The results of all of the activities executed so far are laid down in the master test plan. The master test plan contains at least the following chapters:

• Formulation of the assignment
• Test strategy, including Product Risk Analysis
• Approach (including aim, summary description, and exit criteria per test level)
• Organisation
• Infrastructure
• Management
• Threats, risks and countermeasures
• Overall estimated effort and planning

Feedback on the master test plan with the results of previous activities is given to the client and other stakeholders for approval or adjustment. This makes the planned test approach transparent and controllable, entirely in line with BDTM.

While many things can change, in practice we see that mainly the combination of chosen test strategy, estimated effort and planning is adjusted. By adapting the strategy (with the risk analysis not changing, in principle), the tests manager is able to allow the client to control based on the consideration between test effort versus test thoroughness and the associated risks. This results in a modified test strategy, where the elimination of test thoroughness is shown by ○ instead of ● (and extra test thoroughness by ● instead of ●), e.g.:

After previous activity, the test manager must submit the master test plan to the client and other stakeholders for approval. The plan is now placed under confi guration management as a formal test product. Furthermore a presentation, for instance to the project board and various stakeholders, can contribute to obtaining approval and, at least as important, support within the organisation.