Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Capabilities Maturity Model
     
         (CMM) The {Software Engineering Institute}'s model
        of {software engineering} that specifies five levels of
        maturity of the processes of a software organisation.  CMM
        offers a framework for evolutionary process improvement.
        Originally applied to software development (SE-CMM), it has
        been expanded to cover other areas including Human Resources
        and Software Acquitition.
     
        The levels - focii - and key process areas are:
     
        Level 1 Initial - Heroes - None.
     
        Level 2 Repeatable - Project Management - Software Project
        Planning, Software Project Tracking and Oversight, Software
        Subcontract Management, Software Quality Assurance, Software
        Configuration Management, Requirements Management.
     
        Level 3 Defined - Engineering Process - Organisation Process
        Focus, Organisation Process Definition, Peer Reviews, Training
        Program, Inter-group Coordination, Software Product
        Engineering, Integrated Software Management.
     
        Level 4 Managed - Product and Process Quality - Software
        Quality Management, Quantitative Process Management.
     
        Level 5 Optimising - Continuous Improvement - Process Change
        Management, Technology Change Management, Defect Prevention.
     
        [Reference?]
     
        (2001-04-28)