Assessing the capability and maturity of capstone software engineering projects

This paper describes an approach for assessing the capability and maturity of undergraduate software engineering projects. The approach is based on a simple adaptation of the Capability Maturity Model ® Integration and a hybrid version of the Team Software Process (TSPi). The approach was evaluated using 6 capstone project teams comprising 23 undergraduate software engineering students. A capability and maturity baseline was established at the end of first semester. A second capability and maturity assessment was undertaken towards the end of second semester. The approach was shown to focus student attention on process improvement and on the attainment of realistic and measurable project management goals. The approach was also found to contribute to the development of teamwork and leadership skills, and to prepare students for professional practice. © 2008, Australian Computer Society, Inc.