How do you handle changing requirements and scope in STLC?

1 Understand the change

The first step to handle changing requirements and scope in STLC is to understand the nature, source, and impact of the change. You need to communicate with the project manager, the developers, and the business analysts to clarify the reasons, objectives, and priorities of the change. You also need to assess how the change will affect the existing test plan, test cases, test data, test environment, and test results.

2 Adapt the test plan

The next step is to adapt the test plan to accommodate the change. You need to review and update the test objectives, scope, strategy, schedule, resources, risks, and assumptions. You may need to add, modify, or delete some test activities, test levels, test types, or test techniques. You also need to define the criteria and metrics for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of the testing process and the software product.

3 Update the test artifacts

The third step is to update the test artifacts that are affected by the change. You need to revise and validate the test cases, test data, test scripts, and test reports that are relevant to the change. You may need to create new test cases or data, or reuse or delete existing ones. You also need to ensure that the test artifacts are consistent, traceable, and maintainable.

4 Execute the test cycle

The fourth step is to execute the test cycle according to the updated test plan and test artifacts. You need to prepare and configure the test environment, run the test cases, record the test results, and report the defects. You also need to monitor and control the test progress, quality, and risks. You may need to repeat or skip some test cycles depending on the feedback and approval from the stakeholders.

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?