How do you leverage testing stakeholder expertise and resources to improve your test strategy and quality?

1 Who are your testing stakeholders?

Testing stakeholders are anyone who has a stake in the testing process or the test outcomes, whether they are internal or external, direct or indirect, supportive or resistant, and influential or passive. For example, customers and users define the requirements and provide feedback; developers design and implement the software and fix the defects; project managers plan and monitor the project progress and budget; business analysts specify and validate the business logic and rules; testers design and execute the test cases and report the results; quality assurance managers oversee the testing activities and ensure compliance; sponsors and senior managers approve the project scope and resources; vendors and suppliers provide the tools and services for testing.

2 Why is testing stakeholder analysis important?

Testing stakeholder analysis is the process of identifying and understanding your testing stakeholders, their needs, expectations, interests, influence, and attitude towards testing. It can help you align your test strategy with the project objectives and stakeholder expectations, as well as prioritize your testing activities and resources based on the stakeholder value and risk. Additionally, it facilitates effective and efficient communication with your testing stakeholders and allows for the management of conflicts and issues that may arise during testing. Furthermore, it can build trust and rapport with your testing stakeholders to enhance your testing credibility and reputation.

3 How do you conduct testing stakeholder analysis?

Testing stakeholder analysis is a process that can vary depending on the context and complexity of the project. Generally speaking, it involves identifying testing stakeholders by brainstorming, reviewing project documents, or asking other stakeholders. After categorizing the stakeholders by their role, level, interest, influence, or attitude towards testing, you should analyze their needs, expectations, concerns, preferences, and feedback for testing. You can also map out their relationships and interactions by using a matrix, diagram or chart. Finally, it’s important to engage your testing stakeholders by establishing regular communication channels, sharing information, soliciting input, providing updates and seeking feedback.

4 What are some tools and techniques for testing stakeholder analysis?

Testing stakeholder analysis can be aided by a variety of tools and techniques, such as a stakeholder register, matrix, map, and interview. A register is a document that lists the names, roles, contact details, and other relevant information of your testing stakeholders. A matrix is a table that shows the interest, influence, power, or attitude of your testing stakeholders on a scale or a quadrant. A map is a diagram that illustrates the relationships, dependencies, and interactions among your testing stakeholders. An interview is a method of collecting data from your testing stakeholders by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and probing for details. Additionally, a survey is a method of collecting data from your testing stakeholders by using a questionnaire, a rating scale, or a feedback form. Lastly, a workshop is a method of engaging your testing stakeholders in a group setting by using activities, exercises, or games to elicit ideas, opinions, or solutions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?