TABLE OF CONTENTS This chapter focuses on preparing the reader to address two fundamental maturity goals at level 2 of the TMM: (i) developing organizational goals/ policies relating to testing and debugging, and (ii) test planning. These maturity goals are managerial in nature. They are essential to support testing as a managed process. According to R. Thayer, a managed process is one that is planned, monitored, directed, staffed, and organized [1]. At TMM level 2 the planning component of a managed process is instituted. At TMM levels 3 and 4 the remaining managerial components are integrated into the process. By instituting all of the managerial components described by Thayer in an incremental manner, an organization is able to establish the high-quality testing process described at higher levels of the TMM. The test specialist has a key role in developing and implementing these managerial components. In this chapter concepts and tools are introduced to build test management skills, thus supporting the reader in his/her development as a test specialist.
The development, documentation, and institutionalization of goals and related policies is important to an organization. The goals/policies may be business-related, technical, or political in nature. They are the basis for decision making; therefore setting goals and policies requires the participation and support of upper management. Technical staff and other interested parties also participate in goal and policy development. Simple examples of the three types of goals mentioned are shown below.
Business goal: to increase market share 10% in the next...
