Method of operation
An estimate may already be set out in the master test plan for the test level. Nevertheless, this remains a
necessary step. The test manager has to determine, on the basis of the strategy created, how many hours and possibly
how much money will be required. If these exceed the margins of the allocation contained in the master test plan, the
test manager should work with the test manager of the overall test process to resolve these discrepancies. Either the
strategy or the estimate will need to be amended.
In practice, the number of test hours required almost always is a factor reflected in the estimate. Another, less
apparent, part of the estimate is the financial part. How much do those hours cost? Do they involve internal or
external resources or even outsourcing? What are the fees? But also: how much do the test environment, test tools and
work stations cost? If the client requires it, the test manager also must create a financial budget. Subsequently,
within a test level, the time required for the various phases, such as Planning, Control, Setting up and maintaining
infrastructure, Preparation, Specification, Execution and Completion is established. At the start of each test phase,
the test manager estimates the effort for the separate test activities. (See Monitor (AST)).
Products
The estimate for the test level, in hours and optionally in money, supplied with assumptions used in this,
established in the test plan.
Techniques
Tools
Planning and progress monitoring tool (spreadsheets for estimating the effort and for Test Point Analysis).
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