Roles not described as a position

In this section, roles are described that do not constitute positions in themselves.

Besides the roles described here, in practice other roles also arise. Roles may also be combined.

• Application integrator
• Defects administrator
• Domain knowledge expert
• Intermediary
• System expert
• Test infrastructure coordinator
• Test project administrator
• Test team leader
• Testware administrator.

For each role, we will explain the tasks and the knowledge and skills they require.

Application integrator

The application integrator is responsible for the integration of the separate system parts (programs, objects, modules, components, etc.) into a correctly operating system, and is able to position as a quality inspector in order to monitor the agreements made. The application integrator supports the unit test and carries out the unit integration test. The application integrator delivers the system to the subsequent phase in the project.

Tasks

• Integration of the separate programs, objects, modules, components, etc. into user positions or (sub)systems
• Creation of, obtaining approval for, and maintenance of the unit integration test plan
• Creation of the entry criteria that the separate programs, objects, modules and components should meet in order to be included in the integration process
• Creation of exit criteria that an integrated part of the system should meet in order to be released to the following phase
• Facilitation and support of the programmers in the execution of the unit tests
• Execution of the unit integration test plan on time and on budget
• (Ordering) the execution of configuration management and version management
• (Ordering) the execution of internal defects management
• Functioning as contact for the client’s organisation concerning later test types
• Reporting on the progress of the integration process and the quality of the test object
• Creation of release advice concerning the unit integration test
• Evaluation of the integration process
• Delivery of the system to the next phase.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• Experience in the application of the TMap life cycle and test-design techniques
• Experience as team leader and experience in support positions

IT

• Knowledge of the system development method
• Knowledge of the architecture and tools for system development
• Knowledge of the hardware, software (including programming language) and data-communication equipment used
• Knowledge of integration techniques and integration tools

General

• General knowledge of the subject and the line organisation
• Good interpersonal skills and a motivational approach
• Able to gain the respect of developers
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Critical attitude and ability to evaluate arguments accurately
• Tactful, stress-resistant and able to take criticism
• Able to provide support with defect analysis.

Defects administrator

The defects administrator is responsible for the setup and optimum use of the defects administration and processes surrounding it.

Tasks

• Setup of the defects administration and associated processes
• Advising on the selection of a defect administration tool
• Monitoring, evaluating and improving the defect administration tool method and processes
• Managing defects registered by analysis and/or decision-making forum
• Management of access to the defect administration tool.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• Knowledge of the TMap life cycle
• Extensive knowledge of defects procedures and the relationship with the test process

IT

• General knowledge of IT, system development and the project approach
• Capable of issuing new and amended reports from the defect administration tool

General

• Able to translate procedures and project aims into adequate processes.

Domain knowledge expert

The domain knowledge expert supplies subject knowledge and insight into how this domain is specified in requirements, functional designs, business processes and user manuals.

Tasks

• Providing support and advice on functionality and business processes in:
  • Analysing product risks
  • Determining test strategy
  • Introduction of new test workers
  • Making assumptions on defects as regards consistency
  • Analysing defects
  • Prioritising defects
  • Creating and/or reviewing test cases.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• General knowledge of the TMap concepts

IT

• General IT knowledge and experience
• Knowledge of the functional architecture principles of the test object

General

• Specialist knowledge of the domain, both in terms of the business processes and the functionality
• Knowledge of the organisation in which the test object will operate
• Good interpersonal skills and a motivational approach
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Intermediary

The intermediary maintains contact, at operational level, with the test team, developers and subject-matter experts/users concerning the defects. On the one hand, the intermediary explains the defects and supplies supplementary data, if required. On the other hand, he passes the solutions of the defects on to the test team. This role emphatically demands explicit attention if the test team is placed at another location or if there is a very formal relationship with the other parties, for example in the case of outsourcing.

Tasks

• Explaining defects to solution-finders and participants in the analysis forum Filtering duplicate defects
• Providing/ordering supplementary data for the defects
• Ordering evaluation of whether defects can be reproduced in other environments
• Checking solutions for completeness and project-policy fit
• Explaining defects solutions
• Monitoring the status of defects
• Reporting on the progress of solutions (also in terms of any agreements on the speed of problem-solving)
• Advising consultation bodies on defects.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• General knowledge of the TMap life cycle

IT

• General IT knowledge and experience
• Competent in interpreting test bases in any form

General

• Sound knowledge of agreements within the project in connection with prioritisation of defects
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competent in coping with conflict and possessing negotiation techniques
• Able to accept criticism.

System expert

The system expert has the responsibility of explaining to the testers the functionality and overall technical architecture of the system under test. He/ she will provide support with the system test, functional acceptance test, user acceptance test and system integration test.

Tasks

• Explaining the functionality of the system, also in relation to the business processes
• Explaining the technical architecture of the system.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• General knowledge of the TMap life cycle

IT

• Detailed knowledge of the functionality
• Detailed knowledge of the technical architecture
• Competent in interpreting the functional specifications

General

• General knowledge of the subject matter
• Good interpersonal skills.

Test infrastructure coordinator

The test infrastructure coordinator is responsible within the test team for contact with the parties charged with the setup and maintenance of a high level of availability of test infrastructure (test environment, test tools and workplaces for the tester).

This role is preferably filled by one person, often on a part-time basis. If a suitable individual cannot be found, the tasks within the role can be distributed among several people.

Tasks

• Ensuring timely availability of the test environment
• Ensuring timely availability of test tools, with planning and controlling tools being required earlier than test execution tools
• Ensuring timely availability of workplaces
• Coordination with other parties on test infrastructure
• Advising on:
  • Solving defects/incidents in the area of test infrastructure
  • Impact of test infrastructure change proposals
  • Specifications of test infrastructure
  • Costs of using test infrastructure.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• Knowledge of the TMap life cycle
• Knowledge of test tools

IT

• General knowledge of hardware, environment software, connections and environment data
• Specific knowledge of hardware, environment software, connections and environment data necessary for the system under test
• Knowledge of the operation and administration of the system

General

• Knowledge of the processes in the organisation that provide availability of test environment, test tools and workplaces, both for structural and problem-solving issues
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Active in (management of) problem-solving.

Test project administrator

The test project administrator is responsible for the administration of the testproject information and the availability of this information, which can include information on progress and project documentation.

Tasks

• Collecting, checking and registering information on progress
• Supplying information on progress
• Collecting and administering project documentation.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• General knowledge of the TMap life cycle

IT

• Knowledge of spreadsheet and word-processing programs

General

• Excellent administration skills
• Competent in the use of project management tools
• Conscientious approach.

Test team leader

The role of test team leader includes responsibility for the day-to-day work of a test team. This role is introduced if the test team is split into several teams. Reasons for splitting may be that the test team is too big for one test manager, or the test team is operating at several locations. Each team is then led by a test team leader. In a small test team, this role is combined with the role of tester into that of co-working supervisor.

Tasks

• Creating detailed planning of the test team
• Monitoring of and reporting on the progress of the test process
• Reporting on the quality of the test object
• Managing the solving of problems concerning the test infrastructure
• Reporting on bottlenecks and, where possible, their solutions
• Day-to-day management of the test team
• Coaching of testers in the test team.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• Extensive knowledge of the TMap life cycle and the primary test activities
• Specialist skills in testability review and test design techniques
• Knowledge of the use of test tools

IT

• General knowledge of IT and general IT experience
• Knowledge of system development techniques
• Competent in the interpretation of test basis

General

• Leadership skills
• Knowledge of project-based approaches
• Able to provide coaching.

Testware administrator

The testware administrator is responsible for the administration of the testware and checking of compliance with the testing regulations in the area of testware.

Tasks

• Setting up of testware administration, procedures and regulations
• Management of the testware
• Physical configuration management of testware, also in relation to the configuration management of the test basis, test object and test infrastructure
• Checking compliance with regulations on testware.

Required knowledge and skills

Test-specific

• Knowledge of the TMap life cycle
• General knowledge of the testware types
• Knowledge of the test regulations on testware

IT

• General knowledge of the system development process and system development products
• Knowledge of management tools for testware management and configuration management

General

• Proactive approach
• Conscientious and strict approach to working in accordance with the procedures
• Creative in coming up with solutions within the set rules
• Good interpersonal skills.