Which of the following is true regarding CMMI practices?

• A. They are only applicable to software development
• B. They must be documented in formal reports
• C. They define what to do, but not how to do it
• D. They have strict definitions of roles and responsibilities

Answer: (C)

CMMI practices are designed to provide guidance on what organizations should aim to achieve in terms of process improvement. The essential aspect of these practices is that they focus on the outcomes and results that need to be accomplished rather than prescribing detailed methods or specific techniques for achieving those outcomes. This allows organizations flexibility in how they implement these practices, enabling them to adapt to their unique contexts and operational realities. Thus, while CMMI defines objectives and desired capabilities, it does not dictate the exact processes or procedures to follow, which aligns with the importance of adaptability in process improvement initiatives.

In contrast, while there are CMMI practices that might apply to software development, they extend beyond that specific area to various domains, including systems engineering, service delivery, and other organizational functions. The notion that practices must be documented in formal reports can vary based on the organization's specific processes and regulatory requirements; thus, it is not an inherent requirement of CMMI. Similarly, strict definitions of roles and responsibilities can be context-dependent and are not a universal aspect of CMMI practices, which emphasize a broader approach to process improvement rather than rigid role assignments.