Setting up Test Organisations
Professionalism in the area of software testing has increased substantially in the past few years. As a result of this evolution, many organisations would like to organise their employees in a central unit and offer testing as a service to projects.
The possible structure and tasks of such a unit (Centre of Competence, Test Factory, decentralised testing team) are as varied as the needs of the individual organisations. For this reason, SwissQ has called upon its practical experiences in order to develop its own approach to establishing central testing units. In the analysis, the following questions will be systematically answered (excerpt):
- What is the mission of the testing unit (scope)?
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Organisation and processes
- Roles / career models for software testers
- Business case
- Road map and master plan for the first year
Test Manager
The Test Manager defines the software testing activities of an organisation or project and implements these. This can also include the implementation and maintenance of the test process or the test infrastructure. The term „Test Manager“ is also often used as an umbrella term for all management roles in the area of software testing (test lead, test architect).
In contrast to the test lead, the test manager does not necessarily have line management duties. In contrast to the test architect, he concerns himself more with management issues, such as strategy and budget and less with technical aspects of testing.
Areas of responsibility (excerpt):
- Creates the test plan and coordinates it with the overall project lead and with the release manager
- Budgets test effort
- Is responsible for keeping to schedule
- Monitors and reports on test progress
- Ensures and optimises the quality oft he test process
- Ensures that requirements are fulfilled
- Evaluates and accompanies the outsourcing of test activities.
Requirements:
- Ideally certified as ISTQB/SAQ-Certified Tester Advanced Level
- Has entrepreneurial spirit and political savy
- Understands the product palette and IT organisation of the company
- Possesses strong communication and analytical skill