How is the test management role carried out?
The way in which the test management role is carried out varies depending on the context. For example, in Agile software development, some of the test management tasks may be handled by the Agile team. Tasks that span multiple teams or the entire organization may be performed by test managers outside of the development team.
What does the testing role do?
The testing role takes overall responsibility for the engineering (technical) aspect of testing. The testing role is mainly focused on the activities of test analysis, test design, test implementation and test execution.
How do we decide Who takes which role?
Different people may take on these roles at different times. For example, the test management role can be performed by a team leader, by a test manager, by a development manager, etc. It is also possible for one person to take on the roles of testing and test management at the same time
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND GOOD PRACTICE IN TESTING
What is skill?
Skill is the ability to do something well that comes from one’s knowledge, practice and aptitude.
What can we say about good testers?
Good testers should possess some essential skills to do their job well. Good testers should be effective team players and should be able to perform testing on different levels of test independence.
1.5.1. Generic Skills Required for Testing
What are the generic skills required for testing?
While being generic, the following skills are particularly relevant for testers:
* Testing knowledge (to increase effectiveness of testing, e.g., by using test techniques)
* Thoroughness, carefulness, curiosity, attention to details, being methodical (to identify defects, especially the ones that are difficult to find)
* Good communication skills, active listening, being a team player (to interact effectively with all stakeholders, to convey information to others, to be understood, and to report and discuss defects)
* Analytical thinking, critical thinking, creativity (to increase effectiveness of testing)
* Technical knowledge (to increase efficiency of testing, e.g., by using appropriate test tools) * Domain knowledge (to be able to understand and to communicate with end users/business representatives)
Why are communication skills crucial for testers (part one?
- Testers are often the bearers of bad news.
- It is a common human trait to blame the bearer of bad news. This makes communication skills crucial for testers.
- Communicating test results may be perceived as criticism of the product and of its author.
Why are communication skills crucial for testers (part two)?
- Confirmation bias can make it difficult to accept information that disagrees with currently held beliefs.
- Some people may perceive testing as a destructive activity, even though it contributes greatly to project success and product quality.
-To try to improve this view, information about defects and failures should be communicated in a constructive way.
1.5.2. Whole Team Approach
What is the whole team approach?
One of the important skills for a tester is the ability to work effectively in a team context and to contribute positively to the team goals.
The whole team approach – a practice coming from Extreme Programming (see section 2.1) – builds upon this skill.
Whaat do you do in the whole teawm approach?
- In the whole-team approach any team member with the necessary knowledge and skills can perform any task, and everyone is responsible for quality.
- The team members share the same workspace (physical or virtual), as co-location facilitates communication and interaction.
