Phase 1: Test Planning¶

Overview¶

Test Planning is the foundational phase where the testing strategy, scope, objectives, and resources are defined. This phase sets the direction for all subsequent testing activities.

Objectives¶

Define the scope of testing
Identify testing objectives and goals
Determine testing approach and strategy
Allocate resources and establish timelines
Identify risks and mitigation strategies

Key Activities¶

1. Define Test Scope¶

In Scope: Features, modules, and functionalities to be tested
Out of Scope: Features explicitly excluded from testing
Test Levels: Unit, Integration, System, Acceptance testing
Test Types: Functional, Non-functional, Regression, etc.

2. Identify Test Objectives¶

Verify that software meets requirements
Identify defects before production release
Ensure quality standards are met
Validate user experience and usability
Assess performance and security

3. Define Test Strategy¶

Testing Approach: Manual vs. Automated testing balance
Test Design Techniques: Black-box, White-box, Experience-based
Entry Criteria: Conditions that must be met before testing begins
Exit Criteria: Conditions that signal testing completion
Suspension Criteria: Conditions that pause testing activities

4. Resource Planning¶

Human Resources: Test team composition and roles
Test Manager
Test Lead
Test Engineers/Analysts
Test Automation Engineers
Tools and Infrastructure: Testing tools, environments, and licenses
Test Data: Requirements for test data creation and management

5. Schedule and Estimation¶

Define testing timeline and milestones
Estimate effort for test case development
Allocate time for test execution cycles
Plan for defect retesting and regression testing
Buffer time for unexpected issues

6. Risk Assessment¶

Technical Risks: Complex features, integration points, technology constraints
Resource Risks: Team availability, skill gaps, tool limitations
Schedule Risks: Tight deadlines, dependencies on other teams
Mitigation Strategies: Risk prioritization and contingency planning

Deliverables¶

Test Plan Document: Comprehensive document covering all planning aspects
Test Strategy Document: High-level approach and methodology
Resource Allocation Plan: Team assignments and responsibilities
Risk Assessment Matrix: Identified risks with mitigation strategies
Test Schedule: Detailed timeline with milestones

Best Practices¶

Involve stakeholders early in the planning process
Align test objectives with business goals
Be realistic in estimates and resource allocation
Plan for continuous improvement and lessons learned
Document assumptions and dependencies clearly
Review and update the plan as the project evolves

Common Challenges and Solutions¶

Challenge: Unclear or Changing Requirements¶

Solution: Establish regular communication with stakeholders, document assumptions, implement change management process, and plan for iterative refinement of the test plan.

Challenge: Unrealistic Time Estimates¶

Solution: Use historical data for estimation, include buffer time for unforeseen issues, break down activities into smaller tasks, and validate estimates with the team.

Challenge: Resource Constraints¶

Solution: Prioritize critical testing areas, consider outsourcing or contractors, leverage test automation to maximize efficiency, and adjust scope based on available resources.

Challenge: Inadequate Stakeholder Buy-in¶

Solution: Demonstrate value of testing with metrics and case studies, involve stakeholders in planning process, align testing goals with business objectives, and communicate risks clearly.

Challenge: Technology or Tool Selection¶

Solution: Conduct proof-of-concept evaluations, consider team skills and learning curve, evaluate licensing costs and vendor support, and start with essential tools then expand.

Metrics to Track¶

Test planning effort (person-hours spent)
Scope definition completeness (% of requirements analyzed)
Risk identification coverage (number of risks identified and categorized)
Stakeholder review participation (% of stakeholders engaged)
Plan approval timeline (time from draft to approval)
Resource allocation accuracy (planned vs. actual resources)
Schedule estimation accuracy (planned vs. actual timeline)
Budget adherence (planned vs. actual costs)

Methodology-Specific Considerations¶

Agile/Scrum¶

Test planning happens at multiple levels (release, sprint, daily)
Emphasis on collaboration and continuous planning
Lightweight documentation with focus on working software
Test plan evolves with each sprint

Waterfall¶

Comprehensive upfront planning
Detailed documentation before moving to next phase
Fixed scope with clearly defined milestones
Changes require formal change management

Tools and Technologies¶

Test Management: TestRail, Zephyr, qTest, PractiTest
Project Management: Jira, Azure DevOps, Trello, Asana
Documentation: Confluence, SharePoint, Notion, Google Docs
Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom
Risk Management: RiskWatch, Active Risk Manager, Risk Register tools
Estimation Tools: COCOMO calculators, Planning Poker tools, Spreadsheets

The following templates support Test Planning activities:

Primary Templates¶

Test Plan Template - Comprehensive test planning document
Use this template to document your complete testing strategy, scope, resources, schedule, and approach
Includes sections for test objectives, strategy, resource planning, risk management, and entry/exit criteria
Risk Assessment Template - Risk identification and mitigation
Use this template to identify, analyze, and manage testing risks proactively
Includes risk probability/impact ratings, risk scoring, mitigation strategies, and ongoing risk tracking

Supporting Templates¶

Traceability Matrix Template - Begin establishing traceability during planning
Test Execution Report Template - Reference to understand reporting requirements

Examples¶

Test Plan Example - Complete test plan for an e-commerce checkout system showing Agile sprint-based approach with comprehensive strategy, resource allocation, risk assessment, and schedule. Includes Waterfall variation in appendix.
Risk Assessment Matrix Example - Risk identification and mitigation strategies
Testing Schedule Example - Agile sprint schedule with Waterfall comparison

Previous Phase¶

This is the first phase in the BGSTM framework.

Next Phase¶

Proceed to Test Case Development once planning is approved.