1) Why is the test organization likely to be the first group to be cut?
2) Why is it ok for development to be late with the expectation that testing will make up the difference?
3) What criteria is used to determine the effectiveness of the test group?
4) Does executive management really believe that if the product is a success
development did a damn good job and if the product is a failure it's the test groups fault?
Other points to be addressed:
1) QC shortcomings
2) Need for test reporting standard?
3) The need to have business risks documented for people developing the test
plan…i.e. are the critical success factors identified and prioritized for test
planning purposes?
4) The need for measurable test objectives for each software system being
tested?
5) The need to have a process for improving your companies test process?
Lastly a metric that shows testing does or doesn't make a contribution to
the bottom line.
David H. LePage is the Executive Vice President of Internet Development,
Client support and Operations at TRO Learning, Inc. a publicly held,
multinational training and education company.
Mr. LePage has responsibility for all hardware and software platforms for TRO
products and services. Mr. LePage also is responsible for the development of
features needed to support TRO's courseware delivery on the internet. In
addition, Mr. LePage manages TRO's client support functions, including the TRO
Hotline, hardware maintenance services, and system test.
Prior to TRO, Mr. LePage worked with Control Data as a programmer/analyst and
provided leadership in numerous technical programming projects for large scale
and super computer products. He held many management and executive positions,
including responsibility for all aspects of design, development and operations
relating to computer based courseware. Mr. LePage was also instrumental in
many innovative programs to support Control Data's goal of establishing
computers as an effective tool for education and training.
Following our main presentation, you are invited to join the meeting of TCQAA’s CMM Special Interest Group (CMM-SIG). They will meet for about an hour, starting shortly after the general program and will be showing the SEI video, "Executive Leadership for Software" featuring Watts Humphrey.