The Process QuickCheck^TM (PQC) is an informative assessment vehicle that can be administered in a reasonably short amount of time. The PQC picks up where the PSC (Process SelfCheck) leaves off. Based on the full Cobit 4.1 framework, the PQC takes a more detailed look at your IT process and control structure. Where the PSC relies on approximately 70 metrics to addresses 32 processes, the PQC uses more then 300 assessment focused metrics to evaluate the state of all 34 Cobit 4.1 processes. Employment of this level of detail ensures that the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) score for each process is substantiated and reliable for the purpose of setting an accurate baseline.

In addition to expanding the scope of the assessment and verifying the results of the PSC, the PQC is used to probe into the relevancy of each process within your organization. While all processes are considered important for the optimization of IT resources, specific relevancy can vary widely on the organization by organization basis. Relevancy is the key to setting targets for specific process areas. The relevancy data gathered through the PQC, will be used to map maturity targets for different processes. This information can then be overlaid upon the CMM data for each process and a gap analysis performed. The differences found will provide the basis for a targeted improvement plan.

Look here for a sample assessment instrument for the first Plan and Organize process -- PO1: Define a Strategic IT Plan.

The PQC is delivered onsite by K12TW staff. Using a face-to-face interview process, K12TW staff will probe key personnel for responses that will enable both the CMM scoring and the evaluation of relevancy. Note that the goal of the QuickCheck^TM assessment is to establish a baseline that can then be tied to organizational relevancy and facilitate the associated gap analysis. The PQC is client-input based assessment. It provides its results based on the input received from client staff designated for the interview process and does not include a validation aspect. Validation and process analysis are part and parcel to the Process Advanced Review (PAR).

A typical Process QuickCheck^TM will require one to two days onsite and an equivalent amount of time reviewing and analyzing the data. Upon completion, engagement deliverables include:

• Report including all of the information gathered through the process
• Complete CMM scoring for all 34 Cobit 4.1 processes
• Detail of the relevancy identified for each process
• Quick Check Gap Analysis
• High-level findings and recommendations

The findings of the Process QuickCheck^TM, as packaged in the service deliverables, will provide all of the information necessary to direct the efforts required to development a complete process improvement plan.