Discuss why testing is so essential to the development of a new system, and explain how a test case relates to a test plan.
The cost associated with finding and fixing a major software bug after a system has been implemented is very high. Therefore, thorough testing of the system is imperative. It is not enough to have written a program; it also needs to be tested completely to verify it performs as specified. A test is a particular aspect of the system that needs to be evaluated. The test plan outlines all of the tests that need to be performed on the system. Test cases are the sample data that will be run through or entered into the system. A test will state its objective, list the test cases that will check the desired feature or function, and define the expected results. Actual test results will also be recorded on the test.
Compare and contrast unit testing, integration testing, system testing and acceptance testing.
Unit Testing: Unit tests focus on one unit—a program or a program module that Two approaches to unit testing are available which are referred to as black-box and white-box testing. These tests are conducted by programmers or system analysts.
Integration Testing: Integration tests assess whether a set of modules or programs that must work together do so without error. Four different approaches are followed which include interface, scenario, dataflow, and system interface testing. These tests are conducted by programmers or system analysts.
System Testing: System tests are usually conducted by the systems analysts to ensure that all modules and programs work together without error.
Acceptance Testing: Acceptance tests are done primarily by the users with support from the project team. Alpha and beta testing are two different stages of testing and the testing
Explain the difference between user documentation and system documentation. What are the reasons underlying the popularity of online documentation? Are there any limitations to online documentation? Explain.
User documentation is specifically prepared for the users of the system to enable them work successfully with the system. To help system developers document the development process and as well as maintain the implemented software product, comprehensive system documentation is done. The popularity of online documentation is spurred by the following facts; novel ways of information presentation where interaction with the computer is optimized for the user are employed while the search index makes it ways to locate information. Online documentation is relatively cheaper to prepare and distribute than printed user manuals. Lastly, online documentation facilitates increased utility to users by presenting them with multiple help information formats. A major problem has been the inability of many users to perform meaningful searches for information online. A good number of them are more accustomed to the traditional paper manuals but surprisingly unfamiliar with digital searches.
What are the major components of a migration plan?
A migration plan comprises of two major parts which include the organizational plan and the technical plan. The organizational plan helps users adopt and adjust to the new installed system while the technical plan is meant to describe the system’s implementation procedure.
Compare and contrast the following:
A) Direct conversion and parallel conversion. Both parallel and direct conversion strategies are focused on user transitioning into the new system. In parallel conversion, both the old and the new system are put to work at the same time for a while. The advantage of this is that if the new system develops serious bugs, then the user can continue using the old system. This should be done with consideration to the cost of running both systems simultaneously. On the other hand, direct conversion presents abrupt changes by turning on the new system and immediately shutting down the old one. All users are therefore forced to use the new system regardless. The disadvantage of this strategy is that in case of major bug issues in the new system, there is no fall back
B) Pilot conversion, phased conversion, and simultaneous conversion. These terms refer to how the organizational locations are transitioned from the old system to the new system. In a pilot conversion, one location or part of the organization is converted first. The system is installed at that location and is used for a time until it appears to be stable (initial bugs discovered and fixed). Then the system is installed at the other locations. The pilot location serves as a shakedown site for the system. In the phased conversion approach, the system is installed sequentially at different locations. Gradually, the conversion process spreads across all locations until all have been converted. Simultaneous conversion means that all locations are converted at the same time. With this strategy, there is no period in which some locations are using the old system and other locations are using the new system.
C) Modular conversion and whole system conversion. Whole system conversion means that the entire system is installed at one time. This is the most common circumstance. Modular conversion, in which the various modules or components of the system are installed gradually over time, is less common, but can be used if the system is large and complex and has been designed as a set of independent system modules.
What are the three key roles in any change management initiative?
The project sponsor is the person or organizational unit that wants the change. The change agent is the person or group who leads the change effort. The potential adopter is the person or group who must actually do the changing.
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