Research into long-term improvements in small- to medium-sized organisations using SPICE as a framework for standards

From 1994 to 1999, M. Sanders worked on several European Commission (E.C.)-sponsored programmes to transfer knowledge on how best to implement software process improvement (SPI). Each had its own formula, some using a specific standard or model. She had a hand in developing and/or delivering six programmes that reached dozens of companies in many European countries. Various reports were written about the short-term benefits of these programmes. This research is to revisit companies that took part in these programmes to determine what longterm (6-12 years) benefits, if any, they derived from SPI. And if they did derive benefits, how much of this can be attributed to the work done in these early SPI programmes? The overall research has a sub-research component, that of developing a Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination (SPICE)-assessment model which can be used to evaluate the current status of companies, no matter what improvement process or standard they followed. This article describes the activities involved in development of this model and how it is being used in the context of the overall research. Other pre-research activities are described in this article, such as selection of an assessment tool; database developed for companies; development profile for each company selected; development of tools for communications with companies - letters, questionnaires and communications protocols. We are in the middle of the research phase now.