Model Maturity Level, Assessment Process and Tool

The claim in this specification is in two parts:

• the process and the tool for evaluating the maturity level of a modeling instrument (the model maturity level). The process is an assessment of a modeling instrument using objective criteria based on the attributes that users require in models. The assessment relies upon objective documentary evidence (artifacts) showing that certain model attributes have been developed, attained, and proven through rigorous, industry standard processes. The assessment is captured in a tool composed of a description of the modeling instrument, a spreadsheet table (rubric) for recording the attainment of the objective criteria, and a summary of results. The overall MML is a score, no higher than the lowest score on nine individual criteria. To date, no mechanism has been developed in the government or in industry that can assess, objectively, the maturity of computer-based modeling instruments so that individual users are able to assess the utility of those modeling instruments for their individual uses.