Introducing a Software Quality Framework for IT enabled change
Q.C.o.E » The Metisure© Framework
The Metisure© Framework
The Metisure© framework is our comprehensive reference best practice Quality Assurance and Testing Operating Model. It can be used in a variety of ways to develop and improve Software Quality Assurance and Testing practice. We will partner with you to ensure you get best value from your use of the framework.
It can be used as a reference model to assess the current practice and capability of an organisation, and to develop a Quality Roadmap to enable the organisation achieve the Quality Assurance and Testing standard required.
At Programme or Project level it can be used to combine current elements of best practice within an organisation with framework elements to define an appropriate quality model for major change projects within organisations.
The Metisure© framework can also be used as a definitive model and introduced across an organisation to ensure best practice in software Quality Assurance and Testing. This can be implemented as a significant separate change project or combined with change programmes within the organisation.
Framework Elements
The framework contains a comprehensive set of
- Standard template processes
- Library of template documentation
- Role definitions and resourcing options
- Testing tool options, capabilities and supports,
- Template reporting tools
- Test Environment Management
- Communication and Governance practices
- Quality Measurement and Metrics guidelines
- Standard Terminology definitions
Process
There is a complete set of Process models (Process maps and associated descriptions) supported by templates for all the documentation and checklists required to enable the process to be executed to the required standard.
The processes cover the range of software Quality Assurance and Test activities from the strategic level of evaluating the software Quality Assurance and Testing capability of an organisation and developing a Quality Roadmap, through Test Strategy Development, Test Planning, Test Preparation, Test Execution, Defect Management and Test exit. There is also a Process Improvement Process (PIP) which we use to ensure the Metisure© Framework is a living entity constantly reflecting industry best practice. It is equally available to clients to drive their own PIP.
People
Included in the People section of the Framework are detailed roles and responsibilities for all the key and optional roles which are required to cover the operation of the software Quality Assurance and Testing Operating Model. This section also deals with resource mobilisation and knowledge transfer. This is complemented by our professional HRM model.
It also contains structure options for the organisation of software Quality Assurance and Testing operating units and for the roles an structures within change Programmes or Projects. This includes governance options for both types of structure and for joint governance of Quality Roadmaps and Programme delivery with Metis7 as your partner.
This section of the framework also deals with communication structures including the points at which client review and approval is sought and the appropriate sign offs necessary for proper governance and authority to proceed.
Metrics and Reporting
A crucial dimension of managing projects is the use of progress and status reporting. A key element of such reporting is quality reporting, which covers both progress versus plan and quality status, normall covered by defect reports. This is all covered in the Metisure© framework.
The assembly of all this data at a portfolio level and the maintenance of an historic base of data are a vital input to overall software quality measures. The set of measures or metrics are used to identify what elements of the software quality model need to be improved and why. These are all defined and used in the Metisure© Process Improvement Process.