using managed test teams an alternative to out-sourcing or in-sourcing testing ståle amland, hulda...
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UsingManaged Test Teams
An Alternative to Out-sourcing or In-sourcing
testing
Ståle Amland,Hulda Garborgsv. 2, N-4020 STAVANGER, NORWAY
Mob:+47 905 28 930, Phone: +47 51 58 05 87, Fax: +47 51 58 55 24e-mail: [email protected]
ICSTEST 2001
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Presentation OutlineManaged test teams (MTT):
What?Why?Experiences
Alternative risk and reward profiles
Alternative test organisations
Summary
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The Managed Team Concept
Externally resourced – internally managedBest practice from various sectorsShared risk via mutual agreed objectives
The team must understand their responsibility
Optimise use of internal resources, IT & BusinessProcedural framework
GuidelinesStandardsTemplatesCoverage criteriaBut: the team should use their expertise
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The CasesCase 1 – Railway Industry
Y2K programme100+ Business Critical ApplicationsUSD30 million budget, 140 staff4 x Managed Test Teams – 40 staff
Case 2 – Telecommunication IndustrySoftware house, product releaseUSD2,2 million budget (testing)12 - 15 staff, 6 months
1 manager1 operation10 – 13 planning / preparation
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ExpectationsProfessional Approach
Testing expertise and abilityProfessional team management
FlexibilityTeam Rivalry
Potential conflicts
Delivery to timescaleCommercial Inertia
Concentrating on T&Cs instead of deliveries
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Experiences in a Multi-Vendor Programme
BackgroundHigh profile, multi/thread, multi environmentTime driven / no flexibilityInternal resource heavily committedTesting a critical activityExternal expertise availableExternal remediation / development
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Experiences continuedIssues
Integration with internal resourcesManagement (corporate and project)Test Environment / operationUsers (availability)
Integration with external resourcesProgramme management / test authority
Learning curveStandards, methods and proceduresApplicationsReporting
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Experiences continuedIssues (continued)
AccountabilityTest CoverageQuality standards
Team structure Permanent vs. contractorTeam Expertise (leaders and doers)Combination of business knowledge and testing experienceNumber of teams (balance load, avoid management overhead)
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Experience: Expectations vs. reality
Professional Approach - Achieved
Flexibility - Achieved
Team Rivalry - Not Met
Delivery to timescale - Achieved
Commercial Inertia - Not met
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Expectations vs. reality cont.
Lessons learntEnsure correct team structure
Permanent / ContractorsBusiness Knowledge / testing experienceRetain experienced teams
Benefit from external experienceChallenged existing practise
Ensure critical mass is retainedKeep the core team together by providing new challenges continuouslyAvoid dilution of core team
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Presentation OutlineManaged test teams (MTT)
Alternative risk and reward profilesFixed PriceTarget BudgetTime and Material
Alternative test organisations
Summary
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Risk Profile – Fixed PriceAgreed fixed price prior to test execution
Used for System Test , Acceptance Test or equivalent “stand alone” test phasesPrice agreed as part of specification, design and/or codingTest organisation takes all risk
Obvious problemsLack of information about qualityChallenge to agree acceptance criteriaCooperation between client and test organisation
Pros. & Cons.Easy budgeting Test organisation might take short cuts…Price will have to include high risk contingency
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Risk Profile – Target Budget
Incentives Time & MaterialAgree target budget
If overrun: reduced payment to test organisationIf under run: split the savings (”profit”) between client and test organisationTest organisation takes risk
Obvious ProblemsChallenge to agree acceptance criteria
Pros. & Cons.Incitements for both organisation to increase productivityTest organisation might take short cuts…
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Risk Profile – Time & Material
Testing take as long as it takes…Deadlines will be agreed in project planExtensions must be documentedTest organisation takes very limited risk
Obvious problemsTo meet deadlinesAgree criteria for extensions / acceptance criteria
Pros. & Cons.Focus on quality and product risk, not deadlines onlyComplicated to control for client
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Presentation OutlineManaged test teams (MTT)
Alternative risk and reward profiles
Alternative test organisationsTest FactoryOutsourcing
Summary
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Test Factory – ObjectivesA permanent organisational unit, responsible for
Test methodologyTemplates / standardsTrainingTest environment (hw&sw)
Services providedTrainingTest managementTest environment management
NOT responsible forTests and test dataQualityHand-over to production
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Test Factory Pros. & Cons.Benefits
Small but permanent organisational unitEfficient / focusing on re-use across businessGood control of test level in each projectEfficient management of test environmentGood integration with project management and development
DrawbacksNo additional resources, lack of flexibilityNot focused on managing contractors
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Outsourcing – ObjectivesDefinition
Tasks which are carried out by a third partyTypically done offsiteOption:
Integrating tasks into current test process
Building relations to an experienced test and project management organisation
Providing experienced personnel when required
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“Outsourcing” alternativesOutsourcing the total SQA function
Adding Testing Expertise
Adding Testers
Insurance (“Double checking”)
And variations…
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Outsourcing Pros. & Cons.Benefits
High flexibility regarding resourcesTest expertise availability
DrawbacksIntegration with internal organisationTeam rivalry – lack of communicationPotential contention between developers and testersLack of business knowledgeMust be internally managed
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SummaryManaged Test Team
A viable Approach?Absolutely!
BenefitsProfessional Expertise and flexibility
ChallengesSelecting the right teams and team structure
Variation of Outsourcing
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References
Hamblen, G., Managing Outsourced Testing (On time and On Budget), www.stickymind.com, [email protected], J., Outsourcing, STQE Magazine Nov./Dec. 1999, Volume 1, Issue 6, www.stqemagazine.com