Session 5 Module 4 Define Evaluation Mission

Introduction

Module 4 begins the Test Workflow detail diagram breakdown and analysis. The diagram represents the default workflow for the Test discipline over the course of a typical iteration in the a unified process. This workflow may require variations based on the specific needs of each iteration and project.

There are six underlining workflow details:

1. Define Evaluation Mission;
2. Verify Test Approach;
3. Validate Build Stability;
4. Test and Evaluate;
5. Achieve Acceptable Mission;
6. Improve Test Assets.

Objectives

The objective of Module 4 is to begin with the analysis of the top workflow detail, Define Evaluation Mission. The evaluation mission focuses on the high-level objectives of the test team for the current iteration, by asking the folowing quesions:

• What things should motivate us to test?
• Why these things (and not others)?

The purpose of this workflow detail is to::

1. Identify the appropriate focus of the test effort for the iteration.
2. Gain agreement with stakeholders on the corresponding goals that will direct the test effort,
3. For each iteration, work is focused mainly on:.
   • Identifying the objectives for, and deliverables of, the testing effort
   • Identifying a good resource utilization strategy
   • Defining the appropriate scope and boundary for the test effort
   • Outlining the approach that will be used
   • Defining how progress will be monitored and assessed.

Instructional Notes

The Module 4 give a set of pdf slides with Presenter notes tabs at the top of each page. You must click on this tab to read the Presenter notes.

Module 4 Define Evaluation Mission

The Module 4 Student Manual is a pdf of the slides with the Presenter notes on the same page. These pages might be easier to follow, but are not as colorful.

Student Manual - Define Evaluation Mission

Additional Reverences

This is the top level  Define Evaluation Mission Workflow Details and by clicking on the icon you will see the Activities and Artifacts of three Tester Roles; Test Manager, Test Analyst, and Test Designer.

The Test Manager role is tasked with the overall responsibility for the test effort's success. The role involves quality and test advocacy, resource planning and management, and resolution of issues that impede the test effort. This covers:

The Test Analyst role is responsible for initially identifying and subsequently defining the required tests, monitoring the test coverage and evaluating the overall quality experienced when testing the Target Test Items. This role also involves specifying the required Test Data and evaluating the outcome of the testing conducted in each test cycle. Sometimes this role is also referred to as the Test Designer, or considered part of the Tester role. This role is responsible for:

The Test Designer role is responsible for defining the test approach and ensuring it's successful implementation. The role involves identifying the appropriate techniques, tools and guidelines to implement the required tests, and to give guidance on the corresponding resources requirements for the test effort. Sometimes this role is also referred to as the Test Architect, Test Automation Architect or Test Automation Specialist. This role is responsible for: