AUDIENCE:   The course is designed for test managers and software testers who intend to take up roles as test managers. PREREQUISITES:   A basic knowledge of software testing. The course is generic and not based on any software or hardware platform. DURATION:   3 days. Lecture presentations are supported by exercises allowing reinforcement of learning and enhancing the understanding process. OBJECTIVES:   If you develop and implement an effective test strategy, you can successfully manage software test efforts. Successful test management requires the same approach as successful project management - develop a sound strategy, keep in close touch with the situation, identify and aggressively manage the critical issues and modify the strategy as needed, based on situational feedback. The "trick" to test management is knowing the components of an effective test strategy, including feedback mechanisms, and recognising the critical issues as they surface. This course provides the essential framework for successful test management. It focuses on two key areas - the development and management of a successful testing organization and team, and the development of an effective test strategy. The strategy is built around the development of two key documents which are a comprehensive test plan and corresponding test report. At the end of the course attendees will be able to: - Understand how to produce an effective and realistic test plan. - Monitor the status of testing activities and software products. - Work productively with users, developers, and support staff. COURSE CONTENT:   Testing & Quality Goals and Priorities, Testing Philosophy, Preventive Testing and a Structured Approach to Testing. The Test Manager The Roles of a Test Manager, Leadership Guidelines, Ways to Obtain Buy-in. Test Teams Team Organisation, Retaining Staff, Staff Development. Configuration Management Library Management, Change Control Board, Defect Analysis. Test Plan Risks and Contingencies, Testing Strategy, Scheduling and Estimating. Testware Design The Influence of Risk, Design Approaches, Testing without Requirements. Execution Management Assessing Test Effectiveness, Predicting Release Dates, Reporting. Tools What to Automate, Tool Issues, Manager's Role in Tool Implementation. Metrics Primer Basic Definitions, Measurement Paradigms, Implementing a Metrics Program. Process Benchmarks and Baselines What is Process Assessment, ISO, CMM, TQM, TPI, Benchmarking. JJ06/01