MASTER TEST PLAN
When the test manager, after consultation with the receiving parties, decides what will be tested for each test level, chances are that in the total picture of testing, certain matters will be tested twice unnecessarily. Or that certain aspects are ignored. The method should therefore be vice versa. A test manager, in consultation with the client and other stakeholders, makes a total overview of the distribution across test levels as to what must be tested when and with what thoroughness. The aim is to detect the most important defects as early and economically as possible. This agreement is defined in the so-called master test plan (MTP). This plan constitutes the basis for the test plans for the separate test levels.
The process “Master test plan, managing the total test process” is split up into two phases: the Planning phase of the total test process and the Control phase of the total test process.
Planning phase of the total test process
The author of the MTP, often the test manager formulates the assignment, taking into account the four BDTM aspects of result, risks, time and cost, in consultation with the client. Further activities in the creation of the plan are devoted to subjects as the test organisation, the test infrastructure and the management of the test. All to prevent reinventing the wheel in the various test levels.
Control phase of the total test process
The aim of this activity is controlling the test process, infrastructure and test products at the overall level to provide continuous insight into the progress and quality of the total test process and the quality of the test object. Conformable to the frequency and form defined in the test plan, reports are made on the quality of the test object and the progress and quality of the test process. From the very first test activities, the testers develop a view of that quality.
