2. Introduction
There are many ways to go about setting a test scope for a test activity
We are trying to cover as much of the complete “test space” as
possible constrained by a number of factors; time, tools, budget,
business decisions, optimizing resource utilization and so on
We can never test everything – cover the entire “test space” – there is
always some constraint stopping us from achieving this
We are trying to be as efficient and effective as possible, and to
minimize risk given a set of constraints
3. Traditional Scope Setting Overview
Quality Model [1]
Known Risks
Technical
Scope Setting Test Scope
Information
Historical Data
Other factors
Constraints
5. Test Scope Redux
One way to work with setting the test scope is to turn things around
Don’t start thinking about what to test – start thinking about what
NOT to test
Once you have narrowed down the test space, it is easier to set a scope
that is as effective and efficient as possible
We will never know what the complete test space looks like – but this
way we can at least try to narrow down the field
6. Scope Setting Redux
Quality Model [1]
Known Risks
Technical
Scope Setting Excluded Test Space Test Scope
Information
Historical Data
Other factors
Constraints
7. Test Scope Redux
Test Space
Excluded Test
Space
Test Scope
Excluded Test
Space
8. Stakeholder Communication
Another benefit with using this approach is that stakeholder
communication can become clearer
The stakeholders will know in more detail what you are excluding
from the test scope – not just a list of areas that will be tested, but a
clear statement of what will NOT be tested as well
9. Conclusion
This is one additional way of thinking when setting a test scope
By turning things around it is possible that the tester sees risks and
problems that may otherwise be overlooked
By narrowing down the test space by excluding parts of it, it can
become easier to set an efficient and effective test scope, as well as
clearly communicating this scope to stakeholders
There are many other ways to set a test scope – by using several
different approaches we can continuously improve
