Documentless Assessments Using Nominal Group Interviews

In a recent arXiv paper, Eduardo Miranda presents a novel group interview technique designed to conduct process assessments without relying on traditional documentation. The method, termed Nominal Group Interviews, adapts concepts from agile software development, specifically user stories and Planning Poker, to evaluate adherence to frameworks like CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration). Instead of reviewing documents or conducting audit-like interviews, the technique uses collaborative, structured discussions where participants frame CMMI practices as user stories and vote on their implementation using Planning Poker cards. This approach shifts the focus from document verification to group consensus and fact-finding, aiming to reduce the overhead and adversarial nature of conventional assessments.

Miranda reports successful application in a consulting assignment where the technique helped previously discordant stakeholders reach agreement on key issues. By borrowing agile's emphasis on collaboration and concrete examples, the method promises to streamline assessments, particularly in environments where documentation is sparse or outdated. The paper, published in Software Quality Professional and now on arXiv, highlights how this approach can foster engagement and alignment among participants, making process evaluations more efficient and less confrontational. While the technique is still emerging, it offers a pragmatic alternative for teams seeking to assess and improve their processes without heavy documentation burdens.