31 Jan 2001
Ref: 175/2000
BAE Systems Mission Solutions, San Diego, California, has achieved an impressive Level 3 rating in all 18 process areas of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Systems Engineering Capability Maturity Model (SE-CMM).
In the comprehensive formal appraisal of Mission Solutions’ systems engineering processes, an eight-person team, led by two members of the Software Productivity Consortium based in Herndon, Virginia, surveyed programmes in Mission Solutions' four focused business units, analysed data from programme chief engineers, reviewed programme documentation and artefacts, and interviewed lead personnel and engineering practitioners.
In addition, the team considered Mission Solutions' organisational policies and processes in conjunction with management team interviews. Findings from this in-depth appraisal process were confirmed with those interviewed and used to determine the rating, on a scale from 0 to 5, for each of the 18 SE-CMM Process Areas.
“In achieving Level 3, "Well Defined," for all 18 process areas, we have demonstrated our consistent application in practice of a well-defined, organisation-wide standards process for systems engineering,” said Dr. Eric Lasley, vice president for research and engineering. “We are the only company I know of that has achieved such a high level in all 18 areas -- a testament to the quality of our people.”
Key strengths identified during this appraisal were:
Organisational standard processes understood and followed across organisation
Dedicated commitment to training contributes significantly to business competitiveness
Quality focus throughout programme life cycle
Strong employee commitment and pride in meeting customer needs.
Note to Editors
BAE Systems Mission Solutions employs more than 2,000 employees, who provide a wide spectrum of information technology products. Included in those products are high-quality image exploitation and archiving systems for mapping, charting and geodesy (MC&G) applications, automated battle management and mission planning systems for manned and unmanned airborne platforms, test equipment for advanced electronic systems, and off-the-self software for photogrammetric workstations.
BAE Systems North America employs 25,000 people in the design, development, integration, manufacture and support of a wide range of advanced aerospace products and intelligent electronic systems for government and commercial customers. BAE Systems is the truly global systems, defence and aerospace company. BAE Systems employs more than 100,00 people, in nine home markets around the world and has annual sales of some $19 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products.
