Motivation
ISO/IEC 15504 provides not only a framework to define, evaluate and improve the processes of an organisation.  The framework sets out the requirements for performance of a conformant assessment which include requirements to the competency of the assessors.

This course  covers the fundamentals for performing conformant assessments in theory and practice and fulfils the requirements of intacs™ (International Assessor Certification Scheme) for Provisional Assessor Training.

According to intacs regulations, the training for the qualification of intacs™ Provisional Assessor (ISO/IEC 15504) is not specific to a specific assessment model (such as Automotive SPICE^® or ISO/IEC 15504 part 5), but covers several examples of such models, and prepares the student to use any conformant model.

Trainees will be able to

• navigate through the all parts of ISO/IEC 15504.
• understand and explain the use of software process assessment.
• develop a procedure for conducting ISO/IEC 15504-conformant assessments.
• assemble and brief an assessment team.
• plan and conduct assessments using a ISO/IEC 15504 conformant assessment models (such as that in ISO/IEC 15504-5 or Automotive SPICE^®).
• present the results of assessment to the assessed organisation.
• appreciate how the results of an assessment might be applied to the purposes of process improvement.

The course comprises a combination of lectures, group exercises and practical role play as well as a complete case study. Delegate participation, in the form of case studies, classroom presentations and role-play exercises, comprise approximately 60% of the course time.

Participants that have successfully passed the final exam, and have the requisite professional experience and education,  fulfil the essential conditions for becoming a certification as a Provisional Assessor.
Participants are recommended to bring a laptop computer for use in the practical exercises.

Content

• Process Assessment Concepts
• ISO/IEC 15504 Architecture: Components and Relationships
  • The Capability Dimension: Capability Levels and Process Attributes
  • The Measurement Framework: Process Profiles and Capability Level Ratings
  • The Process Dimension and Process Reference Models (including ISO/IEC 12207 AM1 & 2, Automotive SPICE^®)
  • Models and Indicators
• Requirements for conformance of assessment models
• The Assessment Models in ISO/IEC 15504-5 and Automotive SPICE^®
• Applying Assessment Results: Contexts of Use
• The assessment process
  • Initiating an Assessment: Assembling the Inputs
  • Performing an Assessment: Planning
  • Data Collection: Document Reviews
  • Data Collection: Interviews
  • Data Validation and Process Rating
  • Reporting the results of an assessment
  • Verifying Assessment Conformance
• Assessor Competence
  • Establishing and Verifying Competence
  • The International Assessor Certification Scheme
• Case Study and Role Plays - a realistic scenario is provided with supporting documentation, to allow the participants to conduct a short assessment.  The participants have the opportunity to practise the main activities of assessments, including assessment initiation, conducting interviews, document analysis, data validation, rating and reporting.
• Examination

The course is entirely based on the new version of ISO/IEC 15504 (International Standard), and in particular uses the new assessment model, which was published in March 2006.

Our trainers
The SYNSPACE trainers are certified Principal Assessors, and intacs certified instructors. They have several years of experience in assessments and conducting process improvement programs in the automotive, medical instrument, aerospace, bank and telecommunication sectors.

Prerequisites
intacs™ defines no necessary prerequisites. However, a professional experience of at least 3 years in Software/System Development, Programming, Quality Assurance and Management, or Project Management is recommended.

Language
The course material is in English language. The course itself will be held in the following languages:

• German
• English

Duration
5 days, including examination.