How do you define and prioritize business objectives for software testing?

1 Understand the business context

The first step to align software testing with business objectives and risks is to understand the business context of your project. What are the goals, expectations, and requirements of your project sponsors, customers, and users? What are the benefits, value, and impact of your software solution on the business processes, operations, and outcomes? What are the risks, challenges, and constraints that might affect your project scope, schedule, budget, and quality? By answering these questions, you can identify the key business drivers and priorities for your software testing.

2 Define the quality criteria

The next step to align software testing with business objectives and risks is to define the quality criteria for your software solution. Quality criteria are the measurable and verifiable attributes and characteristics of your software solution that determine its acceptability and suitability for the intended purpose and users. Quality criteria can include functional, non-functional, usability, security, reliability, performance, and compatibility aspects of your software solution. By defining the quality criteria, you can establish the standards and expectations for your software testing.

3 Prioritize the test scenarios

The third step to align software testing with business objectives and risks is to prioritize the test scenarios for your software solution. Test scenarios are the high-level descriptions of the situations, actions, and outcomes that you want to test and verify in your software solution. Test scenarios can be derived from the business requirements, user stories, use cases, or other sources of information. By prioritizing the test scenarios, you can focus your testing efforts on the most critical and relevant aspects of your software solution.

4 Design the test cases

The fourth step to align software testing with business objectives and risks is to design the test cases for your test scenarios. Test cases are the detailed specifications of the inputs, steps, expected results, and actual results of each test scenario. Test cases can be written in various formats, such as plain text, tables, charts, diagrams, or code. By designing the test cases, you can ensure that your testing activities are consistent, comprehensive, and traceable.

5 Execute the test cases

The fifth step to align software testing with business objectives and risks is to execute the test cases for your software solution. Test execution is the process of running the test cases and comparing the actual results with the expected results. Test execution can be done manually or automatically, depending on the type, complexity, and frequency of your test cases. By executing the test cases, you can verify the quality and functionality of your software solution.

6 Report the test results

The sixth step to align software testing with business objectives and risks is to report the test results for your software solution. Test reporting is the process of documenting, analyzing, and communicating the findings, issues, and recommendations of your test execution. Test reporting can be done in various formats, such as dashboards, reports, logs, or feedback forms. By reporting the test results, you can inform and influence the decision-making and improvement of your software solution.

7 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?