Download - Communication platforms
Confidential
Rev PA1 2012-01-04 1
Communication Platforms
Efficient Communication to Stakeholders
Introduction
As a tester it is critical to provide the right information to the right stakeholders
Different stakeholders need different information, through different channels
Handling this information flow is an essential part of a testers everyday job
Formalizing how this is done is needed in an enterprise verification organization
Overview
Identify Stakeholders
Identify Information
Content
Identify Information
Channels
Communication Platform
Identify Stakeholders
Every tester must be aware of their stakeholders – who bases decisions on the material the tester generates?
It is important to take the time to really map out which stakeholders are relevant in your context
Examples could be: Project Leaders, Line Managers, Developers, other Testers, and so on
Identify Information Content
When you know your stakeholders the next step is to understand what information they need to make accurate decisions
This could be specific information in the test reports, or what types of KPI and benchmarks are relevant for the stakeholders
Could also be the content of educational material or information sites
Granularity of Information
Just as important as the information content is the granularity with which it is presented
Understanding what level of detail stakeholders need is critical
Otherwise important information will be lost in information overflow, or omitted by mistake
Identify Information Channels
The final step is to understand how the information reaches the stakeholders, and if this setup is optimal both to the stakeholders and the testers
Examples could be: test reports, mails, word of mouth, meetings, wikis, presentations
Communication Platform Attributes
So what attributes are important to consider when setting up a communication platform?
Cost of providing information
Cost of receiving information
Information accurateness
Speed
Attractiveness
Communication Platform Risks
Setup and maintenance
cost of the Communication
Platform
Added gains of having a
formalized Communication
Platform
Conclusion
The right information must reach the right stakeholders through the right channels with the right granularity
In a large enterprise this requires a conscious effort to manage and must be done in a formalized manner
Always beware of the cost of setting up and maintaining this communication platform and compare it to the gains of having it