Task Descriptor: Plan Test Effort |
This task focuses on planning the test for the iteration.
Based on Method Task: Plan Test Effort
Relationships
Inputs | Mandatory: Test Motivator | Optional: [Project Definition and Scope] [Project Risk] [Project Work] Test Plan | External: None
Outputs | Test Plan
Steps
Align Test Approach with Test Mission and Objectives
Discuss the test mission with the development team. After gaining initial agreement on the test mission, goals, and specific objectives, define the test approach by outlining this information in the test plan.
Define Test Scope and Goals
Based on the agreed upon mission and test motivators, define the test scope for a particular test iteration. Test scoping on the iteration level should address both test type(s) and test level(s), and the technical boundaries. The goals must be measurable and clearly defined.
Define Testing Risks and Contingencies
Document testing risks and contingencies for risk mitigation in the test plan. If your risk planning is part of a larger risk management effort, coordinate testing risks with the risk analysis, design, and mitigation processes of the project manager. Ensure that test-related risk items are accurately traced to requirements and testing assets.
Outline Test Cases and Define Priorities and Dependencies
Define an outline of all test cases and test activities to be executed, in line with the goal and scope. Prioritize them based on the identified motivators, and the risks driving the current test effort.
Define Test Configurations
Using previously identified test configurations, define the test configurations needed for this iteration given the scope constraints and priorities. If no existent configuration matches your needs, start with a description of the software architecture, and focus on the deployment aspects for defining a new test environment.
Define Schedule and Entry and Exit Criteria
Develop a schedule for the test effort. Include specific entry and exit criteria for the development cycle. You may also find it useful to begin detailing work breakdown structures for the testing approach, and capture this in your test plan.
Create and Integrate Plans
Create iteration test plans as needed. Ensure that your test plan reflects the test planning approach captured on a detailed level in the iteration test plans. As the test planning progresses, capture your planning decisions in a test asset registry or repository that is capable of maintaining test asset dependencies among different test plans (master, iteration, level, and type).
Review Test Plan with Stakeholders
Review the test plan with all of the stakeholders, and get agreement on all of its elements. Focus on finding a balance between the testing resources and the scope of the current testing effort, based on the identified risks and priorities.
Properties
Predecessor | Agree on the Mission
Multiple Occurrences |
Event Driven |
Ongoing |
Optional |
Planned |
Repeatable |
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