Activity: Prepare (DT)

While in the Planning phase, the (definition of the) test basis is established, the test basis is often not yet available at the point of execution of this phase. In the Preparation phase, it should be examined whether the delivered test basis corresponds with and is usable in context with the agreements previously documented in the plan. If this does not appear to be the case, it may be necessary to adjust the plan. Inspection of the test basis is done by means of executing a testability review.

The form of the review is strongly dependent on the development method used. With iterative and agile methods, in which user participation plays an important part, there is generally nothing more to do beyond the review of the guidelines to be adhered to and to obtain clarity on the decision-making powers of the users involved. With waterfall methods, in which documentation is important, the delivered specifications often form a development contract. The development testability review then becomes a part of the development intake. The purpose of the development intake is to examine whether the delivered specifications are sufficiently buildable and testable for controlled progress. The development intake covers the evaluation activities that provide clarity on the completeness, clarity and consistency of the functional specifications, whereby a decision can be made concerning the potential for development, the testability and/or the conditions under which a commitment to produce results may be embarked upon.