Process and the engineering disciplines

Process and the engineering disciplines

What we are now witnessing is the evolution of software development from a craft to an engineering discipline. Computer science students are now being introduced to the fundamentals of software engineering. As the field matures, they will be able to obtain a degree and be certified in the area of software engineering As members of this emerging profession we must realize that one of our major focuses as engineers is on designing, implementing, managing, and improving the processes related to software development. Testing is such a process. If you are a member of a TMM level 1 organization, there is a great opportunity for you become involved in process issues. You can serve as the change agent, using your education in the area of testing to form a process group or to join an existing one. You can initiate the implementation of a defined testing process by working with management and users/clients toward achievement of the technical and managerial-oriented maturity goals at TMM level 2. Minimally you can set an example on a personal level by planning your own testing activities. If the project manager receives effective personal test plans from each developer or test specialist, then the quality of the overall test plan will be improved. You can also encourage management in your organization to develop testing goals and policies, you can participate in the committees involved, and you can help to develop test planning standards that can be applied organizationwide. Finally, you can become proficient in, and consistently apply, black and white box testing techniques, and promote testing at the unit, integration, and system levels. You need to demonstrate the positive impact of these practices on software quality, encourage their adaptation in the organization, and mentor your colleagues, helping them to appreciate, master, and apply these practices.