Which model, based on the premise that the quality of a software product is a direct function of the
quality of its associated software development and maintenance processes, introduced five levels
with which the maturity of an organization involved in the software process is evaluated?

A.
The Total Quality Model (TQM)

B.
The IDEAL Model

C.
The Software Capability Maturity Model

D.
The Spiral Model

Explanation:
The Capability Maturity Model for Software describes the principles and practices underlying
software process maturity and is intended to help software organizations improve the maturity of
their software processes in terms of an evolutionary path from ad hoc, chaotic processes to mature,
disciplined software processes. The CMM is organized into five maturity levels: 1) Initial. The
software process is characterized as ad hoc, and occasionally even chaotic. Few processes are
defined, and success depends on individual effort and heroics. 2) Repeatable. Basic project
management processes are established to track cost, schedule, and functionality. The necessary
process discipline is in place to repeat earlier successes on projects with similar applications. 3)
Defined. The software process for both management and engineering activities is documented,
standardized, and integrated into a standard software process for the organization. All projects use
an approved, tailored version of the organization’s standard software process for developing and
maintaining software. 4) Managed. Detailed measures of the software process and product quality
are collected. Both the software process and products are quantitatively understood and controlled.

5) Optimizing. Continuous process improvement is enabled by quantitative feedback from the
process and from piloting innovative ideas and technologies.