Sessions
*You can jump ahead to any selection by clicking the DATE or the session TITLE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 - MORNING |
How Effective IT Project Management Can Support Good Project Quality
Brad Eichstadt, RSM McGladrey
Track 1: 9:00 - 12:00
- Answering the question, “Why is quality the most important factor in project management?”
- Reviewing various IT project management approaches to requirements capture, testing, quality reviews, etc. and how these approaches impact quality
- Reviewing how the Project Management Institute (PMI) defines and implements Quality Management as part of overall project management
- Completing a Methodology Comparison Exercise for Participants
About the Speaker...
- An IT professional with over 20 years experience in Information Technology.
- Certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and has also achieved certifications as a CSQA (Quality), a CPIM--Certified Production & Inventory Management (1991-2009)—professional (Supply Chain & Quality Control) and as a Mercury Certified Professional (Automated Testing).
- Is currently a Manager at RSM McGladrey in the Strategy & Operations Consulting practice.
- Has helped develop and teach PMP exam prep program courses for the consulting service practice.
- Providing advice and input on current RSM general Project Management practices training.
- Presented as board member at local Kansas City PMI conference on, “What are the Characteristics of a Successful PMO?”
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Image-based Automated Testing Technologies
Elfriede Dustin, IDT
Track 2: 1:30 - 4:30
This presentation will discuss image based automated testing using VNC technologies. Do you need to test various technologies running on distributed various platforms, while no test tool installations are allowed on the System Under Test? Can’t find a testing tool that meets all your requirements? Image based automated testing technologies using VNC might be the answer to your automated testing challenge. This presentation will provide the background of this automated testing solution, details, and lessons learned.
About the Speaker...
Elfriede Dustin works at IDT (www.idtus.com) and has a B.S. in Computer Science with over twenty years of IT experience, implementing effective systems analysis and automated testing strategies, both in Government and commercial environments.
Elfriede is a frequent lecturer, and author of various publications and books, such as author of the book “Effective Software Testing” and lead author of both “Automated Software Testing” and “Quality Web Systems,” co-author of “The Art of Software Security Testing,” including her latest book “Implementing Automated Software Testing,” published in March 2009. A few example publications and presentations:
- Tutorial at the MIT Information Quality Industry Symposium July 16, 2009 at MIT, Cambridge, MA on the Topic of "Advances in Automated Software Testing Technologies"
- Google Test Automation Conference (GTAC) presentation "Advances in Automated Software Testing Technologies" see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEpSdSyU03I
- “Orthogonally speaking – a method for deriving a suitable set of test cases,” http://www.scribd.com/doc/2175340/Orthogonally
- Author of “The Secure Software Development Lifecycle,” published by devsource.com, Nov 2006 http://www.devsource.com/article2/0,1895,2055988,00.asp
- "Software Testing Starts When the Project Begins”, http://www.csc.com/features/2003/165.shtml
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Using Business Architecture and Object Role Modeling Methodologies for Requirements and Testing
Matthew Hadwen, CSC
Track 3: 9:00 - 12:00
Methodologies for business architecture are of particular concern in the industry of software design and B2B site management and design. (Jan Saat) Criteria for selecting model methodologies have been documented (Krogstie). The transparent communication and application of these methodologies to particular domain situations has yet to be studied thoroughly. The question is whether effort is being made to ensure that the methodologies themselves are useable and, most importantly, modifiable by the business owners themselves. Most have been created with system design rather than business design as their main objective.
About the Speaker...
Formulated an Integrated Architectural Approach to Software Development- (2001- 2010)
As a Business Analyst in a government department, self-educated in UI design, role based security frameworks and other projects it became evident that non-technical expertise was useful and in fact essential to any project in which business requirements were considered primary to any quality design. Based on the information management lessons learned from work in the field of privacy assessments, priorities were formulated for the alignment of information systems to strategic value. Reference architectures were examined to lend a theoretical construct to these ideas so that methodologies could be weighed for their ability to encourage business analysis by the non-technical expert. A philosophy of business management with respect to making decision for IT investment followed. Finally, in searching for a profitable and more intuitive method for engineering quality business requirements most profitably the Object Role Modeling approach to design was studied. This approach was placed in context with the field of Enterprise Architecture for the creation of a business modeling framework for information management design.
Creation and Review of a Privacy Management Framework ( 2007-2008)
On being seconded to a privacy policy section of the government, was assigned to rewrite a framework for the management of privacy risk. In order to fulfill the spirit and vision of the task a “suite” of documents was prepared, including protocols, guidelines, procedures and templates written with a focus to serve the management of operations. High-level documents were completed for executive approval and information to support the framework: a) a corporate risk strategy to motivate the corporation; b) an implementation strategy designed to make implementation practical and supportive of operational management; and c) a vision and accountability strategy to promote a team approach amongst central management stakeholders.. The overall focus was to bring a transformational benefit to the larger organization.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Trinity College, University of Toronto in Canadian Studies
Master of Arts, Institute of Canadian Studies, Carleton University in Northern/Native Studies
Masters Certificate in Business Analysis, Schulich School of Business, Carleton University
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Implementing ITIL with CMMI
George Jackelen, Software Consultants, Inc.
Track 4: 9:00 - 12:00
This presentation links the ITIL process to other IT processes and standards, and shows how ITIL can be implemented into a company’s IT processes. More than ever before, Information Technology (IT) is being called upon to not only develop and maintain software in facilities away from software users. Instead, IT must also provide user access to service desks to resolve and educate users about the delivered software packages. IT companies have added IT service desks to their Return on Investment (ROI) equation, i.e. ROI = all the dollars spent on IT solutions that won’t operate + lost sales revenue + lost market share + company’s business reputation. As a result, many customer satisfaction surveys include the customers’ perspective on how well the company’s IT department supports the customers. Thus, companies want customer feedback about how well/bad the IT department is helping with the company’s ROI. A key to a company’s, and therefore IT department’s, success is higher marketing support availability (from the customer’s perspective). In this environment computer and network up time is only a portion of a company’s ROI. Customer access to IT information and help is also being measured through customer satisfaction surveys. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a collection of good practices to assist companies to increase their ROI and customer satisfaction.
About the Speakers...
George Jackelen has implemented ITIL into a company’s IT processes. As a result, the company was ITIL certified on its 1st attempt.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 - AFTERNOON |
Software Quality Activity Matrix
Sandra Toalston, SanSeek
Track 1: 1:30 - 4:30
Overview of the Software Quality Activity Matrix used by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC): The use of a Software Quality Activity Matrix ensures that Software Quality Engineers and Software Project Managers have an understanding of the Software Quality Engineers role throughout the Software Development Life Cycle. It provides key roles and responsibilities as well as activities and deliverables that need to be incorporated into the Project Plan. This At-A-Glance chart is a great tool for planning and monitoring a Software Quality Assurance Program and can be modified for any industry. Who should attend: Quality Managers, Software Managers/Leads, Project Managers, Software Quality Managers & Engineers, and Software Engineers.
About the Speaker...
Sandra Toalston has over 27 years of Quality Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Software Testing, Software Assurance, and Software Quality Assurance experience with a B.S. degree in Information Systems Management. Ms. Toalston is the owner of SanSeek a small business specializing in Quality Services (Auditing, Training and Consulting). Ms. Toalston has managed software test teams and developed software for Arbitron, a media research company. Ms. Toalston was the Software Quality Manager for Corvis Corp (now L3 Communications) with responsibility for three Software Engineering departments based in Canada, France and the U.S. Ms. Toalston was the Program Manager, Technical Lead and Sr. Software Quality Engineer for Honeywell TSI on the NASA Mission Assurance Service Contract managing over 60+ quality engineers. She led the NASA GSFC development and implementation of the current Software Assurance program that meets the requirements of CMMI PPQA Level 3 and ISO 9001:2008. She is a RABQSA Certified Lead Auditor, Six Sigma Green Belt certified, and Examiner for the Maryland Performance Excellence Baldrige Award. She is also trained in many Software Assurance methodologies and standards. Ms. Toalston has experience from both sides of the fence: external from engineering as Software Quality Manager & Engineer and from within Software Engineering as a tester and developer.
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Making Test Automation Live Up to Its Promises
Bob Crews, Checkpoint Technologies, Inc.
Track 2: 9:00 - 12:00
Decrease testing time! Increase requirements coverage! Improve your QA process! These are but a few of the promises of test automation. So why are so many organizations struggling, and often failing, in their efforts to implement an effective automation process? When trying to determine whether or not to automate why is the test case analyzed and the test requirements ignored? Why do organizations base their automated processes on manual tests? This 2 ½ hour highly-interactive session will present “tried and true” implementation strategies covering both methodologies and technical tips and techniques (regardless of the automation solution you are using). This presentation will address the top ten critical mistakes made by organizations in their efforts to implement test automation. It will also cover a test automation assessment process to assist you in determining which test cases to automate and which to leave manual.
About the Speaker...
Bob Crews, President of Checkpoint Technologies, is a consultant and trainer with over twenty years of I.T. experience including full life-cycle development involving development, requirements management, and testing. He has consulted and trained for over 190 different organizations in areas such as effectively using automated testing solutions, implementing automated frameworks, and developing practices which ensure the maximum return-on-investment with automated solutions. Bob has presented at numerous conferences and user groups throughout the world including QAI, EuroStar (Copenhagen), and LatinStar (Mexico City). Bob was selected as one of the top five speakers at the QAI Annual Software Testing Conference in 2004 and continues to be a regular speaker at QAI QUEST conferences.
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Agile QA Methodology
Bill Rinko-Gay, Eliassen Group
Track 3: 1:30 - 4:30
Project managers have SCRUM and Crystal Clear Agile methodologies. Developers have a large collection of Agile methodologies from Test Driven Development to eXtreme Programming. Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers do not have a documented methodology to use when starting or joining an Agile team. In fact, many Agile teams don’t even implement the Quality Assurance discipline, preferring to let unit testing and developer pairing provide assurance that the software will work as promised when deployed.
About the Speaker...
Bill Rinko-Gay is an Agile Quality Assurance Lead for the Eliassen Group partnering with ScrumMasters. Bill has been involved in Software Test and Quality Assurance since 1982 when he began testing structure in the testing program Bill began working on a more comprehensive approach to software quality. Since leaving the DOD Bill has worked on projects in defense, computer manufacturing, publishing, computer security, financial, state and local governments. With experience in development teams ranging in size from three to sixty and in the middle of his third decade in the field, Bill is still looking for techniques to allow teams to work well. His most recent work is in Agile methodologies, and the role of Software Quality Assurance in these methodologies. Bill currently holds PMP and CSQA certifications. You can read some of Bill’s thoughts on Agile Quality Assurance at scrum-masters.com/blog.
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Testing, Testing, 1-2-3: A Basic Primer for Building a Test Center of Excellence
Terrye Ashby and David Fern, Social Security Administration
Track 4: 1:30 - 4:30
The use of sound testing practices and procedures by stable test teams is tantamount to the delivery of quality production software. Unfortunately, lack of testing knowledge or experience may leave many IT professionals wondering where to begin to establish effective, independent testing within the organization.
About the Speaker...
Ms. Terrye. Ashby is currently a Software Test Manager for the Division of Quality, Testing and Validation at the Social Security Administration (SSA). Terrye is responsible for managing the team that tests many of SSA’s online services. Her team also provides test automation and infrastructure support for the division. Terrye joined SSA in 2005 after working as a subcontractor through Pointe Technology. At Pointe Technology she served as Vice President of Quality Assurance (QA) and was responsible for establishing and managing software testing contracts. Before joining Pointe Technology, Terrye enjoyed a 14-year career with Bell Atlantic, a regional Bell operating company. Beginning as a COBOL programmer, Ms. Ashby has been involved in every aspect of software development during her 27 year career. Ms. Ashby holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University where she graduated magna cum laude. She has received numerous awards for her contributions and has held professional product and instructor certifications for the Mercury Interactive suite of automated test tools.
David Fern is a seasoned software testing professional with more than 10 years of experience breaking software in the public and private industry. Currently he is an Automation Test Engineer and Software Testing Technical Lead at the Social Security Administration. He has developed and implemented software-testing strategies for large government Internet application deployments as well as enterprise wide Point of Sale (POS) systems in the private sector. He has trained and mentored teams on processes and strategies for testing new technologies such as Web Services. David has had multiple articles and techniques published including: “The Port Authority”, Automated Software Testing Magazine, November 2009; “Taming the Headless Beast: A Proven Strategy For Testing Web Services”, Better Software Magazine, March 2009; "Defect Tracking and Management Process", Software Quality Professional, December 2002; "How to Make the Most of The Beta Process", StickyMinds Web Site, February 2002; and "When is Software Really Ready to Ship", Quality Techniques Newsletter, March 2001. David has also given presentations at the following conferences: “Smarter than SMART: Structured Method for Automated Regression Testing 2.0” HP Universe June 2009; “Fully Integrated Test Management Architecture” presentation to be given at the HP Universe June 2008; “Assuring Web Service Quality” presentation and paper given at the STAREAST Conference May 2008; "Making the Beta Testing Process Pay Off" Managing Software Excellence, December 2002; and "How Testers Can and Should Drive the Development Cycles" American Society of Quality Week 2001. Additionally, he is a Certified Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Manager Professional (PMP), an ISTQB/ASTQB Certified at the Tester-Foundation Level (CTFL), Mercury Interactive (HP) Quick Test Professional 9.0 Specialist and Microsoft MCSE and MCDBA.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6 - MORNING |
How to Implement Effective Program and Risk Management Dashboards
Joe Mayo, Mantech
Track 1: 9:00 - 12:00
The conference session will focus on building effective project and risk management dashboards. The conference session will include guidelines and techniques to develop effective dashboards for risks, projects, programs, portfolios and Enterprises. Real-life data will be used to illustrate challenges and pitfalls that Risk Managers and Project Managers encounter on a daily basis. Mr. Mayo will demonstrate how industry standards and best practices can be used to address risk management and project management challenges with emphasis on metrics driven dashboard solutions to drive success.
About the Speaker...
Mr. Mayo is a PMI certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Risk Management Professional (RMP). Mr. Mayo is an IT Professional with more than 27 years of experience including 13 years of hands-on development and 12 years of Project and Program Management. Mr. Mayo has spent 17 of the past 27 years as a consultant for a number of companies including CSC, Keane, and ManTech International. Mr. Mayo is a frequent speaker on topics involving program / project management, risk management, and quality. Mr. Mayo is currently a Program Manager for ManTech International and is responsible for the managing Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) programs at the Department of Homeland Security and holds a BS/IT degree from the University of Phoenix. Career highlights include:
- Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Program Manager for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Secure Border Initiative (SBInet). SBInet is a multi-year multi-billion dollar DHS Program with $3.5M annual IV&V budget. As the SBInet IV&V Program Manager I was responsible for developing and implementing the Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) for the software component of SBInet. The IV&V program encompassed the full system engineering lifecycle including acquisition, planning, concept, requirements, design, implementation, testing, installation and checkout, operations, and maintenance.
- Program Manager for project #7 of the top 100 IT Projects of 2006 by InfoWorld. Developed PMO procedures, the collaboration workspace, and Executive level dashboards for a PMO to divest a large International conglomerate ($18B 2005 revenue). The PMO was responsible for cloning 112 Corporate Applications for 4 separate operating companies, and renegotiating 1300 telecommunications, IT service and license contracts without impacting the day to day operations of any one of the operating companies (http://www.infoworld.com/d/developer-world/wave-spin-offs-puts-keane-test-968).
- Leveraged the Rational Unified Process (RUP) and the Evolutionary Process for Integrating COTS (EPIC) to deliver new capability that dramatically improved the efficiency of the Air Force supply chain resulting in a ROI calculated at 6:1 in the first 12 months alone.
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The Automation Trap and How to Avoid It
Michael Giacometti, Cognizant
Track 2: 9:00 - 12:00
Managing Quality Assurance and Automation is tough. Whether you are growing an Automation Team from the ground up or managing an Automation Team that has already existed for a length of time, there are a unique set of challenges and issues that always threaten to delay projects, overshoot costs, and even give you the realization that the automation you have is not sufficient. This presentation will look at the overall process of Automation, from team construction to scripting and execution, and show common problems and “gotcha’s” that have been the downfall of many a QA Manager. Specifically, we will cover: budgeting and funding problems, Issues in Automation Tool selection, common problems in staffing, Automation and Globalization, Coding Standards, and how to grow your Automation organization. This presentation is a retrospective from my 12 years of QA experience. It is for anyone interested in building, managing, or participating in an Automation Team. Come learn about the common problems with Automation so you don’t have to repeat them.
About the Speaker...
Michael Giacometti has over 12 years of Quality Assurance experience. He has defined his career as a champion of Automation and efficient test management. He currently works for Cognizant where he manages a significant portion of the North America Center of Excellence, and runs an organization consisting of 300 Quality Assurance professionals. His previous experience includes working for HP/Mercury where he was Quality Center Best Practices Manager. He has developed dozens of applications and extensions for Quality Center, many of which have been integrated into Quality Center 9 and 10. He has designed and implemented Automation Organizations at many of the largest companies in the Global 2000.
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Test Case Writing, As Easy As 1, 2, 3
Dana Armstrong, Nationwide Insurance
Track 3: 9:00 - 12:00
Many aspects of testing are often overlooked and assumed unneccessary. Too many times during projects under time constraints, testing is the first to be reduced. This forces the testers to decide which tests should be run using the risk-based testing approach, or more often than not to work additional hours to get everything tested. Although recently, the need for testing has become more and more apparent, we are still not where we need to be. This leaves us wondering, is there a better way? The short answer is, yes.
About the Speaker...
Dana Armstrong has been a tester for Nationwide Insurance for the past seven years and was recently promoted to a lead testing role. He began as a tester writing test cases and running regression tests. When he assumed the lead role on Nationwide’s Break-Fix team, he began focusing his attention on test case writing. Dana has trained and mentored other associates on testing techniques and how to write easy-to-follow test cases.
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How to Effectively Implement the CMMI for Services Model If You Do Not Develop Software
Ralph Williams, Cooliemon
Track 4: 9:00 - 12:00
This presentation focuses on how to leverage the advantages of an already deployed CMMI® for Development V1.2 to secure a “practical” approach to applying CMMI-SVC and attain management support. This presentation can be valuable to understand the basic model or to implement CMMI for Services effectively. Customers needed to answer “Why do we need another model, Why CMMI for Services?” to realize comprehensive management support. This started with the relationship that servicing fielded systems is a growing part of the business and is a key driver in the DoD’s strategy. Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations, and the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said on May 15, 2006: “We have a tendency to look at what it takes to get a program out the door. We don't think too much about what the life cycle is. It's “Can I build it?” I would like us all to be mindful of what it costs to operate whatever we are building for whatever its life is going to be, because I have to pay that bill every single year.”This presentation is a practical start to implementing CMMI-SVC is leveraging successful initiatives, such as the application of the CMMI for Development model. This presentation will identify key enablers to help your organization on your business improvement path; e.g. plans, tailoring, and status reports as well as making the most of those assets. Key areas to address in any improvement initiative are also briefly addressed in this presentation.
About the Speaker...
Ralph Williams is a leading expert in CMMI implementations and is the President of Cooliemon. Cooliemon, Inc. has unparalleled expertise in initiating, planning, developing, executing and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives. Cooliemon, Inc has helped many organizations reach higher levels of maturity with measurable results that last and is dedicated to helping organizations achieve excellence through business improvement. We provide our clients with proven methods for improving quality, increasing productivity, reducing cycle time and increasing performance. They are also a SEI Transition Partner for the CMMI® and specializes in business improvement, utilizing models/standards such as SEI's CMMI®, SW-CMM®, ISO and quality principles based on Deming, Juran, Crosby and Shewhart. Cooliemon’s customers, such as Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) achieved a CMMI-DEV Version 1.2 Maturity Level 5 rating in November 2008 (scope 6,000+ engineers), are utilizing the CMMI-SVC model.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6 - AFTERNOON |
Managing Risk in Highly Complex Projects
Paula D. Smith, GB Tech, Inc.
Track 1: 1:30 - 4:30
Large, complex projects often encounter various technical issues, ranging from hardware failures and analytical road-blocks to design compromises and operational trade-offs. In addition to implementing a clear process for problem reporting and corrective action, successfully dealing with these technical issues requires a project manager be proficient in:
- Understanding the system, problem and failure expectations
- Assessing the risk
- Acknowledging the need to document and communicate effectively
- Recognizing the different mitigating options of project organizations and development phases
- Managing the discussion and decision making process.
Understanding and identifying the risk to the system that the technical issue poses is the first step in choosing a path for resolution, and ultimately, documenting and defining mitigation options. In highly complex projects, many technical and programmatic issues need to be included in decision making processes and often involve a variety of stakeholders. Effectively navigating these waters is a key skill needed by a project manager. This presentation will offer ideas on building a balanced problem solving team that makes decisions and takes effective action.
About the Speaker...
Ms. Paula D. Smith has over 16 years experience in the aerospace industry supporting NASA manned space flight programs including the Space Shuttle, the Space Station, and X-38, a prototype crew return review for Station. She currently supports GB Tech, Inc. in Houston Texas, as their Director of Software Engineering. Prior to joining GB Tech, she served as technical assistant to the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate’s Chief Engineer for Shuttle Integration where she supported the Return-To-Flight certification and verification efforts following the Space Shuttle Columbia mishap in 2003. Ms. Smith was a launch team member on over 25 shuttle flights since STS-114. In addition to her shuttle support, Ms. Smith has served as a department manager at Lockheed Martin and Jacobs Engineering. In her role as manager, she led a Space Station systems management group, and a software/simulation test team for X-38. Ms. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and resides in League City, Texas.
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Methods for Building and Managing a Globally Distributed Software Testing Team
Dr. David Kapfhammer, Bank of America
Track 2: 1:30 - 4:30
There are a multitude of challenges and hurdles when ‘going global’. Software Testing is often perceived as a good starting point for distributing a global team. While success can certainly be attained on numerous levels, there are also cautionary signs that need to be recognized and acknowledged. This presentation will share insight and propose methods on the following:
- Benefits of Going Global
- Distinguishing between onshore, offshore and nearshore
- Applied Organizational Models
- Understanding how to leverage time zone differences
- Know all of the costs with offshore software testing
- Be aware of cultural challenges
- Leveraging the strengths of different global teams
- Techniques for managing offshore teams
- And more!
About the Speaker...
Dr. David Kapfhammer has nearly 20 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. As a Senior Vice President with Bank of America he is responsible for the Strategy of the world’s largest Testing Center of Excellence. He has worked with globally distributed software testing teams since 1998. David has had various executive positions in the Quality and Software Testing industry, which included owning responsibility for:
- Global IT Strategic Planning
- Global Leadership and Technology Solutions
- IT Solution and Offering Development
- Profit & Loss, Budget, and Account Planning
- Services Delivery
Dr. Kapfhammer received his undergraduate degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration from Penn State. He earned his masters in Information Systems Management with an emphasis on Quality Assurance from American University and his PhD in Information Technology from George Mason University.
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Better Planning for Your Testing Effort: A Risk Based Focus on Test Planning and Estimating
Tim Pelland, Keane Federal Systems
Track 3: 1:30 - 4:30
This session will highlight aspects of testing which are most often learned through experience and are not necessarily documented in the requirements. While a thorough and strictly observed set of requirements is necessary for any project, it is also important that these requirements be flexible enough to accommodate the unique issues that different projects many encounter. Tim will discuss testing tasks like test planning; test case design; regression testing and test execution and how they impact your project. You will learn some of the estimation obstacles and review the many variables that impact projects. He will also discuss how risk planning or the lack of risk planning impacts your ability to prepare and execute tests contributing to the overall software development schedule. Tim will provide several techniques for estimation based on contributing risk factors in testing.
Learning Objectives
- Learn simple estimation approaches that can work in your test effort
- Understand how to determine project size, test tasks, resource availability, constraints
- Evaluate all variables and consider them in calculating estimates
- Determine unusual circumstances and apply to your estimation method
- Refine estimates as more information is available
- Identify risk associated with software testing estimation
About the Speaker...
Tim Pelland is a Lead IV&V Test Engineer at Keane Federal Systems. In this position Tim is responsible for providing an independent review of software development and testing to various organizations. Tim was formally the Director of Technology and Education Services at the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). He has over 30 years in the telecommunications and computer industry. Tim has also worked as a Web developer and tester of various Web based products. Tim has worked closely with the development of Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) applications for various companies including Sprint and AT&T. Tim also has over 15 years of professional IT experience ranging from desktop support to network administration and has worked in various capacities within the IT industry including being an certified as a Comp-TIA A-plus Certified PC Technician, Certified Software Tester (CSTE), Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA), and a Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) and Certified.
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Quality attributes of Requirements
Mark Haynes, Synova
Track 4: 1:30 - 4:30
Quality Assurance is more than just testing software through processing a series of controlled inputs and outputs. It must also include an assessment of all the deliverables associated with the project. Software documentation is often viewed by developers and testers as merely a source of information, not as artifacts that require evaluation. All software documentation should undergo a rigorous quality assessment just as the actual software is subject to comprehensive testing. Mark Haynes describes quality models and attributes that can be used to evaluate requirements documents. He shows how imprecision (that will haunt you later) can be detected and removed now through a set of formal criteria and informal heuristics. To offer experience using these techniques, Mark shares examples of poorly written requirements for you to evaluate and improve. Additional quality attributes, even subjective ones can be used to conduct a quality dialogue. Leave with a better understanding of the process used to ensure quality requirements, which will become the basis of your successful systems development.
About the Speaker...
Mark Haynes is a software engineering specialist with over twenty-two years of experience implementing software solutions. Mark has in-depth expertise in quality assurance, software development, project management, development methodologies (both water-fall and RUP), and software metrics. He has led development and QA teams (locally, remote and off-shore) on WEB, client server and mainframe platforms. He has performed in various project roles in development, infrastructure support, process improvement, audit and training. Over the last few years he has conducted a 6-Sigma project and implemented process improvements for project management, requirements management, quality assurance and a managed regression test bed. Mark has been a speaker for GL-SPIN, QUEST, PSQT, corporate best practice groups and internal conferences. Currently, Mark is a QA Project Leader supporting automotive engineering applications.
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