scope:

This handbook defines methods for process assessment and improvement that may be used to meet the requirements on process assessment and improvement of the EN16602-80 (equivalent to ECSS-Q-ST-80C) subclause 5.7. These methods constitute a clear and proven w ay of implementing those requirements. Alternative methods can be used provided that they meet the detailed instructions provided in this handbook for recognition of software process assessment schemes and results and process improvement. This handbook provides a detailed method for the implementation of the requirements of the EN16602-80 for software process assessment and improvement. It also establishes detailed instructions for alternative methods intended to meet the same EN16602-80 requirements. The process assessment and improvement scheme presented in this handbook is based on and conformant to the ISO/IEC 15504 International Standard. In designing this process assessment and improvement scheme the ISO/IEC 15504 exemplar process assessment model w as adopted and extended to address specific requirements. The methods provided in this handbook can support organizations in meeting their business goals and in this context they can be tailored to suit their specific needs and requirements. How ever w hen used to claim compliance with relevant requirements in EN16602-80 only the steps and activities explicitly marked as recommended in this handbook may be omitted or modified.