Measuring software testing efficiency using two-way assessment technique

Abstract

Software has become a driving force. Its impact on our society continues to be profound. Customers have come to rely on the functionality and accuracy of software. A bug free software is an illusion and infinite testing is simply not a viable option.. But with scientific software development technology, quality control and systematic testing, number of bugs could be minimized. Software testing is an important activity to improve software quality. However, it is well known that it is costly (Yang et al, 2008; Bertolino, 2008). Thus, there has always been a need to increase the efficiency of testing while, in parallel, making it more effective in terms of finding & removing defects. Measuring critical attributes of software testing process enables software developers with further insight in to software testing process. Thereafter, optimal utilization of their resources for testing purpose. In this paper, we propose a two way assessment framework for software developers to find out overall utility from the testing process that can serve as an important indicator of the efficiency and effectiveness of software testing process. It illustrates a two way assessment technique, which can be adopted to inculcate a culture of continuous improvement in the overall software testing lifecycle. The framework takes into consideration 1). Managements/Developers perspective to highlight the importance of various attributes of testing; & 2). Testers/Team Members perspective, to assess functioning and working of each of the attribute.