Hi,

I would like to know whether the schedules for testing needs to be included in test plan or not? And also what type of risks can be identified in test plan other than schedule variance?

Regards,
Neel.

Hi Neel,

a test plan can definitely encompass test scheduling. You can include the start date, dates for various milestones to be achieved and the estimated end date of testing.

You can also specify the entry, exit, suspension and resumption criteria for testing.

As regards risk, we would have a seperate section detailing out risks involved and their respective mitigation plans. A few risks that are generally covered are -

• application availability for the entire period of testing

.

• Availability of a dedicated testing environment.

Both the above questions pertain to schedule variance as these risks can vary the planned schedule.

• QA schedule dependency on build delivery from dev team and their delivering a testable product.

• Adhoc change requests could cause variance in testing schedule.

• Undocumented change requests leading to inadequate test coverage.

I hope this helps a bit...

Cheers......

__________________
Regards,

V.Umesh Krishnan
QA Consultant

Hi Neel,

Yes Schedule should be included in Test plan.This schedule helps the test plan to identify the task needs to be undertaken at each level of testing.

Here is the link which has sample schedule for the test plan.

http://members.tripod.com/~bazman/frame.html

“Risk are the future uncertain events with a probability of
occurrence and a potential for loss”. Risk identification
and management are the main concerns in every software
project. Effective analysis of software risks will help to
effective planning and assignments of work.

Categories of risks:

Schedule Risk:
Project schedule get slip when project tasks and schedule
release risks are not addressed properly. Schedule risks
mainly affect on project and finally on company economy and
may lead to project failure. Schedules often slip due to
following reasons:

1) Wrong time estimation
2) Resources are not tracked properly. All resources like
staff, systems, skills of individuals etc.
3) Failure to identify complex functionalities and time
required to develop those functionalities.
4) Unexpected project scope expansions.

Budget Risk:

1) Wrong budget estimation.
2) Cost overruns
3) Project scope expansion

Operational Risks:

Risks of loss due to improper process implementation, failed
system or some external events risks. Causes of Operational
risks:

1) Failure to address priority conflicts
2) Failure to resolve the responsibilities
3) Insufficient resources
4) No proper subject training
5) No resource planning
6) No communication in team.

Technical risks:
Technical risks generally leads to failure of functionality
and performance. Causes of technical risks are:

1) Continuous changing requirements
2) No advanced technology available or the existing
technology is in initial stages.
3) Product is complex to implement.
4) Difficult project modules integration.

Programmatic Risks:
These are the external risks beyond the operational limits.
These are all uncertain risks are outside the control of the
program. These external events can be:

1) Running out of fund.
2) Market development
3) Changing customer product strategy and priority
4) Government rule changes.


Hope these gives you brief idea on Risk concepts.

Cheers,
Sridevichitthu