Abstract
Capability Maturity Models^®^ (CMM^®^) and appraisals generally use subjective and graphical means to determine maturity levels and to detect differences among groups of employees. The addition of simple statistical tests can increase the formality and objectivity of the CMM^®^ appraisal and foster greater comparison among industries and project groups. Proportion tests are proposed as a type of analysis that will provide formal tests for achievement of maturity level. Six simulated data sets were created that have the same structure as the EIA‐731 standard. Binomial probabilities were selected to approximate a level 1, 3, and 5 maturity type of organizations. In all cases, a greater probability of a “yes” response increased as employee seniority increased. Results show that proportion tests became nonsignificant at the maturity level expected and therefore can be used to detect achievement of maturity level. It is concluded that this simple statistical test can help increase the formality of the CMM approach and can be easily implemented by appraisal teams. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.[^†^ This article is a U.S. Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.] Syst Eng 5: 242–252, 2002