Software Process Improvement Network
(A-SPIN)
Four Ways Testing Adds Value,
by Rex Black, President RBCS, Inc
Overview:
Testing is not just a good idea, testing is a good investment. Smart test groups, employing effective and efficient test techniques, can add value in four ways:
· Finding (or even preventing) bugs.
· Providing the data needed to fix selected bugs.
· Providing an assessment of system quality.
· Giving predictions about the project and future system quality.
But putting together a compelling financial case for testing involves quantifying the value added in each area. Do techniques exist for assigning a value--in euros, dollars, yen or whatever--to the return on the testing investment? Fortunately, the answer to this question is yes, but the techniques are not obvious or well-known. In his speech, Rex will demystify some terms like 'cost of quality', 'expected payout', and 'quality risk management'. Rex will show you how to quantify the value you and your team add to your organization.
About the Speaker:
Rex Black is President and Principal Consultant of RBCS, Inc., a leader in software, hardware, and systems testing. RBCS serves its world-wide clientele with training, consulting, staffing, and project execution expertise. RBCS’ dozens of clients span sixteen countries on four continents, including Bank One, Cisco, Dell, the US Department of Defense, Hitachi, Reef, and Schlumberger. His popular first book, *Managing the Testing Process*, now in its second edition, has sold over 15,000 copies around the world. His latest book, *Critical Testing Processes*, is due out in July. Rex has also written numerous articles, along with presenting papers, seminars, and speeches around the world.