CH05. L01. Test-organization

Summary

This video script delves into 'Test Management', highlighting the importance of test organization and the varying degrees of independence in testing teams. It explores six options for test team structure, from developers testing their own code to outsourcing to external experts. The script emphasizes the benefits of independent testers, such as unbiased bug detection, and their drawbacks, including potential isolation and bottleneck issues in the development process. It also discusses the roles of test managers and testers, the importance of test planning, and the factors influencing the choice of test team independence, such as project size, complexity, and testing level requirements.

Takeaways

• 📚 The chapter focuses on 'Test Management', covering six main areas: Test organization, planning, monitoring, configuration, risk, and incident management.
• 👥 Test Organization & Independence is about how a test manager organizes the testing process and selects the right team to ensure success.
• 🤔 Key questions addressed include how to acquire testers and whether to build an independent testing team separate from developers.
• 🔄 Discusses various testing scenarios ranging from developers testing their own code to having a fully independent testing team.
• 👓 The importance of independence in testing is highlighted, with the potential issues of developers not finding their own mistakes.
• 🔑 Six options for assigning testers are presented, from in-house developers to outsourcing to external organizations for specialized, neutral, and experienced testing.
• 🏢 The choice of testing independence depends on factors like project size, complexity, product type, and project risks.
• 🛠 The role of an independent tester includes acting as a new, unbiased perspective to catch bugs and ensure objectives and specifications are met.
• 🔒 The drawbacks of independence include potential isolation and the risk of testers becoming a bottleneck in the development process.
• 👩‍💼 The test manager's role involves creating a work plan, supervising testing activities, and deciding on automation and tool requirements.
• 🔍 Testers are responsible for executing the testing process, reviewing specifications, and ensuring the test environment is suitable for software testing.

Q & A

What are the main parts of 'Test Management' as mentioned in the script?

The main parts of 'Test Management' are Test organization, Test planning and Estimation, Test progress Monitoring and control, Configuration Management, Risk and Testing, and Incident Management.

What is the primary role of a test manager in the testing process?

The primary role of a test manager is to plan and organize the testing process, including choosing the test teams, to ensure the success of the testing process.

Why is it problematic for a developer to test their own code?

It is problematic because it is difficult for someone to find their own mistakes, as they may overlook errors they are accustomed to.

What are the different options for the testing process as described in the script?

The options range from the developer testing their own work, to having another developer from the same team test the code, to assigning an independent test team within the same organization, to having an independent tester from a business organization or user community, to assigning a specialized independent tester, and finally, outsourcing to an external organization.

What factors determine the choice of independence level for testers in a project?

The factors include the project's size, complexity, the type of product, project risks, and the type of testing needed, such as component, integration, system, or acceptance testing.

Why is it important to have an independent testing team for larger and more complex projects?

An independent testing team is important for larger and more complex projects because they can provide a neutral and objective testing process, ensuring that the software meets its objectives and specifications without being influenced by the developers' biases.

What are the benefits of having independent testers?

The benefits include a fresh perspective on finding bugs, focusing on the testing process objectives, and the ability to determine if the set objectives and specifications are fulfilled.

What are the drawbacks of having independent testers?

The drawbacks include potential isolation between the developer and tester, which can lead to communication gaps and testers being perceived as a bottleneck, especially in the waterfall model where they are at the end of the process.

What are the two important roles in the testing stage mentioned in the script?

The two important roles are the test manager, who creates the work plan and supervises testing activities, and the tester, who executes the testing process.

What responsibilities does a tester have during the test preparation process?

A tester's responsibilities include checking and applying the plan set by the manager, reviewing and analyzing specifications and requirements, creating test specifications, setting up the test environment, and reviewing work products done by other team members.