Cycle Time Reduction in Software Testing by

Fast cycle time and software testing are often at odds in many organizations. Thorough testing often can delay software implementation, but can uncover errors that would cause difficulties after the software is implemented. Thorough software testing, if considered from project inception, should increase software quality, and decrease testing time and overall systems development cycle time. This article examines a case study of software testers in which cycle time issues in the testing process of a major Fortune 500 corporation were explored. The study was designed to gain a better understanding of the current issues pertaining to software testing and to deliver a set of actionable and constructive recommendations for the purpose of reducing testing cycle time. istorically, many information systems (IS) organizations focused their attention on the quick delivery of systems rather than assuring that the software had been rigorously tested. Now, however, organizations are recognizing that it is more effective and less expensive to test for errors earlier in the systems development process (Parker, 1991). This “front-ending ” helps to decrease cycle time (Wetherbe, 1995). To obtain the greatest return on their investment, IS organizations must put greater emphasis on the systems testing process and implement it earlier in the development cycle (Bertolino, 1991). IS directors should phase in testing tools systematically and demonstrate their commitment to new testing procedures. Although these testing procedures often follow different approaches, reflecting differing philosophies and perspectives of systems testing, consistent use of these procedures over time has proven to be a “best practice ” (Hall, 1991). A common denominator of organizations considered to use IS testing “best practices ” is the presence of detailed, accurate, and structured specifications. Specifications and standards are of great importance in testing for they determine what the software should do and form the basis for the testing of softwar