
• Completion Date: 30-Oct-2025

Relations

• Revised: ISO/IEC TS 33060:2020 - Information technology - Process assessment - Process assessment model for system life cycle processes
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2017
• Revises: ISO/IEC TR 15504-6:2008 - Information technology - Process assessment - Part 6: An exemplar system life cycle process assessment model
• Effective Date: 11-Feb-2012

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 15504-6
First edition
2013-06-15
Information technology — Process
assessment —
Part 6:
An exemplar system life cycle process
assessment model
Technologies de l'information — Évaluation des procédés —
Partie 6: Un exemple de modèle d'évaluation des procédés du cycle de
vie d'un système
Reference number
©
ISO/IEC 2013
©  ISO/IEC 2013
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission.
Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword . v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Overview of the exemplar Process Assessment Model . 1
4.1 Introduction to Overview . 1
4.2 Structure of the exemplar Process Assessment Model . 2
4.2.1 Processes . 4
4.2.2 Process dimension . 6
4.2.3 Capability dimension . 7
4.3 Assessment Indicators . 8
4.3.1 Process Capability Indicators . 9
4.3.2 Process Performance Indicators . 11
4.4 Measuring process capability . 11
5 The process dimension . 12
5.1 Processes and Process Performance Indicators (level 1) . 12
5.2 Agreement Processes (AGR) . 13
5.2.1 Introduction . 13
5.2.2 AGR.1 Acquisition Process . 13
5.2.3 AGR.2 Supply Process. 16
5.3 Organizational Project-Enabling Processes (ENT) . 18
5.3.1 Introduction . 18
5.3.2 ENT.1 Life Cycle Model Management Process . 18
5.3.3 ENT.2 Project Portfolio Management Process . 20
5.3.4 ENT.3  Infrastructure Management Process . 22
5.3.5 ENT.4 Human Resource Management Process . 23
5.3.6 ENT.5 Quality Management Process . 25
5.4 Project Processes (PRJ) . 26
5.4.1 Introduction . 26
5.4.2 PRJ.1 Project Planning Process . 27
5.4.3 PRJ.2 Measurement Process . 30
5.4.4 PRJ.3 Project Assessment and Control Process . 31
5.4.5 PRJ.4 Decision Management Process . 34
5.4.6 PRJ.5 Risk Management Process . 35
5.4.7 PRJ.6 Configuration Management Process . 38
5.4.8 PRJ.7 Information Management Process . 39
5.5 Technical Processes (TEC) . 41
5.5.1 Introduction . 41
5.5.2 TEC.1 Stakeholder Requirements Definition Process . 42
5.5.3 TEC.2 Requirements Analysis Process . 45
5.5.4 TEC.3 Architectural Design Process . 48
5.5.5 TEC.4 Implementation Process . 51
5.5.6 TEC.5  Integration Process . 53
5.5.7 TEC.6  Verification Process . 55
5.5.8 TEC.7 Transition Process . 57
5.5.9 TEC.8  Validation Process . 59
5.5.10 TEC.9 Operation Process . 61
5.5.11 TEC.10 Maintenance Process . 63
5.5.12 TEC.11 Disposal Process . 65
© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved iii

5.6 Tailoring Process (TLR) .67
6 Process capability indicators (level 1 to 5) .69
6.1 Level 1: Performed process .70
6.1.1 PA 1.1 Process performance attribute .70
6.2 Level 2: Managed process .70
6.2.1 PA 2.1 Performance management attribute .70
6.2.2 PA 2.2 Work product management attribute .72
6.3 Level 3: Established process .74
6.3.1 PA 3.1 Process definition attribute .74
6.3.2 PA 3.2 Process deployment attribute .76
6.4 Level 4: Predictable process .79
6.4.1 PA 4.1 Process measurement attribute .79
6.4.2 PA 4.2 Process control attribute .81
6.5 Level 5: Optimizing process .83
6.5.1 PA 5.1 Process innovation attribute .83
6.5.2 PA 5.2 Process optimization attribute .85
6.6 Processes Supporting Process Attributes .87
Annex A (informative) Conformity of the exemplar Process Assessment Model .88
A.1 Introduction .88
A.2 Requirements for Process Assessment Models (from ISO/IEC 15504-2) .88
A.2.1 Introduction .88
A.2.2 Process Assessment Model scope .88
A.2.3 Process Assessment Model elements and indicators .89
A.2.4 Mapping Process Assessment Models to Process Reference Models .89
A.2.5 Expression of assessment results.92
Annex B (informative) Work product characteristics .93
B.1 Generic Work Products .94
B.2 Generic work products and specific work products .96
Annex C (informative) Adaptation of the assessment model . 116
C.1 Assessment indicators identification . 116
C.1.1 Base practices . 116
C.1.2 Generic practices . 117
C.2 Adaptation of the exemplar Process Assessment Model. 118
C.2.1 Adding to or removing processes from the process dimension . 118
C.2.2 Identifying process performance indicators for a new process . 119
Bibliography . 120

iv © ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees
established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC
technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information
technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting. Publication as
an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 15504-6 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 7, Software and systems engineering.
This first edition of ISO/IEC 15504-6 cancels and replaces ISO/IEC TR 15504-6:2008.
 Clause 2 is modified by updating the reference to ISO/IEC 15288;
 Clauses 4 and 5 are replaced with new text provided below;
 Clause 6.6 is replaced with new text provided below;
 Annex B.2 is replaced with new text provided below;
 The Bibliography is updated to reflect current versions of works referenced.
ISO/IEC 15504 consists of the following parts, under the general title Information technology — Process
assessment:
 Part 1: Concepts and vocabulary
 Part 2: Performing an assessment
 Part 3: Guidance on performing an assessment
 Part 4: Guidance on use for process improvement and process capability determination
 Part 5: An exemplar software life cycle process assessment model
 Part 6: An exemplar system life cycle process assessment model
 Part 7: Assessment of organizational maturity
 Part 8: An exemplar process assessment model for IT service management
 Part 9: Target process profiles
 Part 10: Safety extension
© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved v

Introduction
This part of ISO/IEC 15504 provides an example of a System Life Cycle Process Assessment Model for use in
performing a conformant assessment in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 15504-2.
An integral part of conducting an assessment is to use a process assessment model that is constructed for
that purpose, is related to a process reference model and is conformant with ISO/IEC 15504-2, which sets out
the minimum requirements for performing an assessment in order to ensure consistency and repeatability of
the ratings.
A process reference model cannot be used alone as the basis for conducting consistent and reliable
assessments of process capability because it requires greater detail to indicate process performance and
capability. Therefore:
 the descriptions of process purpose and process outcomes provided by a process reference model
need to be supported with a comprehensive set of indicators of process performance; and
 the capability levels and process attributes defined in ISO/IEC 15504-2 and its associated rating
scale need to be supported with a set of indicators of process capability.
This additional detail describes a process reference model in terms of a process assessment model that can
enable the assessment of consistent and repeatable ratings of process capability.
This Process Assessment Model contains a set of indicators to be considered when interpreting the intent of
its Process Reference Model. These indicators may also be used when implementing a process improvement
program or to help evaluate and select an assessment model, method, methodology or tools.
The Process Reference Model defined in ISO/IEC 15288:2008 has been used as the basis for the Process
Assessment Model in this part of ISO/IEC 15504.
As an exemplar, this Process Assessment Model embodies the core characteristics that could be expected of
any Process Assessment Model consistent with ISO/IEC 15504-2. Nevertheless, use of this Process
Assessment Model is not required to meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 15504; any other process assessment
models meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 15504-2 may be used in a conformant assessment.
This part of ISO/IEC 15504 has a similar structure to Part 5. It may be used in conjunction with Part 5 for joint
assessment of system life cycle processes and software life cycle processes.
This part of ISO/IEC 15504 uses the classification structure of the information work products used in
ISO 15289 Systems and software engineering — Content of systems and software life cycle process
information products (Documentation) as a basis for the Generic Work Products.
Within this part of ISO/IEC 15504:
 Clause 4 provides a detailed description of the structure and key components of a process assessment
model, which includes two dimensions: a process dimension and a capability dimension. Assessment
indicators are introduced in this clause;
 Clause 5 addresses the process dimension. It uses process definitions from ISO/IEC 15288 to designate
the Process Reference Model. The processes of the Process Reference Model are described in the
Process Assessment Model in terms of purpose and outcomes and are grouped in four process
categories. The Process Assessment Model expands the Process Reference Model process definitions
by including a set of process performance indicators called base practices for each process. The Process
Assessment Model also defines a second set of indicators of process performance by associating work
vi © ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved

products with each process. Clause 5 is also linked directly to Annex B, which defines the work product
characteristics;
 Clause 6 addresses the capability dimension. It duplicates the definitions of the capability levels and
process attributes from ISO/IEC 15504-2, and expands each of the nine attributes through the inclusion of
a set of generic practices. These generic practices belong to a set of indicators of process capability, in
association with generic resource indicators, and generic work product indicators. Annex B is also linked
directly to Clause 6 as it defines the work product characteristics;
 Annex A provides a statement of conformance of the Process Assessment Model to the requirements
defined in ISO/IEC 15504-2;
 Annex B provides selected characteristics for typical work products to assist the assessor in evaluating
the capability level of processes;
 Annex C contains style guides for defining base practices, work products and generic practices for
adjusting the Process Assessment Model, and guidance explaining how to expand or adapt the model;
and
 The bibliography contains a list of informative references.

© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved vii

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 15504-6:2013(E)

Information technology — Process assessment —
Part 6:
An exemplar system life cycle process assessment model
1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC 15504 constitutes a Process Assessment Model, conformant with the requirements of
ISO/IEC 15504-2, for the assessment of process capability of system life cycle processes.
The Process Dimension of this Process Assessment Model is based upon the Process Reference Model
contained in ISO/IEC 15288.
This part of ISO/IEC 15504 provides a new Process Dimension for the Process Assessment Model derived
from the revised Process Reference Model contained in ISO/IEC 15288:2008.
The scope of this part of ISO/IEC 15504 is consistent with the scope of ISO/IEC 15504-5 in order to assist
situations where assessment is being made of both system and software life cycle processes.
NOTE Users of this part of ISO/IEC 15504 can freely reproduce the detailed descriptions contained in the exemplar
assessment model as part of any tool or other material to support the performance of process assessments, so that it can
be used for its intended purpose.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 15288:2008, Systems and software engineering — System life cycle processes
ISO/IEC 15504-1:2004, Information technology — Process assessment — Part 1: Concepts and Vocabulary
ISO/IEC 15504-2:2003, Information technology — Process assessment — Part 2: Performing an Assessment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 15504-1 apply.
4 Overview of the exemplar Process Assessment Model
4.1 Introduction to Overview
This part of ISO/IEC 15504 provides an exemplar Process Assessment Model that includes examples of
assessment indicators.
The Process Reference Model defined in ISO/IEC 15288, associated with the process attributes defined in
ISO/IEC 15504-2, establish a Process Assessment Model used as a common basis for performing
assessments of systems engineering process capability, allowing for the reporting of results using a common
rating scale.
© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved 1

The Process Assessment Model is a two-dimensional model of process capability. In one dimension,
the process dimension, the processes are defined and classified into process categories. In the other
dimension, the capability dimension, a set of process attributes grouped into capability levels is defined. The
process attributes provide the measurable characteristics of process capability.
Figure 1 shows the relationship between the general structure of the Process Assessment Model,
ISO/IEC 15504-2 and ISO/IEC 15288.
CAPABILITCAPABILITYY
DimensionDimension
ISO/IEC ISO/IEC
1550415504--22
---- 55 OptimOptimiizing zing (2 (2 atattributributteses))
LeLevveel l : :
ISO/IECISO/IEC 15 288
---- 44
LeLevveel l : : Predictable (2 attributes)
---- 33 EstablisheEstablished (2 atd (2 attributributteses))
LeLevveel l : :
---- 22 Managed  (2 attributes)Managed  (2 attributes)
LeLevveel l : :
---- 11 Performed (1 attribPerformed (1 attributeute))
LeLevveel l : : ProcessProcess ReferenceReference
Model (PRM)Model (PRM)
---- 00 IncompleteIncomplete
LeLevveel l : :
Agreement processes
PROCESPROCESSS
DimensionDimension
ProcesseProcessess
Organizational
Project-enabling
ProcessesProcesses
processes
Project processes
Technical processes
Figure 1 — Relationship between the Process Assessment Model and its inputs
A process reference model and a capability dimension defined in ISO/IEC 15504-2 cannot be used alone as
the basis for conducting reliable and consistent assessments of process capability since the level of detail
provided is not sufficient. The descriptions of process purpose and outcomes in a process reference model,
and the process attribute definitions in ISO/IEC 15504-2, need to be supported with a comprehensive set of
indicators of process performance and process capability that are used for assessment performance.
The exemplar Process Assessment Model defined in this part of ISO/IEC 15504 is conformant with the
ISO/IEC 15504-2 requirements for a Process Assessment Model, and can be used as the basis for conducting
an assessment of systems engineering process capability.
In order to meet the process assessment model requirements of ISO/IEC 15504-2, a documented process
supporting other requirements of ISO/IEC 15504-2 is also required. This need may be met, for example, by
the adoption of a supporting method for conducting assessments.
4.2 Structure of the exemplar Process Assessment Model
This clause describes the detailed structure of the Process Assessment Model and its key components.
This Process Assessment Model expands upon the Process Reference Model by including a defined set of
assessment indicators. Assessment indicators comprise indicators of process performance and process
2 © ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved

capability and are defined to support an assessor’s judgment of the performance and capability of an
implemented process.
Clause 5, together with its associated Annex B, describes the components of the process dimension, and
Clause 6 describes the components of the capability dimension. Annex A provides a statement of
conformance of the Process Assessment Model to the requirements defined in ISO/IEC 15504-2.
ISO/IEC 15504-2 requires that processes included in a process reference model satisfy the following:
"The fundamental elements of a Process Reference Model are the set of descriptions of the processes within
the scope of the model. These process descriptions shall meet the following requirements:
a) A process shall be described in terms of its Purpose and Outcomes.
b) In any description the set of process outcomes shall be necessary and sufficient to achieve the purpose of
the process.
c) Process descriptions shall be such that no aspects of the measurement framework as described in clause 5
of this International Standard beyond level 1 are contained or implied."
As processes are derived directly from ISO/IEC 15288, these requirements are satisfied.
The Process Assessment Model includes processes, which are grouped in four process groups identical to
the process groups in ISO/IEC 15288. The four process groups are:
 the Agreement system life cycle processes group;
 the Organizational project-enabling processes system life cycle processes group;
 the Project system life cycle processes group;
 the Technical system life cycle processes group.
In addition, the Tailoring Process is included since this is defined in a normative Annex of ISO/IEC 15288. The
Tailoring Process is presented before the four process groups in order to align subsequent clause numbering
of processes in this document with equivalent processes in ISO/IEC 15288.
© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved 3

4.2.1 Processes
Figure 2 — Process Grouping
Figure 2 lists the processes from ISO/IEC 15288, which are included in the process dimension of the
exemplar System Life Cycle Process Assessment Model.
Each Process Group includes a list of the processes it contains. Each process is identified with a Process
Identifier [ID] consisting of the Group abbreviated name and a sequential number of the process in that Group.
The Process Groups are described in more detail below.
4.2.1.1 Agreement System Life Cycle Process Group
The Agreement process group consists of processes performed in order to establish agreements with
organizational entities external and internal to the organization. These processes define the activities
necessary to establish an agreement between two organizations. Invocation of the Acquisition Process
provides the means for conducting business with a supplier of products that are supplied for use as an
operational system, of services in support of an operational system, or of elements of a system being
developed by a project. Invocation of the Supply Process provides the means for conducting a project in which
the result is a product or service that is delivered to the acquirer.
This group includes the processes listed in Table 1.
4 © ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved

Table 1 — Agreement System Life Cycle Process Group
Process
Process name
Identification
AGR.1 Acquisition Process
AGR.2 Supply Process
4.2.1.2 Enterprise System Life Cycle Process Group
The Enterprise process group consists of processes performed in order to manage the organization’s
capability to acquire and supply products or services through the initiation, support and control of projects.
They provide resources and infrastructure necessary to support projects and ensure the satisfaction of
organizational objectives and established agreements. They are not intended to be a comprehensive set of
business processes that enable strategic management of the organization’s business.
This group includes the processes listed in Table 2.
Table 2 — Organizational Project-Enabling System Life Cycle Process Group
Process
Process name
Identification
ENT.1 Life Cycle Model Management Process
ENT.2 Project Portfolio Management Process
ENT.3 Infrastructure Management Process
ENT.4 Human Resource Management Process
ENT.5 Quality Management Process

4.2.1.3 Project System Life Cycle Process Group
The Project process group consists of processes performed in order to establish and evolve project plans, to
assess actual achievement and progress against the plans and to control execution of the project through to
fulfilment. Individual Project Processes may be invoked at any time in the life cycle and at any level in a
hierarchy of projects, as required by project plans or unforeseen events. The Project Processes are applied
with a level of rigour and formality that depends on the risk and complexity of the project.
This group includes the processes listed in Table 3.
Table 3 — Project System Life Cycle Process Group
Process
Process name
Identification
PRJ.1 Project Planning Process
PRJ.2 Measurement Process
PRJ.3 Project Assessment and Control Process
PRJ.4 Decision Management Process
PRJ.5 Risk Management Process
PRJ.6 Configuration Management Process
PRJ.7 Information Management Process
© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved 5

4.2.1.4 Technical System Life Cycle Process Group
The Technical process group consists of processes performed in order to define the requirements for a
system; to transform the requirements into an effective product; to permit consistent reproduction of the
product where necessary; to use a product to provide the required services; to sustain the provision of those
services; and to dispose of the product when it is retired from service.
This group includes the processes listed in Table 4.
The Technical Processes define the activities that enable enterprise and project functions to optimize the
benefits and reduce the risks that arise from technical decisions and actions. These activities enable products
and services to possess the timeliness and availability, the cost effectiveness, and the functionality, reliability,
maintainability, producibility, usability and other qualities required by acquiring and supplying organizations.
They also enable products and services to conform to the expectations or legislated requirements of society,
including health, safety, security and environmental factors.
Table 4 —Technical System Life Cycle Process Group
Process
Process name
Identification
TEC.1 Stakeholder Requirements Definition Process
TEC.2 Requirements Analysis Process
TEC.3 Architectural Design Process
TEC.4 Implementation Process
TEC.5 Integration Process
TEC.6 Verification Process
TEC.7 Transition Process
TEC.8 Validation Process
TEC.9 Operation Process
TEC.10 Maintenance Process
TEC.11 Disposal Process
4.2.1.5 Tailoring Process
The Tailoring Process is performed in order to adapt the system life cycle processes of ISO/IEC 15288 and to
define the life cycle stages that describe a life cycle model appropriate to particular circumstances of an
organization. This process is derived from the requirements of the System Life Cycle Processes Management
Process.
4.2.2 Process dimension
The process dimension of the Process Assessment Model includes all processes listed in Figure 2. The
processes are classified into 5 Process Groups. Each process in the Process Assessment Model is described
in terms of a purpose statement. These statements contain the unique functional objectives of the process
when performed in a particular environment. A list of specific outcomes is associated with each of the process
purpose statements, as a list of expected positive results of the processes’ performance.
Satisfying the purpose statements of a process represents the first step in building a level 1 process capability
where the expected outcomes are observable. The Process Groups and their associated processes are
described in Clause 5.
6 © ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved

4.2.3 Capability dimension
For the capability dimension, the process capability levels and process attributes are identical to those defined
in ISO/IEC 15504-2.
Evolving process capability is expressed in the Process Assessment Model in terms of process attributes
grouped into capability levels. Process attributes are features of a process that can be evaluated on a scale of
achievement, providing a measure of the capability of the process. They are applicable to all processes. Each
process attribute describes a facet of the overall capability of managing and improving the effectiveness of a
process in achieving its purpose and contributing to the business goals of the organization.
A capability level is a set of process attribute(s) that work together to provide a major enhancement in the
capability to perform a process. The levels constitute a rational way of progressing through improvement of
the capability of any process and are defined in ISO/IEC 15504-2.
There are six capability levels, incorporating nine process attributes.
Level 0: Incomplete process
The process is not implemented, or fails to achieve its process purpose.
At this level, there is little or no evidence of any systematic achievement of the process purpose.
Level 1: Performed process
The implemented process achieves its process purpose.
Level 2: Managed process
The previously described Performed process is now implemented in a managed fashion (planned, monitored
and adjusted) and its work products are appropriately established, controlled and maintained.
Level 3: Established process
The previously described Managed process is now implemented using a defined process that is capable of
achieving its process outcomes.
Level 4: Predictable process
The previously described Established process now operates within defined limits to achieve its process
outcomes.
Level 5: Optimizing process
The previously described Predictable process is continuously improved to meet relevant current and projected
business goals.
Within the Process Assessment Model, the measure of capability is based upon the nine process attributes
(PA) defined in ISO/IEC 15504-2. Process attributes are used to determine whether a process has reached a
given capability. Each attribute measures a particular aspect of the process capability.
At each level there is no ordering between the process attributes; each attribute addresses a specific aspect
of the capability level. The list of process attributes is shown in Table 5.
© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved 7

Table 5 — Capability levels and process attributes
Capability Levels
Process Attribute ID
and Process Attributes
Level 0: Incomplete process
Level 1: Performed process
PA 1.1 Process performance
Level 2: Managed process
PA 2.1 Performance management
PA 2.2 Work product management
Level 3: Established process
PA 3.1 Process definition
Process deployment
PA 3.2
Level 4: Predictable process
PA 4.1 Process measurement
PA 4.2 Process control
Level 5: Optimizing process
PA 5.1 Process innovation
PA 5.2 Continuous optimization

The process attributes are evaluated on a four point ordinal scale of achievement, as defined in
ISO/IEC 15504-2. They provide insight into the specific aspects of process capability required to support
process improvement and capability determination.
4.3 Assessment Indicators
The Process Assessment Model is based on the principle that the capability of a process can be assessed by
demonstrating the achievement of process attributes on the basis of evidence related to assessment
indicators.
There are two types of assessment indicators: process capability indicators, which apply to capability levels 1
to 5 and process performance indicators, which apply exclusively to capability level 1. These indicators are
defined in Clause 4.3.2.
The process attributes in the capability dimension have a set of process capability indicators that provide an
indication of the extent of achievement of the attribute in the instantiated process. These indicators concern
significant activities, resources or results associated with the achievement of the attribute purpose by a
process.
The process capability indicators are:
 Generic Practice (GP);
 Generic Resource (GR);
 Generic Work Product (GWP).
As additional indicators for supporting the assessment of a process at Level 1, each process in the process
dimension has a set of process performance indicators which is used to measure the degree of achievement
of the process performance attribute for the process assessed.
The process performance indicators are:
 Base Practice (BP);
 Work Product (WP).
8 © ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved

The performance of Base Practices (BPs) provides an indication of the extent of achievement of the process
purpose and process outcomes. Work Products (WPs) are either used or produced (or both), when performing
the process.
CAPCAPABILITABILITYY
DimensionDimension
FoForr each each attribattributeute
ProcessProcessAssessment
PA.1.1 to PA 5.2
---- 55 OptimizingOptimizing
LevLeveel l : :
Process capability assessment (Level 1 to 5)
based on Process Attribute Indicators (PAI):
---- 44 PredictablePredictable
LevLeveel l : :
-- GP GP : : GenericGeneric PracticePractice
GRGR
-- : : GenericGeneric ResourceResource
---- 33 EstablishedEstablished
LevLeveel l : :
GWPGWP
-- : : GenericGeneric WorkWork ProductProduct
AAmpmplificatilification on
for PA 1.1for PA 1.1
---- 22 ManagedManaged
LevLeveel l : :
LevelLevel 11
---- LevLeveel l 11 : : PerformedPerformed
Additional indicators for process
performance assessment based on
---- LevLeveel l 00 : : IncompleteIncomplete
performance indicators:
BPBP
-- : Base practices: Base practices
-- WPWP : : WorkWork productsproducts
Agreement processes
PROCESPROCESSS
DimensionDimension
Organizational
project-enabling
Project processes
processes
Technical processes
Figure 3 — Assessment indicators
The process performance and process capability indicators defined in the Process Assessment Model
represent types of objective evidence that might be found in an instantiation of a process and therefore could
be used to judge achievement of capability.
Figure 3 shows how the assessment indicators are related to process performance and process capability.
4.3.1 Process Capability Indicators
The three types of process capability indicators related to levels 1 to 5 are identified in Figure 4. They are
intended to be applicable to all processes.

© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved 9

Capability
Capability
Dimension
level 1-5
Process
Attribute
Process
attribute
achievement
Generic
Generic
Generic
Practice
Work Products
Resources Generic
Practice
Generic
Practice
Figure 4 — Process capability indicators
All the process capability indicators relate to the process attributes defined in the capability dimension of the
Process Assessment Model. They represent the type of evidence that would support judgments of the extent
to which the attributes are achieved. Evidence of their effective performance or existence supports the
judgment of the degree of achievement of the attribute. The generic practices are the principal indicators of
process capability.
The Generic Practice (GP) indicators are activities of a generic type and provide guidance on the
implementation of the attribute's characteristics. They support the achievement of the process attribute and
many of them concern management practices, i.e. practices that are established to support the process
performance as it is characterized at level 1. In general, performance of all generic practices is expected for
full achievement of the process attribute.
The Generic Resource (GR) indicators are associated resources that may be used when performing the
process in order to achieve the attribute. These resources may include human resources, tools, methods and
infrastructure. The availability of a resource indicates the potential to fulfil the purpose of a specific attribute.
NOTE The assessor should interpret the generic resources according to the process assessed; e.g. for PA2.1
resources (with identified objectives, responsibilities and authorities) an assessor would look for roles (with identified
objectives, responsibilities and authorities) in project and technical processes, but for enterprise and agreement processes
would look for governance structures, e.g. mandated committees, positions, (with identified objectives, responsibilities and
authorities).
The Generic Work Product (GWP) indicators are sets of characteristics that would be expected to be evident
in work products of generic types as a result of achievement of an attribute. The generic work products form
the basis for the classification of the work products defined as process performance indicators; they represent
basic types of work products that may be inputs to or outputs from all types of process.
These three types of indicators help to establish objective evidence of the extent of achievement of the
specified process attribute.
10 © ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved

Due to the fact that Level 1 capability of a process is only characterized by the measure of the extent to which
the
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