Test and Quality Program Definition

Managing Technology works with product teams and senior management to create comprehensive definitions of testing and quality that align with the business needs of the company. The emphasis is on building a consensus throughout the organization on the preferred approaches to manual testing, automated testing and quality assurance. The resulting approaches are documented in a fashion that allows the company to measure progress towards implementing the improvements. If asked, Managing Technology can take a leadership role in moving the company into the new testing and quality programs.

A comprehensive test program is usually implemented by the test team and significantly influenced by software development, customer support and product or business management. Managing Technology works with these organizations to develop a consensus around manual and automated testing strategies and tactics during all aspects of the product life cycle. Testing evolves beyond simple test execution into the areas of defect management, test management, and the generation of key metrics and status.

A comprehensive quality program acknowledges that all aspects of a company, from product definition through sales and support, have an impact on the predictability of projects and the customer’s perception of the quality. Managing Technology works with senior management in the various functional organizations to define and implement a quality program that aligns with the expectations of customers and the business realities of the company. The quality program builds on the project activities found in each functional area. The activities are understood in the context of how they impact the delivery of product and services to the customer. The end result is a roadmap for improving these activities to move the company into the next stages of project predictability and increased customer satisfaction.


The Approach
Managing Technology reviews the complete product life cycle. Interviews are conducted with members of each functional organization and with key customers. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the influence each functional team has on defining deliverables and driving schedules.
The definition of a test program begins by first understanding the key quality drivers as perceived by customers and internal groups. These are rated as to importance. Recommended approaches to manual and automated testing are developed to ensure coverage for each of these quality areas. The recommendations span ideal levels of testing through testing that is feasible given current resource and budget limitations. Plans are developed for incrementally moving the organization from the current test capabilities toward the preferred levels and types of testing.

The definition of a quality program begins by first understanding how each functional team influences decisions of what features appear in a deliverable and when the deliverable should be given to customers. Each functional team’s interaction with the customer is evaluated in terms of how they interact today and how the team might work to improve overall customer satisfaction. This information is considered in the context of the overall product life cycle. Special emphasis is placed on requirements definition, project planning, change management, and customer involvement in testing and early release. Recommended approaches are documented for improving internal processes and better aligning projects with customer involvement and customer expectations. It is not uncommon for quality program improvement to involve significant impacts to the overall product life cycle.