The STAGED representation is the approach used in the Software CMM. It is an approach that USES predefined sets of PROCESS areas to define an improvement path for an organization. This improvement path is described by a model component called a Maturity Level. A maturity level is a well-defined evolutionary plateau towards achieving improved organizational processes.

• Provides a proven sequence of improvements, each serving as a foundation for the next.
• Permits comparisons across and among organizations by the use of maturity levels.
• Provides an easy migration from the SW-CMM to CMMI.
• Provides a single rating that summarizes appraisal results and allows comparisons among organizations.
• Thus Staged Representation provides a pre-defined roadmap for organizational improvement based on proven grouping and ordering of processes and associated organizational relationships. You cannot DIVERT from the sequence of steps.

The staged representation is the approach used in the Software CMM. It is an approach that uses predefined sets of process areas to define an improvement path for an organization. This improvement path is described by a model component called a Maturity Level. A maturity level is a well-defined evolutionary plateau towards achieving improved organizational processes.