How do you foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement in the STLC?

1 Define quality criteria

The first step to foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement in the STLC is to define the quality criteria for the software. Quality criteria are the standards and measures that determine whether the software is fit for its purpose and meets the expectations of the users and the business. Quality criteria should be aligned with the project objectives, scope, and specifications, and should be clear, measurable, and testable. Quality criteria should also be communicated and agreed upon by all the stakeholders, including the developers, testers, customers, and users.

3 Execute and monitor tests

The third step to foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement in the STLC is to execute and monitor tests that check the software against the quality criteria and the expected outcomes. Test execution and monitoring involve running the test cases, scenarios, data, and scripts on the software under test, and observing and recording the results, defects, and issues. Test execution and monitoring should be done in a controlled and consistent environment, using the test tools and techniques that were defined in the test plan and design. Test execution and monitoring should also be done in a timely and efficient manner, following the test schedule and reporting the test progress and status.

4 Evaluate and report test results

The fourth step to foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement in the STLC is to evaluate and report test results that measure the quality of the software and the effectiveness of the testing process. Test evaluation and reporting involve analyzing and interpreting the test results, defects, and issues, and comparing them with the quality criteria and the expected outcomes. Test evaluation and reporting also involve documenting and communicating the test findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the stakeholders, using the test tools and techniques that were defined in the test plan and design. Test evaluation and reporting should be done in a clear, accurate, and objective manner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the software and the testing process.

5 Implement and verify corrective actions

The fifth step to foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement in the STLC is to implement and verify corrective actions that address the defects and issues found in the software and the testing process. Corrective actions are the changes and improvements that are made to the software or the testing process to fix the defects and issues, and to prevent them from recurring. Corrective actions should be prioritized, assigned, implemented, and verified by the developers and testers, using the test tools and techniques that were defined in the test plan and design. Corrective actions should also be documented and communicated to the stakeholders, using the test tools and techniques that were defined in the test plan and design.

6 Review and improve testing process

The sixth and final step to foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement in the STLC is to review and improve the testing process based on the feedback and lessons learned from the testing activities. Testing process review and improvement involve assessing and evaluating the testing process against the quality criteria and the best practices, and identifying the gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Testing process review and improvement also involve implementing and verifying the improvement actions, and measuring and monitoring their impact on the testing process. Testing process review and improvement should be done in a collaborative and iterative manner, involving all the stakeholders, using the test tools and techniques that were defined in the test plan and design.

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?