Developing and Applying a Consolidated Evaluation Framework to Analyze Test Process Improvement Approaches

Abstract

Following the general software process improvement initiatives, improvement models particular to the software test process have also been developed. Although these models have been based on nearly similar principles, yet they differ in a variety of aspects. To compare and critically analyze strengths and weaknesses of these test process models, we need a common analysis framework. Existing SPI evaluation frameworks focus only on some basic and key process characteristics and elements. A number of critical success factors for software process improvement have been identified in literature which impose higher level of requirements on SPI approaches. We present a consolidated evaluation framework derived from critical success factors/literature review and apply it to analyze well known test process improvement approaches.