Software Testing Disciplines Non-Technical Discipline Road Map
TEST MANAGEMENT
The test management discipline focuses on two roles. The test lead, the person who is in charge of a test project, and the test manager, the person in charge of the future direction of testing in an organisation. Administrative positions like team leader are not covered as they are not directly related to the act of testing. The section is broken up into two sections; one for test lead and one for the test manager.
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Test Lead Skills
Is aware of and understands each of the other disciplines so that the test plan can include accurate resource provisions and estimates Concept Provide input into processes for test design peer reviews Responsibility Provide input into processes for test case specification peer reviews Responsibility Provide input into processes for test execution peer reviews Responsibility Provide input into the defect workflow process Responsibility Produce a test plan without relying on a template Responsibility Provide input into the project initiation phase by supplying a high level testing strategy, test estimates and test resource needs. Responsibility Produce the test summary report at the completion of a testing project. Responsibility Allocate effort to members of the test team relative to their discipline Responsibility Negotiate sponsor signoff with the project owners Responsibility Discuss, mentor or train current employees on testing fundamentals Responsibility Communicate effectively with the project manager on project progress Responsibility Report to test management the performance of the project team Responsibility
Ryan Boucher, 2010 http://www.distributedlife.com
Level 5
Level 1
Software Testing Disciplines Non-Technical Discipline Road Map
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Test Lead Skills
Produce metrics to test management regarding performance of the test team and the project Responsibility Effectively communicate with the development lead to negotiate test engagement Responsibility Effectively communicate with the development lead to negotiate defect resolution processes Responsibility Test Plan outlines the testing effort to be undertaken on a given project. Includes scope, estimations, risks and issues, environment configuration, resourcing and required disciplines. Artefact Test Summary Report details the testing that was undertaken on the project and the state of the testing Artefact
Ryan Boucher, 2010 http://www.distributedlife.com
Level 5
Level 1
Software Testing Disciplines Non-Technical Discipline Road Map
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Test Management Skills
Understands different estimation models, how they relate to testing within the organisation Concept Understand the various models that exist for software testing and which is one is more appropriate for the organisation Concept Understands the different test environment configurations Concept Is aware of and understands each of the other disciplines so that the test strategy can include accurate resource provisions and estimates Concept Can estimate effectively for future testing effort Responsibility Define processes for test design peer reviews Responsibility Define processes for test case specification peer reviews Responsibility Define processes for test execution peer reviews Responsibility Define the defect workflow process Responsibility Plan the test environment configuration is best given the organisational resources Responsibility Define the structure for teams working within the testing area Responsibility Review current skill sets and allocate training or acquire new resources to cover current skill shortages Responsibility Define the role testing plays in the organisation Responsibility Recruitment and retention of skilled testing personnel based on current and future testing needs Responsibility Planning, deploying, and managing the testing effort for any given engagement / release. Responsibility Produce the short term test strategy Responsibility Produce the test future direction plan Responsibility Report to upper management the performance of the testing team Responsibility
Ryan Boucher, 2010 http://www.distributedlife.com
Level 5
Level 1
Software Testing Disciplines Non-Technical Discipline Road Map
Short Term Test Strategy defines the testing resources, training, approaches and utilisation over the coming 12-24 month period Artefact Test Future Direction Plan defines the testing resource, training and approaches to meet the expected organisational testing needs based on the CTO Future Direction Artefact
Ryan Boucher, 2010 http://www.distributedlife.com
