Author: Neftaly Malatjie

A Software Test Plan is a document describing the testing scope and activities. It is the basis for formally testing any software/product in a project.

• Test plan: A document describing the scope, approach, resources and schedule of intended test activities. It identifies amongst others test items, the features to be tested, the testing tasks, who will do each task, degree of tester independence, the test environment, the test design techniques and entry and exit criteria to be used, and the rationale for their choice, and any risks requiring contingency planning. It is a record of the test planning process.
• Master test plan: A test plan that typically addresses multiple test levels.
• Phase test plan: A test plan that typically addresses one test phase.

On completion of this section you will be able to prepare the testing of networked systems

1. The preparation ensures a plan is prepared for the testing in line with the given specifications. 
2. The preparation ensures the plan specifies what needs to be testing. 
3. The preparation documents the test scenarios and test data to be used for the test. 
4. The preparation documents the outcomes expected for each of the scenarios prepared. 

to ensure the given specifications will be addressed. 

Resources allocation systems are made up of various components which collectively achieve the desired goals of the organisation:

• Human resources (operators, supervisors, technicians)
• physical resources (equipment, data, environment, consumables) processes (tasks, workflow)
• Intangibles (time, skill levels).

The types of business resources necessary to effectively operate an organisation will include a basic range that is uniform across most organisations. The variations will occur in the actual content, design and operation of these systems. These include:

• Communications (telephone, fax, email)
• Equipment (computers, photocopier, binder, shredder, plant and equipment)
• work and storage space (inventory stores, office space)
• financial (wages, loan funding)
• purchasing (stock, consumables, amenities)
• Employment (temporary staff, recruitment, staff training).

With advances in technology occurring daily, organisations are continually changing. The office of tomorrow will be very different to what we see today. However, some things will not alter regardless of the level of technology. Customers (both internal and external) will always expect their needs to be met consistently and without delay by an organisation that boasts an ever-efficient office and resource allocation system. This can only be assured if the organisation implements and maintains resource allocation systems and communication processes that are effective and current.

The resources available for the testing procedure must be identified. Resource can be defined as anything that an organisation needs to ensure its effective operation and achieve its goals. These resources can be everyday usage items (e.g. stationery, motor vehicles, inventory, employee time and skills) or those needed to achieve a specific project (e.g. specialist software or equipment).